Bear Trexler said the first time he walked into the new Stones Gambling Hall and Sammy's Restaurant and Bar on Antelope Road off Interstate 80 he was amazed.

"Wow. That was my reaction," said Trexler.

Trexler is a card dealer who has been anticipating this opening ever since he took a job as a dealer with the now-closed Lucky Derby casino. The licenses of the former Lucky Derby and Phoenix casinos were combined to create this new facility.

Watch report here: New gambling hall opens in Citrus Heights

"Everyone who's been walking in says this place is really nice. And yet, we still have the family feel of the Lucky Derby," said Trexler.

The 25,000-square-foot Stones will hold formal grand opening festivities beginning late Friday morning and last into the late afternoon.

The new Citrus Heights casino includes 15 poker tables, 15 other gaming tables, a full bar and restaurant. Sliding glass doors and an extensive glass wall separate the poker tables from the other gaming tables.

The facility has created 400 jobs in the area and is still accepting applications.

Operators held a soft opening launch at the beginning of July and has remained open 24 hours a day.