Ione Band of Miwok Indians opens new casino in Amador County
A new casino owned by the Ione Band of Miwok Indians opened Tuesday morning in Plymouth at Oak Ridge Inn.
Acorn Ridge Casino has more than 400 slot machines and games including baccarat, Blackjack and four card poker. It will also offer outdoor entertainment and dining options like farm-to-fork restaurant Stonecreek Kitchen and Old Roots Bar, its website said.
“Designed to feel open, airy and effortlessly enjoyable, Acorn Ridge blends modern design with the natural beauty of Amador County,” the casino’s website said. “From gaming and dining to live entertainment, this is your new go-to place for good times and great company.”
The Ione Band of Miwok Indians is a federally recognized tribal nation located in Amador County. Its membership has Northern Sierra Miwok and Nisenan people, according to Acorn Ridge Casino’s website.
The tribe regained its federal recognition in 1994. In March 2020, the tribe regained more than 220 acres of land back into federal trust. The opening of Acorn Ridge Casino follows two decades of delays and legal battles regarding land, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. Those legal challenges debated whether or not the tribe could place land in federal trust. In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court shot down the challenge to its casino opening.
“Our mission is to represent and serve as the voice of the tribe and people to ensure our future by protecting our culture and history, building and maintaining the tribe’s trust, acting as stewards of the land, and managing resources,” the tribe said.
Described as a “state-of-the-art” casino, the tribe said the facility was the result of “years of vision, planning and dedication.” The tribe said on its website the grand opening is a milestone and provides a “fresh approach to entertainment while honoring deep roots and local heritage.”
The casino spans across 60,000-square-feet and was funded by a $110 million deal alongside the Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., the Sacramento Business Journal reported.
“Acorn Ridge is proud to invest in the place we call home,” the tribe wrote online. “Through local partnerships and charitable efforts, we’re committed to supporting the community and helping it thrive.”
The new casino, at 17500 State Highway 49 in Plymouth, is about 35 miles east of downtown Sacramento.
