New Indian casino planned near Ukiah

January 27, 2010

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly Monday ratified a gaming compact signed by the Schwarzenegger administration with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation. The agreement was signed by the governor in March 2009 and later approved by the state Senate. This week’s 54-1 vote allows the tribe to build and operate a casino with up to 900 slot machines through 2030. In exchange the state will receive 15 percent of the winnings.

The site is 8.8 acres north of Ukiah. It was a former car dealership on North State Street and across Highway 101 from the Pinoleville Rancheria. Although the land is not in federal trust, the tribe holds a lease-purchase option on the land and it lies within the historical lands of their ancestors.

Construction may start as early as next year on the 90,000 square foot casino. Cost is estimated at $50 million. The initial number of slot machines has not been decided.
A few more legal steps must be taken before the construction can start. An environmental impact document must be completed and an agreement must be worked out with Mendocino County.

Return to California Casinos.