Chukchansi casino allows Action News cameras inside

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- For the first time since the forced closure Action News cameras were allowed inside Chukchansi casino.

The once popular gaming floor remains empty. All the lights are turned off and machines have been moved out. There have been no visitors inside for more than 30 days and no one is manning the nearby poker room or check-in counter.

Reggie Lewis who heads one of the tribal factions fighting for power is confident if the casino reopens, visitors will be back.

"Gamers are gamers. It may be a little while before they decide to come back but people will be back. It's just like trying to quit smoking cigarettes. If you're a gambler you are going to come back," said Lewis.

But Lewis admits the feud which turned violent in early October and resulted in the shutdown of the casino has been really bad for business. So far about 400 of the more than 1,000 employees who were laid off are hoping to get a job through the Madera County Workforce Assistance Center. Many of the former employees are now focusing on getting trained in other professions.

"We have a number of them who do not have high school diplomas or GEDs so they're asking for information about that," said Elaine Craig.

Staffs members at the center are holding special training sessions next week in both English and Spanish to help people find work and claim unemployment benefits.