Virginia has approved a new casino project in Norfolk and awarded the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming a development certificate. Construction on the project can now begin.
Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe released the following joint statement after receiving approval: “We are excited to receive the City’s approval of our plans for a best-in-class casino resort on the Norfolk waterfront. We appreciate the support and efforts of the Mayor, the City Council, and the city staff. We look forward to creating an entertainment experience where the entire community can take pride.”
The project was approved by voters in 2020, and several aspects of the plans have changed since then. Initially, the casino resort wanted 30k square feet of conference space and 300 hotel rooms. However, those plans have been scaled down to just 10k square feet of conference space and 200 hotel rooms.
The Virginia General Assembly has also proposed and approved plans for a temporary casino near the construction site. Councilwoman Andria McClellan was the lone holdout, as she wanted a no-smoking promise from the new facility. However, McClellan stated, “I really wish we were in a position; legally, I know we can’t require it.”
The new development certificate depends on the project following the guidelines set forth by the Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act.
How Many Casinos Are In Virginia?
There are currently three casinos in operation in the state of Virginia: Bristol (Hard Rock), Danville (Caesars VA), and Portsmouth (Rivers). State voters approved legislation to allow five casinos in the state, but local voters must also approve plans in their jurisdiction. Virginia’s fifth casino license was assigned to Richmond; however, Richmond voters rejected a casino in 2021 and again in 2023.
Are Online Casinos Legal In Virginia?
There are no domestic casinos licensed to operate online in Virginia. However, 18 and up online VA casinos are plentiful from outside the state lines.
Online casinos have been accepting VA players since the early 2000s, and since there are no local or federal gambling laws that prevent their access, VA players can gamble online legally. Popular online casino games include blackjack, slots, video poker, baccarat, and live dealer games.
The state may eventually license its casinos to operate online. However, voters must first approve the license, and the state has been fairly conservative in the past when it comes to gambling regulations.