Graton Resort & Casino works on $1 billion expansion and promises transformation in California
Graton Resort & Casino, located in Rohnert Park, California, is undergoing a massive $1 billion expansion. Recently, the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria tribe celebrated an important milestone in this project by placing the final beam on the structure of the new gaming floor, marking construction progress.
Graton Resort & Casino was officially inaugurated in 2013 with an investment of $825 million. In 2016, it underwent a $175 million expansion, adding a hotel, spa, meeting rooms, and an outdoor pool. Now, with this new $1 billion investment, it consolidates itself as one of California’s top entertainment destinations.
What changes with this expansion?
The expansion will add over 180,000 square feet of indoor space, bringing many new features for visitors, including:
- More than 2,000 new slot machines
- Over 200 hotel rooms
- A theatre with a capacity for 3,500 people
- New shops
- A rooftop restaurant
- A larger pool area
Additionally, a new five-storey car park is already operational. It offers 1,600 extra parking spaces and 32 stations for charging electric cars.
Economic impact and new opportunities
This expansion is essential not only for players and tourists but also for the local economy. Once the project is completed, Graton Resort & Casino is expected to become the largest private employer in Sonoma County. Today, it is already the second largest, generating thousands of jobs.
During construction, around 2,000 temporary jobs were created. When the expansion is completed, 600 more permanent employees will be hired.
The expansion promises to improve the visitor experience further. The new rooftop restaurant, for example, will feature 28,000 square feet and accommodate 480 people, with indoor and outdoor seating options and an incredible view of the region.
The 3,500-seat theatre will also be a major differentiator from other casinos, allowing for huge events and shows and attracting both tourists and locals.
Despite its success, the Graton Rancheria tribe still faces some challenges. One of the main ones is a legal dispute between the US Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The reason? A competing casino that the Koi Nation wants to build on nearby land in Windsor. Graton leaders believe this new casino is being approved too quickly and unfairly.
Despite the challenges, the tribe remains optimistic. The expansion of Graton Resort & Casino is significant both for Native Americans and for the entire community. More jobs, more entertainment, and more economic growth are part of this large-scale project.
With new facilities, leisure options, and a commitment to sustainability, Graton Resort & Casino establishes itself as one of California’s most important entertainment destinations.
This article was first published in Portuguese on 1 April 2025.
