A recent deal between Western Mono Indians' Big Sandy Band and Caesars Entertainment could bring millions to the tribe, and the Las Vegas gaming giant could pave the way for the fast-growing local casino market.
However, the reward for the Friend-Aubbery community is less clear.
The tribe is negotiating how much Fresno County can pay for lawmakers, roads, water and sewerage. And many of the estimated 2,500 jobs could be underpaid with high turnover, a former industry official said.
Scheduled to open in 2006, the $250 million casino resort will house at least 2,000 slot machines and 20 game tables. The resort plans to house 250 to 300 room hotels, several restaurants, and stores.
Caesars and tribes did not say where they would build the 48-acre development, but county officials say it would be near the intersection of Overy and Millerton roads, about 10 miles northeast of Fresno.
For the tribe, the agreement, which was completed this week, means a series of revenues that revenue leaders say will be used for social services such as education and healthcare. 파워볼실시간
Connie Lewis, the tribal director of the Big Sandy Band, said, "I'm really excited. Things are going to go fast," adding, "It's a huge deal."
In other words, the tribe has to amend its agreement with the state. Its current agreement controls the tribe's 329-slot mono-wind casino, which is about 15 miles northeast of the planned casino.
Rick Contreras, tribal manager at Big Sandy, said the tribe will continue to operate Monowind casinos, at least for the time being.
"It could be on a smaller scale, it could be a different kind of game operation, but we'll keep it open," he said.
An analyst said Caesars' entry into California would be visible once the casinos were approved and built. It said it was a move to show that the California tribal gaming industry is a "big league."
"The name Caesars means the best," said Bill Thompson, a professor at the University of Las Vegas who wrote 10 books on the game industry.
He said Caesars will be able to promote other outlets to the growing Fresno population. Caesars may also plan to attract out-of-state visitors by wrapping the resort up as a trip to nearby Yosemite National Park.