The Pamunkey Tribe’s long-delayed casino project in Norfolk, Virginia, is finally gaining momentum with the involvement of Boyd Gaming. Boyd Gaming, one of the nation’s largest casino operators, is set to become the majority owner in the tribe’s development partner, Golden Eagle Consulting. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the $500 million project, which has faced numerous setbacks since its proposal in 2017. Boyd Gaming’s experience and financial strength are expected to help move the project from the drawing board to reality.
Boyd Gaming’s Strategic Involvement
Boyd Gaming’s entry into the Pamunkey Tribe’s casino project is a game-changer. The company, which operates 28 casinos across 10 states, brings a wealth of experience in casino development and management. Boyd’s involvement will include overseeing financing, construction, and operations of the new casino. This strategic move is expected to provide the necessary resources to overcome the project’s current hurdles and ensure its successful completion.
The Pamunkey Tribe will maintain a 20% stake in the project, while Boyd Gaming will take the lead in its development. This partnership is seen as a crucial step in reviving the delayed project, which has struggled to gain traction over the years. With Boyd’s financial strength and expertise, the project is now poised to move forward at a much faster pace.
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander has expressed optimism about Boyd Gaming’s involvement, stating that the company has the ability and experience to build a world-class casino resort hotel. This partnership is expected to bring the much-needed momentum to get the project off the ground and meet the looming deadline for opening the casino.
Overcoming Delays and Challenges
The Pamunkey Tribe’s casino project has faced several unexplained delays since its announcement. Despite being the first casino proposed in Virginia, the project has struggled to receive full city approval for its site at Harbor Park. Meanwhile, other casino projects in cities like Portsmouth and Danville have moved forward, with some already operational.
Boyd Gaming’s involvement is expected to address these delays and challenges. The company will handle the financing, development, and operations of the casino, ensuring that the project meets its deadlines. This includes the requirement to open at least a temporary casino by November 2025 to retain the state gaming license. Failure to meet this deadline could jeopardize the entire project, as the authorization granted by the voter referendum would expire.
City leaders have expressed concerns about the delays, but Boyd Gaming’s entry into the project has alleviated some of these worries. The company’s experience in managing tribal casinos, such as the Sky River Casino in Northern California, positions it well to guide the Pamunkey project through its current hurdles and ensure its successful completion.
Future Prospects and Expectations
With Boyd Gaming at the helm, the future prospects for the Pamunkey Tribe’s Norfolk casino project look promising. The company’s deep experience in casino development and management is expected to bring the project to fruition. This includes potential rebranding and updates to the project’s design, which were presented to the Norfolk Architectural Review Board in August 2024.
The involvement of Boyd Gaming is also expected to bring economic benefits to the region. The $500 million resort casino complex is anticipated to create numerous jobs and boost the local economy. Additionally, the project is expected to attract tourists and visitors, further enhancing its economic impact.
As the project moves forward, the Pamunkey Tribe and Boyd Gaming will work closely to ensure its successful completion. This partnership is seen as a significant step in overcoming the delays and challenges that have plagued the project for years. With Boyd’s financial strength and expertise, the Norfolk casino project is now on track to become a reality.
