On August 1, 1983, when Commerce Casino opened its doors, it stood as the largest casino in Southern California with 80,000 square feet, 100 game tables and 500 employees. As it celebrates its 25th Anniversary, Commerce Casino has transformed into a Las Vegas style hotel-casino complex with nearly four times its original space, boasting 238,040 square feet, 243 gaming tables, and 2,800 employees. It's the world's largest poker room.
But the memories of the old days are still fresh in the minds of the 28 employees who have worked there since Day One. They remembered the smoke-filled casino floor, the "chip girls" who also delivered food to the tables, learning to say "How Are You" and "Thank You" in nine languages, poker and Asian game tables nearly on top of each other in the single room, and plenty of fun as they went about their jobs.
Those 28 employees, along with many of the Casino's great supporters and patrons, will be feted at events throughout August, as Commerce marks its anniversary and celebrates its growth in size, prominence, and worldwide stature. Twenty-fifth anniversary banners festoon the casino, and unique anniversary logo items will be seen throughout the casino, making both employees and patrons part of the celebration.
Players will see special 25th anniversary $5 chips put in play, and the casino will boost its Saturday night guaranteed jackpots to $25,000 throughout August. To cap the commemoration, on Aug. 13th Commerce Casino held an invitation-only gala which will include entertainment and special recognition of the 28 twenty-five-year employees.
"This 25th anniversary allows us to reflect on how our community has changed and how gaming has become an integral part of the landscape in American life," said Ralph Wong, Chief Administrative Officer. "Commerce Casino has grown up with the gaming business and we have established ourselves as a community business leader, a community philanthropist and a leader in customer service. It's a great time to look back, look forward and say thanks to everyone who helped us get here."
Commerce Casino makes a significant mark in the community, contributing $14 million annually to the City of Commerce tax base, as well as making large donations to a variety of community service programs that touch on everything from city services to scholarship programs to children's community associations to aiding the family of fallen peace officers.
The prestige of the casino has grown not only locally, but globally in the poker world. The annual $10,000-buy-in L.A. Poker Classic, started in 2002, draws more than 600 players angling for a shot at national TV on the World Poker Tour and a chance to win part of a multi-million dollar prize pool. The World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational is also a signature event at Commerce. With familiar Hollywood faces seen frequently at the tables, Commerce has become the Casino to the Stars.
"We look forward to inviting the community in to share in our celebration throughout August as a way of showing our gratitude for 25 great years," said Debbie Payne, Director of Community Relations.
