New Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Central California to Transform Tuolumne Economy

The Chicken Ranch Casino, a staple of Tuolumne County’s economy in north-central California, is set to open a new resort later this year near Jamestown, known historically for its gold mining heritage. The casino destination development is located five minutes from the town center, introducing a significant structure to the region’s landscape. 

The towering nine-story resort aims to become a new hub for both locals and tourists. Tribal chairman Lloyd Mathieson highlighted the importance of the project, stating it is expected to attract considerable attention due to the community’s small size of approximately 5,500 residents. 

Expected to open in the summer of 2024, the new resort represents a significant expansion from the original casino. It will feature a larger casino floor with a plethora of casino games, new dining options, a 200-room hotel with luxury amenities, and a 9,600-square-foot convention center, positioning it as a prime destination for leisure and business events. 

Dual Benefit

Drone footage has captured its vast scale and strategic location, designed to offer expansive views without compromising the surrounding land. 

"We didn't want to destroy our land,” Mathieson explained. "We went up with it."

Economic prospects are bright with the new resort promising between 350 and 400 new jobs. Eric Barabaro, the casino’s general manager, emphasized the dual benefit of this project for both the tribal community and the wider Jamestown and Tuolumne County areas.

Local Gaming Options During Construction

While the new resort is under construction, residents and visitors can continue to enjoy gaming at the current Chicken Ranch Casino, located at 16929 Chicken Ranch Road. This location offers a variety of gaming options, including 600 slot machines and table games.

Additionally, nearby facilities such as Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln and Sky River Casino in Elk Grove have expanded their attractions to appeal to more visitors.

Job Opportunities 

The Chicken Ranch Casino is actively seeking new employees for the upcoming resort. Job fairs are scheduled to take place on March 18 and April 2 from 11am to 7pm, providing opportunities for local job seekers in various roles