Danville voters: yes or no to a casino?

Casino gaming referendum to be on Nov. 3 General Election ballot

Published August 7, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Danville Circuit Court Judge Joseph Milam on Friday issued an order that will officially place a local referendum on casino gaming on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot in Danville.

Caesars Virginia, a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corp., plans to construct and operate a $400 million casino at the former Dan River Mills industrial complex in Schoolfield. The casino is expected to create 1,300 jobs.

Voters will be asked this question: “Shall casino gaming be permitted at a casino gaming establishment in the City of Danville, Virginia, at 1100 West Main Street, Danville, Virginia 24541 (former Dan River Mills Schoolfield Division Site) as approved by the Virginia Lottery Board?”

The question adequately identifies the proposed casino location, according to the court, and is worded as required by Virginia Code.

On July 1, legislation passed by the General Assembly allowing five economically challenged cities to host one commercial casino each became legal. Hard Rock is planning a resort in Bristol and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe received city approval for its casino in Norfolk and is bidding in Richmond. Investors must put in at least $300 million into each project, which are each anticipated to bring in more than $1 billion in annual total revenues.

A copy of the order will be sent to the city registrar, the Virginia Department of Elections and the Secretary of the Danville Electoral Board. A public notice about the referendum will be published for three weeks before the election.