By Odin Rasco
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe announced today that the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority Board has decided to suspend operations at its casino in Oroville. The casino’s last day of operation is set for Friday, Jan. 31.
Though leadership had spent months of deliberation attempting to address challenges impacting the casino’s operations, and had seen some progress, the MEGA Board determined outside factors would make continued operation an unsustainable endeavor. The casino, a project which had been in the works for more than 25 years, had only just opened in February 2024.
“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, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, told the media. “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.”
There is not a timeline in place for when the casino might reopen, but tribal leadership and the MEGA Board continue to look at possible plans for the future.
The casino provided jobs to people from across Butte County. When the casino first opened in February 2024, the business had more than 90 employees and had planned to hire more. Tribal representatives claim the tribe will be taking steps to support employees as the casino approaches its closure, offering “resources and guidance to assist team members during this transition period.”
The Chico News & Review attempted to contact a representative for the tribe for information on what specific resources would be provided, but they did not respond by press time.
“This decision is undoubtedly a challenging moment for our Tribe, but we remain resilient and committed to overcoming this setback,” said Chairman Ramirez. “Our Tribe has faced challenges before and emerged stronger. We are confident in our ability to do so again.”
The historic trials and travails of the Mechoopda Tribe recently came back into the public conversation after the landmark Bidwell Mansion was burned in an act of arson. The property that the mansion was on formerly belonged to the Mechoopda people, some 460 of which were put on a deadly forced march to Mendicino County at the time. While the Bidwell family themselves reportedly had good relations with the tribe, it was a devastating era of persecution and relocation for them. Since the fire, some members of the community have called to make the Bidwell State Historic Park a new tribute to Mechoopda culture; though the tribe did not weigh in on the idea when contacted by CN&R last month.
The casino will remain open through Jan. 31, and further updates on future plans will be shared on the casino’s web site and social media platforms.
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