Norfolk’s First Casino Finally Opens Its Doors

After years of debate, design disputes, and political conflicts, Virginia finally got its fourth casino. The official opening of the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall, the city’s first-ever casino, marks a milestone moment for residents and developers who have spent nearly half a decade waiting for the project to materialize. Visitors can now enjoy a temporary venue, with the complete casino expected to open in 2027.

The Interim Venue Offers a Glimpse into Casino Gaming

A new temporary casino sits on Park Avenue near Harbor Park, powered by a partnership between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. The casino currently occupies a modest structure, a 3,600-square-foot gaming tent filled with flashing slot machines. This temporary arrangement provides a preview for the much larger $750 million resort under construction next door, scheduled to open in 2027.

Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of Norfolk Casino, admits that many doubted whether the Norfolk casino project would succeed after a series of setbacks, like early skepticism from locals and construction delays. The original concept, branded as HeadWaters Resort & Casino, was shelved last year. Boyd Gaming then stepped in, bringing fresh capital and extensive operational know-how.

There are a lot of people who’ve never even set foot into a casino before. It’s about creating a casino experience for them that’s going to make them want to come back and enjoy their time when they’re gaming.

Ron Bailey, Norfolk Casino VP and general manager

The Interim Gaming Hall aims to familiarize visitors with the Boyd brand. Patrons can enjoy 132 slot machines, featuring award-winning titles such as Buffalo Ultimate Stampede and Dragon Link. The gaming hall is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day and can accommodate approximately 100 concurrent players. Outside, food trucks will keep visitors fed, and an on-site vending machine will dispense ready-to-drink cocktails.

The Project Should Significantly Benefit the Local Community

Norfolk is the fourth city in Virginia, along with Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, to feature a functioning casino, with a fifth in Petersburg already under construction. The state’s three active casinos generated $73 million in revenues last month. Industry experts note that this figure will keep growing as the new casino in Norfolk ramps up operations.

The permanent casino resort, expected to provide 850 job positions, will feature 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, eight restaurants and bars, and a 45,000-square-foot outdoor deck overlooking the Elizabeth River. 13,000 square feet of meeting space, along with a spa and fitness center, will help deliver a comprehensive hospitality offering.

Developers have stated that they will announce the name and branding for the permanent resort in 2026. For now, though, the flashing lights and loud sounds of the machines at the temporary site mark a ray of hope for a long-awaited project. Norfolk residents can now enjoy the benefits of the city’s entry into the booming Virginia casino market.