Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit

Caesars Virginia is the $750 million casino resort that opened in Danville, VA, in December 2024, and it’s already drawing visitors from across Virginia, North Carolina, and the broader Southeast. If you’re planning your first trip, this guide covers everything from the gaming floor layout to the best off-casino entertainment, dining, and hotels. The short version: come for the casino, but stay for everything Danville has built around it.

Getting to Caesars Virginia

Danville sits in south-central Virginia near the North Carolina border. The casino is accessible from multiple directions, with no mountain passes or toll roads on any of the major routes:

  • ✓ From Greensboro, NC: 45 miles, approximately 50 minutes via US-29 North
  • ✓ From Charlotte, NC: 140 miles, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via I-85 and US-29
  • ✓ From Durham/Raleigh, NC: 75 miles, approximately 1 hour 15-30 minutes via US-501/I-85
  • ✓ From Roanoke, VA: 72 miles, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via US-220 and US-29
  • ✓ From Lynchburg, VA: 70 miles, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes via US-29 South
  • ✓ From Richmond, VA: 145 miles, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via US-360 or US-58

Most first-time visitors are surprised by how straightforward the drive is. US-29 runs directly through Danville, and the casino is well-signed once you reach the city.

The Casino: What to Expect on the Gaming Floor

The Caesars Virginia gaming floor spans over 100,000 square feet and offers a comprehensive mix of games for every type of player:

Slots: Nearly 1,500 machines cover everything from penny slots to high-limit games. The selection includes the newest titles and classic favorites, spread across a spacious floor with comfortable spacing between machines.

Table Games: 79 live-action tables offer blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and specialty games. Minimum bets vary by table and time of day, so there are options for both casual players and high rollers. An additional 48 electronic table positions provide the table game experience with touchscreen convenience.

Poker: The WSOP Poker Room hosts both cash games and tournament play. Whether you’re a Texas Hold’em regular or a newer player looking for a lower-stakes game, the poker room caters to multiple levels.

Sportsbook: The Caesars Sportsbook features a large viewing area with multiple screens for live sports, comfortable seating, and a full betting window for pre-game and in-play wagers on professional and college sports.

Hotel, Spa, and On-Site Amenities

The 320-room Caesars Virginia hotel allows guests to stay steps from the gaming floor. Rooms are modern, well-appointed, and designed for overnight casino visitors. On-site amenities include a full-service spa operating Monday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm, a pool open daily from 9am to 8pm, and a 24/7 fitness center. The convenience of staying on-property is hard to beat if your primary focus is the casino.

Dining at the Resort

Caesars Virginia houses 12-plus restaurants and bars under one roof. The headline is Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen, the multi-Michelin-starred chef’s restaurant offering his signature dishes in a resort setting. The 500 Block Food Hall provides more casual options for quick bites between gaming sessions. Thread Bar handles the late-night lounge scene with cocktails and atmosphere. Multiple additional bars throughout the floor offer drink service without leaving your gaming area.

Downtown Danville: The Other Half of Your Visit

Here’s what many first-time visitors discover: the best part of a Caesars Virginia trip might not be on the casino property at all. Downtown Danville’s River District, about 10 minutes from the casino by car, has transformed into a legitimate entertainment and dining destination with over $375 million in private investment.

The centerpiece is River District Social at 680 Lynn Street. This 120-year-old converted tobacco warehouse houses an upscale-casual entertainment venue that has won Best of Danville 2025 and swept four out of five categories in the 2023 readers’ choice awards. Inside, you’ll find:

  • ✓ Full Swing golf simulators with 38+ world-famous courses and bay-side food and drink service
  • ✓ Rollerball Classic bowling with LED lighting and automatic scoring
  • ✓ Pro-grade billiard tables in a lounge setting
  • ✓ Live music from local and touring artists most weekends
  • ✓ A full restaurant menu with craft cocktails, local draft beers, and chef-crafted dishes

Many visitors structure their evenings around both venues: dinner and entertainment at River District Social before or after the casino, with the 10-minute drive between the two feeling like part of the adventure.

Where to Stay: Your Options

Danville offers lodging for every preference and budget:

Caesars Virginia Hotel – 320 rooms on the casino property. Best for players who want immediate access to the gaming floor, spa, and pool. Book through the Caesars website for resort rates and potential Caesars Rewards perks.

The Bee Hotel – A 47-room boutique hotel in the River District, housed in the former Danville Register & Bee newspaper building. Winner of Virginia Hotel of the Year, with complimentary breakfast, a rooftop veranda, fitness center, and free parking. Ideal for visitors who want a downtown experience within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife.

Chain Hotels – Several familiar-name hotels are available throughout the Danville area for budget-friendly options.

Things to Do Beyond Gaming and Nightlife

If you’re spending more than one day in Danville, the city offers plenty to fill your non-casino hours:

  • ✓ Walk the 12.8-mile Danville Riverwalk Trail along the Dan River
  • ✓ Tour Millionaires’ Row, one of Virginia’s finest collections of Victorian architecture
  • ✓ Visit the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History in the Sutherlin Mansion
  • ✓ Explore the Danville Science Center with its Butterfly Station (April-October)
  • ✓ Ride 35+ miles of mountain bike trails at Anglers Ridge
  • ✓ Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard the Dan River
  • ✓ Stop by Ballad Brewing in an 1891 tobacco warehouse for craft beer

Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors

A few things that will make your first trip smoother:

  • ✓ Eat dinner before the casino. River District Social is the ideal pre-game stop with moderate prices and great food
  • ✓ Set your gaming budget before you arrive. Have the conversation over drinks at RDS, not on the gaming floor
  • ✓ Sign up for Caesars Rewards before your trip. Points add up and unlock perks on the resort property
  • ✓ Reserve entertainment at River District Social in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings
  • ✓ Keep a rideshare app handy for the drive between downtown and the casino if you’re drinking
  • ✓ Half Off Play Mondays at RDS are the best entertainment value in town if you’re visiting midweek

Plan Your Visit

Ready to plan your first trip to Caesars Virginia? Book your River District Social entertainment in advance online or by calling (434) 228-4155. Whether you’re coming for a single evening or a full casino weekend, having your off-casino entertainment locked in means more time playing and less time planning once you arrive.