Danville's Golden Nugget Casino opens after 30 years of planning and delays

A 30-year dream becomes reality as Danville's Golden Nugget Casino debuts. From slots to sportsbooks, the city bets big on economic revival.

, and Administrator

2026 March 12 . 7:16 PM

1 min read

The image shows a row of slot machines in a casino, with chairs on the floor and lights on the... — The image shows a row of slot machines in a casino, with chairs on the floor and lights on the ceiling. The machines have text and numbers on them, indicating that they are for sale.

Danville's Golden Nugget Casino opens after 30 years of planning and delays

Danville's long-awaited Golden Nugget Casino has officially opened its doors. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch, with city leaders, state officials and casino executives in attendance. The event celebrates the end of a 30-year planning journey for the city.

The new casino replaces a temporary facility that had operated under an Illinois Gaming Board licence since May 2023. Construction took 11 months, creating over 300 local jobs. F.A. Wilhelm Construction and KDG architectural company led the project.

The 41,500-square-foot venue now features 14 table games, 500 slot machines, and a Sportsbook. Two restaurants and 650 parking spaces complete the site. On opening day, visitors enjoyed promotions, including a major jackpot and other prizes. Golden Nugget also offers sports betting through its online platform, managed by Tilman Fertitta. Danville's Mayor, Rickey Williams Jr., highlighted the casino's economic potential for the community.

The permanent casino is now fully operational, replacing the temporary site that ran for over a year. Its launch follows decades of planning and brings new jobs, entertainment, and revenue to Danville. The city expects long-term benefits from the development.