Operator News

US – Pamunkey Indian Tribe gets mayor’s seal of approval for first casino in Virginia

By Phil - 20 December 2018

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe is making progress in its bid to build the first casino resort to Virginia with plans to develop a site in Norfolk, between Harbor Park and the nearby Amtrak station, into a river front casino.

Mayor Kenny Alexander said: “Pamunkey Chief Robert Gray announced the intentions of his tribve to bring a world class resort casino and spa to Norfolk. After looking at other cities they choose ours. The tribe’s decision validates Norfolk as an emerging destination for tourism in the mid-Atlantic, and the center for entertainment in Hampton Roads. We are excited about the interest of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe in Norfolk. I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Gray, and his team, over the past year and I look forward to growing this relationship as negotiations continue.

“Our evolving waterfront city is among the most multi-modal and connected cities in the country,” the mayor added. “We have passenger rail that connects us to other cities on the east coast, the only light rail system in Virginia which connects our diverse and unique neighbourhoods, an airport less than 20 minutes away from our downtown that has direct connections as fasr west as Denver, Phoenix and San Diego, and a cruise terminal steps from our city hall that connects travellers to Cuba. We are home to four college and universities, more than seven miles of beachfront, a growing, innovative economy, and resilient spirit that is creating the coastal community of the future.”

Jay Smith, spokesman for the.Pamunkey Tribe, commented: “If we are able to reach a deal and you were to stay in the hotel there, you be able to look down into the stadium and watch a game,” said. “The tribe is negotiating 20 acres of land from the city. The resort would include a hotel, restaurants, luxury spa and a possible entertainment venue. The tribe has always said that we want to go where we are welcome and Norfolk has certainly been very welcoming.

“Norfolk is great destination,” Mr. Smith added. “We think with the tourists that will want to come to the area as well as its proximity and transportation access to interstates makes this property in particular very appealing.”
The deal would still need to be approved by the federal government.