New Caesars Casino in Virginia Expected to Open By the End of the Year

A new Caesars casino in Danville, Virginia, right along the state’s southern border, is on schedule to open by the end of the year.

“The permanent casino, the construction there is moving great,” said Ray Dunkle, Virginia Lottery director of gaming operations, to the Danville Register & Bee. “If we would go and stand in that same place [of the casino site] right now, it would be a different look [than before] for sure.”

Local bettors have been able to visit a temporary tent-like casino set-up with 826 slot machines and 36 table games. Still, the anticipation of the full-fledged casino is palpable.

Virginia’s casino community

Virginia is home to three casinos—Danville Casino, HR Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. 

The three combined to generate $673.9 million in adjusted revenue during fiscal year 2024, 263.8 percent of the $255.5 million reported in FY2023.

The impending casino in Danville will be Caesars’ first permanent facility in Virginia. The world-famous gambling brand already launched its online sports betting skin, Caesars sportsbook, in Virginia in February 2021 and produced the fifth-highest handle in the state in the last available month (June).

According to Caesars’ website, Caesars Virginia will cost $500 million and will feature 500 hotel rooms, a state-of-the-art casino floor, access to Caesars sportsbook, a World Series of Poker room, a restaurant, and entertainment options, among other amenities.

Updated estimates suggest the casino could cost as much as $750 million and create 900-1,300 new jobs, as approved by the Danville City Council.

The website also says the casino is expected to “break ground” by the end of the year, confirming Dunkle’s comments that "They’re looking to open in the fourth quarter.”

Impact on the state 

While gamblers wait for the grand opening of the new facility, the temporary casino is getting a makeover.

The Virginia Lottery approved upgrades in the form of 50 new games and 16 scheduled projects, including 224 games and eight additional tables. 

Caesars Virginia representatives did not clearly define the progress the casino project has made. However, financial forecasts suggest the new facility could become the cornerstone of the state’s gambling ecosystem.

Virginia casinos produced $123.8 million in tax funding during FY2024, a $46 million year-over-year increase. That number would likely experience significant growth once the casino opens, especially if it is a major success.

Danville is only home to less than 42,000 residents according to World Population Review. That ranks 29th among Virginia Cities and is 9.2 percent the population size of Virginia Beach, 17.7 percent of Arlington, and 18.2 percent of Richmond. 

Caesars owns and operates two casinos in nearby North Carolina, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel in Murphy. Both are on the west side of the state and are four and five hours away from Danville respectively.