California’s $750 million North Fork Mono Casino has officially opened, pushing ahead with operations even as a federal lawsuit from a rival tribe seeks to shutter the property.
The casino, off Highway 99 near Madera in California’s Central Valley, welcomed customers at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, a day earlier than scheduled. The property is owned by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and managed by Las Vegas-based Station Casinos, a subsidiary of Red Rock Resorts.
Hundreds attended Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting, including tribal members who were among the first to enter. Tribal leader Elaine Bethel Fink thanked supporters for their patience during the lengthy campaign.
Legal Challenge Underway
The launch comes as the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians—operators of the nearby Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino—continues a federal lawsuit filed in June challenging the National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) 2024 approval of North Fork’s management agreement with Station.
Picayune argues that the casino lacks valid state concurrence required for off-reservation gambling under federal law, rendering the NIGC’s approval of the management contract unlawful.
Decade-Long Referendum Battle
The legal dispute stems from a 2014 statewide referendum in which California voters rejected legislation ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact for the North Fork site.
In December 2025, a state appellate court ruled that the referendum vote also invalidated former Gov. Jerry Brown’s concurrence with a federal determination permitting off-reservation gaming on the land. The California Supreme Court declined to review that ruling in April.
North Fork disputes the practical impact of the state court ruling, maintaining that its federal approvals remain intact.
The tribe points to Secretarial gaming procedures issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2016 after compact negotiations with the state stalled, while arguing that Picayune is attempting to relitigate settled federal issues.
Judge Weighs Injunction Request
U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff heard arguments Oct. 9 on Picayune’s request for a preliminary injunction and defendants’ motions to dismiss the case. No decision halting operations had been announced as of Thursday.
Picayune has warned that competition from the new casino could substantially reduce revenue available for its tribal services. North Fork, meanwhile, says the development is vital to funding jobs, housing, and other programs for its members.
Property Features & Future Expansion
Following years of regulatory delays, ground broke on the project in 2024. The 264,000-square-foot resort features over 2,400 slot machines, 40 table games, a high-limit gaming room, eight dining venues, and four bars, creating more than 1,500 local jobs.
Future expansion phases are planned to add a hotel tower, entertainment venue, conference center, and structured parking garage.
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