Published on: August 18, 2025, 04:36h.
Updated on: August 18, 2025, 05:00h.
- A temporary gaming venue in Norfolk is set to launch in November
- Boyd Gaming, in collaboration with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is developing a $750 million casino resort in the Virginia city
- The final resort is anticipated to open in late 2027
The co-developers of a $750 million casino project in Norfolk, Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, are preparing to unveil a temporary gaming venue this fall.
The ultimate entertainment venue is expected to debut in late 2027. However, Boyd Gaming has confirmed that The Interim Gaming Hall will start operations in November.
The temporary setup will feature approximately 130 slot machines, with no current plans for live dealer games or sports betting.
Operating hours for the slots will be daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Additionally, the Boyd Rewards loyalty program will be available for patrons.
“The Interim Gaming Hall perfectly embodies our vision for a temporary casino — a preview of the thrilling gaming opportunities and exceptional service we aim to deliver to the Hampton Roads community,” stated Ron Bailey, the general manager for the Norfolk casino.
The temporary facility will feature food and beverages provided by nearby food trucks, with alcoholic drinks offered as well.
Boyd Gaming is actively recruiting staff in Norfolk. Interested individuals can explore open positions on their official website.
Interim Gaming Hall
Under Virginia’s 2020 gaming legislation, which permits commercial casinos in select regions, temporary gaming establishments can commence operations while the permanent facility is under construction. Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Norfolk’s preferred gaming partner, will launch The Interim Gaming Hall between Harbor Park and the Amtrak station on what is currently a parking area.
To facilitate Amtrak passengers, a complimentary shuttle service will operate to Lot E across Park Avenue. Starting in November, Lot E will also accommodate patrons of The Interim Gaming Hall, potentially affecting parking for Amtrak users.
Lot E provides only 121 parking spots. Parking fees in this lot are set at $10 per day and can be booked via the ParkMobile app. An attendant will supervise vehicles without payment, imposing a fine of $50 daily.
Guests arriving by Amtrak and casino visitors are encouraged to utilize rideshare options such as Uber and Lyft or to take a taxi.
The forthcoming permanent casino is projected to alleviate the parking scarcity at Harbor Park, featuring a parking structure with 1,300 spaces, with over 100 designated for Amtrak patrons.
Smoking Permitted
Consistent with many of Boyd Gaming’s venues, the Norfolk casino, including The Interim Gaming Hall, will permit smoking. Virginia’s indoor smoking regulations have exemptions for casinos, allowing tobacco use across the entire gaming area.
The future permanent gaming floor will span 65,000 square feet, offering 50 table games, 1,500 slot machines, and a FanDuel Sportsbook. The site will also feature a 200-room hotel with views of the Elizabeth River, along with eight dining and bar options, a live entertainment venue, a resort pool, and meeting spaces.
Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe have acquired the approximately nine-acre land in Norfolk for $10 million, where the casino resort construction is currently underway.
Boyd Gaming established a partnership with the federally recognized Pamunkey Tribe in late 2024 after the tribe’s previous collaborator, billionaire Jon Yarbrough, withdrew from the project and sold his 80% stake in the venture to Boyd.