Caesars Virginia in Danville Churns Out Long Lines, Lofty Excitement

Posted on: December 18, 2024, 10:42h. 

Last updated on: December 18, 2024, 10:49h.

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

Caesars Entertainment this week opened its newest casino resort by way of Virginia’s Danville.

Caesars Virginia Danville casino resort
Caesars Virginia is officially open in Danville. The $750 million property is the third permanent casino to open in the commonwealth after Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. (Image: Caesars Entertainment)

On Tuesday, the brand-new Caesars Virginia opened to a long line of guests who patiently waited for hours outside the $750 million integrated resort complex located on the former grounds of the Dan River Mills textile manufacturing campus. Part of the property’s historic roots remain with the Three Sisters, as Caesars retained the iconic smokestacks that have stood over Danville for decades.

Caesars Virginia was initially scheduled to open on Thursday, December 12 but Caesars delayed the opening until December 17.

Guests said it was worth the wait.

I’m proud of it,” Danville resident Dorothy Walker told CBS7. “It’s beautiful. It’s changing the whole city. It’s going to be beautiful at night when you pass by instead of seeing just a big, old, brick building sitting with nothing in it.”

“When you walk in, you feel like you’re in Las Vegas,” added local Douglas Whorley.

Caesars, Tribal Project

While the Caesars name dons the luxury resort casino that has 1,500 slot machines, 79 live dealer table games, 48 electronic table games, a World Series of Poker Room, and a Caesars Sportsbook, the development is a joint venture between the Nevada-based gaming giant and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

Caesars and the tribe that holds federal recognition in North Carolina have been strategically aligned for many years. Caesars has run the Cherokees’ two tribal casino resorts in their home state — Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in Murphy — since they respectively opened in 1997 and 2015.

“The grand opening of Caesars Virginia in Danville marks another proud moment of our partnership with Caesars. It reflects the EBCI’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and community investment. We’re honored to be part of an effort that creates lasting opportunities for the people of Danville and the surrounding region,” said EBCI Chief Michell Hicks.

Along with 90K square feet of gaming, Caesars Virginia has 320 hotel rooms, 50K square feet of meeting space, and a 2,500-seat theater. A full-service spa and pool are among the resort’s amenities.

Caesars Virginia also turns Danville into a culinary destination with a wide variety of dining options highlighted by Michelin-starred celebrity chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay’s Ramsay’s Kitchen. Additional options include the Asian-themed Dan Dan Noodle, Three Smokes, a casual American eatery, and the 500 Block Food Hall by local restaurateur Steve Parry.

Opening Ceremonies 

Caesars Virginia formally opened with five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman serving as the master of ceremonies. The event kicked off with a parade of race and supercars supplied by the Virginia International Raceway, Kaizen Autosport, and Foreign Cars Italia weaving through the heart of Danville.

After arriving at the casino, Rodman placed the first sports bet — a $100 five-leg parlay on all five teams he played for in the NBA to win their next game. A fireworks and drone show then ensued.

The City of Danville is expecting to receive $35 million to $40 million annually from Caesars Virginia. The city receives about 6.5% of the casino’s monthly gross gaming revenue. It will also collect taxes on hotel stays, food and beverage, entertainment, and other resort revenue.