HeadWaters Resort & Casino
HeadWaters Resort & Casino, formerly known as the Norfolk casino project, is a $750 million casino resort under development in Norfolk, Virginia. For years the development was commonly known as the Norfolk casino project before the HeadWaters branding emerged during project updates in 2026
A major waterfront casino resort is rising along Norfolk's Elizabeth River. The HeadWaters Resort & Casino continues active construction through July 2026, moving steadily toward its planned 2027 opening. The future resort will bring expanded gaming, a hotel tower, dining, entertainment, and a revitalized riverfront district next to Harbor Park.
Track construction progress, project features, regulatory milestones, and the latest updates on Norfolk's first full-scale casino resort.
Overview
The HeadWaters Resort & Casino is a major waterfront development in Norfolk, Virginia, led by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming. As of July 2026, construction continues with visible vertical progress on the Harbor Park site. Recent regional news coverage confirms the project remains on schedule for a late 2027 opening, with no announced delays or design changes.
The resort will replace the temporary casino that opened in late 2025 and will introduce a full suite of gaming, hospitality, dining, and entertainment amenities. With more than 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel tower, multiple restaurants, and structured parking, the future casino is positioned to become a major anchor for Norfolk's riverfront redevelopment.
Economic Impact
The HeadWaters Resort & Casino is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs in gaming, hospitality, food service, and security. Construction jobs continue to support the region through 2026 as the project advances.
Local officials anticipate increases in tourism, hotel occupancy, visitor spending, and new tax revenue streams. The resort is positioned to become a major driver of waterfront revitalization and regional economic growth for Norfolk and the wider Hampton Roads area.
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Construction Timeline
- 2024-2025: Site preparation, environmental work, and utility relocation.
- Late 2025: Temporary casino opens with a limited gaming floor.
- Early 2026: Foundation work completed; construction begins rising vertically.
- June-July 2026: Active vertical construction continues; project remains on schedule.
- 2026-2027: Interior build-out, systems installation, hiring, and regulatory approvals.
- Late 2027: Planned grand opening of the full HeadWaters Resort & Casino.
Construction Updates (August 2026)
Construction momentum carried from July into August 2026 at the Norfolk casino, where crews are now lifting vertical steel and shaping the building's emerging footprint along the Elizabeth River. Recent video highlights steady progress across the site, reinforcing industry reports that the project remains on schedule with no delays from Boyd Gaming or the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. Work with the Virginia Lottery continues as the resort moves closer to its operational phas
Features
Full-Scale Casino Resort
Casino
- 1,500+ slot machines.
- 50 table games.
- Poker and high-limit gaming.
- Players club and rewards program.
Hotel
- 200-room hotel tower.
- Riverfront views.
- Full-service amenities.
- Meeting and event space.
Dining
- Multiple restaurants.
- Casual and quick-serve options.
- Bars and lounges.
Entertainment
- Live entertainment venue.
- Outdoor riverfront spaces.
- Retail and promenade areas.
Parking
- Structured parking with 1,000+ spaces.
- Integrated pedestrian access to Harbor Park.
Interim Gaming Hall
The temporary Norfolk casino opened in November 2025 and continues to operate during construction of the permanent resort.The interim facility offers a smaller gaming floor with slot machines and electronic games, along with limited food andbeverage service.
Revenue from the temporary casino has already begun generating local tax dollars and regulatory fees, providing earlyeconomic benefits to Norfolk while the full resort is built.
Renderings
These renderings of the full-scale Norfolk casino were released on August 15, 2024.
Location
Norfolk Casino
200 Park Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia
The Norfolk casino is located along the Elizabeth River next to Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk.
- Waterfront site with river views.
- Adjacent to public transit and major roadways.
- Near downtown hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Sitemap released August 19, 2024
Latest News
Norfolk Casino's Hotel Tower Is Now Impossible to Miss September 13, 2026 - New video shows dramatic progress at the $750 million HeadWaters Resort-Casino in Norfolk, where the hotel tower has reached roughly half its planned height and the project remains on schedule ... Read more 
Norfolk Casino Finally Appears to Have a Name: HeadWaters Resort & Casino Emerges September 12, 2026 - For years, Norfolk's future casino resort has been known simply as "the Norfolk casino project," the future resort now appears to have a permanent name ... Read more 
Norfolk casino Hits New Milestone - August 2026 Construction Update August 29, 2026 - Vertical steel is rising fast at the Norfolk Casino construction site where crews are working around the clock to expand ... Read more NEXT ➤
FAQ
When will the Norfolk casino open?
The full Norfolk casino is currently projected to open in late 2027, based on the latest construction and regulatory timelines.
Is the temporary casino still open?
Yes. The temporary Norfolk casino remains open and operating during construction of the permanent resort.
Who is developing the resort?
The project is being developed by Boyd Gaming in partnership with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.
Will there be a hotel?
Yes. A 200-room hotel tower is included in the initial phase of the Norfolk casino development.
