The Norfolk City Council has finally signed off on the casino project
Construction on Norfolk, Virginia’s long-awaited waterfront casino can finally begin after years of delays. The Norfolk City Council recently gave final approval for the project’s development certificate, allowing the casino to move forward. This marks a significant milestone in a process that has been ongoing since 2020, when voters first approved the idea.
The casino is a joint venture between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming, one of the country’s largest casino operators. After several revisions and phases, the current plan for the $500 million casino next to Harbor Park is now ready to proceed. Boyd Gaming, which holds a major stake in the development group Gold Eagle, will oversee both the construction and operation of the casino.
Over time, the project has undergone several changes. One of the most notable adjustments was the reduction of the conference space from 30,000 to less than 10,000 square feet, and the number of planned hotel rooms dropped from 300 to 200. These modifications allowed the project to move forward while keeping within budget and meeting the city’s expectations.
A key concern surrounding the casino’s approval was whether smoking would be allowed on the premises. While some city leaders had hoped for a smoke-free environment, a smoking ban could not be enforced legally. Instead, the casino will feature an advanced air-filtration system to help reduce tobacco smoke inside the building.
Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year, with the full hotel and casino complex slated to open in September 2027. In the meantime, a temporary casino will be set up nearby and is scheduled to be completed by November 2025.
