Key Moments:
- Boyd Gaming is investing $750 million to develop a resort casino in Norfolk slated for a 2027 debut, with a temporary facility opening in November.
- City leaders anticipate that the casino will help revive downtown nightlife, which dwindled after heightened law enforcement reduced crime.
- Boyd Gaming estimates the project will deliver 2,850 construction jobs, 850 permanent roles, and $2.9 billion in economic impact over a decade.
Major Casino Development Underway in Norfolk
Norfolk is on track to launch its first casino, joining three other Virginia cities, as Boyd Gaming prepares to open a temporary gaming facility near Harbor Park Minor League Baseball Stadium this fall. The Las Vegas-based operator is spearheading a $750 million investment to create an integrated resort on the Elizabeth River, targeting a 2027 grand opening for the full property. The Interim Gaming Hall is set to welcome guests in November.
Project Features and Amenities
The resort, a collaboration between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is in its initial construction phase. The planned development includes a 200-room hotel, a casino floor with 1,500 slot machines, 50 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. Additional amenities encompass eight dining and beverage outlets, a comprehensive spa and fitness center, a 45,000-square-foot amenity deck, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, and parking for 1,000 vehicles.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Rooms | 200 |
| Slot Machines | 1,500 |
| Live Dealer Table Games | 50 |
| Sportsbook | Yes |
| Food & Beverage Venues | 8 |
| Spa & Gym | Full-service |
| Amenity Deck | 45,000 sq ft |
| Meeting Space | 13,000 sq ft |
| Parking Garage | 1,000 spaces |
Efforts to Restore Downtown Nightlife
Norfolk’s downtown nightlife remains subdued in the aftermath of a robust crackdown on nightclubs and late-night venues, implemented by local authorities about three years ago to address elevated crime. Strict code enforcement and increased police presence followed a series of high-profile incidents, including several shootings and alcohol-related violations. In 2022, police investigated 63 homicides, the highest in three decades, but since then, murders and other violent crimes have decreased by more than 40 percent in two years. Despite these improvements, concerns continue to dissuade many nearby residents from visiting the city center.
Vacancies and Legal Disputes in the Waterside District
Many downtown spaces remain empty, notably at Waterside District, described as Norfolk’s premier 120,000-square-foot mixed-use destination. Developed with The Cordish Companies, which also operates Live! Casinos in other states and plans to open in Virginia, Waterside still has five spaces available for lease, including a 13,558-square-foot venue on its second floor.
Last year, Cordish filed a lawsuit claiming priority rights to a gaming license if Virginia permitted casinos, referencing its $40 million development agreement with the city. A circuit court judge, however, ruled against Cordish’s claim.
Economic Hopes and Projected Impact
Local leaders believe the new casino could help draw residents and visitors back to the riverfront and spark further development. The city faces economic challenges, with roughly 15 percent of its population living in poverty and a median household income of $64,000, which is below the state median of $93,000.
Boyd Gaming estimates that construction will provide 2,850 jobs and that 850 permanent positions will be available once the casino launches. Over its first 10 years of operation, the company expects the casino to contribute $2.9 billion in local economic impact and $583 million in total salaries and wages.
Leadership Perspective
“We have a premier baseball team, a premier world-class casino facility. What else can we do?” pondered Sean Washington, executive director of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority, in remarks to The Virginian-Pilot.
- Author
Daniel Williams
