NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk’s resort casino will now be constructed by the same construction team that built nearby River’s Casino Portsmouth.

Boyd Gaming and the Pamukey Indian Tribe made the announcement

The contract to build the $750 million Norfolk Casino has been swept away from the company assigned to the original plans after a change in the lead developer.

Now, the team of Newport News-based W.M. Jordan Company would partner with a Suffolk construction firm being awarded to the same team that worked on the Portsmouth Casino.

Back in September 2021, the planned name for the casino was the Headwaters Resort and Casino. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe announced that for the project.

However, shifts in the partnership for the project led to CEO of Boyd Gaming Keith Smith reevaluating those plans.

A general contractor wasn’t named back in October 2024, but Boyd and the Tribe have since announced that Norfolk-based S.B. Ballard Construction Company and Yates Construction are joining to serve as construction manager.

“These two outstanding companies are the ideal team to lead construction of our resort on the
Norfolk waterfront,” said Uri Clinton, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Boyd
Gaming. “S.B. Ballard’s proven track record in this region and extensive network of
subcontractors will allow us to successfully meet our development timeline, while Yates’
unparalleled experience in casino development will help us deliver a truly market-leading resort
experience.”

Boyd anticipates opening a transitional gaming facility late this year, followed by the permanent
casino resort in late 2027. The permanent resort is expected to feature a 200-room hotel, eight food and beverage outlets, and a casino with 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games.