What Just Opened Inside Sonoma County's Biggest Casino
Summary
On May 4, Graton Resort & Casino in Sonoma County opened a major expansion that nearly doubles its gaming space and transforms the property into a full-scale entertainment destination. The 144,000-square-foot, smoke-free gaming floor features nearly 2,000 new slot machines, a redesigned poker room, and a high-limit lounge. The expansion includes new dining options like AYA, a rooftop venue by David Rockwell, and Playbook Sports Bar, as well as dessert-focused spots like SoCo Dough Co. Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris described the project as a defining milestone for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, generating hundreds of jobs and strengthening the tribe's investment in the region. The resort now competes with other Northern California casinos like Thunder Valley and Cache Creek, leveraging its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area to attract visitors. The expansion is part of a broader industry trend toward integrated resorts that combine gaming with hotels, dining, and live entertainment to stabilize revenue. Future plans include a 200-room hotel tower and a large entertainment venue for major touring acts.
(Source:Joliet, IL Patch)