Renowned Marnell Companies to Design the Danville Casino

Caesars is coming to Virginia. It’s been one of the biggest stories in the casino world over recent months and offers a rare glimmer of positive news and growth in what has been a disastrous 12 months for the entertainment sector in general and for casinos in particular, especially those based on land as opposed to in cyberspace.

Construction is set to begin towards the end of this year, with a projected completion date of 2023. Residents have already had the opportunity to contribute their ideas on the project, and now Caesars has taken the major step of appointing the architect who will be charged with turning the vision into a reality.

Approved by Law

Virginia is the latest domino to fall in a succession of states passing laws to legalize gambling. In February 2019, the Virginia General Assembly formally approved legislation that authorizes casino gaming within the state, regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board and limited to specific cities that meet a set of criteria outlined within the bill.

Suffice it to say that Danville is one of five such cities that meets the criteria, meaning it was free to go ahead with its casino plans, subject to public approval. That approval was also granted, by way of a referendum, at the end of last year, leaving the way clear for Caesars to acquire the former Dan River Mills Schoolfield Division, which shut down in 2007 and has stood derelict ever since.

The $400 million casino resort will cater to everyone, with an incorporated entertainment venue and conference center, 4-star hotel, plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, pool and spa, as well as a myriad of well-liked casino games, from 2000 slot machines and 16 poker tables, to 75 table games and sports betting. It is anticipated that it will employ around 1,300 people from the local area, with average salaries of $50,000 for full-time employees.

About Marnell Companies

Marnell is the name behind a broad portfolio of commercial projects, but being based in Nevada, it has gained a reputation as a “casino architect” over its 40-year history. That is hardly surprising when you take a look at the projects it has headed up over the years. Probably the most famous of all is the Bellagio, an entertainment complex that is ostentatious even by Las Vegas standards, yet one that still boasts style and sophistication above all else.

Other achievements include Wynn Las Vegas, The Borgata in Atlantic City and Lumiere Place in St Louis. Marnell also worked with Square One on the Osage Casino Hotel-Ponca City in Oklahoma, which opened in 2013.

Despite its impressive multi-million dollar portfolio, Marnell remains very much a family business. Founder Tony Marnell II is still the Chairman and continues to take a hands-on approach, while his son Anthony Marnell III is CEO and daughter Alisa Marnell-Wilson

Vice President of subsidiary business, Forte Consulting, LLC, which manages opportunities and acquisitions for the Marnell Group.

Turbulent Times in the Casino Sector

The long history means that Marnell has seen dramatic change and evolution in the casino sector. What was once restricted almost entirely to a few square miles in Nevada is now a form of entertainment that is available in an increasing number of states. In fact, when Virginia passed its new laws in 2019, it meant that the number of states in which casinos were prohibited was down to just seven, those being Georgia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Vermont, Utah and Hawaii.

However, while legislation has helped the casino businesses from that perspective, it has introduced new challenges from another. The threat of competition from cyberspace is something that every business is forced to contend with, but it is of particular concern in the casino space. Online platforms have a huge advantage over land-based alternatives as their operating costs are so much lower, demanding just some server space and a workforce with good IT skills. No huge buildings to build and maintain, no customer-facing staff beyond those required to cover the helplines, no utility costs, the list goes on. This gives them the scope to operate at lower margins and remain profitable, which is why they are able to offer such generous bonuses and promotions.

Over the past 12 months, online casinos have increased their strangleholds still further, thanks to the enforced closures in recent times. The new technology that provides live games with real dealers via webcam means that the online experience is able to inject some realism into proceedings.

Yet the popularity of Las Vegas since it reopened shows that all the technology in the world can’t truly substitute a great night out. That’s something to which the residents of Danville and the surrounding areas will be able to attest for themselves in a matter of two short years.