The wait is over.  Wild Rose Jefferson has opened their casino doors.

General Manager Mike Couch says the soft opening started at 3pm Monday.  Visitors can enjoy 525 slot machines and 12 table games.  Couch points out that they had a $1,900 jackpot winner on Monday night from one of their slot machines.

Temporary hours for the casino are 8am to midnight until July 30th.  Starting July 31st, regular hours of operation will be 24-hours on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday through Thursday it will be open from 8am to 2am.  The casino, Lucky’s Bar and the Iowa Store are now open.  A grand opening is scheduled for August 7th, 8th and 9th for the entire 70,000-square foot facility that also features a restaurant and event center.

Resident Guy Richardson was one of the first people through the casino doors when it first opened and says it was a comfortable atmosphere.  He believes that everyone will have the same positive experience that he did.

“I think that when people do go out, they’re going to have that positive experience.  I think they’re going to enjoy it.  It’s a first class facility (and) just very well done.  (The staff) are all extremely helpful and they’re there to serve and help and it seems to work out very well.”

Richardson admitted that he’s not an avid gambler, but he tried out his hand at blackjack and left with more money than he started with.

Couch adds that this soft opening is the best one he’s been a part of in his career in the gambling and entertainment industry.