Temporary casino opens in Norfolk, Virginia
A permanent venue is expected to open in 2027.
US.- Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe have opened an interim gaming hall in Norfolk, Virginia ahead of a $750m permanent casino expected to open in 2027. Located off Park Avenue, it’s the first gaming venue in Norfolk and the fourth casino in Virginia following those in Bristol, Portsmouth and Danville.
Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of Norfolk Casino, said: “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.”
“It’s a small footprint. Because right behind us, is the full integrated resort that we’re going to be opening up in 2027. It’s taken some time, but here we are today and we’re very proud of what we’ve been able to produce in such a short period of time.”
The interim casino has 130 slot machines and food and beverage services. All profits from the first day of operation were donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore.
Norfolk voters approved the casino via referendum in November 2020. The permanent venue near Harbor Park will have 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel and eight food and beverage outlets.
Virginia casino revenue rises in September
Revenue from Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia was $73.1m in September. That’s an increase of 29.2 per cent year-over-year and decrease of 13.8 per cent from August 2025. Slots generated $55.6m and table games $17.4m.
Caesars Virginia reported $28.2m in adjusted gross gaming revenue (AGR): $21.2m from slot machines and $7m from table games. Rivers Casino Portsmouth posted $24.3m: $17.6m from slots and $6.6m from table games, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol $20.6m: $16.8m from slot machines and $3.7m from table games. Virginia collected $15.8m in taxes.
