One of two San Jose, California card rooms, the million, 68,000 square foot Bay 101 Casino, recently opened on North 1st. The new feng shui-certified casino offers 49 poker tables, the same allowed by the city at the club’s former location.
Originally founded in 1929 as Sutter’s, the club became Bay 101 when it moved in 1994 to Bering Drive. The operation was forced to move after its lease was set to expire in November. Owners Brian Bumb and his family purchased the 16-acre site down the street from its competitor, the high-rise, Las Vegas-style Casino M8trix, which opened in 2012 following the $50 million reinvention of the Garden City Casino card room on Saratoga Avenue.
Bay 101 Director of Sales, Marketing and Special Events Rich Alvari said, “The energy efficient lighting, the open space, the rich wood. The idea was to have a comfortable space, not the glitzy Las Vegas feel.” He added having the city’s two card rooms near each other is convenient for gamblers who want to casino hop. “From a consumer’s perspective, it’s a great option. The customers win for sure,” he said.
The club offers blackjack, pai gow poker, Texas hold ‘em and EZ baccarat, and will continue its Shooting Star poker tournament. Owners said they plan to ask City Hall for 10 additional tables.
The new Bay 101 also features the Province, an Asian fusion restaurant. At a later date an Embassy Suites, a second hotel and an office will be added. San Jose City Councilman Johnny Khamis said, “It’s hopefully going to be a hub of industry and entertainment.” He noted San Jose card clubs generate $18 million in annual tax revenue.
The grand opening was not without controversy as about 30 former employees picketed the main entrance. Nellie Figueroa, one of the laid-off workers, said, “We just got laid off because they subcontracted the kitchen. But the reality is we don’t match with their fancy look of the new casino.”
In response, Alvari said, “That’s not accurate. We really just wanted to focus on gaming and really just turn the food and beverage over to someone who’s better at it than we were.”
