Construction on Norfolk's $750 million casino resort will begin next month, according to Boyd Gaming officials. The project, a partnership between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, follows a ceremonial groundbreaking held in late October.

David Strow, Boyd's vice president of corporate communications, confirmed they have submitted all licensing materials to Virginia gaming regulators and are finalizing site plans with Norfolk City officials.

The development marks a significant turnaround for the project, which stalled earlier this year until Boyd Gaming acquired an 80% stake from previous investor Jon Yarbrough. Norfolk voters had approved the casino through a 2020 referendum with 65% support.

The planned resort will feature:

• 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 next year while the permanent facility is under construction. Boyd Gaming, which operates 28 casinos across 10 states and generated $3.7 billion in revenue in 2023, brings substantial industry experience to the project.

This development will join three other operational casinos approved in Virginia's 2020 referendum, with a fourth planned for Petersburg and potential legislation for a Fairfax County location under consideration.

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