Norfolk, Virginia Casino Could Emerge by the End of 2025

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 11, 2024

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A casino in Norfolk, Virginia, could finally open its doors by the end of 2025, according to new plans put forth by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming. After years of delays, Norfolk City Council has given the green light for a temporary casino to open by November 2025, with a larger, permanent resort scheduled for completion in 2027. The council’s vote represents a significant step forward for the project, which has faced multiple setbacks since being approved by voters in 2020.

The development is being spearheaded by Boyd Gaming, which recently replaced Jon Yarbrough, the original investor. The partnership between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe marks a new chapter in the long-delayed plan.

The original name for the casino, HeadWaters Resort & Casino, has been scrapped, and Boyd is working on rebranding the entire project. Construction on both the temporary and permanent structures is expected to start early in 2025.

Norfolk was one of the first cities in Virginia to approve a casino, following a 2020 referendum that allowed commercial casinos in the state. However, despite this early start, it may be the last of the four cities approved to open a permanent gaming venue.

Three other cities—Danville, Bristol, and Portsmouth—have already launched their casinos, while Norfolk has struggled with design and construction disputes that delayed the project. Richmond, another city considering a casino, has rejected casino referendums twice, and Petersburg voters will decide on their own casino project later this year.

The temporary casino, described as a “transitional” facility, is being built primarily to meet a state-imposed deadline that requires a functioning casino by November 2025 for the developers to retain the right to build a permanent resort. Construction of this temporary facility is set to begin in February 2025, with the goal of opening by November 5 of that year. Although the temporary casino isn’t a major focus of the developers, it’s a necessary step to keep the project moving forward.

Plans for the permanent casino include a 200-room hotel, a 1,500-slot machine casino with 50 table games, multiple restaurants and bars, as well as spa and gym facilities. Boyd Gaming has emphasized its commitment to creating a top-tier entertainment destination in Norfolk, one that will not only attract tourists but also bring economic benefits to the area.

Estimates suggest the construction phase alone could generate $510 million in local economic impact and create 2,850 temporary construction jobs. Once the casino is operational, it could contribute $2.9 billion in economic activity, along with 850 permanent jobs.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing that it will revitalize the waterfront area and generate significant tax revenue for the city. Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith added that Norfolk represents one of the largest untapped gaming markets in the mid-Atlantic, making the project a key opportunity for expansion. Both the city and the developers are optimistic about the casino’s potential to transform the local economy.