Bear River Band bets public will enjoy its new casino
The North Coast's newest entertainment destination, Bear River Casino in Loleta, opens its doors.
"We want to create a fun atmosphere where it's safe and you have a good time with fun you can bet on," said casino marketing manager Art Collins.
The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria's Bear River Casino will be Humboldt County's fourth casino.
Blue Lake Casino in Blue Lake, Cher-Ae Heights Bingo and Casino in Trinidad and Lucky Bear Casino in Hoopa are the others.
When asked why people should come to Bear River Casino instead of one of the county's other casinos, some of the responses were:
"We think we have more advantages for the players than any other casino (in the county)," Collins said.
"You'll get more bang for your buck," said casino assistant general manager John McGinnis .
"Our blackjack tables will have the best odds of any casino in Humboldt County," said table games manager Joe Claus.
The casino will use four decks of cards at its blackjack tables.
Using fewer decks of cards will give players better odds against the casino than if a larger number of card decks were used, he said.
Another reason people should come to Bear River Casino is because it will have approximately 320 of the newest slot machines on the market, McGinnis said.
There are also three poker tables and four people per year will be guaranteed spots in the World Poker Tour in Las Vegas, Claus said.
In the poker room, players who purchase $30 in chips will be given an extra $20, said Craig Morey, table games shift supervisor. People have to play for an hour after that to keep the extra $20, he said.
The casino also contains the Rivers Edge Restaurant and the Thirsty Bear Sports Bar and Grill. Clint Warner and his band will be playing in the Thirsty Bear Sports Bar and Grill tonight.
Approximately 200 people have been hired to work at the casino.
"I feel we're here for you," said Melissa Ruiz, table games dealer. "I feel very strongly about customer service."
The casino will provide a shuttle van service for its customers.
"We're 100 percent trying to make this a fun place to be not only for people who come here to play but also for the people who work here," Collins said.
The casino has a good atmosphere, he said.
The carpet in the casino contains nature scenes including fish. The backs of some of the chairs have bear paw prints on them.
Employees from Hamanaka Painting Co. used approximately 40 different paint colors and nine different types of wallpaper on the inside of the casino, according to owner Glenn Hamanaka.
"We're gonna create fun all the time," Collins said.
