Coarsegold, CA (August 26, 2021) – The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians (“PRCI”) announced today the signing of a new Tribal-State Gaming Compact with Governor Newsom that allows for the operation of 3,500 gaming devices at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino (“CGRC”). The compact is a 25-year agreement that protects casino patrons and employees and provides for the expansion of the Tribe’s gaming operations.
“Throughout the negotiations the Tribal Council worked tirelessly to protect our sovereignty, and this new compact will provide for the expansion of our gaming business,” said Tribal Chairwoman Claudia Gonzales. “After years of tough negotiations, we reached an agreement that will ensure Chukchansi Gold remains the premier gaming resort in the region.”
Today’s announcement of the new compact culminates several years of negotiations between the Tribe and the State of California. The compact includes new terms to support non-gaming tribes and tribes with smaller gaming facilities consistent with tribal sovereignty.
The new compact was executed after the Tribe entered a new MOU with Madera County last month, which expanded law enforcement and fire protection services to protect the CGRC and the surrounding community.
The CGRC is open 24 hours offering 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games, and seven unique restaurants including Nativos and the award-winning Vintage Steakhouse. The CGRC features over 400 hotel rooms and luxury suites, the Serenity Springs Spa & Salon, and will unveil the new 6,138 square foot Chukchansi Conference Center to host events this fall.
The CGRC has 1162 employees, including tribal members and members of the local community. The UNITE HERE! labor union represents CGRC employees pursuant to a Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the new compact includes a robust Tribal Labor Relations Ordinance to protect its valued employees.
The Governor’s Office has sent the PRCI compact to the state legislature for ratification. The compact then will then be sent to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for federal approval.