Comments on: Wizards Casino Closes, Blames Smoking Ban & Economy

By: Hellpig

Hellpig — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:42:12 +0000

There is no Wizards website the one you linked isn’t same wizards casino…..

By: Former Manager

Former Manager — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:44:54 +0000

The original Wizards was open for more than 10 years, employed more than 1,000 employees over that time, lowered crime by 87% in their zone (2003 city crime statistics), was active in the community, and never had any criminal accusations for its mangers/owners.

Someone asked why other area casinos have not closed and i would say you need to do more research. The overall gaming industry in the state is well down from the highs in the early-mid 2k range and several other casinos around that area closed. Some reopened and may be running, but Wizards is not alone. Sure, there are facilities that remain open that have been around a similar length of time, however their profits are way down and they have had to make cut backs and tighten the belt just to stay afloat. There were three other area casinos in dire financial trouble in early 2009 and all four casinos were simply trying to hold on to outlast the others in hope of getting business from whoever fell first and Wizards simply ended up being that first.

The new Wizards is attempting to cater to a different crowd and has a very experienced group running it. How will it do long term? If the overall state/national economy doesn’t turn around it too will find it hard to survive in a gaming climate where large amounts of tribal money can force laws that only non tribal facilities must follow.

By: john doe

john doe — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:39:18 +0000

Wizards shut down because of back pay in taxes. It was a fun casino and very diverse. The bar made money and was always busy with regulars. Now wizards is an asain based casino only catering to the asain crowd. it now has a really goood asain menu that is very expensive and smalll portions if that is the price you wanna pay. and now has really shitty service. I waited 1hr for a taco salad. The only thing you have to cook is the ground beef. what in the hell took an hour.I really hate in now

By: suzieq

suzieq — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:44:41 +0000

I am actually quite impressed with the new Wizards! I was there Saturday and had a great time. The remodel looks nice and I thought the empolyees were very friendly and professional. Yes, food service was slow, but not unexpected for opening night. I will definitely be back!

By: warrenb

warrenb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:16:37 +0000

Anew coat of paint, but basically the same. Not as dark as before. I ordered dinner, and one hour later it still had not arrived! I left without being served. But the same rummy drunks and imbecile’s.

By: Little Bird

Little Bird — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:52:04 +0000

I used to work there, did anyone go to the Grand (?) opening? I am curious to know what it’s like now. May have to go see for myself. Is it worth my time?

By: bianca

bianca — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:54:31 +0000

Woohoo! Reopening January 16th.

By: new wizards

new wizards — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:23:20 +0000

Your friend at video only is right! Wizards is going to re-open in December hopefully. It is getting a full remodel on the inside and an updated facade. The new ownership is local and excited about the opportunity to be open soon and give customers the best gaming and customer service experience they have ever experienced in a mini-casino.

By: garcia

garcia — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:35:29 +0000

Let’s make shrine- the landmark triad of buildings that represent the growth and greatness of… AZTECA! Kids walking to school need not witness the remains of another night a’gamblin’ til the wee hours. Why don’t they put a new casino where Vacca’s Patch used to be? It’d be equally as embarrassing, but beyond the sight of our kids… for now.

Des Moines Memorial between 152nd towards Sunset Playfields to 128th… wasteland; it’s crazy how different that area is from just 15- 20 years ago. Frisbee golf course is cool, nice park w/playground, but not the same.

I run through that area a lot, always trash everywhere; the number of broken CD’s and discarded couches matched the number of 2×4’s boarding windows of abandon houses.

Anyone wanna get some Filberto’s? Oh, never mind…

Ice Chalet would have still made a profit.

By: Former Employee

Former Employee — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:56:17 +0000

There were other factors contributing to Wizards financial problems that made it significantly harder to be competitive and it became a downward spiral.

Also, I worked there after the smoking ban…but I never would’ve worked there if it hadn’t been banned.