Chicken Ranch Casino Resort
| Company type | Tribal casino |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gambling, hospitality |
| Founded | May 31, 1985 |
| Headquarters | Tuolumne County , United States |
Key people | Wayne Mimms (leader of Chicken Ranch Bingo Management Inc.) |
| Products | Casino gaming, hotel accommodations, dining |
| Owner | Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California |
Number of employees | 283 (2021) |
The Chicken Ranch Casino Resort located in Tuolumne County, California originated in 1985 as the bingo hall known as Chicken Ranch Bingo Palace, operated by the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California.
In 2000, the facility incorporated casino-style gaming machines and underwent a redesign in 2011 featuring a Western motif. A substantial $325 million development finalized in 2024 introduced a nine-story hotel with 197 guest rooms, several dining options including a Wahlburgers, along with 900 slot machines and 14 table games.
History
The establishment of Chicken Ranch Bingo Palace took place on May 31, 1985. The management entity, Chicken Ranch Bingo Management Inc., headquartered in Fresno and led by Wayne Mimms, constructed a $1.4 million prefabricated steel building on land held by the Native American Miwok tribe. Initially open Wednesday through Sunday, the bingo hall attracted patrons from urban areas across northern California due to its exemption from state gambling regulations as a tribal enterprise.
By mid-1985, the venue had a capacity for 1,500 guests and employed approximately 100 staff members. During its inaugural month, it generated $1.2 million in revenue while distributing $800,000 in winnings. According to contractual agreements, the tribe’s share of profits began at 55% and increased over time. Despite regulatory scrutiny from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) concerning contract adherence in the late 1980s, the tribe retained operational authority.
After Governor Pete Wilson signed a state gaming compact in 1998, Chicken Ranch encountered pressure to bring its slot machines under state jurisdiction. Citing sovereign immunity, the casino temporarily ceased operations of its 208 slot machines but resumed shortly thereafter. At that period, slot machines represented 80% of total revenue.
The casino introduced its first slot-style machines in 2000 and embraced a Western theme during renovations completed in 2011. Throughout the early 2020 COVID-19 shutdown, it maintained community engagement by hosting drive-in movie events. By January 2021, employment had grown to 283 personnel, with over 600 slot machines active.
The major $325 million expansion finished in 2024 added a nine-story resort featuring hotel accommodations, multiple restaurants, a fitness center, a Native American cultural center, and a gaming area equipped with 900 slot machines and 14 table games. The original casino remains operational with smoking permitted inside; however, smoking is restricted to designated zones within the new building. Alcohol service is prohibited throughout, allowing gaming access to patrons aged 18 and above.
Ambiance and amenities
In 1992, Chicken Ranch included a gift shop offering Native American crafts and bingo souvenirs, showcasing a wall adorned with 600 arrowheads and photographs of notable jackpot winners. Ron DeLacy from The Modesto Bee characterized the casino in 1998 as possessing a calm environment featuring linoleum floors and plastic chairs, highlighting its simple design compared to larger gambling hubs such as Las Vegas.
By 2021, the casino operated two dining establishments: Ranch House Restaurant and The Roost café bistro. Following the extensive expansion completed in 2024, Chicken Ranch introduced several new food and beverage venues aimed at broadening its market presence. These included Perch Rooftop Dining, Quill Bar, Trailblazer Coffee Co., (209) Sports Bar + Kitchen, and Wahlburgers, demonstrating strategic diversification of offerings to enhance business growth.