NATCHEZ — Magnolia Bluffs Casino employees are preparing for the casino’s opening next week at orientation and training sessions this week at the Natchez Convention Center.

Premier Gaming Group President Kevin Preston said the casino’s 265 employees will be completing departmental training and orientation that started Monday and will continue through Friday.

Preston said the goal of the orientation and training is to ensure the employees are ready for the casino’s opening on Dec. 18.

“It’s just a way for us to get across our goals and vision for the casino,” he said.

The casino will be open for business next week and will host a grand opening ceremony with entertainment on Jan. 17, Preston said.

The 43,000-square-foot casino will have 601 slot machines, 12 table games, a center bar with 20 poker games, two restaurants and a player’s club.

An outdoor deck will wrap around the sides and back of the casino and will feature a seating area and a fire pit.