Caesars Entertainment Says Danville Casino Has Widespread Local Support

Posted on: October 21, 2020, 10:37h. 

Last updated on: October 21, 2020, 12:06h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Caesars Entertainment has unveiled a list of more than 100 local businesses that support its mission to bring Danville, Va., a casino resort.

Caesars Entertainment Danville Virginia casino
Caesars Entertainment officials are pledging to Danville voters that a casino on the grounds of a former textile mill will be the economic jumpstart the city desperately needs. (Image: Chatham Star-Tribune)

On November 3, voters will be asked if they approve of allowing a commercial casino property to come to the area. If the local referendum receives a simple majority, Caesars would be cleared to move forward with its proposed $400 million investment. The Danville City Council previously choose Ceasars as the operator.

Caesars says over 100 businesses have publicly lent their support to the development.

This is a great opportunity for Danville and the surrounding area. It means an increase in jobs, revenue, and an attraction for people to visit our region to support our local businesses,” said Pete Hairston, owner of Bro Pete’s restaurant.

Caesars wants to repurpose the Dan River textile complex into a casino and entertainment destination. The casino giant has pledged to share with Danville a minimum of $5 million annually in gaming taxes and expects to pay upwards of $4 million each year in local property, hotel, and sales taxes.

Real Estate Backing

Critics of bringing casinos to new markets claim gambling results in lower real estate valuations. Not so, says one Danville realtor.

Hampton Wilkins says a casino will increase tourism and only benefit the market. He owns Wilkins & Co. Realtors, one of the region’s largest real estate firms.

For decades, our region has looked for ways to attract tourists to our area. The referendum is our opportunity, and we can’t miss out on it,” Wilkins declared. “I’ve worked on tourism for 30 years in Danville, and all of a sudden, they’re putting it in our lap.”

Rick Barker Properties, James Sparks Rental Properties, Marshall Apartment Rentals, and Red Door Properties are additionally supporting the Danville casino.

Economic Boom

If approved, the Danville casino will bring 900 construction jobs to the region, and a subsequent 1,300 full-time permanent positions, Caesars Entertainment announced earlier this month.

The casino says each permanent worker will be paid a minimum of $15 per hour. The per capita income for Danville residents in 2019 was just $22,200 — which equates to around $11.28 on a full-time schedule.

Caesars Danville would come with a minimum of 300 four-star hotel rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, 35,000 square feet of conference space, a 2,500-seat entertainment venue, a spa, and a casino with slot machines, table games, a poker room, and sportsbook.

Caesars says a “Yes” vote on the casino referendum is a vote “for jobs and tens of millions in new tax revenue for Danville.”

“Casino resorts provide stable employment for the host community and region,” the company said. “These are not just jobs — they are opportunities for careers with a global company that invests in its employees and is committed to a promote-from-within culture.”