Caesars Virginia in Danville is set to officially open next month.
Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the joint developers, owners, and operators of the $750 million investment, inform Casino.org that the integrated resort casino will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, December 12.
“We have worked diligently on creating a world-class resort that will offer all the luxurious and modern amenities expected from Caesars that will also serve as an economic driver for Danville and the surrounding region through employment and tourism,” said Barron Fuller, regional president for Caesars Entertainment. “We’re so proud of Caesars Virginia and look forward to welcoming guests on December 12.”
Caesars Virginia is a 587,000-square-foot venue featuring more than 90,000 square feet of gaming space, nearly 1,500 slot machines, 79 live dealer table games, 48 electronic table games, a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Room, and a Caesars Sportsbook.
The hotel at the resort features 320 guest rooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention spaces, a 2,500-seat entertainment facility, a full-service spa, a swimming pool, and a variety of dining options from fast-casual to the multi-Michelin-starred establishment of chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay, Ramsay’s Kitchen.
Economic Aspirations
Virginia legislators and the former governor. In 2020, Ralph Northam (D) approved casinos in specific cities requiring an economic boost. Danville, situated just north of the Virginia-North Carolina line, urgently required a significant economic investment similar to the one undertaken by Caesars and EBCI.
According to the 2020 census, Danville's median household income stood at only $41,484, which is under half of the $90K average for the state. As of 2020, over 25% of residents in Danville were regarded as living in poverty, which is more than twice the state rate of 10.2%.
Caesars has vowed to offer over 1,200 employees it is recruiting before next month's resort opening competitive salaries and benefits.
"Through numerous hiring events in the region, training at facilities in Danville, and overall support from local and state leaders as well as the business community, we are prepared to continue delivering the Family Style Service that Caesars is known for to our guests in the new, beautiful, destination resort,” said Chris Albrecht, senior vice president and general manager of Caesars Virginia.
“Our partnership with Caesars Virginia marks a significant milestone in the region’s growth, creating jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit both Danville and surrounding communities,” added Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “We look forward to building stronger ties within the region and seeing the positive impact Caesars Virginia will have, providing opportunities and experiences that honor the unique spirit and diversity of this area.”
Caesars Virginia has been established on the previous location of Dan River Inc.'s textile facility. The resort preserved the property's famous "Three Sisters" smokestacks.
Las Vegas Encounters Southern Hospitality
Caesars Virginia offers a flavor of Las Vegas to the state. Called “Roman Luxury Meets Southern Charm,” this location is included in the Caesars Rewards network, enabling loyalty members to earn and use Rewards Credits at over 50 Caesars locations.
Since May 2023, Caesars has been running a temporary casino in Danville. The pavilion tent includes approximately 800 slots and 33 tables. Representatives from Caesars report that the temporary gaming area has generated over $66 million in state and local gaming taxes.
Caesars Virginia will be the third permanent casino to launch in the commonwealth, following Rivers Casino Portsmouth in January 2023 and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol on November 14.