Southern Virginia, encompassing Danville and Pittsylvania County, has witnessed a remarkable 20% surge in visitor spending from 2022 to 2023, reaching a total of $540 million. This significant uptick is largely attributed to the opening of the Danville Casino, which has become a major draw for tourists and a catalyst for economic growth in the region.
Danville Casino’s Impact on Local Economy
The Danville Casino, a temporary facility operated by Caesars Entertainment, opened its doors in May 2023. In its first three months, the casino attracted over 400,000 visitors, generating $30 million in revenue and contributing $1.85 million in gaming tax revenue to Danville. This influx of visitors has not only boosted the casino’s earnings but also had a positive ripple effect on local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments.
Regional Tourism Growth Outpaces Statewide Trends
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the City of Danville generated $112.7 million in direct visitor spending in 2022, marking a 12.7% increase over the previous year. Pittsylvania County also saw a 9.3% increase, with $31.5 million in direct visitor spending. These figures indicate that the region’s tourism sector was already on an upward trajectory even before the casino’s opening.
In 2023, the combined economic impact of tourism in Danville and Pittsylvania County reached $215.4 million, directly supporting 2,028 local jobs and contributing $60.7 million in direct local labor income. This represents a nearly 50% increase in tourism impact compared to the previous year, highlighting the significant role the casino has played in attracting visitors to the area.
Future Developments and Expectations
The success of the temporary Danville Casino has set the stage for the opening of a permanent $750 million Caesars Virginia resort, scheduled to open by the end of 2024. The new resort will feature expanded gaming options, multiple dining venues, a hotel with 320 rooms, and a 40,000-square-foot convention space. City officials anticipate that the permanent facility will attract even more visitors, further boosting the local economy and solidifying Danville’s position as a premier tourist destination in Southern Virginia.
