Danville Casino sees slight drop in revenues in January

Danville Casino's monthly revenues decreased by more than $2 million in January from the previous month, according to the latest figures released Thursday by the Virginia Lottery.

The casino took in a total of about $17.2 million the first month of this year — about $2.5 million less than December's $19.74 million, according to figures.

That $17.2 million included about $12.3 million from slots and about $4.9 million from table games, according to the Virginia Lottery.

Since opening May 15, the temporary gambling facility — operating until a full Caesars Virginia casino hotel resort opens later this year — has brought in roughly $162 million in revenue.

As a result of the casino's January revenues, the city of Danville will receive about $1 million in tax revenue. That's in addition to $430,971 in direct payment from Caesars for the month, said Danville Finance Director Michael Adkins.

Under an agreement with Caesars Virginia, the city of Danville receives 2.5% of the first $200 million in revenues generated by the casino.

So far, the city has received about $4.05 million in direct payments from Caesars and about $9.74 million in tax revenue since Danville Casino opened nine months ago. That has meant a total of about $13.8 million in tax revenues and direct payments to the city, Adkins said.

The temporary casino in Schoolfield has 808 slots and 33 table games housed in a tent-like structure until the permanent resort is complete.

Casino and city officials held a “topping off” ceremony for the 12-story, 320-room hotel project last month.

The hotel is now a visible part of the skyline in Danville, reaching almost as high as the smokestacks — known as the Three Sisters — that remain from the former Dan River Inc. textile mill that operated for decades at the site in the mill village known as Schoolfield.

Voters in Danville approved Caesars Virginia casino in November 2020. Last April, the Virginia Lottery Board formally approved the casino license for Caesars Virginia, paving the way for the temporary operation to open.

Danville is one of three casinos operating in the state. They rang up a total of about $52.8 million in January, according to the Virginia Lottery.

Danville Casino outperformed Bristol's gaming facility, which pulled in about $12 million last month. But Rivers Casino Portsmouth generated the most money — about $23.5 million, according to the Virginia Lottery.

Bristol’s temporary facility has been operating at the former Bristol Mall since July 8, 2020. The casino in Portsmouth opened in January 2023.

When the full Caesars Virginia opens next year, it is expected to have about 1,400 slot machines and table games.

There are about 440 employees at the Danville Casino so far, with at least twice that many expected to be working at the full casino resort.

The $650 million permanent casino project is expected to have 1,300 slots, 85 live tables and 24 electronic table games. The resort will feature a spa, pool, bars, restaurants and a 2,500-seat entertainment theater.

Also, 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space will be available.