Caesars Virginia Casino Opening Delayed to Dec. 17

Caesars Virginia, the highly anticipated $750 million resort and casino in Danville, has postponed its grand opening by five days to December 17. The adjustment from the original December 12 date was confirmed by Chris Albrecht, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Virginia. In a press release, Albrecht expressed gratitude to the community for its patience and emphasized the team’s dedication to ensuring a smooth and successful launch. “We know that there is tremendous excitement for our grand opening, and we appreciate everyone’s patience with this short delay. The team has been working around the clock to officially open the doors of Caesars Virginia, and we cannot wait to begin welcoming guests on Dec. 17,” he stated.

 

The Big Preparations

The announcement of the delay came amid ongoing preparations and rising anticipation for the project. However, the timeline has raised some questions. Late last month, Caesars Entertainment began accepting reservations for stays starting December 13, one day after the originally scheduled opening.

This has led to some confusion, as the company has not clarified how these reservations will be handled now that the opening date has shifted. A Caesars representative did not respond to an inquiry about the matter, leaving guests uncertain about their plans during the period between December 13 and the revised grand opening date.

Despite the delay, the grand opening ceremony on December 17 is set to be a major event. Beginning at 11 a.m., it will feature speeches from executives of Caesars Entertainment, representatives of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and local leaders, underscoring the collaborative efforts behind the project. Adding to the spectacle, a parade of race cars and supercars from Virginia International Raceway, Kaizen Autosport, and Foreign Cars Italia will roll through as part of the festivities. NBA legend and five-time champion Dennis Rodman will serve as the parade’s emcee and will place the ceremonial first bet at Caesars Sportsbook, marking a symbolic start to the resort’s operations.

Inside the $750 million facility, visitors will find a range of features designed to create a world-class gaming and entertainment experience. The resort includes 90,000 square feet of gaming space, offering 1,500 slot machines, 79 live-action table games, 48 electronic table games, a dedicated poker room, and a Caesars Sportsbook. In addition to its gaming options, the property boasts luxury amenities and accommodations, further solidifying its position as a key player in the region’s hospitality and entertainment sectors.

The economic impact of Caesars Virginia is already significant. Since opening its temporary Danville casino in May 2023, the company has contributed over $66 million in gaming taxes to the city and state. These revenues have provided a boost to local and state budgets, underscoring the potential of the full-scale resort to drive further economic growth. The project represents a major step in revitalizing Danville and transforming it into a regional hub for tourism and entertainment.

Virginia’s casino industry continues to grow rapidly following the state’s legalization of gaming in 2020. Caesars Virginia is the third casino to gain approval under the new legislation, following Hard Rock Casino Bristol, which opened last month, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which debuted in January 2023. Additional developments are underway, including a planned casino in Norfolk and a recently approved Cordish Companies resort and casino in Petersburg. This expansion reflects Virginia’s commitment to leveraging the gaming industry as a catalyst for economic development and regional growth.

 

We know that there is tremendous excitement for our grand opening, and we appreciate everyone’s patience with this short delay.

 

The Future

While the delay may temper some of the immediate excitement, the promise of a grand opening filled with high-profile events and state-of-the-art facilities ensures anticipation remains high. Caesars Virginia is poised to become a landmark in Danville, offering a premier destination for gaming and entertainment while contributing to the broader revitalization of the region. As the doors open on December 17, the resort is expected to leave a lasting impact on the local community and the state’s growing gaming landscape.