Norfolk’s long-awaited casino project has taken a significant step forward as the Virginia Lottery Board granted the casino operators their official gaming license on Wednesday. This approval marks a major milestone in the development of the city’s first full-scale casino resort, which is expected to open by November 15, 2025, in compliance with state law.

Boyd Gaming, in partnership with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, had earlier unveiled plans for a temporary gaming facility, The Interim Gaming Hall, which will serve as a preview of the permanent casino resort set to open in 2027. The Interim facility, which will be located along Park Avenue, is set to offer over 130 slot machines but will not feature table games. Despite the temporary nature of the space, it is expected to provide an immersive taste of the future resort experience.

Temporary Gaming Hall to Open by November 15

The opening of The Interim Gaming Hall is a pivotal part of the project’s timeline. David Strow, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Boyd Gaming, confirmed that the team is committed to meeting the November 15 deadline. “We’re confident that in the coming days, we’re going to be able to share some more exciting news with the community about our plans to get the interim gaming hall open, but it will open on time,” Strow stated.

Set in a large tent structure, The Interim Gaming Hall will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., offering a sneak peek into what the permanent $750 million resort will eventually look like. The resort will feature a 65,000-square-foot casino, 200 hotel rooms, multiple dining options, entertainment spaces, and outdoor facilities. It is estimated that the full casino resort will generate nearly $3 billion in economic impact within its first decade of operation.

Economic Impact and Community Development

The project leaders are optimistic about the profound impact the Norfolk casino will have on the local economy. Boyd Gaming anticipates that the completed resort will be a game-changer for Norfolk. Strow emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “It really will be a game changer for the city, and we’re very excited to continue moving forward with this project.”

For the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, receiving the gaming license goes beyond regulatory approval; it represents an important step in their broader economic vision. As reported by WAVY, Kevin Brown, Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, remarked, “For the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, this license is more than regulatory clearance, it is a milestone of opportunity, a reaffirmation of our long-term vision for economic development, job creation and partnership with the community of Norfolk.” The tribe views the project as a key driver for creating jobs and enhancing the city’s economic landscape.

Ron Bailey, the Vice President and General Manager of the casino, also expressed enthusiasm about the license approval. “We are honored to receive the Virginia Lottery Board’s approval,” Bailey said. “With this step complete, we have taken a major step toward the realization of our vision of creating a best-in-market gaming resort in the City of Norfolk.”

The approval of the gaming license represents not just a regulatory hurdle cleared, but the beginning of a transformation for Norfolk. The Interim Gaming Hall will provide immediate gaming opportunities, setting the stage for the much-anticipated opening of the resort in late 2027.

As the project progresses, the developers are working toward the larger goal of constructing a casino resort that not only attracts tourists but also stimulates long-term growth and success for the region. Both Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe are focused on ensuring that the final resort will be completed on schedule and within budget, offering a resort experience that the community can be proud of.