Harrah’s Northern California will hold a grand opening April 29 in Amador County. Harrah’s has partnered with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk to build the casino near Ione of Highway 88.
The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of tribal ancestor Louie Oliver. The casino restaurant is also named in his honor.
The casino will have 1,000 slots, 20 gaming tables, and will have about 500 employees, the great majority from nearby towns.
Lisa Yahrling of Harrah’s commented, “I would describe this as kind of modern but also fitting in with the landscape — so we’re not big and flashy outside,” said Lisa Yahrling with Harrah’s Northern California. “I think it really fits in with the laid back and relaxed feeling of Amador County.”
The casino is funding two additional signal lights to mitigate traffic and will be spending money on expanding roads. It has also committed to helping to fund additional staff for the Ione Police Department and helped pay for a new Cal Fire station near the casino.
