Caesars Virginia Opens SoSi Tourism Center to Link Casino Guests with Danville Businesses

Visitors Center Launches Inside Resort

Caesars Virginia has opened the SoSi Tourism Center, a 600-square-foot facility located near the resort’s spa and fitness center in Danville, Virginia. The center is designed to connect casino guests with local businesses, attractions, and dining options within the community.

The name “SoSi” refers to Visit SoSi, the regional tourism brand operated by the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism. In Virginia, the term designates Southside Virginia, a region encompassing Danville and Pittsylvania County. The initiative aims to extend the economic impact of the resort beyond its walls by encouraging guests to explore the River District and other local areas.

“The mission is simple: help every visitor create a memorable experience and encourage them to stay just a little longer,” said Lisa Meriwether, representing the tourism effort. She noted that when guests extend their stays, local businesses, attractions, and the broader community all benefit, ultimately leading to repeat visits.

Staffing and Local Recommendations

Visit SoSi plans to staff the center with employees who have deep knowledge of Danville. These staff members will provide personalized recommendations for dining, shopping, and entertainment, aiming to direct foot traffic toward downtown establishments. While some local businesses reported only a modest increase in customer traffic since the casino opened in December 2024, the center is intended to systematically bridge the gap between resort guests and the surrounding community.

The resort’s 500 Block Food Hall already features local vendors, including Southern Slices and Mill Burger, but the tourism center expands this focus to the wider city. By positioning the center near high-traffic amenity areas like the spa, Caesars Virginia seeks to ensure that guests are exposed to local offerings during their stay.

Financial Contributions to Danville

Caesars Virginia has established itself as the top-grossing casino in Virginia. Through August, the property generated approximately $269.4 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). This figure places it ahead of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which recorded $216.2 million, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which reported $176.9 million over the same period.

The casino supports 1,200 jobs and features 1,544 slot machines and 88 table games. In addition to its gaming operations, Caesars Virginia makes annual gaming fee payments to the local government and directs 6.5% of its monthly GGR to the City of Danville.

In fiscal year 2025, the city collected a total of $31.4 million from the casino. The allocation of these funds included more than $4.1 million for public safety, $1.8 million for public education, $1.8 million for city infrastructure, and $1.2 million for housing. Additionally, the casino contributed more than $6.4 million toward economic opportunity initiatives in the region.

Regional Context

Caesars Entertainment, the Las Vegas-based operator of the Danville resort, continues to expand its footprint in the state. The opening of the SoSi Tourism Center represents a strategic move to integrate the resort more deeply into the local economy. While Live! Virginia in Petersburg and The Interim Gaming Hall in Norfolk operate as temporary casinos, Caesars Virginia remains the primary permanent gaming facility in the Southside Virginia region. The center’s launch underscores a broader industry trend of leveraging gaming revenue to support local tourism and community development.