California takes a gamble with increased slot machines at Graton Casino
A new Tribal-State gaming compact between the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and the State of California will allow the Graton Resort & Casino to increase the number of authorized slot machines from 3,000 to 6,000. This increase means that Graton Resort & Casino will now have one of the highest amounts of slot machines in the state.
The compact will also provide additional support for limited and non-gaming tribes through the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF), beyond the $1.1 million per year cap that each tribe has previously been restricted to. The RSTF was created in 1999 to provide a revenue sharing mechanism for Indian gaming tribes in California, with the goal of promoting tribal self-sufficiency and supporting state and local governments.
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe comprising Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians. The tribe's lands are located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, where the Graton Resort & Casino is also located. The casino is owned and operated by the tribe and offers table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, and entertainment options.
While the increased number of slot machines at the casino is expected to bring economic benefits to the tribe and the local community, some residents may have concerns about the potential for increased traffic and the impact on the environment. In response to these concerns, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan to minimize the impact on the surrounding area.
Overall, the new gaming compact is seen as a positive development for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and the state's indigenous communities. The increased support for limited and non-gaming tribes through the RSTF will provide much-needed resources for these communities, while the increased number of slot machines at the casino is expected to bring economic benefits to the tribe and the local community.
