NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Norfolk’s temporary casino is already cashing in, raking in over a million dollars in its first few weeks, according to new data from the Virginia Lottery. As the city anticipates the construction of Boyd Gaming’s $750 million resort casino, the Interim Gaming Hall’s early success raises questions about the future of gambling in the region.
Previous coverage: Norfolk’s interim casino to open Friday
Wayne Saunders has visited several times since it opened last month and told WAVY it’s always busy. Sometimes there is a line, he said. Saunders said he’s had luck playing on the temporary building’s slot machines. There are 132 of them, inside the structure near Harbor Park.
New data supports what Saunders experienced. According to the Virginia Lottery, in 23 days, the Interim Gaming Hall made a profit of roughly $1.4 million.
The Interim Gaming Hall in Norfolk is one of four operating casinos in Virginia.
During November, gaming revenues from Virginia casinos totaled $82.4 million. Here’s the breakdown:
The state tax on casino adjusted gaming revenue is distributed among the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund, the host city, and to the Virginia Indigenous People’s Trust Fund. The Norfolk Casino operates in partnership with the Pamunkey Tribe.
The Interim Gaming Hall in Norfolk is open daily from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m…