Virginia: Boyd, Pamunkey Tribe casino project in Norfolk gets green light

The Norfolk City Council approved a lease with Boyd Gaming on Tuesday, clearing the way for the construction of the city’s long-delayed casino project.

Ron Bailey, General Manager of the interim casino, said that the temporary gaming hall is on track for delivery in November,13News Now reported. He expressed confidence that the permanent casino will also move forward without the delays that plagued earlier efforts.

The lease allows Boyd Gaming to use nearby land for parking and construction materials. Bailey said the interim casino must open by Nov. 15 and is ahead of schedule.

The interim facility will offer 130 slot machines and create about 75 jobs. The permanent casino, expected to open in late 2027, could bring roughly 850 jobs.

“There’s a lot of work happening. A lot of concrete piles are going into the ground already,” he said. “We have hundreds and hundreds of those, getting the foundation together. It’s well underway.”

Bailey highlighted that Boyd Gaming partnered with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to ensure the project is completed. “We wouldn’t be involved with this project if we didn’t think we could get it across the finish line on time,” he said. “This is just the beginning, but there’s something really special coming to the community that I know everyone will be able to rally behind and be proud of.”