In Virginia, Caesars Entertainment has officially launched a Caesars for Danville referendum campaign to educate voters about its proposed $400 million casino resort at Schoolfield. The referendum will be held November 3 and if it passes, Caesars plans to break ground by early 2021 and complete the project in 2023.
The campaign announced a committee of community leaders, who will be the liaisons between the community and the developers, said Caesars campaign advisor Tony Rodio. “That helps give us direction into knowing the community. It helps get our story across. We’re going to use traditional media, a lot of social media, boots on the ground, talking to people. We’ll give people in the community an opportunity to ask questions.”
Rodio said the project will create 900 construction jobs and 1,300 permanent jobs with benefits and average pay between $35,000 and $47,000 annually. The property’s gaming floor will offer 2,000 slots, 75 table games, 16 poker tables and a sportsbook, plus a 500-room hotel, 35,000-square-foot conference center, 2,500-seat live entertainment venue, restaurants and bars. The city of Danville expects to receive $34 million in annual gaming tax revenue.
Caesars Entertainment President and Chief Operating Officer Anthony Carano stated, “Caesars Entertainment has a long history of enriching the communities we serve, whether that be through our commitment to social responsibility or through our proven record of creating exhilarating experiences at our world-class resorts. Our diverse collection of destinations across the U.S. are synonymous with unparalleled service, impressive benefits through our Caesars Rewards loyalty program, superstar entertainment talent and culinary excellence. We will bring these same phenomenal offerings to the people of Danville to enjoy.”
Mayor Alonzo Jones added, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community and breathes life back into an old industrial site. I hope my fellow residents will join me in voting yes to bring Caesars to Danville.”
Danville is one of five Virginia cities allowed under recently passed legislation to have a casino with the approval of local voters. The others are Richmond, Bristol, Portsmouth and Norfolk.
