The Norfolk City Council has greenlit a partnership between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming for a new waterfront casino near Harbor Park in Virginia.
Boyd Gaming has been confirmed as the operational force for the Pamunkey Tribe’s proposed casino, which will house 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, and eight food and beverage outlets. The casino is projected to create more than 3,500 jobs and contribute $230m in annual wages and sales. A temporary casino, termed a ‘transitional’ casino is expected to meet the state’s deadline of November 2025, by which time a casino must be built and licensed by the Virginia Lottery.
Boyd Gaming is now the majority owner of Golden Eagle Consulting II, a company formed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribal Gaming Authority and Yarbrough, which won the city’s licence back in 2020.
Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming, said: “We are pleased to take this important step forward in helping the Pamunkey Indian Tribe realize its vision of a best-in-class gaming resort. The greater Norfolk area is one of the largest underserved gaming markets in the mid-Atlantic region, and represents a compelling opportunity to further expand and diversify our company’s nationwide presence. We appreciate the Norfolk City Council’s support and confidence in our development plans, and we look forward to partnering with the city and the tribe as we continue the process of developing a transformational gaming entertainment experience on the Norfolk waterfront.”
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander added: “I am excited to recognize this significant milestone in our journey to bring a world-class casino and hotel resort to the Harbor Park Entertainment District. Boyd Gaming Corporation, in partnership with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is set to deliver a premier destination that will generate millions of dollars in tax revenues, create numerous jobs, and revitalize our waterfront. This project will not only enhance our tourism efforts but also enable us to invest in key priorities that will benefit our community for years to come.”