Operator News
US – North California’s Graton opens with 3,000 slots
By Phil - 6 November 2013
After years of planning and 16 months of construction, the Graton Resort & Casino officially opened its doors to the public on November 5.
The US$800m facility is the closest full-service casino to the Bay Area, and ushers in a new level of sophistication and excitement to Northern California. A traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance spread the luck and marked the opening of the casino, which is located just off U.S. Highway 101 near Rohnert Park, California. It is owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria but was developed and will be managed on behalf of the Tribe by Station Casinos
Greg Sarris, chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria said: “On behalf of the more than 1,300 members of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, we are proud to have achieved this important milestone for our tribe and the entire Sonoma community. We have created more than 2,000 new jobs and brought economic benefits that will extend to Native Americans and non-Native Americans alike.”
Since groundbreaking in June 2012, the Graton Resort & Casino has created more than 750 construction jobs and more than 2,000 permanent jobs and will contribute millions of dollars annually to local communities through long-term revenue sharing agreements. In addition, more than 1,500 California vendors have supplied millions of dollars of local goods and services to the casino.
“The Graton Resort & Casino provides top-notch gaming and dining in a beautifully designed venue for a complete entertainment experience,” said Joe Hasson, general manager of the Graton Resort & Casino.
Within an hour’s drive of San Francisco, the Graton Resort & Casino features an array of award-winning chefs and restaurants and Las Vegas-style gaming in a setting that exudes casual California elegance. The casino features 3,000 slot machines and 144 table games offering Blackjack, Baccarat, and Pai Gow. The Poker room which is a non-smoking area, features 18 tables and popular games including Limit Hold’em, No-Limit Hold’em, and specialty games such as Mexican Stud. The High Limit Casino Area includes a dedicated table games room featuring Blackjack and Baccarat, plus six additional private-gaming salons. The High Limit Slot area offers 48 high-denomination slot machines. Thirteen new restaurants compliment a 8,700 sq. ft. events center can seat more than 600 for concerts, large indoor presentations, business meetings and special events.
