Boyd Gaming and Pamunkey Tribe Secure Virginia Casino License

Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe have secured a Virginia gaming license, clearing a key hurdle in their long-planned Norfolk casino and resort project. The approval allows construction to move forward on the $750 million development near Harbor Park, with a temporary gaming facility opening before the end of 2025.

Good to Know

• Virginia Lottery Board approved the Norfolk casino license unanimously
• A temporary gaming hall must open by November 15, 2025
• The full resort will open in 2027, bringing 850 jobs and $1.2 billion in local impact

How Did the Project Reach This Stage?

The Norfolk casino plan dates back to 2019, when the Pamunkey Tribe first proposed building a 500-room resort. The project later evolved after Boyd Gaming joined as development and operating partner in 2024, replacing the tribe’s previous collaborator, Jon Yarbrough.

Boyd faced a tight licensing deadline due to Virginia law, which gives operators five years from a local referendum’s certification to obtain a license. Since Norfolk’s referendum was certified on November 18, 2020, failure to secure approval by November 2025 would have required a new public vote.

Boyd’s general counsel Uri Clinton said meeting that deadline was a top priority:

“Could this happen? Did we have enough time? City staff and Mayor Alexander were able to negotiate a development agreement that made sure Boyd had a high chance to be successful.”

What Comes Next?

The partners will first open The Interim Gaming Hall, a temporary facility designed to meet state requirements. Located along Park Avenue, the hall will feature 130 slot machines spread across 3,600 square feet of gaming space under a 7,200-square-foot tent. The site will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., without table games.

David Strow, Boyd Gaming’s vice president of corporate communications, said:

“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.”

He added that the temporary venue will serve as “a preview of what to expect in 2027 when we get that resort open,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to finishing “on time and on budget.”

What Will the Resort Include?

Once complete, the full Norfolk casino resort will feature:

• 65,000 square feet of gaming space
• A 200-room hotel with spa and pool deck
• Eight restaurants and bars, including a steakhouse and gastropub
• A food hall with four dining options
• Entertainment venues, parking deck, and outdoor spaces

According to Boyd Executive Vice President Ward Shaw, the project is expected to generate 850 jobs, $1.2 billion in economic output during its first five years, and $187.6 million in gaming tax revenue. The company projects a 10-year economic impact of nearly $2.9 billion.

How Did Regulators Respond?

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Virginia Lottery Board voted unanimously to approve the license after an extensive background review by the Gaming Compliance Division. Deputy Executive Director Ray Dunkle confirmed no disqualifying issues were found for either Boyd or the Pamunkey Tribe.

Board members highlighted Boyd’s operational experience and workforce training programs with local colleges as key positives.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander praised the decision, noting that the project will bring “jobs, investment, and tax revenue that will directly benefit city schools and community programs.”

Pamunkey Tribe Chief Kevin Brown said the milestone represents more than regulatory approval:

“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.”

Project General Manager Ron Bailey echoed the sentiment, saying the license moves the team “a major step toward the realization of our vision of creating a best-in-market gaming resort in the city of Norfolk.”

When Will It Open?

Developers plan to debut The Interim Gaming Hall by mid-November 2025, followed by steady progress toward the grand opening of the permanent resort in 2027. Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe reaffirmed that construction and regulatory milestones remain on schedule as they prepare to enter Virginia’s expanding casino market.

FAQ

What is the value of the Norfolk casino project?

The project is valued at $750 million and will be located near Harbor Park in Norfolk.

When will the casino open?

A temporary gaming facility will open by November 2025, and the full resort is expected in 2027.

How many jobs will it create?

Boyd Gaming estimates 850 jobs and $1.2 billion in economic impact over the first five years.

Who owns and operates the project?

The resort is a partnership between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.

What is included in the resort design?

A 65,000-square-foot casino, 200-room hotel, multiple restaurants, entertainment areas, and outdoor amenities.

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