January 31, 2016—Bell Gardens casino, the Bicycle Casino, has suffered. The loss of card tables has turned the casino into more of a bar and deli than a casino. Last month a $50-million-dollar renovation was unveiled. The club has gained 99 hotel rooms, a fitness center, spa, sauna, outdoor pool deck, and a new restaurant with 28 beers on tap.
The casino is still running gambling choices, including poker tables.
Nichole Jurgens, who has frequented the place for 11 years said, “With the hotel here, you are not just coming to gamble, but to eat and hang out.”
Southern California has suffered from the recession, but it is finally back on its feet. More than Bicycle Casino is looking to remodel, expand, and bring in clients; particularly, millennials.
The Penchanga Band of Luiseno Indians is also redoing their casino. They are putting $285 million into their project. Part of the remodel is to add 568 hotel rooms, located in a wing of the casino. They will also have a two story spa and salon, two restaurants, and a fitness center. It will all be located at the Temecula casino and resort location.
The Pala Casino Spa and Resort in North San Diego County completed a $5.7 million remodel, which added an underground wine cave. They also have a new outdoor patio lounge for hosting performances and concerts.
Mike Crenshaw, the vice president of Pala, stated, “I think we are all trying to expand our offerings to reach out to a new audience.”
Casino revenue has increased since the recession. However, some casino executives are worried their loyal customers might not want to come back, with the changes towards marketing. The millennials are the target and many are not as interested in spending money gambling, as the baby boomer generation.