Taking inspiration from Hard Rock International, the Pamunkey Tribe is preparing to open a temporary casino in Norfolk later this year.
The Pamunkey Tribe has announced their plans to open HeadWaters Resort & Casino on waterfront property in Norfolk next year. However, they are currently aiming to open a restaurant with a small gaming floor sometime this year, according to a spokesperson.
Similar to the strategy adopted by the Hard Rock Casino Resort Bristol, the move entails the establishment of a temporary gaming floor in the coming months, with the full opening scheduled for 2025.
According to a press release by Jay Smith, the spokesman for HeadWaters,
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe is enthusiastic about exploring the potential of establishing a restaurant and lounge with limited gaming as part of the HeadWaters Resorts & Casino project. While no definite choices have been made yet, we remain committed to ongoing discussions with the City of Norfolk regarding this exciting opportunity. In addition, we are prepared to make a substantial investment in the stadium, generate employment prospects, and contribute tax revenue to the city, should they express interest in pursuing this venture.
Boxing center in baseball stadium could house temporary Norfolk casino
HeadWaters will ultimately find its long-term residence in a waterfront location situated adjacent to Harbor Park Stadium. This stadium serves as the home base for the Tidewater Tides, the esteemed triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
The Norfolk Boxing + Fitness Center and the Hits at the Park Restaurant reside within the stadium, which the Pamunkey Tribe is considering for the establishment of a restricted gaming facility.
City Manager Chip Filer stated, as reported by the Norfolk CBS affiliate, that the tribe has the opportunity to request a temporary operating permit under state law. However, it is essential that the temporary site falls within the designated “footprint” of the future casino’s location for the permit to be valid.
Without a doubt, the stadium located next to the future residence would be considered within the boundaries of the casino.
However, a temporary permit would not grant full access to gaming activities. Instead, it would only enable slot machine gambling.
Temporary Norfolk casino could give the tribe a competitive advantage
Currently, four casinos in Virginia have been confirmed, with the anticipation of a total of five once the drama surrounding the Richmond property is resolved.
A casino is set to be opened by Hard Rock International in Bristol, with Caesars Entertainment securing one in Danville. Additionally, the Pamunkey Tribe has staked their claim on Norfolk, while Portsmouth has been allocated to Rush Street Interactive.
Bristol is situated approximately 200 miles towards the west of Danville. Similarly, Danville is positioned to the west of Norfolk, also at a distance of 200 miles. However, Portsmouth and Norfolk are neighboring cities, only divided by a few bridges over the Elizabeth River.
Due to their close proximity, Rivers Casino Portsmouth and HeadWaters Resort & Casino will inevitably become direct rivals, vying for the same pool of customers.
However, Caesars Danville and Hard Rock Bristol have less to be concerned about since they face competition in close proximity to their own locations.
The opening of Rivers Casino Portsmouth is set for early 2025. However, as HeadWaters has not yet commenced construction, it is more probable that the opening date will be in late 2025.
The initiation of construction by the Pamunkey Tribe is contingent upon the issuance of permits to commence work from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
By opening a temporary facility, they could mitigate some of the drawbacks associated with launching months after their primary competitor.
Timeline of VA Casinos
| City | Casino | Projected Opening Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | Hard Rock Casino and Resort Bristol | Mid-2022 (temporary casino), 2025 (full casino) |
| Danville | Caesars Casino Resort Danville | Q4, 2025 |
| Norfolk | HeadWaters Resort & Casino | Q4, 2025 |
| Portsmouth | Rivers Portsmouth Casino Resort | Early 2025 |
Due to several factors, certain members of the Norfolk City Council are reluctant to grant permission for the temporary casino. As a result, the Pamunkey tribe does not have a specific timeline for the opening of a limited gaming facility.
HeadWaters Resort & Casino is expected to open for business as the third or fourth Virginia casino if there are no changes. The anticipated opening is most likely to occur in the fourth quarter of 2025, coinciding with the grand opening of Caesars Danville.
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