Biggest non-tribal casino in Bay Area gets bigger

Oakland Tribune, Mar 17, 2008 by Christine Morente

COLMA

WHAT WAS ALREADY the largest non-Indian casino in Northern California in terms of the number of gaming tables has just gotten bigger.

Colma's Town Council approved Lucky Chances Casino's request last week to increase the number of gaming tables from 43 to 50. The town's ordinance allows for 60 tables, but casino spokesman Rodney Blonien said that won't happen.

"We don't have the room!" Blonien said. "The business is there and strong for 50 tables."

Lucky Chance's gaming tables are expected to arrive in a few weeks once the casino satisfies the council's requirement to add more parking, Blonien said.

The plan is to take a 162-car parking lot currently used by casino employees and open it up to the public. Employees would then park inside the card room's three-level parking garage, much of which is used for valet service.

The facility's parking needs will be monitored over the next six months, Blonien said.

About 1,500 people visit the

9-year-old card room at 1700 Hillside Blvd. every day. The casino opened in June 1998 and has operated 43 gaming tables since 2000.

Artichoke Joe's Casino in San Bruno has 38 table games.

According to Laura Allen, Colma's assistant city manager, $3.2 millionof the town's $12 million budget comes from the casino's card room tax. That amount is based on the current 43 gaming tables.

Blonien said the demand to play at Lucky Chances comes from fans of Texas Hold Em. During weekends, more than 50 people wait to play the popular version of poker at a table.

He said many of the players at Lucky Chances either play poker on their computers or watch the World Poker Tour or "Celebrity Poker Showdown" on TV.

"It's a little bit like chess," said Blonien, who doesn't think he's a very good player. "It's an intellectual game. You play the cards you have and guess the kind of cards your opponent might have in their hands."

Staff writer Christine Morente covers faith, families and North County. She can be reached at 650-348-4333 or cmorente@bayareanewsgroup.com.