In a special TG&H On Air interview, Antonio Perez, General Manager of Rolling Hills Casino and Resort in Northern California, shared insights into the growth, challenges, and future of the property. Since joining in October 2020, Perez has overseen transformative developments, making Rolling Hills a cornerstone for the community and a leader in tribal hospitality.
A vision of transformation
Antonio Perez reflected on his first encounter with the property in late 2020 during its remodel and expansion. “The building had no front, just construction fences and vehicles the first time I saw it,” he said. Fast forward to today, Rolling Hills boasts:
- Four signature restaurants: Including Rock & Brews, Six Two Eight Steakhouse, Fat Burger, and Double Down Café.
- Upgraded facilities: Two remodeled hotels with 110 rooms, an expanded amphitheater, a comedy club, and a cutting-edge gaming floor.
- Technology adoption: The casino has become a model for technological innovations, often inviting others to witness its advancements firsthand.
Perez attributes these successes to his team and the forward-thinking of the Paskenta Nomlaki Tribe, owners of Rolling Hills Casino: “The team here is so great. There’s no other group I would’ve rather done it with.”
Community anchor in crisis
Rolling Hills Casino has steadfastly supported its community during emergencies like the August Complex Fire and other wildfires.
“We offer RV spaces, hotel rooms, and most notably, our equestrian center,” Perez explained. The equestrian center, featuring 400 stalls and six arenas, has become a critical resource for residents during crises. “It’s the one place that gets used every time there are evacuations, from fires to flooding and beyond,” said Perez.
During events like wildfires, families bring their large animals—horses, livestock, and more—to the equestrian center for safe housing. With few alternatives for large animals in such situations, the center has established itself as an essential community asset. Beyond emergency use, the equestrian center also serves as a venue for equestrian events and competitions, bringing in visitors and creating another avenue for community engagement.
Paskenta Brewery and Distillery: A game changer
Rolling Hills is also making waves with its on-site Paskenta Brewery and Distillery, a first-of-its-kind in California tribal gaming. Initially designed to supply beer and spirits for the casino, the operation quickly expanded due to overwhelming demand.
In 2024, the tribe acquired Mad River Brewing, expanding Paskenta’s brand awareness and creating new partnerships and opportunities. With distribution now ready across beer and spirit lines, the goal is collaboration with other tribes. “Our model helps tribes enter the beverage industry without requiring significant capital investment,” said Perez.
Elevating entertainment
The Rolling Hills amphitheater began humbly in 2019 with a rented stage, pop-up tents and tables for concessions, and a grassy hill for seating, but it has since evolved into a premier entertainment venue.
- Notable performers: Snoop Dogg, Kane Brown, Ice Cube, Steve Aoki, Pitbull, Dierks Bentley, and Brad Paisley.
- Optimized concessions: By strategically adding concession windows, the casino ensures short lines, enhancing the guest experience.
Additionally, the property now includes a comedy club that hosts monthly shows featuring everything from touring comedians to big-name acts.
A premier event destination
One of Rolling Hills’ fastest-growing assets is its event center, which has 25,000 square feet of versatile space that attracts attention from tribal governments, corporate groups, and business retreats.
“This space is designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to conferences and festivals,” Perez said. “It features an enclosed outdoor patio that connects seamlessly to the event center, adding flexibility and appeal.”
Over the past year, the event center has seen significant growth, particularly from Northern California tribes hosting retreats and meetings. Perez emphasized the property’s ambitions to expand its reach:
“We want to host tribes and organizations from across the region and beyond. Once they experience our team, our property, and everything we have to offer, they’ll see why Rolling Hills stands out.”
Beyond its versatility, the event center benefits from the surrounding amenities, including the property’s two hotels, diverse dining options, a Links-style golf course, a hunt club, and a stunning 7,500-seat amphitheater for post-event entertainment. The space is ideal for conferences, weddings, and private events, and its convenient location off I-5 makes it easily accessible.
Perez highlighted the unique blend of quality and hospitality: “Our team goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences. Whether it’s an elegant banquet or a multi-day business retreat, we deliver excellence every step of the way.”
The team behind the success
A key driver of Rolling Hills’ achievements is its strong workplace culture. “We know your job is meant to support your home life,” said Perez.
Creative hiring incentives, such as a $50K guarantee for tipped positions, have bolstered staffing during tough times. The results speak for themselves: a growing percentage of rehires (23% in 2024) and plummeting turnover rates. “We’re now attracting talent that would’ve been out of our league five years ago.”
Looking ahead
From technological innovation to community support, Rolling Hills Casino and Resort exemplifies the spirit of tribal gaming. Antonio Perez and his team are not just building a resort—they’re fostering a community hub that uplifts Northern California and beyond.
Perez’s pride in the event center, the brewery, and the team’s ability to “punch outside of their weight class” reflects the broader goals of Rolling Hills. “What we offer goes far beyond gaming,” he said, emphasizing the property’s multi-faceted impact.
