California's newest casino is now open.
The Hard Rock Casino Tejon officially swung open its doors, becoming a major milestone for both the Tejon Indian Tribe and Kern County.
The grand opening featured signature Hard Rock entertainment, including a guitar-smashing ceremony that drew large crowds to the expansive 150,000 square-foot gaming floor, which now operates 24/7 with over 2,000 slot machines, more than 50 table games, and several restaurants and bars, including a Hard Rock Cafe and an upscale steakhouse.
The casino marks a major achievement for the tribe, which had been federally recognized without land for over 150 years before this project.
Octavio Escobedo, chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, emphasized the cultural and historic importance, calling it a “historic moment” for the tribe and the region.
Senate Bill 910 Critical to Getting Hard Rock Casino Tejon Open
Senate Bill 910 (SB 910) played a crucial role in making the Hard Rock Casino Tejon possible.
It officially approved an agreement between the Tejon Indian Tribe and the State of California, allowing the casino to be built. By making the agreement legally binding, SB 910 gave the tribe the legal permission needed to develop and run the casino in Kern County.
Key Provisions of SB 910
SB 910 was an important law that made the gaming agreement between the Tejon Indian Tribe and the State of California official, which was required by both state and federal laws.
This agreement allowed the tribe to run a casino at its new site, with oversight and rules set by the state. The law was introduced by Senator Melissa Hurtado, who saw it as a way to honor the tribe's self-governance and boost economic growth.
Economic and Social Benefits
SB 910 is credited with creating approximately 5,000 construction jobs, and 3,300 permanent, high-paying positions were established at the new resort and casino.
The income and opportunities from the casino help fund social programs for the tribe, including education, healthcare, and financial aid for both tribal members and the local community.
The casino is expected to greatly help Kern County's economy, especially during tough times for industries like oil and gas.
Wider Effects on Tribal Gaming
SB 910 is part of the standard process for approving tribal-state gaming agreements in California, in line with the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
These agreements define what kinds of gaming are allowed, how they will be regulated, how revenue will be shared, and measures to address community concerns. Like other gaming agreements, the revenue is used for government services, welfare programs, infrastructure, and local projects, with a focus on responsible gaming and public health.
SB 910 not only enabled the Tejon Indian Tribe’s casino project but also serves as a model of how new tribal gaming ventures are established and regulated in California.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon Expected To Be an "Economic Driver"
The first phase of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon includes the main casino, seven restaurants, VIP gaming areas, and a cool collection of rock memorabilia.
At the opening event, there was a big focus on giving back to the community, with a $100,000 donation to local groups.
This huge project, costing $600 million, is expected to boost the economy of Kern County by creating thousands of jobs and drawing in millions of visitors each year.
Local leaders are excited about the big benefits it will bring to the community, especially for the Tejon Indian Tribe, the only recognized tribe in the area.
Looking ahead, a second phase is slated for completion by late 2027, which will introduce a 400-room hotel, a luxurious spa, a 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live concert theater, conference facilities, and an expanded casino and dining experience.
The launch of Hard Rock Casino Tejon is not only celebrated as a premier gaming destination but also as a pivotal element of economic development and cultural pride for the tribe and the broader region.
