“They didn’t have to pick up their families and leave,” he said.

When Bodine’s casino opened in Carson City, Packer said some employees left to work there because they lived in that area. “Someone would have to move, and I doubt if a person living up here would,” Packer said. Packer said he hasn’t noticed Harrah’s/Harveys employees applying for jobs at Red Hawk Casino and doesn’t expect to. Over at Lakeside, Wheeler said: “The most important thing is to have a personal relationship with your staff and listen to their needs.” “We want to keep what we’ve got,” said Horizon’s Davis. Visitors aren’t the only thing South Shore casinos want to keep – they want to make sure their employees stay, too. The South Shore also can offer a selection of entertainment in its many casino showrooms, he said. Packer doesn’t think Red Hawk’s grand opening late this year will immediately influence Lake Tahoe visitors, because it will be during ski season, which draws people to the area.

“We’re not sitting on our hands here,” Packer said. John Packer, spokesman for Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe, said their marketing department is working on strategies to attract visitors once the Red Hawk Casino opens. The casino has a new restaurant, Latin Soul, which was part of $1.5 million in renovations. Lakeside Inn and Casino constantly is evolving to serve its guests, said marketing manager Pam Wheeler. He’s working on a partnership with Fox Gasoline to have drawings for $100 gas cards. Davis said the Horizon will have $500 gas giveaways every day in August.

Red hawk casino career