Norfolk City Council approves Pamunkey Tribe and Boyd Gaming casino project

The Norfolk City Council on Tuesday approved a purchase and development agreement with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming for the construction of a new waterfront casino near Harbor Park. The agreement, which passed by a 7-1 vote, advances a long-delayed project expected to generate significant economic benefits for the city.

Boyd Gaming, operating through Golden Eagle Consulting II, LLC, will partner with the Pamunkey Tribe to develop the casino, which will feature 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, and eight food and beverage outlets. The casino is projected to create more than 3,500 jobs and contribute $230 million in annual wages and sales.

“We are pleased to take this important step forward in helping the Pamunkey Indian Tribe realize its vision of a best-in-class gaming resort,” said Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming. “The greater Norfolk area is one of the largest underserved gaming markets in the mid-Atlantic region, and represents a compelling opportunity to further expand and diversify our Company’s nationwide presence.”

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander hailed the approval as a major milestone for the city. “Boyd Gaming Corporation, in partnership with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is set to deliver a premier destination that will generate millions of dollars in tax revenues, create numerous jobs, and revitalize our waterfront,” Alexander said.

However, the project has not been without opposition. Councilwoman Andria McClellan cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about the casino's potential strain on public services and the risk of problem gambling.

“I believe this is going to create an undue burden on our over-taxed police department, 911 call center, and fire & rescue,” McClellan said. “We’ve been dealt a bad hand. Concerns about public safety, the stress a casino will put on the adjacent neighborhood, and the worry that problem gambling will hurt those who can least afford it remain unchanged.”

Despite the council's approval, the Norfolk Architectural Review Board delayed a vote on the casino's design until September 23, requesting additional modifications before granting approval. 

Voters in Norfolk cleared the path for the casino in 2020, but the project has faced delays. The casino, now branded as "Project Mermaid," is expected to be completed by 2025.