Norfolk's $750 million casino project is set to begin construction in January 2024, according to Boyd Gaming officials. The development, a partnership between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, follows a ceremonial groundbreaking held in October 2023.

David Strow, Boyd's VP of corporate communications, confirmed that the company has submitted all licensing materials to Virginia gaming regulators and is finalizing site plans with Norfolk city officials.

The project gained momentum after Boyd Gaming acquired an 80% stake from previous investor Jon Yarbrough. The casino plan initially received strong public support, with 65% of Norfolk voters approving the referendum during the 2020 presidential election.

Project Details:

• 200-room hotel overlooking Harbor Park and Elizabeth River
• 1,500 slot machines
• 50 live dealer table games
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• Eight bars and restaurants
• Live entertainment venue
• Meeting and event spaces
• Resort pool

A temporary gaming pavilion is expected to open in 2024 while the permanent structure is under construction. This development joins three other operational casinos approved in Virginia during the 2020 election, with a fourth planned for Petersburg by The Cordish Companies.

Boyd Gaming, which operates 28 casinos across 10 states and holds a 5% stake in FanDuel, brings substantial experience to the project. The company reported $3.7 billion in revenue and $620 million in net income for 2023, demonstrating strong financial backing for the Norfolk development.

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