BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 As the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon draws thousands of visitors to its grand opening south of Bakersfield, one longtime local card room says the expanded gaming scene is benefiting, not hurting, business.<\/p>\n
Golden West Casino, which has operated in Bakersfield for 30 years, continues to see steady crowds despite the arrival of the region\u2019s newest entertainment destination. Casino Manager Patrick Berry said many of their regular players visited Hard Rock during opening weekend \u2014 but came right back.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople go check out the new place and they come back,\u201d Berry said. \u201cIt hasn\u2019t really hurt business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Berry said the two operations serve different types of customers. Hard Rock offers a Las Vegas-style experience with slot machines, restaurants and concerts. Golden West focuses on live poker, blackjack, baccarat, tournaments and what Berry describes as a familiar, community-driven environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople come here and the employees literally do know their names,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a real community-based social card club.\u201d<\/p>\n
Berry said he believes Hard Rock\u2019s arrival will ultimately help the entire region, bringing tourism dollars, jobs and more visibility to Kern County’s entertainment offerings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe think it\u2019s a great thing,\u201d Berry said. \u201cIt\u2019ll increase growth for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
Golden West is also preparing for its own future. A new location planned for Oildale near Meadows Field Airport, at Merle Haggard Drive and Landings Way, is still in development, with updates expected early next year.<\/p>\n
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