HUNTINGTON PARK : New Group Takes Control of Casino

The Huntington Park Casino, whose revenues have declined in recent years, changed ownership last week.

Tuner Gorday Inc., a new gaming management group headed by Jose Guadalupe Hernandez, took over the lease from Poker Club Management Inc. after the city’s Redevelopment Agency voted, 4-1, in favor of the ownership change June 26.

The agency, which owns the property where the 11-year-old Alameda Street card club operates, on Monday is expected to approve the new management team’s gaming license, said City Atty. Steve Skolnik.

City officials said Poker Club Management asked that its contract be terminated. The new management group, which does not operate other casinos, is based in Huntington Park.

The city earns 8% of the casino’s gambling revenues--about $200,000, or 2% of the annual municipal budget. The new management team hopes to increase those figures.

To attract more customers, club owners will add salsa bands Friday and Saturday nights.