Norfolk Casino Pledges To Hire Half Of Workforce From Minority Groups

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe and the Pamunkey Indian Tribal Gaming Authority have announced an ambitious hiring plan for potential Norfolk casino jobs.

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe plans to hire 90% of its applicants from the Norfolk area. Additionally, the tribe wants 50% of the employees to be from minority groups.

That blueprint, which is called the “Norfolk Resort and Casino Minority Outreach and Hiring Plan,” now rests on the outcome of a voter referendum on Election Day. On Nov. 3, Norfolk residents will vote whether to approve the construction of the Norfolk Resort and Casino.

Norfolk officials previously named the Pamunkey Indian Tribe as its preferred casino partner.

If the ballot initiative is successful and the referendum passes, the potential $500 million casino will get underway. Its opening would likely come in 2023.

Candidates for Norfolk casino jobs

If Norfolk casino construction begins, hiring could begin as soon as December, according to tribe officials.

They have already begun a nationwide search for top minority executives.

Additionally, as WKTR.com reported, the Pamunkey Indian Tribal Gaming Authority has already met with many local groups to identify employment candidates from the region.

The goal is to help spread the word of the Pamunkey tribe’s hiring plans via community outreach, recruitment, and training. The list included:

• Hampton Roads Office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation
• Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center
• Hampton Roads Workforce Council
• Norfolk NAACP
• Norfolk State University
• Norfolk Works
• Old Dominion University
• Saint Paul’s Community Development Corporation
• Tidewater Community College
• Virginia Values Veterans Program

As the tribe details on its website, it will also be in the search of minority suppliers and contractors for the design and construction process. Those potential business partners can contact the tribe via the website.

About the Norfolk Resort and Casino

Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly legalized casino gambling in the commonwealth. Consequently, referendums are underway in four of the five designated cities that could serve as hosts for future casino resorts.

The fifth, which would be the Richmond casino, is also a Pamunkey Indian Tribe project. However, that referendum won’t take place until 2021.

As for the Norfolk Resort and Casino, officials plan to hire 2,500 new full-time jobs and another 2,000 or so temporary construction jobs.

According to WAVY.com most of the jobs will be in gaming operations with salaries of $60,000 to $75,000. However, other positions in finance, security, IT, guest services, and other departments will also provide competitive salaries.

The Norfolk resort would be situated along the Elizabeth River. It would feature a casino, sportsbook, hotel, entertainment complex, restaurants, and other attractions.

Proponents say the project could create $30 million in annual tax revenue for Norfolk while also providing a boost for regional tourism.