The Norfolk casino project, which has been delayed for a long time and is backed by a small federally recognized tribe lacking gaming development experience, seeks to partner with a significant player in the US gaming industry to help realize its resort aspirations. 

Norfolk government officials selected the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and billionaire gaming expert Jon Yarbrough for a local ballot referendum in November 2020 to create a commercial casino resort in the city of Hampton Roads. City voters approved the casino proposal, but various delays and numerous challenges have kept the project from starting construction. 

The most recent timeline indicates that Boyd Gaming, based in Las Vegas, is becoming involved. According to planning documents provided to the Norfolk City Council and Architectural Review Board, Boyd is poised to take on the role of majority investor in the Norfolk casino project. 

Boyd to the Aid 

Initially intended to be named HeadWaters Resort & Casino, the project has faced numerous delays. 

Inquiries regarding the possibility of a temporary casino functioning at an address different from that of the permanent resort led to the abandonment of one plan. The latest announcement from the federal and state governments to initiate a $2.6 billion infrastructure project in Hampton Roads, which involves building a 17-foot-high floodwall alongside the Elizabeth River, compelled the casino developers to reconsider their plans and abandon a proposed marina. 

With less than 500 members residing on its 1,200-acre reservation in King William County, the small Pamunkey tribe cannot secure loans for a $500 million project. Consequently, gaming industry expert Yarbrough had consented to assist in obtaining funding and to offer specialized knowledge in the design and management of the resort. 

Nearly four years later, it seems Yarbrough is prepared to take a back seat. He has allegedly consented to sell his Golden Eagle Consulting, LLC, the tribe's associated organization that offered voters the initial proposal, to Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkeys. 

Planning documents indicate that Boyd will take an 80% ownership interest in Golden Eagle. The tribe would keep the rest, which is 20%. 

No financial details were revealed, but this may alter since Boyd Gaming is a publicly listed company. Boyd manages 29 properties nationwide in 19 different markets. 

Fresh Schedule 

As Boyd appears to be joining the development team, the latest schedule for the resort indicates a launch of a “transitional casino” by early November 2025. The temporary gaming area would function on the identical 13.5-acre location where the permanent resort will be located. 

Work on the permanent casino and resort hotel is set to start on January 13, 2025, with an anticipated opening for guests in September 2027. The newest plan features 200 hotel rooms — 100 less than earlier projections. 

The casino is still 65,000 square feet, featuring 1,000 slot machines, 25 live dealer tables, and a sportsbook with 180 seats. The total budget has been reduced from $500 million to $300 million. 

The Norfolk City Council is set to vote on September 10 regarding the approval for the development team to modify its partners to incorporate Boyd. The subsequent step would involve submitting the project to the city’s Architectural Review Board for their approval.