CHICO, Calif. — The Mechoopda Casino is set to suspend operations by the end of the month, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe announced Friday.
They say the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board made the difficult decision to end operations on Friday, Jan. 31. Tribal leaders say it follows months of exhaustive efforts to address challenges facing the casino’s operations, including some external factors that made continuing operations unsustainable.
The Casino in the Butte Valley area, between Chico and Oroville, first opened its doors in February 2024 after being in the works for 25 years.
“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,” said Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe. “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.”
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe said it is taking steps to support its employees by offering resources and guidance.
MEGA Board and Tribal leadership said while an exact timeline for potential reopening hasn’t been determined, the Tribe remains dedicated to its mission of creating opportunity for its members and fostering economic development.
“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 Tribe said updates about future plans will be shared on the Casino’s website and social media platforms.
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