DANVILLE, Va. — After two years in the making, the highly anticipated Caesars Virginia in Danville is officially open and taking bets. The grand opening brought excitement, glitz, and glamour, with many attendees thrilled they no longer have to travel far for a true casino resort experience.
“It’s wild in there. It’s crazy,” said Josh Johnston.
“It’s like a movie,” added Daniel Jones.
“When you walk in, you feel like you’re in Vegas,” said Douglas Whorley.
The long-awaited Caesars Virginia in Danville is officially open and taking bets.
“I won a couple bucks,” said Johnston.
“I doubled my money,” shared Whorley.
“I did win, and then I lost, so you win, and you lose, and you win,” said Jones
Lots of people were winning big at one of the 1,500 slot machines, 79 table games, or a sportsbook. Even former NBA star Dennis Rodman came to town to be in the parade and make the ceremonial first bet at the sportsbook.
There's also fun for non-gamblers. There's a gift shop, spa, and restaurants.
"We got some gifts,” said Jones. “Christmas shopping and gambling—what more can you ask for?”
And what you can't get at Caesars, Rose Shields hopes you'll get from her nearby boutique, Linden Rose.
“People have won a little money and said they’d come over here and spend it,” Shields said. “We’ve had some people that won a lot of money and came over here and walked through and left, and we’re like, that’s not the idea.”
Many are hoping the casino will lead to even more development.
“We hope for more of that kind of thing—coffee shops, boutiques, and all that for walking traffic for when they’re tired of gambling,” she said.
Development is a gamble Shields is willing to take on the city.
As for the city, leaders are hoping the extravagant grand opening and fireworks show is enough to thrill guests into returning, and many visitors already plan to do so.