California Governor Signs Compact Granting Land, Hard Rock Building Rights to Tejon Indian Tribe

  • The Tejon Indian Tribe will receive 320 acres in Kern County, California
  • Roughly 5,000 jobs are expected to be created
  • This was the first time the Tejon have been allotted land in over 150 years
  • The new location is about 25 minutes south of Bakersfield
Two men shaking hands over a construction deal
California Governor Gavin Newsom approved a compact giving land and building rights to a Hard Rock casino to the Tejon Indian Tribe. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Building the Hard Rock

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Tejon Indian Tribe, approving gambling in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Kern County.

“The Tribe committed through an agreement with Kern County to mitigate the impacts of the proposed gaming facility on public services and the surrounding environment,” the governor’s Monday press release said.

the resort will occupy 52 acres

320 acres will be designated to the Tejon Indian Tribe for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, per the compact. The resort will occupy 52 acres, according to a Tejon Indian Tribe statement.

Details of the announcement

Roughly 5,000 jobs will be created as a result of the agreement. 

California has been a hot topic in gaming and sports gambling conversations as of late, mostly due to its enormous size. The Golden State also has an attractive market replete with big cities and marvelous attractions.

Governor Newsom’s designation of the land will be the Tejon tribe’s first in more than 150 years, per the release

we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership of mutual respect and cooperation”

“We look forward to a long and rewarding partnership of mutual respect and cooperation between our Tribe and the State,” said the tribe. “[Remaining land will be used for] other tribal purposes including administrative offices, a healthcare facility, housing and supporting infrastructure for tribal members.”

The Tejon went on to thank Kern County, the Kern County Board of Supervisors, proponents of the new casino and resort, Hard Rock International and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the owner of Hard Rock.

One chapter closes, another begins

The plan to build the Hard Rock was first announced in 2019; it was supported by Kern County, different community groups, and public officials, according to Governor Newsom’s office.

The new Hard Rock will be built off of Highway 199 near exit 166, roughly 25 minutes south of Bakersfield.

This will be Hard Rock’s second casino in California; the other is located in Wheatland, just over 40 miles north of Sacramento. That location has been operational since October 30, 2019.

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