A significant new entertainment destination is set to launch next month in California’s Central Valley, bringing Las Vegas-style gaming to Kern County for the first time.
The $600 million Hard Rock Casino Tejon, owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and operated by Hard Rock International, will officially open on November 13 in Mettler, just south of Bakersfield near the Grapevine Pass and Interstate 5.
The expansive facility will feature 150,000 square feet of gaming space, including over 2,000 slot machines, dozens of live table games such as blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em, and three-card poker, as well as exclusive rooms for high-stakes play. Its scale and offerings place it among the most prominent casino venues outside Las Vegas, and among the largest CA Indian casinos in operation.
Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, described the project as a transformative addition to the region’s entertainment landscape, promising to raise the bar for hospitality and gaming experiences.
The Tejon Indian Tribe, which regained federal recognition in 2011 after decades of advocacy, views the casino’s opening as a milestone in its journey toward economic empowerment. Tribal chairman Octavio Escobedo III emphasized the significance of the development, noting that it has already created thousands of construction jobs and will provide 1,000 permanent positions once operational.
More Developments
Beyond gaming, the complex will include a tribal government center, healthcare facilities, and housing for tribal members. The opening coincides with Hard Rock’s broader expansion efforts, including a competitive bid for a casino license in New York.
Meanwhile, tensions persist in California over another proposed casino in Sonoma County, where local tribes and officials have raised concerns about federal approval processes.
Online Gambling Takes A Backseat
Although California is home to a robust gaming industry, including 66 tribal casinos, the state has not authorized online gambling operators to establish services within its borders. However, California gambling laws do not explicitly prohibit residents from accessing and playing at online casinos based outside the state.
Since the late 1990s, online casinos have served California players, offering a convenient alternative for real-money gaming. All land-based casinos in the state are located on tribal lands, which are frequently situated a considerable distance from major urban centers such as Los Angeles or Sacramento.