The Hamburg Casino didn't have its "official" opening until Friday, yet Brian and Shayne Weller of New Port Richey, Fla., had already visited the new facility at the Erie County Fairgrounds 10 times by then.

That's because the $25.4 million gaming and entertainment center actually opened its doors Aug. 13, coinciding with the Erie County Fair. It has been doing fairly brisk business since then, with the Wellers, among others, as regular patrons.

"Well, I'm not a gambler. My wife is," Brian Weller confided Friday, as he stood near a bench outside the 66,000-square-foot facility.

"She loves it, and I don't mind bringing her here," he added.

The Wellers, originally from Buffalo, each has found something to enjoy in the Hamburg Casino. For Shayne Weller, it's access to the 939 slot machines. In addition to the assortment of beverage and dining options that the casino offers, Brian Weller said he is enamored with the more than 50 flat-screen television monitors situated throughout the establishment -- all airing different sporting events.

"If I was lucky, I'd play, but I'm not lucky," he said, with a laugh.

He added: "It's good, and you can watch the ballgames on TV. That's what I enjoy. I love sports."

Ellsworth Gaskill, general manager of the Hamburg Casino, said this weekend is dedicated to a variety of "grand-opening events," including a fireworks display held Friday night and another one scheduled for 10 o'clock tonight. There also was a T-shirt giveaway Friday and a promotional tie-in with the New York Lottery, which actually oversees options at the casino.

Gretchen Dizer, who along with Yolanda Vega and others, takes turns announcing the televised New York Lottery drawings each night, was present for Friday's grand opening at the casino to give out Bobblehead replicas of the "Little Bit of Luck" character used to promote the state lottery and its products. Those who purchased 20 New York Lottery tickets received a Bobblehead doll.

"We also have hot seat promotions for cash all weekend long," said Gaskill. "Every hour we draw a slot machine number. If you're sitting in front of that machine playing, you get some cash."

The casino is also going to be giving away a new 2011 Ford Mustang convertible, which was parked outside the casino Friday. All those who play the slot machines this weekend will get a chance to win, Gaskill said.

"As you play, you're earning entries into the drawing, and then we'll pick a name Monday night and they will be awarded the car. They can have that car or cash, whatever they like," he said.

Other giveaways this weekend include Bills season tickets and $15,000 cash. Tickets for the free concert tonight featuring 1960s pop crooner Bobby Vinton have already been distributed, said Gaskill.

"We are very pleased with the turnout right now. Actually, it's exceeding some of our projections. And it could just be the opening thrill. Everybody is out to kick the tires, to give it a try and see what it looks like. Hopefully, they'll return for many more visits in the future," said Gaskill.

"Approximately 50 percent of the revenues [generated] here go to education. The place has generated between 30 and 40 new jobs, mostly in the food and beverage service area. But we also hired [to fill] a couple of technical positions for a new IT department, so that benefits the area," Gaskill added.       

hmcneil@buffnews.comnull