Norfolk, Virginia has celebrated the grand opening of its first-ever casino: the Norfolk Casino Interim Gaming Hall following nearly five years of political debate, funding setbacks, and design revisions. The launch marks a significant step toward the city’s long-term vision of developing a $750 million resort destination along the waterfront, scheduled for 2027.
The interim casino, though temporary, offers a scaled-down preview of the larger project. With 132 slot machines featuring popular titles such as Buffalo Ultimate Stampede, Dragon Link, and Lightning Link, the facility provides an early look at what’s to come from the future HeadWaters Resort & Casino, which will include 1,500 slots, 50 table games, and a 200-room hotel.
Boyd Gaming’s partnership has been central to reviving the stalled project, providing operational and financial stability. For residents, the casino represents more than entertainment it signals economic promise, job creation, and increased tourism opportunities.
Norfolk now joins Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville as Virginia’s fourth casino city, further solidifying the state’s position in the U.S. gaming market. The casino will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., offering an accessible, safe, and engaging environment for players.
As the city looks ahead to 2027, anticipation continues to build around the permanent resort, expected to employ 850 people and transform Norfolk’s entertainment and hospitality landscape.
