The Thunder Valley Casino opened today off I-80 just east of
Sacramento. This huge casino is owned by a local Indian tribe, and
being run by the Station Casinos. They expect to draw 6,000 gamblers
a day, and by the first day crowds, that may happen. The Sacramento
news copters were showing a full parking lot, and a huge traffic
snarl of more trying to get there. Sacramento is a huge feeder market
for Reno/Tahoe, but with a casino on this side of the Sierra
mountains, less people are sure to make the trip over Donner Summit.
They have had a large tv marketing campaign advertising 100% payback
machines. (?). I guess I will have to get over there to see what the
VP is all about, but I will wait till the crowds thin out.