Published on: November 7, 2025, 09:20h.
Updated on: November 7, 2025, 09:29h.
- The casino in Norfolk has officially launched, though currently at limited capacity.
- The Interim Gaming Hall at Harbor Park features 132 slot machines but lacks table games.
After over five years since residents first supported gambling in Hampton Roads, Norfolk’s casino has finally opened its doors.
Renowned for being home to the Navy Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk now boasts a modest casino venue called The Interim Gaming Hall, which welcomes visitors from 10 am to 2 am daily.
The Interim spans 7,200 square feet and is constructed as a pavilion tent located on Park Avenue, situated at the northeastern edge of the Harbor Park Minor League Baseball stadium’s parking area. This makes it easily accessible from both the Amtrak Norfolk and Harbor Park Tide Light Rail stations.
“The day has finally arrived—let’s get the games started,” exclaimed Ron Bailey, the vice president and general manager overseeing the Norfolk casino project. “We invite everyone to try the newest slot machines in the commonwealth.”
At launch, The Interim offers 132 state-of-the-art slot machines, but does not currently include table games or sports wagering. All revenue generated on opening day will be donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
Available amenities are limited and include a self-serve beer, wine, and seltzer dispenser, along with a food option from a food truck named Ghost Kitchen. The alcohol dispenser features facial recognition technology to verify age, and guests who cannot be validated can present their IDs. Guest entry requires that everyone is at least 21 years old.
Pre-Registration Recommended
Boyd Gaming, based in Las Vegas, is spearheading the $750 million venture to construct the permanent casino in Norfolk, located adjacent to The Interim. Boyd acquired the Pamunkey Indian Tribe’s casino plan last year, becoming Norfolk’s exclusive gaming developer for nearly a decade after purchasing the interests of billionaire Jon Yarbrough.
Management of both The Interim and the future permanent resort along the Elizabeth River will fall under Boyd, which will also implement the Boyd Rewards program. Officials highly recommend that first-time visitors register for Boyd Rewards online to avoid long wait times for in-person sign-up. Reward cards can be generated at self-service kiosks.
New members of Boyd Rewards will receive up to $300 in Boyd Play as reimbursement for losses experienced during their first gaming day at The Interim.
Legal Compliance
Virginia’s legislation sanctioned casino gambling in selected cities in 2020, stipulating that casinos could only be approved within designated areas following local voter referendums supporting both slot machines and table games.
Norfolk residents expressed their approval for the proposed casino in a November 2020 vote, resulting in a 65% majority in favor.
Under Virginia’s gaming law, cities are mandated to conduct “a subsequent local referendum” if an approved casino project does not launch within five years following a court ruling on the election results. Had slots not been activated in Norfolk by November 15, this law would have required a second local referendum.
The legislation permits temporary casinos to operate at the same location as future permanent establishments under development. Boyd anticipates that the as-yet-unnamed permanent resort casino will be operational by 2027.
The comprehensive resort is set to feature 200 hotel rooms, 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a sportsbook, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a 45,000-square-foot amenity deck and pool, in addition to eight dining and beverage establishments. Boyd is also constructing a parking garage with 1,000 spaces, including designated areas for Amtrak passengers.