Key City Projects Being Funded by Caesars Danville Temporary Casino
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor
Updated: 03/09/2024
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Caesars Danville Temporary Casino
It has been revealed recently that the Caesars Danville temporary pavilion tent casino, which has been operational since last May, has proven to be a huge boon for the city. Within a short space of time, the gaming tax revenue generated by the casino has exceeded expectations, leading to huge benefits for the community.
Officials from Danville City Council recently disclosed plans to use $2 million in casino gaming taxes for vital city projects. Officials said that the temporary casino, which boasts 800 slot machines, 33 table games, and sports betting kiosks, has smashed the barriers in terms of initial revenue projections.
Two Important Projects Earmarked for Funding
With the impressive windfall in tax revenue, the Danville city government has earmarked $1 million for each of two important projects. First, there will be the construction of a water splash pad at Ballou Park, providing a safe recreational space for residents during the summer months.
Second, the allocation includes the design and installation of underground electric lines along West Main Street, enhancing infrastructure around the casino entrance, which will benefit residential and commercial premises in the area.
The benefits of the casino venture include financial gains and community development. Danville secured casino approval alongside four other cities through state legislation in 2020. According to Danville Councilor Lee Vogler, it was the benefits from taxes that led to the casino being approved. He said:
It wasn’t just about, ‘Hey, let’s have a casino come here.’ It was about what it means for the community.
Caesars is in the process of constructing a $500 million permanent casino resort at the former Dan River Mills textile campus, adding the iconic “Three Sisters” smokestacks into its design. This is a nod to the town’s rich heritage.
Caesars Danville Temporary Casino a Success
Virginia’s commercial gaming law allows temporary gaming facilities during the construction phase of permanent resorts, and this is something that Caesars has used to its advantage. The pavilion tent has been a significant success for both the Nevada-based gaming giant and the local community.
Since it opened its doors last May, Caesars’ temporary Danville gaming floor has made over $164.5 million in gross gaming revenue. Danville receives six percent of this revenue, amounting to approximately $9.9 million.
The permanent Caesars Virginia facility will boast a 12-story hotel with 320 guest rooms. There will also be a casino floor with 1,300 slots, 85 live dealer table games, a World Series of Poker Room, and a Caesars Sportsbook.
In addition to this, the resort will offer a host of other amenities for visitors. These include a full-service spa, pool, a wide range of dining options, a 2,500-seat concert hall, and 40,000 square feet of convention space.
It is hoped that the continued success of the casino will lead to ongoing economic growth for the city and community enrichment through increased funding for vital projects. What’s more, the permanent casino, when opened, will bring extra jobs to the area, which will, in turn, lead to a more prosperous city.