The anticipation is finally over for residents and visitors in Norfolk who have been eager to dive into the casino atmosphere.
The city has officially made its foray into the gambling sector with the launch of the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall.
This temporary venue represents a significant milestone, being the first instance of casino gaming in Norfolk after years of planning.
Currently, Virginia is home to three operational casinos: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia in Danville, .
The Norfolk casino will be the fourth in the state, following a $1.4 billion casino project in Petersburg that broke ground in March.
What Can Guests Expect from the Interim Norfolk Casino?
The Interim Gaming Hall, established by Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is an interim casino located on Park Avenue near Harbor Park. It serves as a preview for the larger $750 million casino being constructed nearby.
This temporary facility has a tent-like design and offers 132 slot machines in a 3,600-square-foot area. It operates daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., featuring popular slot games like Buffalo Ultimate Stampede.
Preparing for Norfolk’s Permanent Casino Resort
The opening of the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall is an exhilarating development for the community for several reasons:
- Compliance with Virginia Law: The Interim Gaming Hall’s launch fulfills state regulations, as it was mandated to open by November 15, 2025. This temporary venue is merely the start, providing a preview of future offerings.
Future Plans for the Permanent Norfolk Casino Resort
- Opening Timeline: Projected to launch in late 2027.
- Key Features:
- About 1,500 slot machines.
- 50 table games.
- A 200-room hotel.
- Diverse dining options and entertainment spaces.
- Lush outdoor areas.
- Overall Impact: This expansive Norfolk Casino is expected to play a vital role in the city’s entertainment landscape.
In summary, the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall provides an opportunity for immediate enjoyment of casino gaming, while looking forward to a larger entertainment hub on the horizon.
Anticipated Economic Growth from the Norfolk Casino
The Norfolk casino is projected to positively influence the local economy through various avenues, including:
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Job Creation: The project is expected to generate over 2,800 construction jobs and around 850 permanent positions once the resort opens, with annual wages exceeding $58 million for local employees.
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Revenue Generation: The resort is anticipated to bring in $20-30 million annually for Norfolk through gaming taxes and local business interactions, contributing to the city’s general fund for services like education and infrastructure.
This phased approach allows both locals and visitors to look forward to ongoing entertainment. The temporary casino is merely the first step, with a future resort poised to revolutionize entertainment and economic activity in the area.
Ultimately, Norfolk is embarking on a new chapter of gaming and entertainment for its community, commencing today.
