In 2020, Norfolk was among the many 4 Virginia cities to cross referendums to permit on line casino gaming. Nonetheless, since then, Norfolk has made no progress in direction of constructing a everlasting web site.
That each one modified on September 10, when the Norfolk Metropolis Council authorised a deal between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming.
Underneath the brand new settlement, Boyd Gaming will construct a on line casino resort close to Harbor Park in Norfolk. As soon as accomplished, the on line casino will present over 800 jobs to the group and roughly $30 million in tax income yearly.
Key Highlights
- Norfolk Metropolis Council authorised the on line casino deal between Pamunkey Tribe and Boyd Gaming.
- The brand new on line casino resort will convey over 800 jobs to the area and $30 million in tax income yearly.
- The on line casino should be operational in some type by November 2025, or the town loses its rights to host a on line casino.
Metropolis Council Approves Deal Between Pamunkey Tribe and Boyd Gaming
On Tuesday September 10, the Norfolk Metropolis Council voted 7-1 in favor of a deal between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming. The decision certifies that Golden Eagle Consulting II LLC will function Norfolk’s most well-liked gaming operator.
Golden Eagle will now proceed with Boyd Gaming to construct a on line casino resort that can embody eight meals and beverage retailers, a 200-room lodge, and a on line casino with roughly 1,500 slots and 50 desk video games.
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe has been working to develop a on line casino resort in Norfolk for the final a number of years. Boyd Gaming has began the method required to assist the Tribe convey its imaginative and prescient to fruition in a manner that can ship significant advantages for the Tribe, the Metropolis of Norfolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Boyd Gaming and Pamunkey Indian Tribe Assertion
In a joint assertion, each events introduced their partnership final week, stating, “The Pamunkey Indian Tribe has been working to develop a on line casino resort in Norfolk for the final a number of years. Boyd Gaming has began the method required to assist the Tribe convey its imaginative and prescient to fruition in a manner that can ship significant advantages for the Tribe, the Metropolis of Norfolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
That is the primary of a number of approvals wanted for the on line casino. Norfolk’s architectural evaluation board delayed a vote on the design for the on line casino on Monday, September 9, however the Metropolis Council nonetheless finalized the settlement.
Councilwoman McClellan Says the Metropolis Has Been Dealt a “Unhealthy Hand”
The one dissenting vote was from Councilwoman Andria McClellan. Through the assembly, she acknowledged, “We’ve been dealt a foul hand. What hasn’t modified in these 5 years? My unique considerations. Issues about public security, the stress a on line casino will placed on the adjoining neighborhood, and the fear that downside playing will harm those that can least afford it.”
You’ve acquired to generate income. There’s people who find themselves going to come back to Norfolk to spend their cash right here who usually are not native residents, and I would like their cash.
– Thomas R. Smigiel Jr., Norfolk Metropolis Councilman
McClellan’s statements fell on deaf ears as the opposite council members centered on income and job creation. As Councilman Tommy Smiegel states, “You’ve acquired to generate income. There’s people who find themselves going to come back to Norfolk to spend their cash right here who usually are not native residents, and I would like their cash.”
Norfolk Should Act Rapidly or Lose Its On line casino Authorization
Norfolk was one of many first areas to submit a on line casino idea in 2018, however it’s the final to maneuver ahead with building. Time is operating out for the state as Virginia regulation states {that a} on line casino should be operational by November 2025, or it would lose its on line casino authorization.
Nonetheless, the regulation affords leeway in {that a} on line casino doesn’t want a everlasting construction to fulfill the necessities.
For instance, Danville and Bristol opened short-term on line casino areas whereas constructing everlasting services. Portsmouth operators waited till building was accomplished on Rivers On line casino Portsmouth, which opened on January 23, 2023.
Norfolk will not be the final on line casino mission for Virginia, as Petersburg voters will now get a possibility to voice whether or not they need a on line casino. A November referendum will let voters select whether or not to approve on line casino playing within the area.
If authorised, Baltimore-based Cornish Corporations will develop Reside! On line casino & Resort Virginia. The mixed-use playing and leisure venue is anticipated to value over $1.4 billion.
Richmond twice tried to cross referendums for a on line casino, with the newest failing in 2023. As such, the Virginia Legislature handed payments to take away Richmond from the record of eligible cities to host a on line casino and changed it with Petersburg.
Sources
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/information/native/mycity/norfolk/norfolk-city-council-votes-approve-new-casino-ordinance-boyd-gaming/291-67a77b6d-1405-40bc-9847-eb8a537287de
https://virginiamercury.com/2024/04/24/petersburg-doubles-down-on-cordish-as-its-casino-operator/
