North Fork Casino Nears Opening In Madera County, California, Despite Renewed Legal Challenge
The North Fork Mono Casino and Resort is due to open in the coming weeks in Madera County, California, despite a long legal fight and claims that the project is illegal.
The tribe behind the project, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, has faced stiff opposition to its plans to open a casino, which date back to 2011.
However, it now looks set to open the venue along Highway 99, just north of Madera. The casino will include over 2,400 slots, 40 table games, and several restaurants. The resort will also add a 200-room hotel at a later date.
The tribe says the casino is “built to deliver bold and elevated experiences, and a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels like a VIP.”
Voters and Rival Tribes Opposed Plans
Former Governor Jerry Brown approved the tribe’s proposal to construct a casino in 2012. However, voters rejected the compact in 2014 by opposing Proposition 48.
The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, which runs the nearby Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, filed a lawsuit in 2016.
A Madera County Superior Court judge ultimately sided with the Chukchansi on June 26, 2024. Judge Michael J. Jurkovich ruled that the voter rejection of Proposition 48 invalidated the governor’s concurrence.
“The Picayune Rancheria has repeatedly asked North Fork to comply with the law and avoid taking actions that would irreparably harm its sovereign interests. North Fork has refused,” said Picayune Rancheria Chairperson Deann Kamalani. “In so doing, North Fork’s refusal to follow the will of California voters and a final judgment directly impacts our ability to provide essential services to our tribal members.”
Opening Planned Despite Tribe Losing Appeal
The North Fork appealed, but the California Fifth District Court of Appeals upheld the ruling in December last year. The tribe then tried to take its appeal to the California Supreme Court, but it refused to hear the case earlier this year.
Despite losing the state-court appeal, the tribe has pressed ahead with the construction of the casino in partnership with Station Casinos.
“We are excited to help the Tribe bring this exciting project to fruition, fostering economic prosperity for the surrounding community and tribal members through the creation of permanent job opportunities. We look forward to supporting the Tribe in the finalization of their splendid facility and contributing to the success of this remarkable endeavor,” said Station Casinos President Scott Kreeger when announcing the partnership.
New Lawsuit Attempts To Block Opening
The Picayune Rancheria filed a new lawsuit in June this year to block the planned opening. The tribe insists that the court rulings have voided the compact signed by Governor Brown.
“This lawsuit follows a complete victory by Picayune Rancheria just last year,” said the tribe in a press release. “North Fork lost in that litigation, and it was expected that North Fork’s defeat would bring an end to this long-running dispute.”
It added that it is now bound by a final judgment confirming that North Fork lacks the required approval to conduct off-reservation gaming.
North Fork has moved to dismiss the lawsuit and is set to open the casino unless a federal judge issues a temporary restraining order.
Note: This story was amended to add a statement received from Picayune Rancheria
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