NORFOLK – MAY 6, 2025 – Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe today announced partnerships with Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College, awarding each a $50,000 grant.
The grants are part of a new partnership with both institutions to help develop education and training opportunities in support of the Norfolk casino’s workforce needs. The grants follow a similar contribution of $100,000 to Norfolk State University at the project’s groundbreaking
ceremony last October.
“Developing a skilled workforce is critical to operating a best-in-class gaming resort, and we look forward to partnering with Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College in building a world-class team,” said Ron Bailey, Vice President and General Manager of the
Norfolk casino. “Our resort casino will be amazing and having talented and skilled team members is the heart of a great resort experience. That is why it is so important for us to work with local colleges and universities to ensure our workforce is ready to deliver a truly best-inclass experience when we open.”
The $750 million resort casino is anticipated to employ approximately 850 people in a variety of roles, including information technology, accounting, hospitality, security, and gaming. Partnerships with Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College will help create a pipeline of professionals that are ready to join the gaming resort’s team.
“Preparing our community for the workforce – and a better life – are at the heart of what we do,” said Marcia Conston, President at Tidewater Community College. “Many of the jobs at a casino are similar to jobs in other industries. But there are some jobs that are specific to gaming and we’re proud to develop the training programs that help address that need.”
“The Norfolk Casino project represents a tremendous addition to the community, and we are thrilled to partner with Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to enhance our workforce in order to ensure that we are well positioned to meet their employment needs both now and well into the future,” said Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., President at Old Dominion University.
The grants are the first steps in Boyd Gaming’s and the Pamunkey Tribe’s mutual plans to develop long-term partnerships with Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Tidewater Community College. Details surrounding these partnerships and the role that each institution will play will be announced in the coming months.
Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe anticipate opening a transitional gaming facility in late 2025, followed by the permanent casino resort in late 2027. The permanent casino resort will feature 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, eight food and beverage outlets, live entertainment, and a 45,000-square-foot outdoor amenity deck.
Additional information on the project is available at https://norfolk.boydgaming.com, and renderings of the project are available at https://media.boydgaming.com/norfolk.
About Boyd Gaming
Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states, manager of a tribal casino in northern California, and owner and operator of Boyd Interactive, a B2B and B2C online casino gaming business. The Company is also a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, the nation's leading sports-betting operator. With one of the most experienced leadership teams in the casino industry, Boyd Gaming prides itself on offering guests an outstanding entertainment experience and memorable customer service. For additional Company information and press releases, visit https://investors.boydgaming.com.
About the Pamunkey Indian Tribe
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe is one of 11 Virginia Indian tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the state’s first federally recognized tribe by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. This federal recognition came in 2016 and allows the tribe to pursue economic development opportunities that will ensure their long-term viability. Their 1,600 acres of Pamunkey land are tucked in along the north bank of the Pamunkey River in King William County, where they continue to be stewards of the environment and contributing members of the surrounding community.