Graton Resort & Casino: Rohnert Park facility opening

Bounded by patches of farmland a half mile from Highway 101, the gleaming Graton Resort & Casino is bringing a slice of Las Vegas, with some Northern California touches, to the North Bay.

Just days from opening, workers were putting the finishing touches on the mammoth casino: polishing the columns of Zebrano marble, checking to make sure the 3,000 slot machines are working, cleaning the glass of the skylight above the airy Sky Bar at the center of the gaming floor. The Rohnert Park casino opens Tuesday.

In some ways the Graton Casino is a departure from what you find in Vegas: It's not disorienting, and natural light filters in from the ceiling and doorways.

"We want people to be able to comfortably navigate the casino," said general manager Joe Hasson. "We don't want them lost inside the venue." The Graton Rancheria tribe's goal is to make the casino "contemporary, sophisticated and casual," he said, and to bring in "the natural beauty of Sonoma County."

In one way the casino will be too much like Vegas for many visitors: Smoking will be allowed on most of the gaming floor. Some areas, such as the poker room and all restaurants, will be nonsmoking. And some gaming tables will be nonsmoking as well. Lori Nelson, a spokeswoman for Station Casinos, which has contracted with the Graton tribe to build and manage the casino, said ventilation systems will refresh the casino with outdoor air and keep smoke from migrating into restaurant areas.

The dining and beverage options reflect the eclectic tastes of the region. Choices range from an upscale steak house called 630 Park to Martin Yan's M.Y. China. Chef Douglas Keane, a recent winner on "Top Chef Masters," will be serving fried chicken at DK Wings. For those on a budget there's the Habit grill with burgers starting at $3.45. Visitors will recognize local brands, such as Three Twins ice cream and Lagunitas beer, both made in Petaluma. And Sonoma and Napa wines will be featured at the bars.

There's also an area where big spenders can gamble in private. "It's a double-gated community," Hasson said.

He says he sees Graton as a destination not just for gamblers but for anyone looking for a night of entertainment. He said 7 million people visit Sonoma County annually, "and we want to give them a reason to stay an extra day."

It's been a long road for the casino: The tribe overcame local opposition and legal challenges, spent more than $800 million and hired more than 2,200 workers. The buzz is building. Now it's showtime.

Michael Shapiro is a freelance writer and author of "A Sense of Place." E-mail: 96hours@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @shapirowrites

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Don't be intimidated: Making the most of casino visit

Whether you're a total neophyte or a grizzled gambling veteran, casinos and cardrooms can be intimidating. Maybe it's all the stern faces. Maybe it's the fact that most places just assume players know how to play. Heck, maybe it's because some people just aren't very friendly. Here are five ways to change the vibe.

Do your homework: Intimidation often comes from a lack of knowledge about a new situation. Educate yourself about the experience before you go. Boning up on table games is easy; there are dozens of websites out there to walk you through how to play. (My favorite is www.wizardofodds.com.) You can hit the Web for primers on specific casinos and cardrooms, too.

Watch and learn: You pick up a ton just watching a game unfold. Yes, you will feel ridiculous doing nothing but watching other people win or lose. But once you get over that awkwardness - provided you're really paying attention - you'll learn most of what you need to sit down and play. (A gentle warning: If you're not playing, do not interact with players unless they interact with you first. This is bad form. The house also could consider it cheating.)

Play dumb: It's hard to spite an idiot. With this in mind, one of the best ways to break through stares of opponents and cardroom personnel is to make it clear you don't have a clue. Curious about a particular game? Ask the dealer to explain. Wondering about house rules? Have other players set you straight. Sooner or later, you'll get the answers you seek. If you don't, there's always another casino or cardroom down the road.

Bring a wingman (or woman): Most situations are less intimidating when you experience them with a buddy. It's best to bring a friend with commanding knowledge of gambling; this way he or she can address questions or concerns you might have over the course of the night. Even if your pal isn't a card sharp, having him or her by your side will make the experience more comfortable. (Just make sure you're actually paying attention if you find yourself risking big money.)

Join the un-fun: If you're determined to tough out a room full of cold shoulders but don't feel like being proactive about it, you always can try the "can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach. This means trying on your own poker face - and keeping it on for the duration of your visit. No, this strategy won't make you any friends. It will, however, put you in perfect position to focus your energy on what matters most when you're gambling: the odds to win.

Matt Villano is a Healdsburg freelance writer. E-mail: 96hours@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mattvillano

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