The Mechoopda Indian Tribe has announced the suspension of operations at its casino in Oroville, California, less than a year after it first opened its doors. The decision was made by the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority(MEGA) Board, which cited a combination of operational challenges and external factors that ultimately rendered the casino’s continued operation unsustainable. The Mechoopda casino, located in Butte Valley between the cities of Chico and Oroville, opened in February 2024 after more than two decades of planning and legal battles.

Challenges and setbacks led to the closure decision:

Dennis Ramirez, the Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, called the decision to close the casino on January 31, 2025, “heart-wrenching,” emphasizing the impact it would have on both the tribe and the surrounding community. “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,” Ramirez said, according to Chico News & Review. However, despite the closure, he affirmed that the tribe remains dedicated to its long-term vision for the casino. “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 Casino, housed in a distinctive 42,000-square-foot structure, employed more than 90 people at the time of its opening. The venue boasted a range of amenities, including 480 slot machines, a restaurant, a cafe, and a bar. It was constructed in an engineered tent structure, designed to be built faster and more affordably than traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. However, the establishment faced stiff competition from other nearby tribal casinos, including Feather Falls Casino and Gold Country Casino & Hotel, which are both located within Butte County.

Although the casino was a project many years in the making, ongoing operational struggles and financial factors ultimately led the MEGA Board to conclude that it would be unfeasible to keep the business running. As a result, approximately 64 jobs are expected to be lost with the closure, and the tribe has pledged to assist affected employees during this difficult transition. The tribe has promised to provide “resources and guidance” to its workforce, though details on specific support programs were not provided at the time of reporting.

The closure comes after a contentious battle for a gaming compact with the state, which the tribe finally received in 2018. This followed more than ten years of legal disputes with Butte County officials. Despite the progress that had been made in getting the casino operational, ongoing financial hurdles and market challenges appear to have outweighed the potential benefits.

A long-term vision for the tribe’s economic development:

Though the casino’s closure marks a major setback for the Mechoopda Tribe, Chairman Ramirez remains optimistic about the tribe’s future. “This decision is undoubtedly a challenging moment for our Tribe, but we remain resilient and committed to overcoming this setback,” Ramirez said. “Our Tribe has faced challenges before and emerged stronger. We are confident in our ability to do so again.”

There is currently no set timeline for when the casino might reopen, but tribal leadership has committed to exploring future possibilities for the facility. The closure also brings renewed attention to the Mechoopda Tribe’s long history and the challenges it has faced. Recently, the tribe’s connection to the Bidwell Mansion in Chico came back into the spotlight following a devastating arson attack on the mansion property. The mansion sits on land that once belonged to the Mechoopda, who were forced to relocate under tragic circumstances. Some community members have suggested turning the Bidwell State Historic Park into a tribute to Mechoopda culture, though the tribe has not yet weighed in on this idea.

The closure of the Mechoopda Casino is relatively rare within the Indian gaming industry. As Tribal Business News reports, a representative from the National Indian Gaming Commission commented that casino closures of this magnitude are “uncommon,” indicating that the tribe’s decision to suspend operations is not a frequent occurrence in the industry. Despite the challenges, the Mechoopda Tribe has expressed its intention to continue working toward its goal of fostering economic development and opportunity for its members, even if the casino’s closure represents a temporary setback.