Illinois: $105 million Golden Nugget Danville Casino welcomes first visitors

Thirteen months after breaking ground, Illinois' temporary Golden Nugget Danville Casino welcomed its first visitors on Saturday. The $105 million casino, located on the east side of the city, was built by Danville Development. 

The gaming floor features approximately 500 slot machines and multiple table games. Initially, the casino will span 30,000 square feet, including a sports bar and the Saltgrass Steak House, which currently operates from 4 to 9 p.m. 

Starting Wednesday, the temporary casino hours will be from 4 p.m. to midnight daily, except for Sundays and Tuesdays when it will open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The casino will be closed on Tuesdays.

James Wilmot, president of Danville Development, expressed his enthusiasm for opening, stating: "Ecstatic, overjoyed, excited, incredibly grateful."

He acknowledged that while his company had been working on the project for three and a half years, the city had been longing for this moment for nearly 30 years, reports The News-Gazette. Wilmot emphasized that the opening of the casino was not only significant for his company but also a milestone for the city of Danville.

Although a grand opening event will take place at a later undisclosed time, eager gamblers aged 21 and over were welcomed to the casino on Saturday until midnight. A temporary operating permit issued by the Illinois Gaming Board allowed the casino to open its doors to the public.

Wilmot acknowledged the current staffing levels and requested patience from guests as the staff gets into their rhythm. Expressing gratitude to the Danville community, Vermilion County, and the state of Illinois, Wilmot praised the efforts of various agencies involved in making the casino a reality.

The excitement surrounding the opening of the casino was evident as dozens of people eagerly lined up, ready to experience the gaming offerings. Visitors traveled from near and far to try their luck at the Golden Nugget Danville Casino.

Wilmot emphasized that the impact of the casino would extend beyond immediate benefits for his firm, stimulating growth in other local businesses. “The magnitude of this moment is more than just the immediate tax, immediate spend for construction,” Wilmot said, as reported by WCIA. “There’s a lot of suppliers that will be increasing their lines, bringing on more people. It’s a trickle effect for sure.”

Looking to the future, Wilmot revealed that the addition of hotels, dining options, and conference rooms is a possibility. The casino will continue to evolve and introduce new features based on the needs and demands of the community, he noted.