The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians in California has announced its intention to proceed with the construction of a casino near Madera, despite a recent state court ruling that deemed the project unauthorized under California law.
This ruling came after the California Supreme Court opted not to review a lower court's decision against the casino's construction and operation, thereby upholding the previous judgment.
The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between state regulations and federal oversight concerning tribal gaming, as stipulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which governs gaming activities on tribal lands.
In their statement, the tribe asserted that their project is federally sanctioned and not bound by state laws. They emphasized, “The North Fork Rancheria’s right to operate a casino on its federally recognized trust land near Madera, CA, is solely governed by federal law. Federal approvals for the North Fork project were granted in 2012 and 2016, and these approvals have been upheld by federal courts in final, non-appealable decisions.”
Construction of the 100,000-square-foot casino complex, located off Highway 99, began in 2024. The tribe has expressed its commitment to opening the facility within this year.
“North Fork will adhere to all relevant laws as it moves forward with the construction of this project, which aims to enhance the local economy and improve the lives of over 3,000 tribal members,” the tribe added.
However, the project has encountered persistent opposition from the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians and local anti-gaming organizations, who argue that the casino lacks valid state approval following a statewide vote in 2014 that rejected the development.
Although the casino site is over 30 miles from the tribe’s 80-acre rancheria in the Madera County mountains, the federal government has recognized the tribe's historical connections to the location off Highway 99. Critics have accused the tribe of “reservation shopping.”
In spite of state rulings, the project has received several federal approvals, including from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which authorized the site for development in 2011 and placed the land into federal trust in 2012. Federal courts have consistently upheld these approvals.
A federal court ruled in 2016 against opponents of the casino, who contested its authorization by the Department of the Interior. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell remarked at the time, “The law is not on their side.”
The proposed resort is anticipated to feature over 2,400 slot machines, 40 table games, and eight dining options, potentially generating around 1,000 jobs, according to the tribe and local officials who view the development as a significant economic opportunity.
Further legal challenges are expected, which could create uncertainty regarding the project's opening timeline, even as construction progresses.