The Virginia Lottery Board will hold a special meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, at its Richmond headquarters.
The Board will look at several important issues before deciding whether to grant a casino license to Golden Eagle Corporation II, LLC, a partnership between Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe for the planned Norfolk casino.
The board will deliberate on whether to grant the casino operator license necessary for the partners to open their planned temporary gaming venue, named The Interim Gaming Hall, ahead of the November 5th licensing deadline set by Virginia law.
This decision is crucial for the Norfolk casino project to get back on track, since it has been delayed for some time. A groundbreaking is scheduled for next week.
Norfolk Casino Meeting Details
The review comes after a law firm for The Cordish Companies challenged the license application, saying Norfolk broke state rules in 2024 by choosing Boyd Gaming to replace the previous developer.
The meeting will be open to the public, both in person and online via Microsoft Teams Live Event. People can submit comments during the meeting.
The main areas of review that the board will cover include:
1. Eligibility and Licensing Compliance
The Board will check if both parties meet state requirements for a casino license, including background checks, ownership details, financial honesty, and adherence to anti-trust and anti-corruption laws.
2. Readiness for the Temporary Casino
Plans for the temporary casino, called the Interim Gaming Hall, will be reviewed, including how the gaming area is set up, security measures, accounting systems, surveillance standards, and staffing plans.
3. Financial Health and Resources
Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe must show they have enough money for the project, including proof of funds to complete construction, maintain operations, and manage debts for the $750 million resort.
4. Partnership and Management
The Board will look into how Boyd and the Pamunkey Tribe share decision-making power, especially since Boyd took over management. They want to ensure there's proper regulatory responsibility and that Boyd is legally in control.
5. Community and Legal Considerations
The Board will also review any objections from others, such as The Cordish Companies, who argue the Norfolk development violated rules. The hearing will allow public comments and responses to local issues related to the casino’s location.
Project leaders say the timeline remains on track, dependent on Lottery Board approval and final city planning approvals.
Norfolk Casino is a $750 Million Project
The full Norfolk casino, whose name is yet to be decided, is a $750 million resort project being developed by Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.
It will be located on the Elizabeth River near Harbor Park.
The temporary site will have nearly 130 slot machines, while the complete resort, expected to open in 2027, will offer 1,500 slots, 50 table games, eight restaurants, and a 200-room hotel.
Norfolk voters approved the casino project in fall 2020, but disagreements about design between the City Council and developers caused delays.
Initially, the Pamunkey Tribe collaborated with Tennessee investor Jon Yarbrough, but they parted ways last year. The tribe then partnered with Boyd Gaming, and they decided to change the casino's name from "HeadWaters Resort & Casino."
The decision from the October 29 meeting will set the stage and transform the Norfolk Casino scene forever.
