In a unanimous vote, the Illinois Gaming Board found Danville Development LLC’s plans for the $100 million Golden Nugget Danville Casino to be “preliminary suitable.” The casino now is one step closer to receiving an Illinois gaming license. Officials said ground could be broken within the next month and the venue could be completed in 11 months.
Golden Nugget Danville is one of six casinos authorized by legislators and signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2019. The IGB already has approved proposals in Rockford, Waukegan, Williamson County and Homewood-East Hazel Crest. The temporary Hard Rock casino in Rockford is the only venue in operation and Mayor Lori Lightfoot is considering a downtown Chicago operator.
James A. Wilmot, president of Danville Development, said, “We are thrilled. This is a major step in getting this project off the ground. We are pleased that the gaming board has recognized this project as viable and that it has met all the essential requirements. We are looking forward to becoming part of the amazing Danville community,”
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. added, “The issuance of suitability for the Golden Nugget Danville Casino is momentous for Danville and Vermilion County. Golden Nugget and Wilmorite have established world-renowned casinos around the country and we are ecstatic that they are investing in Danville. This means not only millions of dollars in revenue for the city, but hundreds of good paying jobs, additional patronage of our local businesses, quality entertainment and much needed restaurants, all of which will improve the quality of life for our people.”
Williams noted, “It’s exciting to have a world-class brand here in Danville.” He said most of the five existing Golden Nugget casinos have become resorts, which he hopes will happen for Danville.
Williams said gaming revenue to the city is projected at $4 to $6 million annually, not including increased property taxes, sales tax and food and beverage tax. Those could bring new revenue to $5 million to $7 million, he said.
The proposed casino will feature a 41,500-square-foot gaming floor with 500 slot machines, 14 table games, two restaurants, including a Saltgrass Steakhouse, sportsbook and 650 surface parking spaces. The project will offer an online gaming and digital sports betting platform through Golden Nugget Online Gaming Inc. Wilmot said the facility will create 300 jobs.
IGB members said they appreciated Danville Development’s diversity, equity and inclusion commitment goals in ownership, including commitments of more than 5 percent minority ownership, more than 14 percent women ownership and more than 2 percent veteran ownership, plus workforce development with 30 percent minority, 40 percent women and 5 percent veterans.
