Key Moments:
- Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall has welcomed visitors after nearly five years of preparation and setbacks.
- The temporary facility offers 132 slot machines and operates daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- A permanent $750 million Norfolk casino resort with 1,500 slots and 50 table games is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Interim Casino Makes Its Debut Following Lengthy Delays
After almost five years marked by political disagreements, design changes, financing difficulties, and public scrutiny, Norfolk’s first-ever casino is now open for business. The Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall begins the city’s journey toward a $750 million casino resort targeted for opening in 2027, offering casino gaming to local residents for the first time.
Overcoming Obstacles to Reach Opening Day
Development of the casino encountered repeated setbacks, with the initial HeadWaters Resort & Casino plan delayed amid various challenges. Key issues included legislative debates, shifts in the design, funding constraints, and skepticism from the public. Despite these hurdles, the opening of the temporary venue represents tangible progress for the city, which now becomes the fourth locality in Virginia to provide casino gambling after Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville.
Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of Norfolk Casino, acknowledged the project’s troubled path, noting the suspension of original plans. He credited Boyd Gaming’s funding and operational backing with reviving the effort and advancing the casino forward.
Experience Inside the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall
The interim gaming venue accommodates up to 100 visitors at a time and is open each day from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. Inside, players have access to 132 slot machines featuring titles such as Buffalo Ultimate Stampede, Dragon Link, and Lightning Link. This preview foreshadows the much larger permanent facility, which aims to include 1,500 slot machines.
For refreshments, food trucks are stationed outside, while a vending machine inside dispenses ready-to-drink cocktails. The casino has become a destination for both seasoned gamblers and newcomers eager to experience gaming for the first time.
| Feature | Interim Casino | Permanent Resort (Planned) |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 132 | 1,500 |
| Table Games | Not available | 50 |
| Hotel Rooms | None | 200 |
| Other Amenities | Food trucks, cocktail vending | Dining, meeting space, spa, outdoor deck |
| Opening Hours | 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. | To be announced |
Permanent Casino Resort Targets 2027 Launch
Work continues toward completion of the permanent casino resort, which will be located along the Norfolk waterfront and is set for a 2027 opening. The ambitious project includes 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, various dining establishments, meeting venues, spa facilities, and an expansive outdoor deck with views of the Elizabeth River. According to project plans, the new resort is projected to create approximately 850 jobs and propel economic development through increased tourism and hospitality offerings.
Boyd Gaming’s financial and operational contributions have been instrumental in keeping the project on track after the original plan stalled. Community members are now anticipating the unveiling of the permanent resort’s name and logo in 2026.
Casino Sector Growth Continues in Virginia
Norfolk’s gaming venue joins Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville as the fourth city in Virginia to host casino gaming. Market data from the previous month indicates that Virginia’s three other casinos generated $73 million in revenue. As the state embarks on further expansion with construction underway for a fifth casino in Petersburg, Virginia continues to demonstrate its focus on leveraging casino development for broader economic gains.
Community reactions to the interim casino have ranged from excitement to skepticism. While some locals are simply curious, others see the casino as a pathway to enhanced entertainment and economic opportunities for Norfolk.
First Impressions and the Road Ahead
Ron Bailey emphasized that for numerous area residents, this marks their first encounter with a casino environment. “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,” Bailey stated.
- Author
Daniel Williams
