Illinois Gaming Board Approves Danville Casino

Illinois regulators on Thursday gave preliminary approval for a new casino to open in downstate Danville, dealing out one of the final cards of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2019 gambling expansion.

The Illinois Gaming Board’s initial green light to the Golden Nugget Danville leaves only one component of Pritzker’s high-stakes legislation remaining: approval of the long-coveted Chicago casino.

The board’s unanimous decision allows a group led by New York-based Wilmot Gaming to break ground in Danville, about 140 miles south of Chicago. The developer’s plan promises to bring a 41,500-square-foot gaming floor with 500 slot machines to the city of about 31,000 that’s perhaps best known as the childhood hometown of actors Dick Van Dyke and Gene Hackman.

Illinois Gaming Board approves Danville casino - Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com)