Guest Services staff stocked shelves in the gift shop, while housekeepers left no detail unpolished. A crew of slot technicians furiously filled slot machines with tokens. One week before the casino opened, there was a surge of activity as most of the casino’s newly hired staff began preparations for opening. It was evident that Rolling Hills Casino would be a majestic landmark at the gateway to Tehama County. This was the first casino in Northern California that did not originate in a tent, and there was real community pride in its design. Mature olive trees and other landscaping transformed land that only one year earlier was dry open range. The maple woodwork, stone pillars, and lighting fixtures were beautiful. As finishing touches were completed, excitement grew. Only 30 days earlier, the final stage of construction was still underway, and entering the casino interior required wearing a hard hat.
A steady line of cars - backed up to Liberal Avenue -streamed into the parking lot with people from across the North State wanting to be among the first to play at the new Casino. Ten years ago today, on July 31, 2002, Rolling Hills Casino opened its doors for the first time.
