Proposals already have been approved in four other locations in the State
The Illinois Gaming Board voted unanimously, last Thursday, approving plans for the Golden Nugget Danville Casino. The planned 41,500-square-foot gaming floor is expected to have 500 slot machines, 14 table games, two restaurants and a sports book. When the casino opens, it is expected to create 300 jobs, and bring in US$5-7 million dollars in revenue each year.
“People always say we always say we need more restaurants out on Lynch Road, and here we’re going from to 2, so that’s a good thing,” said Danville Mayor Ricky Williams during a press, adding that developers are already contracting with local unions to begin construction in the next few weeks. “They’ve also committed to 30% minority employment, 15% female employment and 5% veteran employment as well.”.
“Once this casino is built, its all the residual effects around it. You’ll have obviously more restaurants coming in- we don’t have any restaurants on the east side. Sometimes you see water parks around casinos. You see a lot more hotels could come in,” Tim Dudley, CEO of Vermilion Advantage told local media.
Dudley hopes the Golden Nugget will also attract visitors from surrounding areas.
“Being right on the border of Indiana, its going to bring a lot of people in from Indianapolis. We’re only an hour drive from Indianapolis. You’re going to have a lot of people coming into your town, versus going out of your town,” added Dudley.
Mayor Williams said the Golden Nugget also plans to give back with a $100,000 donation each year to the United Way. Plus, another $50,000 donation each year to the police and fire departments, Vermilion Advantage and local community college scholarships. “Any person who needs to get an education or additional kind of certification. Not just an Associate degree, but also young people who are applying for certificates,” Mayor Williams added.
Danville is the latest community to get a green light for new gaming under a 2019 law that expanded gambling in Illinois. Proposals already have been approved in four other locations. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is also considering proposals for a casino in the city. Danville is a community of about 30,000 people located about 150 miles south of Chicago, just west of Illinois’ border with Indiana.
