Agreement Puts Indian Casino Nearer to Reality

Officials with the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria said this week they have moved closer to opening a casino south of Chico.

Tribal officials said they reached an agreement with Station Casinos of Las Vegas to finance and build the project.

Station Casinos recently helped open the Thunder Valley casino near Roseville, considered one of the most successful Indian casinos in the state.

The tribe wants to open the 41,600-square-foot casino on 650 acres near Highway 99 and Highway 149. The tribe plans to have about 500 slot machines, 10 gaming tables, restaurants and a lounge, said tribal chairman Steve C. Santos.