Danville casino could open sooner than expected
DANVILLE, Ill. (WICS/WCCU) — The Danville casino could soon be opening sooner than expected.
According to city officials, the developer that is most likely to be recommended to the city council is proposing to open a temporary casino.
The state of Illinois is no stranger to casinos.
There are currently 10 casinos in the state.
Soon, the city of Danville will make 11.
According to Mayor Rickey Williams Jr., the temporary casino would be constructed as a permanent structure that would eventually become a part of the casino.
The casino would be located along Lynch Road, which is south of Interstate 74.
If the temporary casino is built in time, officials have estimated that new revenue could be seen as early as the last half of the next fiscal year.
According to the American Gaming Association, $2.95 billion was generated for the state of Illinois through casinos.
For Danville alone, city officials have estimated within five years, $7 million could be generated.
More than 16,000 people were employed throughout the 10 casinos in the state alone.
City officials said a casino in Danville is estimated to bring roughly 600 new jobs to the city.
If the state licensing process goes according to plan, the temporary casino could be up and running as early as next summer.
Officials are hoping the casino will be fully completed in the latter part of the year 2021.
The building developer is expected to be announced at next Tuesday's City Council meeting.
