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Read Full BioThe Virginia Lottery Board has announced it will consider the Norfolk waterfront casino facility operator license on October 29. The consideration will have Boyd Gaming, which will own the casino, and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe appearing before the Lottery Board.
The waterfront casino project in Norfolk has faced years of delays, stretching back to when Norfolk voters approved the casino via referendum in November 2020. However, there has been recent momentum, as the city council approved its lease earlier this month.
VA Gambling Industry Shows Desire for Expansion
Despite having only three land-based casinos and no regulated iGaming, Virginia appears to be on the cusp of gaming expansion. Just last week, Roanoke city officials announced that they are evaluating the potential for a casino to be located in the Berglund Special Events Center.
In addition, Virginia lawmakers are weighing iGaming legalization. The Joint Subcommittee to Study the Feasibility of Establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission met most recently on August 19 and has been considering the establishment of a gaming commission for nearly two years.
Resistance to Growth
Despite the advancements of some land-based casino considerations, particularly in Norfolk and Roanoke, expansion does face opposition. This is particularly true in Fairfax, where the No Fairfax Casino Coalition (NFCC) has spearheaded multiple initiatives, primarily opposing any legislation that permits casino construction in Fairfax County.
In August, the NFCC Chair Lynne Mulston said: “The NFCC remains opposed to any legislation permitting casino development in Fairfax County. Simultaneously, we acknowledge the necessity for robust oversight and regulation of gaming activities throughout the Commonwealth.”
In addition, the NFCC has called for the creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission to increase oversight and address the growth of gambling in the state.
The NFCC isn’t the only concerned party. According to a recent poll that surveyed 800 likely voters, 75% of Fairfax County residents oppose the construction of a new casino in Tysons Corner. In addition, Republican candidate for Virginia District 7, Cassandra Aucoin, has also come out opposing the Tysons Corner casino.
What’s Next
The casino in Norfolk is scheduled to open in late 2027, barring further setbacks or delays. In the meantime, Boyd Gaming is set to open the Interim Gaming Hall next month to meet the requirement of having gambling operational by mid-November to prevent another referendum. This temporary casino, located in a large tent, will feature over 130 slot machines and will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Beyond that, it’s hard to say how long the legislative process will take. Looking at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol as an example, the process took just over two years from when it was awarded an operator’s license to when it opened. However, timelines can vary significantly based on legislative, regulatory, and construction-related factors.
