New York City is not the only US state that is about the enter a new era of gambling and entertainment. California has four new casinos expected to open between 2025 and 2027, and one of the more prominent projects is the highly anticipated Acorn Ridge Casino. Proposed by the lone Band of Miwok Indians, the casino located in Amador County is expected to have its grand opening in the Spring of 2026. Not only does this indicate a growth in tribal gaming, but it also provides a new entertainment landscape for Sierra Foothills and Lake Tahoe residents to enjoy.

As 2025 comes to an end (and with the 2026 deadline growing near), the site preparation has been completed, and construction crews have turned their attention to the foundation work. The casino is set to be 60,000 square feet, described as a “boutique casino” meant to provide a more intimate gaming experience compared to neighbouring options. Naturally, this has increased anticipation amongst locals as this new facility not only promises economic opportunity, but also a recreational gaming and dining spot closer to home. 

As doors will only open in March 2026, residents have found other avenues to enjoy their leisure activities in the meantime. While some have travelled to other casinos in the state (or in neighbouring states), others have opted to find out more about the best poker sites in California. These offshore options offer large game varieties, generous rakeback rates, and multi-million dollar prize pools. Once Acorn Ridge opens its doors, locals will be able to experience all of this and more in person. Specifically, the casino is expected to have 10 table games, over 300 slot machines, and an outdoor entertainment venue with almost 400 seats. 

This is, besides the full-service restaurant, bar, and grab-and-go options that will be available to patrons. The lone Band of Miwok Indians has provided a recent update regarding the funding of their new gaming facility. Specifically, the group has accepted a $110 DDTL (Delayed Draw Term Loan) from the GLPI (Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.) to further the construction of the casino. Simply put, this means the tribe now has a capital pool from which they can draw money in stages to fund specific acquisitions or expansions in the future. 

The GLPI has also funded some of the other new casino projects expected to open up in and around California in the next five years, including Bally’s Chicago Site, PENN Entertainment’s M Resort Hotel Tower, and Bally’s Baton Rouge Set. Not only is Acorn Ridge’s planned Spring debut in 2026 going to be a critical milestone for the Band of Miwok Indians, but also for the broader expansion of casino gaming in the Golden State. 

Beyond this, it will serve as a regional economic catalyst and bring in hundreds of new jobs (both with the construction of the casino and its operations thereafter) while generating significant sums of tax revenue. In turn, these funds can be reallocated to other California state initiatives, including the betterment of education systems, public services, and other community amenities. Anticipation is high, and with good reason, as the emergence of this casino showcases a positive outcome for California and its residents.