Folks in The Prairie State are patiently awaiting the opening of the newest Illinois casino. And we are getting closer to the official ribbon cutting of the Golden Nugget casino in Danville.
Development of the property appears to be wrapping up. Construction at the location entered its final stages last month.
Golden Nugget officials are waiting for the go-ahead from the Illinois Gaming Board. Now workers are in overdrive to finish the project before inspectors show up.
GM: “My job is to keep everyone calm”
Juris Basens is the general manager of Golden Nugget Danville. When speaking to the News-Gazette, he said the process is starting to cause some employees to get nervous.
“It’s nerve-racking for the new people,” said Basens. “My job is to keep everyone calm.”
There have been hopes that the casino would open this spring. However, Basens points out that any construction project takes time.
“We’re in good shape. We feel confident with everything,” said Basens. “We’ve got a good staff; we have good cooperation with local law enforcement; our permanent occupancy is in place; we’re about done with the board of health. We have our state and local liquor license in place, and operating supplies are being delivered.”
Basens says the casino doors are not ready to swing open quite yet. However, he says it is only a matter of time.
“I sound like a politician,” said Basens. “The status is we continue to work with the [Illinois] Gaming Board and continue to make progress. When we feel good about it, we’ll make a request for a testing date.”
Government approval still needed as Golden Nugget Danville enters final preparations
As Golden Nugget Danville enters its final preparations, officials are gearing up to request a testing date. That’s when state officials head to the casino to ensure employees and top officials are on board with proper procedures. They will also make sure that equipment is operating correctly, and the casino is sanitary.
The property will apply for a certificate of occupancy and a public-health certification. Then the Illinois Gaming Board will test the property for approval to open things up. Basens says he doesn’t know how long the inspection will take.
“Games are being put in their final place and cameras in their final place,” said Basens. “We don’t request our test with the gaming board until we’re confident the day they come and test us, everything is sparkling and clean and the employees are ready.”
When everything is completed, the Golden Nugget Danville will feature several amenities, including 500 slot machines and 14 table games. The $100 million venue will have games like mini-baccarat, blackjack, 3-card poker, craps, Mississippi stud, roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em.