Norfolk breaks ground on $750M casino project backed by Boyd Gaming and Pamunkey Tribe

The much-anticipated Norfolk casino and resort project finally broke ground after its approval was granted four years ago. This entertainment destination will be built on the Elisabeth River in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, next to the Harbour ballpark. The project is expected to create a key attraction in the heart of Norfolk. The ceremonial groundbreaking was a significant step in a venture that has seen many setbacks and delays since its announcement in 2020. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe backs the project with Boyd Gaming, a multi-billion Las Vegas company with 28 casinos nationwide. Presently, Boyd Gaming leads the venture with a $750 million investment commitment. Boyd will control the stake and oversee the casino’s operations, while the Pamunkey Tribe will hold a 20% equity share.

Casino on schedule for 2025

Additionally, the altered plan is to meet the five-year November 2025 state deadline for a gaming license imposed by the 2020 casino referendum by opening a transitional casino by mid-October 2025. Until the full-scale resort is ready, a temporary casino will open in one year. This temporary casino is expected to serve patrons dining, gaming, and other amenities. According to Boyd, the main entertainment complex, which is expected to feature a 200-room hotel, eight dining options, 1,500 slot machines, and 50 table games, will open by late 2027. Pamunkey Indian Tribe Chief Robert Gray spoke on the project’s historic significance. He outlined it as an endeavour connecting the tribe’s longstanding heritage in the Tidewater region with a future of opportunity for growth. 

“For the better part of 10,000 years, our ancestors have lived, hunted, fished and traded in Tidewater Virginia. While we’ve endured times of adversity, they’ve made us stronger,” he stated. “Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with Norfolk on a project making us more resilient and will uplift our communities.”

CEO of Boyd Gaming Keith Smith highlighted the company’s commitment to providing a premium resort experience. Smith stated “For those worried about Boyd honoring the commitment to the city, we’ve not only honored it but we’re exceeding it from prior developers.This will be a $750 million casino resort,” 

“This isn’t just breaking ground on a casino,” Gray noted in his remarks to the crowd. “It’s the next step in providing an opportunity for our tribe and other Virginia tribes.”

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