Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California was not allowed by the federal government to be re-opened in September as it had previously been announced. The Chukchansi Tribe-managed gambling venue closed doors last October due to a political conflict between rival tribal factions.
Owners of the Madera County-located casino have previously revealed that about 150 people have been working hard to make sure that it would be ready to be re-opened in September. However, the federal government recommended that the long-awaited launch should not take place this month.
Reggie Lewis, Chairman of the tribe, told local media that they consider the delay a “minor setback” and that they will continue working hard in order to re-open the gambling venue as soon as possible.
The National Indian Gaming Commission said in a statement that the Chukchansi Tribe needs to solve its political issues first and then it may be permitted to start welcoming visitors at its casino resort. Tribal members are to vote on their new councilors on October 3. However, rival tribal council chairs said that the election violates tribal constitution and that no adequate way for determining the qualified voters had been proposed.
Even Mr. Lewis admitted that the election would likely not solve the political problems the tribe has been facing for quite some time now. According to him, the issues are too many to be settled quickly and most of them have nothing to do with the upcoming vote.
Officials for rival factions, on the other hand, said that the issues could be solved once and for all if the tribe determines its members. Yet, it seems that both parties believe certain changes should be implemented in the way the Chukchansi Tribe is governed.
Meanwhile, Madera County officials commented that the casino’s closure and delayed re-opening is hurting the region’s economy. People who worked at the gambling venue are now unemployed and this is considered “a big hit on” the region and its business.
The Chukchansi Tribe Chairman expressed confidence that the financial obstacles will eventually unite the conflicting parties and the casino resort will be re-opened in the months to come. However, it could be said with a degree of certainty that it would not start receiving visitors before the October 3 election as the National Indian Gaming Commission insists on the tribe having a stable and well-functioning council.
