The Graton Resort and Casino in California. Photo from Instagram
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in opened a casino in northern California a year ago this month to large crowds and opponents said it would lead to more crime, traffic and other woes. The crowds at the $825 million Graton Resort and Casino have since died down. On a recent weekday morning, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat said fewer than one-fourth of the parking spaces were occupied. The facility, however, appears to be doing well. The tribe has taken in nearly $190 million in the first six months of the year and is on its way to paying off nearly $1 billion in debt. At the same time, the fears of opponents have mostly gone unrealized. There have been no major traffic concerns and police and emergency calls to the casino are far fewer than expected. “One year later, Rohnert Park is still a wonderful place to raise a family, retire or run a business,” Mayor Joe Callinan told the paper. “The casino hasn’t changed the character of the community one bit.” Get the Story:
A year later, Graton casino’s impacts limited (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 11/17) Related Stories:
Graton Rancheria casino records $88.9M in net gaming revenue (8/13)
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