North Fork Mono Casino opened in Madera, California, on October 27, bringing more than 2,400 slot machines and 40 table games to the Central Valley. Customers entered at 3 p.m., nine hours before the previously advertised midnight opening.
The property belongs to the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and is managed by Station Casinos, a subsidiary of Red Rock Resorts. In its opening announcement, Red Rock put the total project cost at approximately $750 million.
The Gaming Floor Includes a Dedicated High Limit Area
The casino’s opening lineup includes a separate High Limit Room with 138 slots, 10 table games, its own bar and a dedicated cashier. The wider property also has eight dining venues and four bars.
Food options range from Manzanita Steakhouse to a food hall serving pizza, burgers, chicken, Mexican dishes and Asian food. Clubhouse 99 provides a sports viewing venue with 56 large television screens.
For players around Madera and Fresno, the opening adds another casino option along Highway 99. The property is at 17770 Golden State Boulevard, between the Avenue 17 and Avenue 18½ exits.
Players Must Be 21, With Gaming Available Around the Clock
The casino lists 24-hour operation, every day of the year, and requires players to be at least 21. Its published visitor information identifies more than 4,000 parking spaces, along with separate parking for recreational vehicles, trucks and buses.
Visitors who prefer a smoke-free environment should check where they sit. Only designated sections of the gaming floor prohibit smoking, while restaurants and the food hall are entirely nonsmoking.
The Opening Ends a Long Wait, While a Court Decision Remains Pending
Local broadcaster ABC30 reported that hundreds attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tribal leaders described the casino as a way to generate income for their community and reduce reliance on grants and outside programs.
The development is associated with more than 1,500 local jobs across gaming, hospitality and food service. However, opening the doors has not resolved every legal issue. ABC30 reported that a federal judge’s ruling concerning the project remained pending after challenges from neighboring tribes.
A hotel is also still a future development. Tribal vice chairman Fred Beihn told The Madera Tribune before opening that a second phase would include a hotel and parking garage, but its starting date had not been determined.
