WHEATLAND (CBS13) — Casinos are reopening with some big changes in light of the coronavirus.

Hard Rock Wheatland casino places final beam, hopeful for late 2019 opening By Michael McGough. February 14, 2019 09:41 AM, ORDER REPRINT. This Sacramento casino brings world-class gaming and Hard Rock’s signature, high-octane style to Northern California. Test your luck on the casino floor and choose from over 1,600 table games and slot machines, in an effort to win big! Whether you’re a high-roller or just hoping to have some fun, you’re sure to find it here. A sneak peek inside Hard Rock Sacramento at Fire Mountain October 30, 2019, 3:31 PM Northern California's newest casino and hotel, the $440 million Hard Rock Sacramento at Fire Mountain, is set to open Wednesday night next to the Toyota Amphitheater in Wheatland.

The Hard Rock Casino in Wheatland is one of the first in Northern California to reopen. Hundreds of people waited to get into the casino Thursday, backing up traffic on Forty Mile Road. Security guards turned away customers who were still in their cars waiting to turn into the parking lot, asking them to come back later in the evening.

Those lucky enough to get inside say their experience looked a lot different than visits in the past.

“I think it was very safe, definitely. Everybody waits for a machine. They’ll stay back. It’s so full you have to wait to find a machine,” said Ruth Schmidig.

To get in, you’ll have to pass through a thermal temperature machine to make sure you don’t have a fever. Employees are required to wear a mask and gloves at all times, including card dealers. All guests are required to wear a mask in the building except while eating, or as some noted, smoking.

READ ALSO: Long Lines As Hard Rock Hotel And Casino Sacramento Reopens Amid Pandemic

Brandon Frazier from Sacramento said, “You can still smoke cigarettes in there, you can smoke, then take your mask on and off.”

Hard Rock Casino Wheatland New Year's Eve

Inside, there’s no self-serve food, but there are a few restaurants open. CBS13 saw people spaced out, lining up at machines, wearing masks.

But, as the crowd filed in, it was difficult for people to practice social distancing.

Shawna Hall from Sacramento said, “You couldn’t even find a machine! I kicked butt!”

At the gas station down the street, face masks flew off the shelves as folks fueled up after big wins.

Hard Rock Casino Wheatland Restaurants

“We got there an hour early at 8:33 a.m., and they opened at 9 a.m., so we scored,” Hall said.

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They say they were excited to get back to gambling with their money, and not their health.

“We want to be safe were elderly, we want to make sure that we are safe too,” said Ruth Schmidig.

“I want to enjoy this for a while yet!” said Frank Schmidig.

Inside, a specially trained group called, “the clean team” is rotating through the building sanitizing high touch points on an hourly basis.

The new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Wheatland has officially opened, drawing in guests and visitors from across the country.

By NathanG on November 1, 2019

Guests looking to try their luck can now visit the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Wheatland.

According to Good Day Sacramento, the casino officially opened its doors on Wednesday, attempting to draw people in and experience the amenities. The grand opening reportedly featured hours of festivities, and drew in guests from all over. Two guests included Jeff Conner and his wife Sandy, who flew in from Saint Louis to be part of the opening day. Another guest, Pam Martinez, lives only five minutes away and voiced her excitement for the new casino. “Excited, can’t wait! Don’t have to go far away right here it is,” Martinez said.

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This Hard Rock location reportedly features 1,500 slot machines, six restaurants, and a pool inside the casino. Additionally, Casino President Mark Birtha shared that the casino will have a primarily local focus. The casino is reportedly 70 percent staffed from Yuba and Sutter Counties and the produce and spices are bought from local companies. “It allows us to reinvest in the community,” Birtha explained. “We’ve done that with nuts and with wine and all kinds of other amenities.” Birtha also believes that this will help jump-start development in this area. Birtha reportedly believes that more retail and dining options will soon follow the Hard Rock casino on the 900-acre property.

What do you think about this new entertainment option in the Sacramento area?

To read more about the Hard Rock Hotel, click here.