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California Casino Celebrates Successful First Year

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Sacramento Bee: "The impact of the Thunder Valley Casino is evident every time Jessica Tavares opens her mouth.

"'Many of us have braces now,' said Tavares, the 54-year-old chairwoman of the United Auburn Indian Community, which owns the casino.

"…Of course, the bicuspid realignment and molar replacement of tribal members aren't the only ways the glitzy Placer County casino is making itself felt.

"…And after 12 months with what many thought would be the equivalent of an 800-pound gorilla in their midst, local officials are beginning to relax.

"…When the casino celebrates its one-year anniversary June 9, it will be marking what is almost certainly the most financially successful first year of any Indian casino in the country.

"- An average daily attendance of 8,000 to 10,000 people, or from 3 million to 3.7 million visitors for the year. That's twice as many as the total annual attendance at Sacramento Kings and Sacramento River Cats games combined.

"- Total net profits to the 240-member tribe and Station Casinos, the Las Vegas-based company that operates the casino for the tribe, of more than $300 million.

"That, according to some industry analysts, would make Thunder Valley the fourth most profitable casino in the country, trailing only two Indian casinos in Connecticut and the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

"…The tribe already has repaid $46.9 million that Station fronted it before the casino opened, and rapidly is paying off $215 million in construction loans. It has established free medical, dental and vision care plans for all members, as well as an education center that provides testing, tutoring and tuition at any education level for the tribe's children.

"…According to Thunder Valley General Manager Scott Garawitz, about half the casino's customers come from more than 25 miles away, many from the Bay Area. That means they are spending money in the region that would not ordinarily be here.

"The casino employs about 2,000 people, with an annual payroll of about $44 million…"

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