Mechoopda Casino To Close at End of Month After Less Than a Year of Operation

Posted on: January 19, 2025, 09:34h. 

Last updated on: January 19, 2025, 09:34h.

California’s Mechoopda Casino is shutting down on January 31, but tribal leaders hope it could reopen in the future.

Mechoopda Casino
Mechoopda Casino, pictured above. The gaming property is closing. (Image: Tribal Business News)

The decision was announced on Friday by the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board after months of deliberations.

The relatively small gaming property first opened last February, with plans at the time for the complex eventually to turn into a mega-casino, according to California TV station KRCR.

Suspending operations at the casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our tribe but also our valued employees, customers, and the surrounding community,” Dennis Ramirez, Mechoopda Indian Tribe chairman, said in a statement quoted by California TV station KNVN.

“While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.”

No Reopening Date

The tribe hasn’t released a proposed reopening date. For now, the closing will result in the loss of some 64 jobs.

This decision is undoubtedly a challenging moment for our tribe, but we remain resilient and committed to overcoming this setback,” Ramirez added. “Our tribe has faced challenges before and emerged stronger. We are confident in our ability to do so again.”

Officials said the decision to cease operations was due in part to some unspecified external factors.

Statewide, California was seeing a full year of subpar economic growth during 2024, according to a recent UCLA Anderson Forecast. Nationally, inflation caused higher prices on food and some other key business costs.

Until the end of the month, the casino plans to remain open during regular operating hours. These are 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

It has about 500 slot machines on the gaming floor. The gaming property also put into place a Players Club to encourage repeat visits.

The Honey Run Café and Moonlight Bar are also expected to shutter. They too offered specials to draw in customers, such as a $5 hamburger and fries special, and $1 mimosas.

The Mechoopda Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe. It has approximately 560 members. It’s governed by an elected tribal council. The casino is located some 15 miles south of Chico, in Oroville, Calif.

Comments on Closing

Several social media posters commented on KNVN about the casino closing.

For instance, Cavalier5711 said:

What could go wrong with one more casino in an economically challenged environment. This was like putting a burger shack next to another burger shack next to the unemployment office; not a great business plan. I have a recommendation, learn how to utilize those amazing salmon beyond selling them at the buffet.”