Sky River Casino | Expansion Plans

Nation | Tribe: Wilton Rancheria

SKY RIVER CASINO

1 Sky River Parkway
Elk Grove, Sacramento County, CA 95758

Sky River Casino is a $500 million casino in Sacramento County off Highway 99 at Grant Line Road in Elk Grove. The casino is located 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento and features 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, a 12-table poker room, and 17 food and drink options. Sky River opened August 16, 2022.

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Artist rendering

Sky River Casino

Sky River Casino features a 110,260 sq-ft gaming floor with 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, a poker room and a high-limit gaming area. Four dining venues include an upscale steakhouse, pub, Chinese restaurant and a food court. A future hotel is planned with 12-stories, 302 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center and a luxury pool.

Sky River Casino is the closest casino to Sacramento and also the closest to the South Bay Area.

Sky River Casino is owned by the Wilton Rancheria, a federally-recognized tribe in Elk Grove. The tribe has partnered with Boyd Gaming, a Las Vegas company founded in 1975. Boyd Gaming will be the operator of Sky River Casino for the first 7 years. Boyd operates 28 other casinos located in 10 states.

Drone Photo July 2022

This recent drone photo shows that construction of Sky River Casino is nearly completion. The 100,000-square-foot casino opened August 16, 2022.

 

News Headlines

Sky River Casino adds 20 acres November 7, 2023 - The Wilton Rancheria recently purchased 20 acres of land adjacent to its Sky River Casino in Elk Grove. The land is located in two outlined areas shown of the map below. ... Read more Sky River Casino celebrates one year anniversary! August 12, 2023 - Sky River Casino is celebrating its first anniversary with month-long promotions and one million dollars in giveaways. Sky River opened August 15, 2022. ... Read more Sky River plans whiskey and cigar lounge July 20, 2023 - In a press release last month, Sky River Casino announced plans to build a bourbon and cigar lounge named "The Humidor". The new venue will open later this year next to 32 Brews Street ... Read more Sky River Casino: Future Expansion Plans February 28, 2023 - The financial success of Sky River Casino has exceeded expectations since opening last August. Now Wilton Rancheria tribe and its partner, Boyd Gaming Corp., are looking ahead to adding a hotel ... Read more Headlines continued...

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Sky River Casino Features

Sky River Gaming

Sky River Restaurants

Sky River Entertainment (Future)

Sky River Hotel (Future)

Parking

Sky River Casino Expansion Plans

October 2023

The Wilton Rancheria fpurchased 20 acres of land adjacent to its Sky River Casino. See news article.

March 3, 2023

Sky River Casino has been extremely successful since opening in August 2022, and management is now looking at new opportunities to add more features. At the top of the list is a hotel and convention center.

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Sky River Casino is betting on the house
Courtesy of CBS Sacramento, Mar 3 2023. Available from YouTube

Sky River Casino: Future Expansion Plans

February 28, 2023

The financial success of Sky River Casino has exceeded expectations since opening last August. Now Wilton Rancheria tribe and its partner, Boyd Gaming Corp., are looking ahead to possibly adding a hotel and convention center. The original development plan included a 302-room hotel and a convention center; however, both were dropped from the final construction plan due to escalating costs.

Sky River's chief operating officer and president, Chris Gibase, says now that the casino is open and generating revenue, Wilton Rancheria and Boyd Gaming Corp. can spend the next several months developing Sky River's plan for expansion. It will include a hotel, which may be larger than the original plan, a pool and spa, and entertainment venues.

"Entertainment, convention space, pool/spas, pretty much all of that is in play. It will be spectacular; I can promise you that.

"What you would normally see in any resort hotel, you'll see here on this site. It'll be as big or bigger than any of our competition."

- Chris Gibase, CEO and President

Gibase expects the expansion plans will be announced later this year. He gave no further details about expansion, but said "It's coming. It's a question of when."

 

Sky River Casino Gallery

These artist renderings are provided courtesy of Sky River Casino.

EXTERIOR VIEWS

CASINO FLOOR

Casino Main Floor - Sky River Casino

Table Games Area - Sky River Casino

RESTAURANTS

Steakhouse Restaurant - Sky River Casino

Noodle Restaurant - Sky River Casino

The Pub - Sky River Casino

Burger Restaurant - Sky River Casino

Deli - Sky River Casino

Center Bar - Sky River Casino

Sky River Casino Construction Plan 2021

CONSTRUCTION

• $500M cost
• Construction began in March 2021
• Grand opening in 2022

CASINO

• 110,260 sq-ft gaming floor
• 2,000 slot machines
• 80 table games
• High-limit gaming area

HOTEL

• 302 guest rooms and suites
• 12-story hotel tower
• Ballroom
• Spa and fitness center
• Luxury pool
• Meeting space

RESTAURANTS

• Multiple venues including fine dining
• Bars and lounges
• Details are pending

EVENTS

• 30,000 total square-feet of event space
• Conference center
• Ballroom
• Entertainment venue

OTHER

• Retail outlet stores
• Movie theatre

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Sky River Casino Location

Sky River Casino is located in Sacramento County off Highway 99 at Grant Line Road in Elk Grove, California. The distance is 15 miles from downtown Sacramento.

 

Sky River Casino Timeline

In September 2016 the Elk Grove City Council approved a local agreement with the tribe. Wilton Rancheria will pay the city $132 million over 20 years to cover the financial impact of the casino on its community.

The proposed site is "off-reservation" land. The tribe opted to purchase it for a casino and applied to the U.S. Interior Department for special approval. A favorable decision was issued in January 2017 and the land was taken into federal trust.

This prompted opposition groups to appeal the legality of that decision. In July 2017 the Interior Department denied their appeal.

A week later Gov. Jerry Brown announced he had negotiated and signed a gaming compact with the tribe allowing 2,500 slot machines. The compact was then ratified by the legislature and final signoffs and approvals were announced in October 2017.

Preparation of the casino site began Feb 1, 2019 with the demolition and removal of the abandoned Elk Grove Mall. The casino site is at the north end of the mall near Kammerer Road and Highway 99.

In Jan 2020 Wilton Rancheria announced some redesigns to the project were necessary and construction would be delayed until 2021.

In Feb 2021 the tribe announced that financing had been secured and the project would proceed. A groundbreaking ceremony was held March 9, 2021. Construction will take 12-18 months to complete.

By August 2021, all foundation work, underground utilities and the steel framing were completed. A "topping off" ceremony was held August 20th to celebrate the placement of the final steel beam. See news article.

Sky River Casino is expected to open to the public in Fall 2022.

News Articles

Sky River Casino adds 20 acres

November 7, 2023

The Wilton Rancheria recently purchased 20 acres of land adjacent to its Sky River Casino in Elk Grove. The land is located in three outlined areas shown of the map below.

A statement was issued by Wilton Rancheria:

"Today, as we embark on this historic land purchase, we honor not only our past, but also the future. In acquiring this land, we sow the seeds of prosperity for seven generations to come.

"Our vision is rooted in a legacy of stewardship, ensuring that our descendants inherit a world richer in culture, tradition, and opportunity. This purchase is not just a transaction; it is a pledge to safeguard the heritage of our people and to preserve our ancestors' lasting legacy as the original caretakers of this land."

- Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria Chairman

There were no further announcements regarding plans for the newly acquired land. However, earlier this year, casino officials said they were considering the addition of a convention center and hotel.

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Sky River Casino celebrates one year anniversary!

August 12, 2023

Sky River Casino is celebrating its first anniversary with month-long promotions and one million dollars in giveaways. Sky River opened August 15, 2022.

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Sky River Casino's one year anniversary celebration! - Courtesy of Good Day Sacramento, Aug 10, 2023. Available from YouTube

The first anniversary promotions include eight Land Rover Defenders to be given away Fridays and Saturday 5PM - 10PM. A limited-edition Anniversary Gift will be given away on Tuesday or Thursday from 3PM - 9PM, and a Sweet Treat Swipe & Win promotion will be held Tuesday, August 15 from 10AM - 2PM.

The original construction plan for Sky River Casino included a 300-room hotel, pool, spa, entertainment center., and 1,700-car parking garage. Those plans have not changed according to the Wilton Rancheria chairman.

"The original plan hasn't changed. Just to know what we're building to complement what we have here, it makes me feel good about what's happening."

- Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria Chairman

Sky River Casino is a 100,000-square-foot casino that cost $400 million to build. The casino officially opened on August 15 last year.

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Sky River plans whiskey and cigar lounge

July 20, 2023

In a press release last month, Sky River Casino announced plans to build a bourbon and cigar lounge named "The Humidor". The new venue will open later this year next to 32 Brews Street, a Sky River sports bar and pub. The Humidor will bring the total number of bars, restaurants and lounges at the casino to eighteen.

"We are thrilled to add yet another unique and exceptional venue inside Sky River ... The Humidor will cater to bourbon, whiskey and cigar lovers who enjoy a relaxed environment for conversing, gaming or simply enjoying the moment."

- Chris Gibase, CEO and Pres.

The Humidor will serve the finest brands of cigars, bourbon and whiskey. Drink brands include Macallan, Pappy Van Winkle, Whistle Pig, and Louis XIII.

Sky River plans to start construction of the new a bourbon and cigar lounge within a few weeks.

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Sky River Casino - Photos | Facebook

December 30, 2022

Since opening last August, Sky River Casino has become a favorite gaming destination for players in the Sacramento area. Here is a photo collection of Sky River fans from the casino's Facebook page. More photos are available at Facebook.

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Sky River Casino is expanding parking area

October 20, 2022

The success of Sky River Casino has created a parking shortage at the casino. Since opening Aug. 18th, many casino visitors are parking in the surrounding residential areas. In September Sky River launched a fast-track project to alleviate the problem.

An additional 6-acre parking area is currently under construction on the southwest side of the casino. This $1.6 million project will add 500 new vehicle parking spaces for visitors.

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Sky River Casino to complete parking lot by month's end
Courtesy of BS Sacramento, Oct 18, 2022. Available from YouTube

The new parking area will open to visitors by Oct. 31st.

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Sky River Casino provides self-sufficiency to Wilton Rancheria

October 2, 2022

Sky River Casino opened Aug. 16th, two weeks ahead of schedule, and is already showing signs of financial success. The $500 million casino is expected to bring economic self-sufficiency to Wilton Rancheria, which provides housing, education, healthcare and other needed services to its 853 members.

Wilton Rancheria owns the Sky River Casino, which is located on the tribe's reservation land. Wilton Rancheria has partnered with Boyd Gaming to develop and manage the operation of the casino.

Tribal chairman, Jesus Tarango, said:

"When you think about who we are as a people, you really can't have a community unless you have a land base,and this is the only land we have that's in trust status for us. Today is a beautiful day because it's almost as if our people are coming home and we have a place to call home. It truly should do what it's supposed to do - it's supposed to take us into self-sufficiency and provide us with an economic boost."

- Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria

Sky River Casino management is optimistic about expansion over the next few years. President and CEO, Chris Gibase, told the Elk Grove Citizen the following:

"If you look, all four sides of this building are capable of expanding. So you can expect a large hotel, entertainment complexes, showrooms, spas, pools - pretty much everything you would see in a Las Vegas Strip hotel will be on this property. This will be an economic driver for not only Elk Grove, but for Sacramento County."

- Chris Gibase, Sky River Casino

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Surprise! Sky River Casino in Elk Grove opened today Aug 16th!

August 16, 2022

What a surprise! The Sky River Casino in Elk Grove opened just after midnight this morning after previously announcing the casino opening date would be in early September.

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Sky River Casino in Elk Grove surprises customers, opens about a month early
Courtesy of ABC10, Aug 16, 2022. Available from YouTube

Sky River Casino posted the surprise opening on social media at medinight, and within half an hour 600 people showed up. The casino opened with 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games and 17 restaurants and bars.

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Sky River Casino shortens opening date to early September

July 20, 2022

Sky River Casino announced Monday the new Elk Grove casino will open in early September rather in November as earlier announced. The exact date in September was not released; however, a reasonable target date would be over Labor Day weekend.

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Sky River Casino in Elk Grove to open in September - Courtesy of KCRA News, Jul 19, 2022. Available from YouTube

Wilton Rancheria owns Sky River Casino. The tribe has contracted with Boyd Gaming to manage the daily operations.

"Our people have fought for decades to achieve self-sufficiency. We fought for tribal recognition, for our land and for this historic project. We are privileged to partner with Boyd Gaming and look forward to the opening of Sky River, which will bring jobs and long-term benefits to our Tribe, our community, and the region."

- Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango

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Sky River Casino announces restaurant lineup

July 9, 2022

As the November grand opening approaches, the new Sky River Casino in Elk Grove has announced its lineup of new restaurants for opening day. The list features a 12-venue marketplace, an upscale steakhouse, pub house, and a chinese hot pot and dim sum restaurant.

SR Prime Steakhouse: This upscale steakhouse will serve prime steaks and seafood with fine wine, whiskey and local craft beers.

32 Brews Street: This will be a pubhouse restaurant serving appetizers and entrees and specializing in draft beers, California wines and cocktails.

Dragonbeaux: This authentic chinese restaurant will serve traditional dim sum and hot pot specialities.

The Market at Sky River: The Market will be one venue featuring 12 unique restaurants.

Aurelia's Taqueria - street tacos

Butcher's Burger - burgers and fries

CA99 Hot Chicken - Southern-style chicken and sides

Fukuro by Kru - Japanese cuisine

Chickie & Tony's Pizza - Neapolitan, wood-fired pizzas

Global Eats - menu items from Greece, the Middle East, India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, France, Germany, and Switzerland

Koi Palace Express - Dim Sum, Canton-style seafood, wok dishes, Peking Duck and noodle bowls

Indulge - sweets, pies, pastries, ice cream, Real Pie

Ocean - seafood includes oysters, shrimp, crab legs, ceviche, and poke

Roli Roti - rotisserie chicken and porchetta sandwiches

Sky River Java - quick service coffee, espresso, and teas

Upper Barrel - world wines, California wines

Bars and Lounges:There will also be two bars, the River Bar and Rock Bar.

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Sky River is hiring prior to casino opening

May 7, 2022

As construction continues towards completion this fall, the $500 million Sky River Casino in Elk Grove has started an early recruitment program to hire 2,000 employees. Applicants are needed in a wide variety of job categories.

Sky River Casino is planning a series of hiring events in the Sacramento-area. The first job fair is scheduled this week on Monday May 9th. More hiring events will be announced over the next several months.

JOB FAIR MAY 9
Rocklin Events Center
2650 Sunset Blvd.
Rocklin, CA
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sky River has also set up a website for applicants to review and register for job openings. If interested, visit Sky River Casino Careers.

Sky River Casino is expected to have its grand opening in November.

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Sky River Casino: Construction Update April 2022

April 5, 2022

After one year of construction, a crew of 1,700 workers is well underway with the first phase of the Sky River Casino project scheduled for completion by November of this year. The first phase includes a 110,260 sq-ft gaming floor with 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, 12-table poker room and a high-limit gaming area. There will also be a steakhouse, Asian restaurant, gastropub and a food marketplace.

Hiring of full-time employees is also underway. The current job openings include executive chefs, restaurant managers, marketing and administrative positions.

Construction at Sky River Casino began March 9, 2021.

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Sky River Casino's opening date moves up to "Early Fall 2022"

February 9, 2022

Last December the Wilton Rancheria chairman announced the opening of Sky River Casino would be in late 2022. This week the opening date was refined and updated to Fall 2022.

Wilton Rancheria has partnered with Boyd Gaming of Las Vegas to manage the daily operations of Sky River Casino. In a public meeting this week, Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming President and Chief Executive Officer, made this statement:

"Sky River Casino is on budget and on schedule to open early this fall.

"The building structure is now complete, and our focus has turned to completing the interior and the infrastructure for this operation."

- Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming

The Wilton Rancheria will pay a management fee to Boyd Gaming for operating Sky River Casino under a seven-year agreement.

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Sky River casino construction is on schedule for late 2022 opening

January 5, 2022

On Dec. 19 Wilton Rancheria Chairman, Jesus Tarango, reconfirmed the construction of the Sky River Casino is on schedule for completion later this year.

"I'm still looking forward to opening next fall. Probably at the end of that third quarter, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, somewhere in October, or somewhere around that.

"You're starting to see some of the exterior stuff up. The walls, ceiling, and everything is almost completely complete, and hopefully next month or so, we'll be inside."

- Jesus Tarango, Chair Wilton Rancheria

Construction begain in March 2021. In August the steel framing was completed. Sky River will feature 2,000 slot machines, 80 gaming tables and 12 dining venues.

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Sky River Casino celebrates 'topping off' event in Elk Grove

August 28, 2021

In a news release this week Wilton Rancheria announced the final steel beam has been hoisted into place atop the Sky River Casino construction site. The event marks the completion of the structural steel framing for the future Elk Grove casino.

Wilton Rancheria, along with its partner Boyd Gaming and general contractor AECOM Tishman | Yate, held a celebration August 20th to thank all the workers, companies and subcontractors that had contributed to the work to reach this milestone.

All the foundation work and the underground utilities were completed prior to starting the steel framing. Construction will now begin the casino's exterior and interior buildout which will take about a full year. Completion is expected in the second half of 2022.

The grand opening of Sky River Casino is expected in Fall 2022.

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Update: Sky River Casino construction status

August 17, 2021

Aerial footage of the Sky River Casino's construction site last week shows extensive foundation work and the initial steel framing are underway. The construction can be seen from Highway 99 in Elk Grove, California.

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Sky River Casino Construction Footage - Courtesy of Sky River Casino, Aug 12, 2021. Available from YouTube

The groundbreaking for Sky River Casino was held March 9, 2021. Construction crews began clearing the site soon afterwards in preparation for the first stages of construction.

Full-scale construction began in late April after Wilton Rancheria won a decisive court ruling over Stand Up For California in a case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

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Sky River Casino in Elk Grove moves ahead after court victory

April 24, 2021

Wilton Rancheria will proceed with building the new Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, CA after winning a major lawsuit to stop its construction. The tribe was sued by Stand Up For California, an anti-casino activist group, who claimed the tribe was wrongly granted indigenous status by the U.S. Department of Interior, and also claimed the Sky River Casino should have an environmental impact statement.

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit disagreed with the arguments. The court sided with the tribe and the Interior Department on both issues.

Wilton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango released a statement after the decision which included:

"Time after time, courts have rejected these desperate and baseless attempts to stop our project. We had to fight for federal recognition. We had to fight for our land. And now, thanks to the U.S. Court of Appeals, we've taken another major step toward our goal of self-sufficiency."

Sky River Casino held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 9 and plans to open in Fall 2022.

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Sky River Casino clears building site in Elk Grove

March 24, 2021

Crews are clearing the building site for the new Sky River Casino and preparing it for the first stages of construction. This follows the groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this month by local officials and the Wilton Rancheria.

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Site preparation underway at Elk Grove's Sky River Casino - Courtesy of ElkGroveNews, Mar 18, 2021. Available from YouTube

Sky River Casino is located 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento and will open in Fall 2022. The $500 million construction project included a 110,260 sq-ft casino, a 302-room hotel and a 30,000-square-foot event center.

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Sky River Casino breaks ground near Sacramento

March 9, 2021

The Wilton Rancheria celebrated the groundbreaking today for construction of a $500 million resort casino in Elk Grove near Sacramento, California. The casino name "Sky River Casino" was unveiled during the ceremony as the selected name for the Wilton Rancheria casino.

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Watch as officials break ground at Wilton Rancheria Casino in Elk Grove - Courtesy of Sacramento Bee, Mar 9, 2021. Available from YouTube

Sky River Casino will open in the second half of 2022 and feature 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, a steakhouse, pub and a Chinese eatery. There is also plans for a hotel, spa and convention center.

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Sky River Casino will break ground in Elk Grove on March 9

March 5, 2021

Wilton Rancheria Tribe announced Tuesday that construction of their $500 million resort casino will kick off next week with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday March 9.

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Groundbreaking ceremony set for new casino at site of Elk Grove's 'Ghost Mall' - Courtesy of ABC 10, Mar 2. Available from YouTube

Wilton Tribal Chair Jesus Tarango released the following statement:

"Today we celebrate the hard-fought determination of generations of Tribal members to create a future of dignity and self-sufficiency for Wilton Rancheria. This will be a transformative project that will provide resources to invest in housing, education, and healthcare for our more than 800 members, to preserve our language and culture, and to give back to the community for decades to come."

Construction of the Sky River Casino will be finished in Fall 2022.

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Sky River Casino project at Elk Grove secures funding

March 1, 2021

Wilton Rancheria announced Friday that financing has been secured for the proposed Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, California. The groundbreaking date for construction will be announced soon.

Wilton Rancheria Office of the Chair and Tribal Council released a letter Friday stating:

"This historic accomplishment results from over a decade of intensive research, communication, and relationship building with the City of Elk Grove and our Development Partner, Boyd Gaming.

"As part of this financing, we are also proud to announce that a Ground-Breaking ceremony is under development and will be announced in the coming days."

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Elk Grove casino project buys 'ghost mall' property

December 11, 2020

Elk Grove city officials announced this week that the Howard Hughes Corporation has sold its ghost mall property near Grantline Road and Highway 99 to the casino resort developer for the Wilton Rancheria tribe.

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Elk Grove's Ghost Mall Property Owner Sells To Gaming Developer - Courtesy of CBS Sacramento, . Available from YouTube

The developer fot the Wilton Rancheria casino resort is Boyd Gaming of Las Vegas. Tribal chairman Jesus Tarrango issued this statement:

"Boyd Gaming's decision to buy this land continues to demonstrate their commitment to becoming a partner in developing Wilton Rancheria Resort and Casino."

In late 2019 construction workers began dismantling parts of the unfinished shopping mall, nicknamed the "Ghost Mall", for the site of the future Wilton Rancheria resort and casino.

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Elk Grove casino project delayed until late 2021

January 14, 2020

The $500 million Wilton Rancheria casino resort planned for Elk Grove, California is delayed until late 2021. It was previously targeted to open in late 2020.

This week Wilton Rancheria Chairman Raymond "Chuckie" Hitchcock made the following announcement:

"Last year, 2019, we had to do some redesign on a few areas that set us back, and now we're getting back on track.

"As far as an update on timing, we're most likely waiting for the spring to hit, so we're not in the wet season, because we have in-ground infrastructure. And it's an 18-month construction process. So, if you do the math, that's late 2021 for opening for the project.

"The project is imminent," he said. "It's going to happen. The light is at the end of the tunnel to get started with this project. The designs are 95% to 99% done. Two areas we're just working on right now are small stuff. But the next project (is to) start digging in the ground and getting it going."

Hitchcock expects the groundbreaking for the casino will be this spring.

In the meantime there is one last legal challenge to resolve. An opposition group, Stand Up for California!, has appealed a federal court ruling regarding the U.S. Interior Department's processing of the tribe's casino application.

Stand Up's director Cheryl Schmit said, "The district court overlooked serious flaws in the (U.S. Department of Interior) public process and hasty environmental analysis, as well as a lack of proper legal authority exercised by an acting official in the waning days of the last administration."

Hitchcock believes the appeal will have no effect on the casino project schedule.

"The lawsuit has no bearing upon our ability to move forward with our project. We're just moving forward, regardless of the white noise that is the appeal from Stand Up."

"Everything we've done has been done correctly. All of the arguments made by Stand Up are baseless and conjecture. We're a tribe, we're from this area and territory. We got restored lands properly, and the decision that was made to put land into trust was done correctly. They're just looking for reasons to conflict."

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Elk Grove Casino hits another legal roadblock

December 6, 2019

Stand Up for California, an anti-casino activist group, has filed an appeal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs alleging the Wilton Rancheria's land-to-trust application was not properly approval by the U.S. Interior Department.

Although the approved application was signed by Lawrence S. Roberts, principal deputy assistant secretary of Indian Affairs, the Director of Stand Up, Cheryl Schmit, cites regulations requiring the final approval must be made by either the secretary or assistant secretary of Indian Affairs. She asserts: "A principal deputy assistant secretary lacks authority to make this decision".

Wilton Rancheria spokesman Bob Magnuson criticized the appeal as "pathetic." He said, "We know there are going to be nuisance lawsuits and that's all this is".

When Lawrence S. Roberts, principal deputy assistant secretary of Indian Affairs, signed the approval it was Jan. 19, 2017, the last day of the Obama administration.

Howard Dickstein, a Sacramento tribal-law attorney, stated "We are in somewhat uncharted waters. This is a murky situation where you have one administration walking out the door, rushing through the process of taking land into trust."

The appeal could now take months for review by the Interior Board of Indian Affairs, an appellate review body under the Secretary of the Interior.

Although the Bureau of India Affairs confirmed last week that the land transfer was completed Feb 10, 2017, it has not been confirmed by publication in the National Register.

Katherine Florey, a professor at the UC Davis School of Law, says this case "could be tied down in litigation for quite a while. Even if the tribe is ultimately successful, it often takes a long time to get there".

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Elk Grove casino project starts 'ghost mall' demolition

November 29, 2019

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Courtesy of ABC10

Wilton Rancheria will build a $500 million resort casino in Elk Grove, California at the site of the "ghost mall", an unfinished shopping mall that was abandoned after bankruptcy in 2008. The partially built structure has stood empty since that time.

That situation is now changing. Construction workers are onsite to demolish the northern section of the ghost mall which should take 3-4 weeks. This will clear the building site for the Wilton Rancheria casino which is scheduled to start by the end of December.

At the demolition event, Wilton Rancheria Chairman Raymond Hitchcock said, "We're starting a new chapter moving closer to a brighter future for our tribal citizens the people of Elk Grove and the greater Sacramento region."

The southern half of the ghost mall is owned by Howard Hughes Corp, which filed for demolition permits last week. The company will clear that section by end of February.

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Elk Grove casino court win is appealed

October 29, 2019

Earlier this month a District of Columbia federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Stand Up for California for the purpose of blocking the Wilton Rancheria from building a casino in Elk Grove, Sacramento County, California.

At that time many considered that decision by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden to be the winning end to a long legal fight with activist, opposition groups. It was hoped to be the final court battle for the $500 million Elk Grove casino project.

However, two weeks later on Oct. 21, the judicial decision was appealed by Stand Up for California! The group wants to reverse the ruling and has 60 days to provide written arguments that support their appeal.

Their arguments involves the Feb. 10, 2017 decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior to take the Elk Grove casino land into federal trust for the benefit of the tribe.

Stand Up claims that action was taken in an "extraordinarily expedited two-month review at the end of the Obama administration after spending several years reviewing a separate site in Galt."

As a result this "last-minute switch" to the Elk Grove site misled the public, and thus resulted in "an inadequate analysis of the project's impacts."

Wilton Rancheria Tribal Chair Raymond "Chuckie" Hitchcock disagreed with the claims.

"That's just simply not true," he said. "Elk Grove, Galt and Wilton were different alternatives (that) were all being reviewed at the very beginning of the scoping period back in 2013. They all have mounds of environmental documents.

"Did the preferred site change at the end, once it was revealed that the most preferred site and less environmentally impactful was the Elk Grove site? Yes. But was it reviewed and studied to the fullest extent (of) BIA (requirements)? Absolutely."

Hitchcock believes this appeal has no chance of overturning the judge's ruling, and added, "The tribe fully expects to put a shovel in the ground in the very near future, regardless of this frivolous appeal."

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Elk Grove casino wins final court battle

October 16, 2019

A District of Columbia federal judge has dismisses a lawsuit filed by Stand Up for California to block Wilton Rancheria from building a casino in Elk Grove, Sacramento County, California.

U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden issued his ruling Oct 7 and cited the fact that the Elk Grove casino project location was land occupied by Wilton ancestors and located near historical tribal sites. He found "no evidence of a legal or procedural flaw" in the U.S. Interior's decision to take that land into federal trust for the tribe.

Wilton Rancheria Chairman Raymond Hitchcock issued this statement following the ruling:

"We are gratified by the judge's ruling to decisively reject dishonest arguments put forth by well-funded special interest groups that have tried at every turn to stop our project. We will continue to move ahead with our plans to build the resort and casino."

Hitchcock also said the groundbreaking for the casino is "imminent

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Elk Grove Casino Project Fights Another Lawsuit

July 4, 2019

In another attempt to block construction of the Elk Grove casino project, the activist group Stand Up for California! filed another lawsuit on June 13, 2019 against the U.S. Department of Interior and the Wilton Rancheria that challenges the legality of transferring Elk Grove land owned by the tribe into federal trust for the purpose of building a casino.

The U.S. Department Interior completed the land transfer in Feb 2017. Stand Up for California! wants the U.S. District Court to vacate that land transfer into federal trust and rescind the records of conveyance.

On July 3 both defendants filed their responses with the court. The Bureau of Indian Affairs filed a 20-page report for the federal government claiming a "bad faith" challenge by the plaintiff. The Wilton Rancheria filed a 25-page response in its defense.

Tribal Chairman Raymond Hitchcock said, "I am most confident that the litigation is going to go in our favor in the next few months. The judge will be reviewing all the documents and this salacious litigation put before the tribe by Stand Up for California! for the past two years will finally come to an end in the tribe's favor."

Hitchcock then mentioned the construction schedule may be somewhat delayed pending the court's decision. He feels the construction will likely be completed by the end of 2020 or early 2021.

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Demolition of "Ghost Mall" clears way for Elk Grove casino

March 25, 2019

The casino site for the Wilton Rancheria casino proposed for Elk Grove has been cleared of previous construction projects including the abandoned "Ghost Mall".

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Elk Grove 'Ghost Mall' demolition paves way for new casino, resort - Courtesy of ABC 10 KTTV, Feb 1, 2019. Available from YouTube

Eleven years ago the Howard Hughes Corp began construction on a shopping mall at Highway 99 and Kammerer Road. Construction was stopped and never resumed resulting in the "ghost mall" nickname. Hughes officially abandoned the project earlier this year.

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Another anti-casino lawsuit tossed by federal judge

January 25, 2019

A federal judge has denied a lawsuit filed two years ago by the anti-casino group Stand Up for California! against the U.S. Interior Department and the Wilton Rancheria in an attempt for a restraining order to stop construction of the tribe's casino resort planned for Elk Grove, California.

The lawsuit alleged the inappropriate contact early communications between the federal government and tribe, and all correspondence and documents during that time should be made availabe to the plaintiff.

A decision last week in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. ruled against the activist group. Judge Trevor McFadden wrote "federal regulations require conversations between the department and tribes about the land acquisition process before the release of a decision."

This is the second lawsuit filed against the Elk Grove casino by Stand Up for California! Two years ago a federal court rejected their claim that the Interior Department's approval to place the casino site into federal trust was invalid because it was made by an interim official of that department.

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Wilton chairman predicts casino opening in 2020

January 4, 2019

Wilton Rancheria Chairman Raymond Hitchcock said last week his tribe expects to finish construction of the Sky River Casino by the end of 2020.

A final determination of the opening date will be announced later based on progress of the project. Hitchcock said "There's no definitive date yet, but we're looking at early 2019 to begin this process, and it's slated for completion by late 2020."

Construction is expected to take 12-18 months to complete.

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Big Step - Fed approves management contract for Elk Grove casino

November 07, 2018

On October 31 the management contract for the proposed Elk Grove casino was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

The proposed casino will be owned by the Wilton Rancheria tribe. Boyd Gaming will be partnering with the tribe for the casino project. One reason why approval must be given from the commission is to be sure that the tribe is not taken advantage of.

The environmental impact statement was also submitted with the management contract. The U.S. Department of the Interior completed the report previously as part of the process for taking land into trust for the tribe. This occurred last year.

The tribe is now a step closer to receiving their final approval to build their casino. If progress continues to be made, the Elk Grove casino could open by late 2020.

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Elk Grove Casino receives formal Federal approval

January 23, 2018

The gaming compact between the state of California and the Wilton Rancheria tribe has been approved. On January 22 a notice of federal register was published by the U.S. Department of Interior. The Elk Grove casino will be allowed to be operated under the approval of the compact.

The casino resort will be built near Kammerer Road off Highway 99 at a cost of $500 million. Ground breaking could be scheduled as earlier as Summer 2019. It is estimated that the project could be completed in 18 months to 2 years.

In 2009 tribal status was restored to the Wilton Rancheria. In February 2017 land was placed into trust. The property is 36 acres and was purchased for $36 million.

Boyd Gaming has partnered with the tribe for the casino operations.

Construction for the casino resort will create 1,600 jobs. When that is completed, full time positions for employment will be 1,750. It is possible that an additional 3,000 jobs could also be created based on indirect and direct support businesses for the project.

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Elk Grove Casino Wins! Federal Lawsuit Dismissed!

March 1, 2018

On Wednesday a federal judge, yet again, sided with the Wilton Rancheria tribe in another lawsuit that would prevent the tribe from moving land into trust for their future casino.

The land is located in Elk Grove. It consists of 35.9 acres.

It was decided that authority to move the land into trust was lawful when it was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs principal deputy assistant secretary, Larry Roberts.

The ruling resulted in excitement from the tribe. After a multitude of lawsuits, the ruling moved the proposed casino project another step forward into becoming reality.

They were grateful that the trust was upheld and that there were supported by the federal government. The tribe will be able to keep their right to their sovereign land.

The organization that was attempting to stop the tribe is Stand Up for California. After the ruling, the group was determined to file a different complaint for other federal law violations committed. This includes the National Environmental Policy Act and Indian Reorganization Act. The project has also be opposed by residents of Elk Grove and owners of card rooms that are concerned about how the casino would effect their businesses.

The approval of the casino was also the center of an additional lawsuit. Officials for Elk Grove were accused of working with the tribe to move the project forward in an illegal way. However, in December a request for dismissal was filed by the plaintiffs.

Located close to Highway 99 the casino will be developed next to an outlet mall.

Boyd Gaming has decided to partner with the tribe to develop the $500 million project. Plans include a casino, convention center, and hotel.

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News Headlines Continued

2022

Sky River Casino - Photos | Facebook December 30, 2022 - Since opening last August, Sky River Casino has become a favorite gaming destination for players in the Sacramento area. Here is a photo collection of Sky River fans from the casino's Facebook page. ... Read more Sky River Casino is expanding parking area October 20, 2022 - The success of Sky River Casino has created a parking shortage at the casino. Since opening Aug. 18th, many casino visitors are parking in the surrounding residential areas. In Sept, Sky River ... Read more Sky River Casino provides self-sufficiency to Wilton Rancheria October 2, 2022 - Sky River Casino opened Aug. 16th, two weeks ahead of schedule, and is already showing signs of financial success. The $500M casino is expected to bring economic self-sufficiency to Wilton ... Read more Surprise! Sky River Casino in Elk Grove opened today Aug 16th! August 16, 2022 - What a surprise! The Sky River Casino in Elk Grove opened just after midnight this morning after previously announcing the casino opening date would be in early September. ... Read more Sky River Casino shortens opening date to early September July 20, 2022 - Sky River Casino announced Monday the new Elk Grove casino will open in early September rather in November as earlier announced. The exact date was not released; however. ... Read more Sky River Casino announces restaurant lineup July 9, 2022 - As the November grand opening approaches, the new Sky River Casino in Elk Grove has announced its lineup of new restaurants for opening day. The list features a 12-venue marketplace, an upscale steakhouse ... Read more Sky River is hiring prior to casino opening May 7, 2022 - As construction continues towards completion this fall, the $500 million Sky River Casino in Elk Grove has started an early recruitment program to hire 2,000 employees. Applicants are needed in job categories ... Read more Sky River Casino: Construction Update April 2022 April 5, 2022 - After one year of construction, a crew of 1,700 workers is well underway with the first phase of the Sky River Casino project scheduled for completion by November of this year. The first phase includes a 110,260 ... Read more Sky River Casino's opening date moves up to "Early Fall 2022" February 9, 2022 - Last December the Wilton Rancheria chairman announced the opening of Sky River Casino would be in late 2022. This week the opening date was refined and updated to early fall 2022. ... Read more Sky River casino construction is on schedule for late 2022 opening January 5, 2022 - On Dec. 19 Wilton Rancheria Chairman, Jesus Tarango, reconfirmed the construction of the Sky River Casino is on schedule for completion later this year. ... Read more

2021

Sky River Casino celebrates 'topping off' event in Elk Grove August 28, 2021 - In a news release this week Wilton Rancheria announced the final steel beam has been hoisted into place atop the Sky River Casino construction site. The event marks the completion of the steel ... Read more San Manuel-backed sports betting initiative cleared to gather signatures January 22, 2022 - A sports betting initiative backed by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and three other tribes has been cleared by the California Sec. of State to begin collecting signatures ... Read more Update: Sky River Casino construction status August 17, 2021 - Aerial footage of the Sky River Casino's construction site last week shows extensive foundation work and the initial steel framing are underway. The construction can be seen from Highway 99 in Elk Grove ... Read more Sky River Casino breaks ground near Sacramento March 9, 2021 - The Wilton Rancheria celebrated the groundbreaking today for construction of a $500 million resort casino in Elk Grove near Sacramento, California. The casino name "Sky River Casino" will be ... Read more Sky River Casino in Elk Grove moves ahead after court victory April 24, 2021 - Wilton Rancheria will proceed with building the new Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, CA after winning a major lawsuit to stop its construction. The tribe was sued by Stand Up For California, an anti- ... Read more Sky River Casino clears building site in Elk Grove March 24, 2021 - Crews are clearing the building site for the new Sky River Casino in preparation for the first stages of construction. This follows the groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this month by the Wilton Rancheria. ... Read more Sky River Casino will break ground in Elk Grove on March 9 March 5, 2021 - Wilton Rancheria Tribe announced Tuesday that construction of their $500 million resort casino will kick off next week with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday March 9. ... Read more Sky River Casino project at Elk Grove secures funding March 1, 2021 - Wilton Rancheria announced Friday that financing has been secured for the proposed Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, California. The groundbreaking date for construction will be announced soon. ... Read more

2020

Elk Grove casino project buys 'ghost mall' property December 11, 2020 - Elk Grove city officials announced this week that the Howard Hughes Corporation has sold its ghost mall property near Grantline Rd and Hwy 99 to the casino developer for the Wilton Rancheria tribe. ... Read more Elk Grove casino project delayed until late 2021 January 14, 2020 - This week the Wilton Rancheria chairman announced a one-year delay in the construction of a $500M casino resort in Sacrament County. The groundbreaking is expected this spring followed by 18 months ... Read more

2019

Elk Grove Casino hits another legal roadblock December 6, 2019 - Stand Up for California, an anti-casino activist group, has filed an appeal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs alleging an improper transfer of 36 acres for the casino site ... Read more Elk Grove casino project starts 'ghost mall' demolition November 29, 2019 - Demolition of the abandoned "ghost mall" is underway in Elk Grove to clear the building site for the $500 casino resort planned by the Wilton Rancheria. Construction on the casino will begin ... Read more Elk Grove casino court win is appealed October 29, 2019 - Two weeks after a DC federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from an opposition group trying to block construction of the Elk Grove casino, that group Stand Up for California! has filed an appeal based on ... Read more Elk Grove casino wins final court battle October 16, 2019 - After three years of litigation, a DC federal judge dismissed the final lawsuit against building the Elk Grove casino. The Wilton Rancheria can now finalize plans for their $500M casino in Sacramento County. ... Read more Elk Grove Casino Project Fights Another Lawsuit July 4, 2019 - The U.S. Dept of Interior and the Wilton Rancheria both filed legal responses yesterday in the U.S. District Court DC for another lawsuit filed by ... Read more Demolition of "Ghost Mall" clears way for Elk Grove casino March 25, 2019 - The "ghost mall" in Elk Grove has been demolished and cleared for the pending construction of the new Wilton Rancheria casino. The casino opening will be in late 2020. ... Read more Another anti-casino lawsuit tossed by federal judge January 25, 2019 - A federal judge in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Stand Up for California! in an attempt to stop construction of the casino resort planned for Elk Grove, CA. ... Read more Wilton chairman predicts casino opening in 2020 January 4, 2019 - Wilton Rancheria Chairman Raymond Hitchcock said last week his tribe expects to finish construction of their Sky River Casino by the end of 2020. ... Read more

2018

Big Step - Fed approves management contract for Elk Grove casino November 07, 2018 - The Wilton Rancheria casino moved a step closer to final approval when the the National Indian Gaming Commission approved a management contract between the tribe and Boyd Gaming. ... Read more Elk Grove Casino Wins! Federal Lawsuit Dismissed!
March 1, 2018 - A federal judge, yet again, sided with the Wilton Rancheria tribe in another lawsuit that would prevent the tribe from moving land into trust for their future casino. ... Read more Elk Grove Casino receives formal Federal approval
01.23.2018 - The gaming compact between the state of California and the Wilton Rancheria tribe has been approved. On January 22 a notice of federal register was published ... Read more

2017

10.03.2017 Elk Grove Casino gets greenlight to build $500 million casino 07.18.2017 Elk Grove Casino close to final approval

2016

09.27.2016 Agreement Made for Proposed Elk Grove Casino 06.12.2016 Alt Location Announced for Wilton Rancheria Casino

2009

06.05.2009 Wilton Rancheria recognized as sovereign tribe