Norfolk has officially launched its first casino with the opening of the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall. The move comes after nearly five years of political debates, design revisions, and community concerns. The facility, though temporary, is a milestone toward the city’s $750 million casino resort, which is anticipated to open in 2027. For the time being, locals can play casino games for the first time.
Delays, including political disputes, design revisions, funding issues, and public scepticism, marked the path to Norfolk’s casino. Initial plans for the HeadWaters Resort & Casino were put on hold, raising doubts about the project’s future. The temporary casino has finally opened despite obstacles, indicating progress toward the larger resort anticipated in 2027. After Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, Norfolk is now the fourth city in Virginia to offer casino gaming. For locals, it means having access to local games and possible financial gains from the sector.
Ron Bailey, vice president and general manager of Norfolk Casino, acknowledged that the project faced scepticism and delays, including the shelving of the original HeadWaters Resort & Casino plan. Boyd Gaming later stepped in, providing funding and operational support to revive the effort.
The temporary casino has now opened, indicating progress toward the larger resort anticipated in 2027 despite obstacles. After Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, Norfolk is now the fourth city in Virginia to offer casino gaming. For locals, it means having access to regional games and possible financial gains from the sector.
The venue houses 132 slot machines, including popular titles like Buffalo Ultimate Stampede, Dragon Link, and Lightning Link. It offers a scaled-down preview of the 1,500 machines planned for the permanent facility. Food trucks stationed outside provide dining options, and a vending machine inside offers ready-to-drink cocktails. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and can accommodate up to 100 players at a time.
The full-scale resort, scheduled to open in 2027, will be built along the Norfolk waterfront. Plans include 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, multiple dining options, meeting space, a spa, and a large outdoor deck overlooking the Elizabeth River.
After the original HeadWaters Resort & Casino plan stalled, Boyd Gaming took over, providing funding and operational support to move the project forward. The resort is expected to generate around 850 jobs and contribute to local economic development through tourism and hospitality services.
Bailey noted that for many residents, this is their first experience with a casino. He emphasised the goal of creating an environment that encourages people to return and engage with the space.
Bailey stated, “There are a lot of people who’ve never even set foot into a casino before. It’s about creating a casino experience for them that’s going to make them want to come back and enjoy their time when they’re gaming.”
Virginia currently has four functioning casino cities: Bristol, Portsmouth, Danville, and Norfolk, with Norfolk’s temporary casino fully open. The three current casinos in the state brought in $73 million last month alone, demonstrating the continued growth of the gaming sector. Virginia’s commitment to growing its gambling industry as part of larger economic development initiatives is further demonstrated by the construction of a fifth casino in Petersburg.
Residents’ opinions on the temporary casino have been divided. For many, it’s their first time playing at a local casino. While some come there merely out of curiosity, others consider it a step toward the city’s more extensive entertainment alternatives. As the project advances, excitement is growing as the developers intend to reveal the permanent resort’s name and logo in 2026.
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