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California Tribal Casino Thrives8 April 2002CALIFORNIA – As reported by the California Desert Sun: "If you're looking for Ground Zero for the release of Californians' pent-up desire for Las Vegas-style gambling made possible by a statewide vote two years ago, the Agua Caliente Casino near Rancho Mirage would be a good place to start. "It was the Coachella Valley's first casino built entirely after voters changed the state's Constitution to guarantee Indian gaming rights. When it opened at shortly before midnight on April 6, 2001, the crowd was so large the California Highway Patrol was forced to cut off access to the casino from Interstate 10. "…One year later, the traffic jams have cleared, but the customers continue to pack the gaming floor nightly. "…Revenue figures from tribal casinos are not available to the public. But the fact that [Bill Easterwood, director of slot operations] just finished supervising the installation of 140 new slot machines in a recently built expansion is evidence the casino has exceeded its lofty expectations. "…According to Ken Kettler, the general manager, it opened with plans to employ about 750 people but has already hired around 1,000 workers. "The expansion nearly doubles the size of the gaming floor by adding about 13,000 square feet of gambling space, 16 table games and the new slots. Behind the scenes, around 15,000 square feet is still under construction. That space will be used for offices, backstage preparation for visiting performers and storage. "…But growth at the casino has come with a price. "…Leaders of nearby cities and members of the public worried aloud in public forums and letters to the editor that the $90 million casino would make traffic unbearable and diminish quality of life. "…In its first year of operation, the casino has drawn its share of attention from workers at other casinos. "The high-profile opening attracted customers who would have normally gambled at other casinos, said Dan Kudla, a long-time dealer who was working at Fantasy Springs Casino near Indio at the time the Agua Caliente opened. "…Despite the initial surge and continued crowds, the local casino market absorbed the Agua Caliente. "…Growing numbers of customers at local Indian casinos have minimized the Agua Caliente Casino's negative impact on neighboring casinos…" |