Hawaiian Gardens Casino 2002

Hawaiian Gardens Casino has rapidly grown since its opening in December 1997. Its temporary home, affectionately referred to as "the trailer days," accommodated 67 employees and five poker tables. In December of 1999, the casino moved into a larger structure that held the poker section, Asian games section, and restaurant. In February 2000, Hawaiian Gardens celebrated its grand opening by officially debuting its restaurant and kitchen, followed by the opening of its Asian gaming section in July 2000.

According to Hawaiian Gardens Casino management, applicants from all over Southern California have the same answer when asked, "Why do you want to apply at Hawaiian Gardens Casino?" The common answer usually is that they heard it's a great place to work and play, and it has a positive reputation. The casino's growth has led to its introduction of a top-notch benefit package for employees.

"When people ask us what our secret is, without divulging particulars, we admit that it is very basic: friendliness and the highest level of customer service," commented Ron Sarabi, casino general manager. In the Press-Telegram's seventh annual Reader's Choice in September 2001, Hawaiian Gardens was voted "Best Casino." It has been a leader in promotions, creativity, and customer care the last three years, including various celebrations such as the Asian Stud Grand Opening in January 2001 and the Cambodian New Year Celebration and Moon Festival later in that year.

With a commitment to promotions in mind, Hawaiian Gardens offers a variety of promotions to pique its customers' interests, from daily tournaments to freeroll tournaments ranging from $25,000 to $35,000, which have proven to be very successful. Customers can test their skills daily on the Wheel of Cards to win up to $50,000, or can play in any game for double jackpots. The VIP poker section has experienced exceptional growth, from $8-$16 hold'em to as high as $40-$80 hold'em, and five tables to nine tables. Its comfortable and relaxing surroundings have added to the section's popularity with VIP players from all over Southern California. The poker section spreads $15-$30 lowball on Mondays and Wednesdays, and $15-$30 high-low split daily. Jackpots are back at Hawaiian Gardens, and have added a special flavor to the Hawaiian atmosphere that prevails throughout the casino.

Hawaiian Gardens Casino has built a warm relationship with the community and the city of Hawaiian Gardens, and has sponsored many of the city's annual events, including the Beauty Pageant in March, Easter Egg Hunt in April, Pow Wow in July, and the Children's Halloween Party in October. The Children's Holiday Party, held at City Hall, is hosted by Hawaiian Gardens Casino to benefit the children of the city, and is complete with gifts, food, and entertainment. For Hawaiian Gardens Casino's anniversary last year, the residents of Hawaiian Gardens were invited to celebrate fire safety awareness, and smoke alarms were given to the parents and gifts were given to all of the children.

Hawaiian Gardens Casino's generosity is equally matched by its employees. Shortly after the national tragedy last September, the employees of Hawaiian Gardens Casino contributed a total of $19,297 to the American Red Cross. When the City of Hope asked for help last month, Hawaiian Gardens employees once again stepped up and rolled up their sleeves to give hope to patients suffering life-threatening diseases by donating at the first annual Blood/Bone Marrow Drive. The employees of Hawaiian Gardens Casino constantly volunteer their time, money, and effort to various city functions, as well as worthy charities.

The casino offers eight Asian games: 13-card stud, pai gow poker, pan 9, super 9, super pan 9, Hawaiian blackjack, pai gow tiles, and five-card stud. In the poker section, the casino offers 12 games: hold'em, Omaha, Omaha high-low split, pineapple, crazy pineapple, lowball, lowball with a three-card kill, seven-card stud, seven-card stud high-low split, Mexican poker, no-limit poker, and pot-limit poker.

With 60 poker tables and 40 Asian games tables, the hard work that has gone into creating Hawaiian Gardens Casino has certainly paid off. Its highly experienced and professional management team and pool of friendly employees in all departments have earned the casino a respectful reputation in the industry. The management staff has worked hard to provide constant customer service training to employees, and believes that customers on all levels should be treated as VIPs. Still to come at Hawaiian Gardens is its continuing expansion and permanent structure.

Hawaiian Gardens Casino and its unique and relaxing tropical setting are conveniently located off the 605 freeway in the city of Hawaiian Gardens, California.