Thunder Valley Casino Resort

Even though I live 30 minutes away? I prefer going to Cache Creek Casino. I hate these new machines. I prefer the old fashion ones! Cache Creek have the old fashion ones! You can use real quarters to play and when you win? Quarters drop and the rest come out on a ticket. Elderly people prefer playing wheel of fortune and Top Dollar! It’s unfortunate they don’t have it anymore? Force me to go to Vegas. That’s why I don’t go to casinos in the Bay Area. Save up my money and go to Vegas.

Came in last night with the folks. Food good at café. Staff friendly and all. But WORST gaming of all casinos in Sacramento area! The pay out on Keno is a JOKE. Reno 2 quarters five numbers will get you $ 400 @ Thunder a mere $ 200. Lost $ 500 to get 2 after 6 hrs of play. No one was winning anything. Everyone playing around us were VERY unhappy and complaining about how tight Thunder is. Can not get a beer or drink without waiting 15 minutes at any bar even with no one at the bar. Go to RED HAWK you will win much more there! Never again will we step foot in this rip off of a place…

I would like to have offered a 4 star rating, but our latest experience there has me troubled.
[JAN 23 approx 4:30 pm] We were in the non-​smoking section, and decided to leave. I stopped at the ATM while my family slowly walked ahead, waiting for me. When I was finished at the machine, I noticed a family member was holding a large bill in his hand, and speaking to a lady from the cleaning staff. He had found a $ 100 bill lying on the floor –and was asking her what to do with it.
The cleaning woman said to «turn it into security — but ask for a claim ticket in the event it goes unclaimed.» That’s exactly what we did.
Ahead of us at security, was a gentleman whose phone was missing, and the security guy was trying to find out if anyone had turned it in. I think he was filling out some paperwork, etc. After waiting a VERY very long time — my family went on without me. We were on our way out of the casino — it had been a long night, and we were all getting tired of standing there (one person behind me waiting also).
My husband was holding the $ 100. That’s not a large amount of money — but we thought about the person who lost it, and how it might be a large amount to them. We wanted to see if it would be possible to ensure it would be returned to whoever dropped it. We just wanted to do the right thing.
While there was a «pause» in what was going on with the missing phone person — I leaned in and asked if I could just give the security agent «this note» (I had written our phone number, names, and said what we had found, etc) — because we could no longer wait (it was late and we were trying to leave and go home).
The security agent asked, «Where’s the money?» I said that my husband was holding it. He asked where he went — I said, «I don’t know — we’re leaving so he headed that way…» (pointing towards the elevator direction).
The security agent looked VERY agitated and said, «Well now I have to call security — all found money MUST BE TURNED IN!» It was as if he was going to call in the National Guard or something.
He kept asking, «Did he leave? Did he leave?» Well hells bells — I wish I knew, because I had been STANDING THERE FOR over 25 MIN trying to the right thing — the honest thing — and report the found money… so I wasn’t watching which direction my family went.
I got on my phone and texted my husband and told him to return — which he did, and we gave the security agent the $ 100 bill. And my LONG WAIT continued another 10 min at least.
When it was finally my turn again, I asked what happens to the money if it goes unclaimed — and, upon the advice of housekeeping, asked if we’d get a claim ticket.
«No — we don’t do that with found money. ALL found money MUST be turned in to security.»
He filled out NO PAPERWORK. He wrote down NOTHING — NO INFORMATION. There was no report filed NOTHING. He just sat there staring at me with the $ 100 bill in his hand — anxious to see me leave.
I asked him, «What happens to money that is found and turned in?» And he said that it is given to charity. I looked him in the eye — and said, «Can you guarantee to me that that’s what will happen with this money?» Because he was just holding the folded bill in his hands, and not doing ANYTHING «formal» with it.
Left me feeling VERY uncomfortable.
If THIS is the policy of Thunder Valley — that ALL FOUND MONEY MUST BE TURNED IN to security — WHERE ARE THE SIGNS INDICATING THIS? We walked around and did not see ONE SIGN anywhere saying anything about what to do with found items. NOTHING. There wasn’t even a sign at the security desk.
I would like to hear that Thunder Valley looked through their security tapes to see who dropped the money — because they could easily track that person to a machine, and his account if he or she was using his member card.
Or I would like to hear WHAT CHARITY that money went to (other than the security agent’s pocket)???
THIS felt all felt very shady indeed. :(
*PS — Side note, unreleated: If Thunder Valley doesn’t install some hand sanitizers throughout the casino — we won’t be returning. Every machine is SOOOO dirty, as are the ATM’s. :(

I’ve been coming here for a couple of years now. I most recently stayed twice in the deluxe rooms. And I plan on coming and staying again soon! The rooms are super nice. The hotel staff at the front desk is great.
My only problem with my most recent visit was at the EZ baccarat table. I just came downstairs and was excited to start playing. Mind you I’m 25 and have been coming here since I turned 21. I am also a dealer at another casino and have lived in Vegas.
I was standing by the EZ table for a few minutes waiting for a seat to open up and I sat down as soon as one did. I asked the dealer if I could please have a cup holder «she said no there isn’t any.» Without greeting me (even a little smile would have sufficed) Christine, the dealer (employee #129.something), rudely asked for my ID. I assumed it was my players card because I’ve never once been carded before (with the exception of buying alcohol from the bar.) I put my players card down on the table along with the money I was exchanging. She rolled her eyes and said «No, I need your ID!»
Being a dealer myself, I know that as soon as the floor swipes your players card your ID pops up. So I was confused as to why she needed my ID and why she was being so snippy and rude. Whatever, I passed her my ID and she condescendingly said «You’re 1990. What do you mean you’ve never been carded here?! We card under 30…» I looked back at my friend and we were both shocked about what was happening. I didn’t know what to say.
Again, being a dealer myself, I would never stop a game and make such a fuss about checking ID’s. That isn’t my job! That’s the floors job! And a players card is enough of an ID. No one would have a players card if they weren’t of legal gambling age in the first place!
I never had an issue with any dealer here. Actually most have been great to play with. Some more quiet than others but polite nonetheless. Losing money sucks enough, might as well have fun doing it! It was a disappointing encounter that night. I’m hoping next time I go to the EZ table Christine isn’t there. Or another table is open.
A supervisor should pull Christine aside an remind her that customer service is always first priority. Dealers are there to DEAL, floors are there to handle any issues or concerns with players.
On a better note… The dealer who was breaking the pit that night, Twan or Tawn (I can’t remember). Should be recognized for his outstanding customer service (how dealers SHOULD be!). Which more than made up for Christine’s many short comings that night.

Thanks! –Thunder Valley for the Slot Winnings tonight 01÷24÷16! :D My family treated me to this casino for my Birthday dinner evening buffet and fun playing with slot machines. Like my family tells me. it’s all about finding that Loose Lucky Machine. sure enough I gravitated to a slot machine in the corner back of the buffet area. I inserted $ 20.00 on a penny machine and all of the sudden. lights-​bells-​rung crazy! I Won $ 500.00. :D …Off course, I cashed out and walked. Out With $$. Will most diffently will return. The only reason I didn’t give this a Five star rating was certain areas of the casino had heavy aroma of cigarettes smoke lingering in the air :(:(

Came here to play at their $½ No Limit Texas Holdem Cash Game table. Placed my name on their waiting list of nine players which went by very fast.
The atmosphere was great! Their were many characteristics being exhibited by the players. Dealers were also pleasant and had a great attitude. They also knew when to draw the line and lay down the rules when players were acting up and or performed string bets (which I believe they were drunk).
Other than that, the tables were full and had a lot of action. Loved the experience at this card room… even though the chip leader knocked my entire stack out with on the river with a three outer. I’m definitely revisiting this place again!

Place has vastly improved since my last review and I’ve also been comped a few times recently for free rooms, so finally was able to stay at the casino. I never would otherwise, as I have property thirty minutes away, but it sure was a lot more convenient having a room and being able to take breaks or naps in between play rather than spending the whole day going back forth between the property and my car for my breaks.
The rooms are huge and very nice for the most part. Nothing amazing, but well above average and the AC system works fine with no issues. You’d be surprised how many places have problems with the air conditioning.
Plenty of food options around the premises including a food court with all chain options of Panda Express, Fatburger, Peets, etc. There are several mid range options, such as Thunder Café, as well as the high end steakhouse, High Steaks.
In regards to the video poker machines here, they are a pretty big joke. Saw a lot of 7/​5, ⁸⁄₅ machines and the listings from vp2free don’t seem to match where the profitable machines are supposed to be on this property, or maybe I just couldn’t find them. I found a single ten play bonus machine (triple double bonus is my addiction) by the bar, but it’s hard to have a strong recollection of it when you aren’t winning much and the $ 12.50 to $ 50 per turn adds up quick.
The poker room has gradually gotten better over the years and the staff has made tremendous strides and continues to put in a lot of effort to improve the room. It’s the main reason I go up here, so kudos for them on that!
They got all kinds of random giveaways and stuff, but I’ve never been the beneficiary of anything substantial. Not shocking if you knew my life, so that shouldn’t discourage you from coming here to give Lady Luck a whirl. Be forewarned, I’ve never met a bigger prude in my life.

Minus 2 stars for the following reason. Too crowed on new years eve. Every single slot machine was taken. one of my guests could not find her «lucky» machine and ended up playing with available slots. Also no free drinks. And like reno if you ask for water, good luck. No outside food, even water !!!
Could be a 4 if the figure a way to hydrate their customers, we couldn’t leave our slots to get drinks as their is not a way to reserve slots for breaks. And if it is less crowded (will update review if we visit this place again)

I must be biased. Cache Creek seems to be the only casino that pays out. Been here a total of three times and each time has been a mediocre experience. I do like the fact that there’s sooo many slot machines but other than that, blah.
What chaffed me tonight though was our server at the Red Lantern restaurant. Didn’t catch her name but she was totally rude. When she served our meal, she just shoved the plates where ever she saw space and! Made no attempt to check in with the service she provided or food she gave. My pops was trying to ask her if they served any dim sum and after 15 minutes of trying to get her attention, she looked at him dumb founded and just said NO DIMSUM. Didn’t offer the menu to see if there was something else that he might have wanted and literally was just trying to waltz away. Ugh. I’ve never been so irritated with service in my life.
Don’t think I’d want to come back here again. It’s too a far of a drive and I can’t even win a pretty penny.

Rule #1: The house always has the upper hand.
Rule #2: If you’re not willing to accept rule #1, don’t go to a casino and gamble.
I always like a good time, including gambling at a casino. So does my friend, who was with me for the weekend. We were staying in Roseville, I was in a wedding in Auburn. We had some time to kill the night before the wedding and he said «Thunder Valley is only 15 minutes away». I didn’t believe him. The only casino outside of Vegas, Tahoe and Reno is Cache Creek. I feel like that place is in the middle of nowhere, which… I’m assuming it is.
After we had dinner, we were still in the mood to go check out the casino. I pulled it up on my maps app and it was only about 7 miles away, 15 minutes in driving time. I was so surprised! So we headed to Thunder Valley at around 11PM on a Friday night. It didn’t even dawn on me that it was a Friday night. Being so close to Sacramento, it may be busy because people have a pretty good sized casino right in their back yard.
I drove, it was pretty easy to find and kind of off the freeway, in the middle of a field — about ten minutes total from the time I pulled off the freeway to parking in the garage. It’s pretty much the only thing in the middle of the area, so it’s hard to miss. They have a huge hotel that is apart of the casino now. The last time my friend had been here, they hadn’t built the hotel portion yet.
For people that are just there to gamble for a little bit or the day, like us… they have self serve parking. It is a multi-​level garage, so don’t worry about having to find parking. I’m not sure if there is a separate area for the hotel guests, but I believe I did see valet parking for hotel guests in another area. The parking garage is lit well, just remember what level and section you parked in. There is no charge for parking.
We went inside and it’s like every other casino — slot machines, tables, more slot machines, restaurants, cigarette smoke. I like to wander around and get a «feeling» for the machines. Sounds weird, but we all have our superstitions, right? I wasn’t getting any kind of feeling for any machine as we wandered around. Maybe because the place was so busy, so even if I wanted to play, I probably couldn’t have.
We decided to go to the rewards center, my friend renewed his membership card and I started one. I always get a rewards card, where ever I go, if they have one. I was able to get «free slot play», you had to put in an amount of money into any non-​progressive machine and then enter the numbers on they key pad. An amount of free play came up on there, I got $ 5. Cool. I ended up losing that, but it was okay.
My friend played three card poker. Or some kind of poker game, I’m not sure which one it was. I don’t really understand poker games that well. I played the machine roulette, which is nothing like the real roulette games in Nevada. I came up $ 30 on that, so I decided to cash out and leave with that. We walked around for a little bit longer. They had a band that was playing in the middle of the casino, that was rather loud and pitchy for my liking. So we didn’t spend much time in that specific area.
We had just finished dinner before that, so I was not hungry. But I did see that they do have a Panda Express and Subway, maybe? There were about four fast food restaurants right next to each other, in case you’re hungry. There was a full bar, I’m not sure if it was a restaurant too, or just a bar. We didn’t go in there to find out. I saw that there was a «fancy» steakhouse… but again, I wasn’t very hungry and looking for food.
We didn’t come here on Sunday, but they do have bingo. I LOVE bingo! If we weren’t headed back home, I would have totally come back to daub some bingo cards. Overall, it wasn’t a bad experience. I’m sure that it’s a lot quieter during the week. It is close to the freeway and easy to get to from Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin area. I could see why people like coming here on their time off. Until next time, Thunder Valley.

Here once again at this casino and I have no business. I have not won anything in a minute here and today has been no different. I have lost $ 560 today and I’m so not happy right now. Thunder Valley has changed a lot, they have expanded and open it up a great deal.
My issue I have here is I always get a headache because it is so smokey in here and God forbid you sit next to someone who smokes. Some people are nice about it and will ask you if you mind. And then there are those that are so rude about it. I love the food here at thunder valley. I’m having pizza hut today.
I like that thunder valley always gives away nice gifts, I have received a few cool gifts. I’m so upset with myself today, because I keep telling myself I’m going to stop coming and end up right back again. I was not coming here to loss any money today! But I did.
The staff here is pretty cool. I like that they will watch your machine whenever you need to use the restroom or leave your machine without losing it. I love that they added the garage. To me its safer than walking in the parking lot. ijs…

Can’t ever go wrong with thunder valley
Is a nice casino hotel
The rooms are clean and high end
I live the pool and the main bar is Gorgeoues
They have this concerts on the parking lot outside
Amazing
One of my fav casino destinations

One star for the poker tournaments that they are aLways hosting and one star for their buffet.
I’ve been to my share of casinos and aLthough the casino is beautifuL (inside and out) — Thunder VaLLey just doesn’t cut it for me.
Negatives:
–TV is the typicaL casino fiLLed with cLouds of smoke and rude casino goers who don’t cover their mouths when they cough. GROSS!
–The food court is Lacking on so many LeveLs and that’s the reason why I’m aLways Left eating at their buffet.
–CocktaiL waitresses aren’t the friendLiest and at times I find myseLf having to hunt one down.
If it wouLd make Life easier for them and myseLf– I’m aLL about seLf serve beverage stations.
Positives:
–Restrooms are ALWAYS CLEAN!
–TV’s bar is massive and Located convenientLy right in the middLe of aLL the action.
-(if you’re interested in this stuff) aLL the hoochies come out to enjoy the cLub during the weekend.
ALL in aLL: This pLace is MEH.

Taking my great grandmother to the casino for her 90^th Birthday.
The casino is beautiful and can be a lot of fun. They don’t have great payouts on their slots. Usually the house wins.
They do have raffles and drawings to hel
p compensate.
They have concerts and shows that you can attend.
They do have a hotel but I’ve never stayed since I live only about an hour away.
There is a very small section for non smoking slots but it’s not impressive at all. As an asthma sufferer I find it a little difficult being inside the casino for more than a few hours.
The food is great and they have many options from fine dining to buffet to fast food such as subway and panda express.
All in all good to go but set yourself a limit for how much you’re willing to lose because although you’ll have fun you’ll probably leave a loser.

It’s been awhile … Me and my wife used to just come here and watch a free concert from variety of cover bands from 80’s 90’s, top forties, rock, and even old school. I enjoyed it and still enjoy it. I’m not really big in gambling or even playing the slots, thunder valley is a resort and offers food court, buffets, Café’s and steak house. They also have paid concerts for special guess in their Pano Hall … Me and my wife celebrated New Years in there watching a concert (my wife’s friend provided us free tickets). We watched a band with a New Orleans style blues … It was pretty cool. And they also use this hall for boxing/​mma local fight nights (occasionally) and I believe during the summer time, they schedule outdoor concerts every weekend (variety of popular groups) I never really went to one … Not just yet.
Anyway all in all its me and my wife’s little getaway from a hectic week. Like any popular casinos, you see all kinds of people, and it can get very crowded, very noisy and at times can be dangerous with people that are out of control (drunk). The place can get rowdy, as casinos do attract people that are up to no good. It’s still the place where me and my wife go locally to enjoy music and food.

Really?
Pepsi?
So, I orderr makers and COKE and get Pepsi & Makers.
I’ll pay extra.
When I ask for the Classic please give me what the fun I ask for.
Pepsi?

I came out here with friends to celebrate our buddy’s birthday! A nice small group makes anything FUN!
As we pulled up, we saw lots of cars. We thought we were going to have troubles with parking. BTW… they have ample parking.
We started our adventure with their breakfast buffet slash moved into lunch! Our friends were the experts. My first visit. So my buddy had earned these reward points for buy one get one free. Our buffet came with drink tickets which was mimosas!
The buffet was pretty big. They had sections of different foods to choose from. Our choices were Italian, American, Mexican, Chinese, salads to desserts!
As for me, I tried their prime rib, roasted chicken, Chinese BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies and so much more. For dessert I had the coconut cream pie. Ooooooh so good! I also had their red velvet cake and other things chocolatey!
We finally moved away from our delicious buffet to the slot machines. We moved to the small section of non smoking section.
Not bad spot. They have card tables and much more, but I don’t know how to gamble! I’m a slot girl!!!
Overall, everyone here seem very nice. Bathrooms were kept up. I saw security everywhere so it’s safer feeling.
We did check out the day spa part. It didn’t sound too outrageous price wise. We will check this part and hotel part next!!!

This updated review is for the hotel located in the casino only!
I was upgraded to a King Suite after there were some issues with my original reservation and all of the regular King Rooms were booked.
When I was finally able to get up to my room, well, color me impressed! The halls of the hotel are very smokey, but you literally hear the air being sucked up into the entry way of the hotel room and you’re suddenly breathing something much more filtered! Ahhhhh… a relief on my lungs!
The king suite has a kitcheonette, two bathrooms, an office area, a large soaking tub, standing rain shower, two TVs, a keurig and a really comfy bed. Escape the noise and the sensory overload of the casino and transport into a quiet, relaxing atmosphere of your room. It was also really clean.
No room service after 12pm. No buying of drinks or having them delivered after 1am.
I would stay at the hotel again, for sure. I might ask if I could be on the side where there was a view besides the flat roof of the casino, but if you’re planning on spending all of your time out on the casino floor I wouldn’t be too picky.

My review is based on my experience at Club Illusions !
Thunder valley did a complete transformation from the old Falls Bar to the new Illusions club! This place is bad ass! The first illusion was realizing that this is now a 2-​story club and you can pretty comfortably fit 200 guests in it!
The club was designed to perfection! Full bar, Dj booth, gaming, restrooms and intelligently designed seating that maximized all the space!
Bravo Thunder Valley! Well done!

Two stars because their hotel rooms aren’t the greatest. Stayed here overnight and was placed next to a room that left their TV on with the volume FULL BLAST! (We were literally able to hear what they were watching!) Called the front desk around 12AM for help. They proceeded to phone the neighboring room but, unfortunately, the patrons weren’t actually there so the problem was never resolved.
Roughly after the third phone call, we decided to inform the front desk that no one was actually in the room. They promised to send their security guards immediately to handle this situation. Thirty minutes later, two security guards show up and knock on our neighbor’s door. Security FINALLY REALIZES no one is there and decides to leave the situation AS IS.
It is almost 1AM now and the problem still isn’t solved! Frustrated and tired, we call the front desk one last time to see if they can physically ENTER the room to turn off the TV. The lady said she would have to ask her manager and at that point we decide to leave and make the drive home! The front desk workers didn’t even offer to switch our rooms! Overall, an F for service at the HOTEL-​end!
The hotel room itself was small yet CLEAN! The walls were obviously paper thin but everything looked brand new and modern.
As for the actual casino, I enjoy coming here to gamble and eat – which is why I am rating Thunder Valley three stars! The café (comparable to a high-​class Denny’s) is always open and their food is actually decent! If you gamble here enough you even get comped food! They also carry Peet’s Coffee and Tea (open 24 hours), Fatburger (open 24 hours), Panda Express, Pizza Hut (open 24 hours Fri-​Sat), their famous buffet (Crab Feed Fridays, $ 30, from 4PM– 11PM, Prime Rib and Snow Crab Saturdays, $ 27, from 4PM-​11PM, and Champagne Brunch Sundays, $ 17, from 9:00AM-2:30PM), Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant with HH for drinks ONLY from 11AM-​4PM, and High Steaks Steakhouse with HH on food and drinks from 5PM-​7PM,
They also offer a WIDE variety of table games and slots– my favorites being baccarat, black jack, and their lucky 7 slots! There’s even a non-​smoking area if you can’t stand the smell of cigarettes.
A new lounge even debuted a few weeks ago called «Illusions» open from 10PM-​2AM daily with a LIVE DJ Friday and Saturday nights from 9PM-​1AM. There is also a $ 10 cover charge… along with a strict dress code and no smoking rule. Definitely have to try it out one of these nights!
Overall, Thunder Valley is nice if you want to come eat and gamble! Everything is extremely well-​kept and CLEAN and workers (in the CASINO and RESTAURANT) are very nice and personable! Remember to sign up for a player’s card – it gives you $ 10 off the buffet!