The mayor of Danville believes there is a chance the Golden Nugget casino could open in a few weeks. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. told the City Council Public Service Committee meeting on Tuesday that the newest Illinois casino underwent a thorough inspection by the Illinois Gaming Board. If that process goes well, the Golden Nugget could open before the end of May. However, the Memorial Day holiday may impact these plans.
So far, the Danville Golden Nugget team has not commented on when the casino might open. This is standard procedure in Illinois, where the IGB has the final say on the opening date of a casino.
Whenever the casino does open, it will be the result of four years of work. The Danville gambling facility was part of the 2019 Illinois gambling expansion law.
It will be the 13th casino in Illinois.
The temporary casino by Full House Resorts is the most recent casino to open in the Prairie State. It opened on Feb. 28. PlayIllinois was there shortly thereafter to publish a review of the Waukegan casino.
Four a lot more Illinois internet casinos are on the way in which
Full House Resorts is developing a permanent casino in Waukegan.
Additionally, Bally’s plans to open its own temporary location in Chicago. The Medinah Temple is currently expected to open sometime this summer, while the company also focuses on its future River West property. The permanent $1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago casino is targeted for a 2026 opening, featuring a full casino floor, entertainment space, and multiple restaurants.
Furthermore, three more properties are set to open in 2023:
- Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Williamson County is scheduled to open in 2023.
- An permanent Hard Rock Rockford casino is planned to open in late 2023 (the Hard Rock: Opening Act temporary casino opened in 2021).
- Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino, located on the border between Homewood and East Hazel Crest, is scheduled to open in late 2023 or early 2024.
Golden Piece opening can add a brand new Illinois sportsbook
A new sportsbook is also planned for the Golden Nugget Casino in Danville, Illinois. Additionally, the Golden Nugget intends to launch an online sports betting platform using its associated license.
Currently, there are seven online sportsbooks in Illinois. Circa Sportsbook will be the eighth sports betting operator in Illinois, and it is associated with the Waukegan casino. Circa aims to launch in August.
In addition to the sportsbook, the Danville casino will feature a 41,500-square foot gambling floor that includes:
- 500 slot machines.
- 14 table games, such as baccarat, blackjack, three-card poker, craps, roulette, and more.
- Two restaurants.
It’s worth mentioning that the Saltgrass Steak House has already opened at the casino.
Danville currently delivered $1,000,000 to the city
In March, the developers of the casino presented the city of Danville with a $1,000,000 check as part of the Host Community Agreement made between the Golden Nugget and the city.
Furthermore, the funds will be allocated towards the city’s riverfront development. The developers, Wilmorite Construction and the Wilmot Family, have agreed to contribute a total of $3 million in donations. The riverfront development, the Boys and Girls Club of Danville, and the Danville Municipal Project will share the entire donation.
The check presentation took place during a preview of the upcoming casino, attended by approximately 25 people. The property is located at 204 Eastgate Drive in Danville.