BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — 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.

Golden West Casino, which has operated in Bakersfield for 30 years, continues to see steady crowds despite the arrival of the region’s newest entertainment destination. Casino Manager Patrick Berry said many of their regular players visited Hard Rock during opening weekend — but came right back.

“People go check out the new place and they come back,” Berry said. “It hasn’t really hurt business.”

Berry said the two operations serve different types of customers. Hard Rock offers a Las Vegas-style experience with slot machines, restaurants and concerts.

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