The eagerly anticipated Caesars Virginia casino remains on course for its grand opening in the fourth quarter of this year, a timeline confirmed by Ray Dunkle, the Virginia Lottery’s director of gaming operations. During a recent Virginia Lottery Board meeting in Richmond, Dunkle expressed enthusiasm about the pace of construction. “The permanent casino, the construction there is moving great,” he noted, signaling promising progress toward the project’s completion.

Significant progress in construction and offerings:

Dunkle described a transformed construction site, indicating a substantial change in the appearance of the full casino project. “It looks significantly different. If we would go and stand in that same place right now, it would be a different look for sure,” he remarked. This transformation underpins the commitment to opening the full-scale casino within the targeted timeline.

Additionally, the temporary gaming setup in Danville is seeing an expansion in its array of gaming options. Dunkle detailed the approval of new games and scheduled projects: “We approved 50 new games and 16 scheduled projects with them involving 224 games and eight tables.” These expansions are enhancing the gaming experience at the temporary tent-like facility, which currently boasts 826 slots and 36 table games.

The financial impact of Virginia’s burgeoning casino industry is notable, with three operational casinos — Danville Casino, HR Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth — generating substantial revenues. According to Deborah Courtney, director of finance for the Virginia Lottery, these casinos amassed about $673.9 million in adjusted revenue for the fiscal year 2024. This marked a significant increase from the $255.5 million recorded in 2023. The total tax contributions from these establishments also rose sharply, reaching $123.76 million in 2024, up from nearly $46 million the previous year, as Danville Register & Bee reports.

The expanding impact of Caesars Virginia:

The full Caesars Virginia casino project, taking shape on the historic Schoolfield Mill site, represents a major investment in the region’s economic and entertainment landscape. Originally estimated at $400 million, the investment in the casino and hotel resort has nearly doubled to $750 million. Despite a slight adjustment in the projected employment numbers — now estimated between 900 to 1,300 positions as approved by the Danville City Council — the project continues to promise significant economic benefits and job opportunities for the local community.

As the overseeing body, the Virginia Lottery continues to monitor the progress and compliance of the casinos under its jurisdiction. Despite recent reluctance from Caesars Virginia representatives to comment on ongoing developments, the construction momentum and financial forecasts suggest that the casino will be a cornerstone of Virginia’s entertainment and economic development. As the project moves closer to its completion, all eyes are on Danville for what promises to be a transformative launch, setting a new standard for gaming and hospitality in the region.