Virginia: Boyd Gaming, Pamunkey Tribe's temporary Norfolk casino to open this November

Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe will open a temporary casino, The Interim Gaming Hall, in Norfolk this November while construction continues on a permanent resort set for 2027.

The temporary casino will have over 130 slot machines and will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Guests can also use Boyd Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, at the property. The temporary venue won't offer table games.

“The Interim Gaming Hall is a perfect brand for our temporary casino – a sneak peek of the exciting gaming experience and memorable guest service we plan to offer the entire Hampton Roads community,” said Ron Bailey, Vice President and General Manager of the Norfolk casino.

Indoor smoking will be allowed, casino officials confirmed, and parking will be available across the street. A selection of food and beverages will be offered on site through local food trucks.

"We prepared for this from a design standpoint. What’s going to happen is, Chef Blake’s food truck will be brought up against the structure. And so people will be able to go from the inside, right to the food, up to the window of the food truck. So you never have to go outside,” Bailey told WAVY.

The permanent resort, opening in late 2027, will feature a 65,000-square-foot casino, a 200-room hotel, eight dining outlets, live entertainment, and an outdoor amenity deck. The resort’s official brand will be announced next year.

The company said job openings for the temporary casino will be posted online. By law, the temporary casino must be in operation by mid-November or Norfolk loses its chance to have gambling without another referendum.