After decades of legal battles and negotiations, a long-awaited tribal casino is finally breaking ground in Amador County. The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians has been working towards this moment for over 30 years, facing numerous obstacles along the way. But now, with the support of the tribe’s gaming partner, Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment, construction is officially underway on the $168 million Harrah’s Northern California Casino.
The new casino, set to be located in Ione, will feature 950 slot machines, 20 table games, multiple restaurants, a sports bar, and a 71,000 square foot gaming floor. The project is expected to create over 400 permanent jobs in the area, providing a significant economic boost to Amador County.
Tribal Chairman Rhonda Morningstar Pope-Flores expressed her excitement about the groundbreaking, stating, “This is a historic moment for our tribe and for the community. After years of hard work and dedication, we are thrilled to see our vision for a world-class casino finally coming to fruition.”
The road to this moment has been a long and challenging one for the Buena Vista Rancheria. The tribe faced opposition from local residents and government officials who were concerned about the impact of a casino on the community. Legal battles ensued, delaying the project for years.
But in 2012, the Buena Vista Rancheria signed a gaming compact with the state of California, allowing them to move forward with their casino plans. The tribe partnered with Caesars Entertainment in 2016, bringing the project one step closer to reality.
The Harrah’s Northern California Casino is expected to attract visitors from all over the region, boosting tourism and bringing new opportunities for local businesses. The tribe also plans to invest in education and healthcare programs for its members with the revenue generated from the casino.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2022, with an official opening date to be announced in the coming months. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by tribal members, Caesars Entertainment executives, and local officials who expressed their support for the project.
Overall, the groundbreaking of the Harrah’s Northern California Casino marks a significant milestone for the Buena Vista Rancheria and the community of Amador County. After decades of perseverance and determination, the tribe’s dream of a world-class casino is finally becoming a reality.
