Virginia Lottery Board to review Boyd Gaming and Pamunkey Tribe’s Norfolk casino licence | Yogonet International
Summary
The Virginia Lottery Board will review Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe’s application for an operator licence for the planned Norfolk waterfront casino on 29 October — the final step inside the five‑year window required by state law after the 2020 referendum.
Norfolk voters approved the referendum on 3 November 2020 and the state certified results on 18 November 2020, starting the five‑calendar‑year period to secure an operator licence. Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones said the board vote and licence issuance will follow a public hearing scheduled next week.
Boyd and the Pamunkey are aiming to open the resort in late 2027. An interim, tent‑like gaming hall with about 130 slot machines and limited food and beverage will open in November while construction continues. The full scheme outlined by Boyd includes a 65,000 sq ft casino, a 200‑room hotel, parking garage, eight dining outlets, spa, fitness centre and outdoor pool, and represents an expected investment of at least US$750 million — well above Virginia’s US$300 million minimum.
Key Points
- Lottery Board to review the Norfolk casino operator licence application on 29 October — the final regulatory step within Virginia’s five‑year approval window.
- Five‑year clock started after Norfolk’s referendum certification on 18 November 2020.
- Boyd and the Pamunkey plan both an interim gaming hall (tent‑style, ~130 slots) opening in November and a permanent resort due late 2027.
- Full development: 65,000 sq ft casino, 200‑room hotel, parking garage, eight F&B outlets, spa, fitness centre and pool/cabana deck.
- Projected investment at least US$750m, exceeding the state’s US$300m minimum requirement.
- The project changed partners in 2023, with Boyd replacing earlier developer Jon Yarbrough after delays.
- The review occurred amid discussion of creating a Virginia Gaming Commission to take oversight from the Lottery.
Why should I read this?
Short version: big money, final tick‑box from the regulator and a temporary gaming hall opening imminently. If you follow US casino builds, regulatory shifts or regional economic development, this is one to watch — we’ve cut through the legalese so you get the essentials fast.