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Graton Resort & Casino facts for kids
| Graton Resort & Casino | |
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| Location | Rohnert Park, California |
| Address | 288 Golf Course Dr West |
| Opening date | November 5, 2013 |
| No. of rooms | 200 |
| Total gaming space | 135,000 sq ft (12,500 m2) |
| Notable restaurants | M.Y. China |
| Casino type | Indian |
| Owner | Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria |
| Operating license holder | Station Casinos |
| Coordinates | 38°21′39″N 122°43′23″W / 38.36076°N 122.72317°W |
The Graton Resort & Casino is a large Indian casino and hotel located near Rohnert Park, California. It first opened its doors on November 5, 2013. The casino is owned and run by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. It has many games, including 3,000 slot machines and 144 table games. There is also a special room for poker. In November 2016, a hotel with 200 rooms was added next to the casino.
Contents
How Graton Casino Began
Planning the Casino
In February 2003, the tribe shared their idea for a casino. They first planned to build it on a big piece of land near San Pablo Bay. However, some people worried about how it might affect the environment. They also worried about more cars on Highway 37.
Because of these concerns, the tribe looked at other places. They considered areas in Rohnert Park and Petaluma. In August 2003, they announced a new spot. This new location was west of Rohnert Park and had strong support from city leaders.
Finding the Best Location
The tribe decided to move the planned site again in August 2005. This time, they chose a 90-acre area closer to the city. This new spot was thought to be better for the environment. It also fit the county's plans for land use.
A company called Station Casinos helped the tribe. They bought the land for the casino. They also bought other land for projects to help the environment.
Getting Official Approval
In May 2008, a government office called the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's request. This was a big step to get the land ready for the casino. However, a local group tried to stop the project with a lawsuit. The land was finally approved in October 2010 after the lawsuit ended.
In March 2012, the tribe and Governor Jerry Brown made an agreement. This agreement was then approved by the state's lawmakers. Construction work on the casino started in June of that year. The tribe got a lot of money, $825 million, to build the casino. This was the most money ever raised for an Indian casino project.
The Graton Resort & Casino officially opened on November 5, 2013.
Adding the Hotel
In January 2015, the tribe got more money to improve the resort. Up to $200 million was set aside to build a hotel. Hotel construction started in September 2015. The six-story hotel with 200 rooms opened in November 2016. Later, in April 2017, plans were announced for another hotel section. This new part would add 200 more rooms.
In May 2015, the highest court in the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court, decided not to hear another challenge. This meant that the lawsuit against the casino's land was finally over.
How Graton Casino Works
Running the Casino
For its first seven years, Station Casinos, a company from Las Vegas, helped manage the casino. The tribe paid them fees for their help. Since February 2021, the tribe has been managing the Graton Resort & Casino all by themselves.
The casino is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It has 3,000 slot machines. It also has 144 tables for games like blackjack, poker, and baccarat.
Helping the Community
The tribe makes payments to help the local area because of the casino. As of 2014, the tribe was paying about $8 million each year to the city of Rohnert Park. They also paid $5 million to Sonoma County. These payments help with things like roads and services in the community.