The Virginia Lottery Board is set to evaluate the application from Boyd Gaming along with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe for a casino operator license in Norfolk on October 29. This marks the concluding phase of a five-year regulatory period mandated by state law for casino licensing after voter referendums.
According to Virginia regulations, localities that have ratified casino ballot measures have a five-year timeframe from certification to secure an operator license. Norfolk residents endorsed the referendum on November 3, 2020, with the state officializing the results on November 18, 2020.
“The concluding step involves the Lottery Board voting to grant (a) license following a public hearing about the application review, with one scheduled for next week,” stated Khalid Jones, the Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery, during a recent legislative assembly.
This dialogue unfolded on Monday within the meeting of the joint subcommittee that is examining the establishment of the Virginia Gaming Commission, a proposed authority that might take charge of casino regulation, currently overseen by the Virginia Lottery.
Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe aspire to receive approval for their intended waterfront casino in Norfolk, which is projected to open in late 2027. This initiative encompasses a permanent venue as well as a temporary gaming area that will serve patrons during the construction phase.
Boyd anticipates launching the Interim Gaming Hall in November. This provisional setup, described as thtent-like, will house 130 slot machines along with limited dining and beverage services available for guests.
Company representatives project that the comprehensive project will feature a 65,000-square-foot casino, a 200-room hotel, a parking structure, eight dining and beverage establishments, a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool with cabana facilities. Boyd Gaming intends to contribute at least $750 million towards the property, surpassing the $300 million state’s minimum requirement.
Ryan Soultz, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Boyd, along with Kevin Krigsvold representing the Pamunkey Tribe, briefed lawmakers regarding the development plans prior to the imminent hearing.
“What we are presenting to Norfolk is a genuine destination resort,” Soultz mentioned, as reported by The Virginian-Pilot.
The Norfolk casino project has evolved since its initial proposal back in 2019, when the Pamunkey Indian Tribe sought local approval for a 500-room hotel and casino. Development progress experienced delays in subsequent years, and the tribe transitioned from its previous development partner, billionaire Jon Yarbrough, to Boyd Gaming in 2023 after the city approval of the project lagged.