Danville, Illinois city officials, casino executives and members of the public attended the recent groundbreaking for the Golden Nugget Casino.
Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said, “This is a historic day for Danville, one that people worked on for decades. I’m so proud is because everyone worked together to make this happen. There were Democrats and there were Republicans, there were poor folks and rich folks, there were people from the state house and from city hall.
“This is history in the making,” he continued, “and it’s going to be a game-changer for all of us here in Danville and Vermilion County. Let the good times roll.”
Gerry Del Prete, chief operations officer of gaming at Fertitta Gaming, thanked everyone on behalf of Fertitta Entertainment, Landry’s restaurants and the Golden Nugget family. “The Golden Nugget is an iconic brand and it’s been around for over 75 years,” he said. “We have five casino resort locations across the country, and we can’t wait to add Golden Nugget Danville to the family.”
Ward 1 Alderwoman Brenda Brown added that, thanks to the new casino, “People can stop saying there’s nothing to do here.”
The casino is expected to open in March 2023 and create 300 jobs. Plans call for a 41,500-square-foot gaming floor with 500 slot machines, 14 table games, two restaurants, including a Saltgrass Steakhouse, a sportsbook and 650 surface parking spaces. An online gaming and digital sports betting platform will be offered through Golden Nugget Online Gaming Inc.
Analysts projected the venue will generate $5 million to $7 million dollars in annual tax revenue. Williams noted Golden Nugget also has committed to give back with a $100,000 donation each year to the United Way, along with an annual donation of $50,000 donation to the police and fire departments, Vermilion Advantage and local community college scholarships.
State Senator Scott Bennett said since the casino site is so close to the Indiana border, “about 50 percent to 60 percent of the money spent will come from the Indiana side.”
