Norfolk Opens Temporary Casino as $750 Million Resort Project Progresses

After years of planning and delays, Norfolk has opened its first regulated gaming venue — a temporary casino that marks the beginning of its $750 million HeadWaters Resort & Casino project. The modest facility opened Friday with 132 slot machines and limited capacity, offering locals a preview of what the full-scale resort will deliver in 2027.

Good to Know

• Proceeds from opening day supported the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore.
• The interim casino runs daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. with 100-player capacity.
• The permanent $750M resort will include 1,500 machines, 50 table games, and a 200-room hotel.

The Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall, located along the city’s waterfront, features popular slots such as Buffalo Ultimate Stampede, Dragon Link, and Lightning Link. Food trucks line the exterior for casual dining, and an on-site vending machine dispenses ready-to-drink cocktails.

A First Step Toward a Long-Awaited Resort

The interim venue’s debut represents Norfolk’s first move into the state’s regulated casino landscape. It also signals momentum for the long-delayed HeadWaters Resort & Casino, which had faced political disagreements, funding challenges, and design revisions since its introduction.

Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of Norfolk Casino, said the launch helps residents ease into casino gaming culture:

“There are a lot of people who’ve never even set foot into a casino before. t’s about creating a casino experience for them that’s going to make them want to come back and enjoy their time when they’re gaming.”

Boyd Gaming Brings Stability to the Project

Boyd Gaming stepped in to help move the project forward by funding and managing the interim facility while development continues on the full resort. The partnership revived momentum after years of uncertainty. Bailey acknowledged the challenges saying:

“There was skepticism over whether the project would move forward, but the community support and Boyd’s involvement really changed that.”

Once completed, the HeadWaters Resort & Casino is expected to create around 850 jobs and boost Norfolk’s tourism-driven economy. Plans call for a 200-room hotel, a range of restaurants and bars, a spa, event space, and an outdoor deck overlooking the Elizabeth River.

Fourth Casino City in Virginia

Norfolk joins Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville as Virginia’s fourth casino city. State figures show those three properties generated a combined $73 million in revenue last month.

The state’s fifth casino, Live! Petersburg, is under construction and will debut a temporary facility in early 2026 before opening its permanent venue in 2027. Developers forecast the property could bring nearly $3 billion in total economic impact and create roughly 7,500 jobs once complete.

As Norfolk’s casino journey begins, the city becomes a new focal point in Virginia’s growing gaming market — blending local tourism, entertainment, and economic development in one waterfront destination.

FAQ

When did Norfolk’s temporary casino open?

It opened on Friday, marking the city’s entry into regulated casino gaming.

Who operates the temporary casino?

Boyd Gaming oversees operations through its partnership with the Norfolk Casino team.

What will the permanent resort include?

The HeadWaters Resort & Casino will feature 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a hotel, spa, dining venues, and an outdoor riverfront deck.

How many Virginia cities now have casinos?

Norfolk becomes the fourth, joining Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with Petersburg next in line.

The post Norfolk Opens Temporary Casino as $750 Million Resort Project Progresses appeared first on iGaming.org.