In Southern California, a new mega-casino is set to be built on the land of the Tejon Indian Tribe. The $600 million Hard Rock project, with a planned gaming area of 150,000 square feet, is considered one of the largest casino projects in the state. The resort will not only offer gambling facilities with more than 2,000 slot machines and numerous table games, but will also feature restaurants, event spaces, and entertainment options. According to Hard Rock and the Tejon Indian Tribe, the project is intended to be a destination that combines both gaming and leisure activities, thus covering all possible visitor needs.
According to data from the California Health Interview Survey, one in four California adults gambled in 2024, amounting to 7.2 million people, showing how deeply rooted gambling is in this part of the US. Against this backdrop, the new resort has enormous economic potential.
Gambling Participation in the US
According to data from the American Gaming Association, the US gambling industry currently generates around $72 billion in commercial revenue from the gambling industry each year. Together with tribal gambling, total US gambling revenue is around $115 billion. California contributed a significant share of total tribal gambling in the US, with revenues from the tribal gambling sector recently reaching $41.9 billion.
However, unlike Nevada or New Jersey, California currently has only a few large commercial casinos, meaning that a large proportion of gambling expenditure leaves the state. Due to the lack of gambling options in California, many users are increasingly turning to offshore providers, casinos in other states, or online gambling platforms. Since Texas has a broad gambling industry, casino sites licensed for Texas residents are becoming increasingly popular, even among non-Texans. According to gambling expert Matt Bastock, one of the main reasons behind the popularity of these websites is that they offer generous bonuses, fast and reliable payouts, and, above all, fairness and security.
The gambling habits of Californians are reflected in the state’s finances. By building a new, large casino in California, the money spent by users could now remain in the state instead of flowing abroad or to other states. The expected revenue from the gambling sector is substantial and could benefit the local economy.
The Importance of the Hard Rock Casino Project
As one of the few casinos of this size, Hard Rock Casino Tejon has significant potential. It could be an economic lever in Southern California, stimulating investment, jobs, tourism, and supply chains. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has been documenting the US commercial gaming industry and its revenues for years and points to the economic effects of the revenues generated by this sector. With a total economic impact of $328.6 billion, the industry is achieving record results on a national scale: The industry supports around 1.8 million jobs in the casino sector, and the tax impact and tribal revenue share amount to $52.7 billion. In California, too, new potential may open up with this casino project, both for the economy and for residents. In addition to direct jobs, the project could generate additional tax revenue and increased demand for construction and service companies.
Hard Rock’s Vision
Hard Rock Casino Tejon plans to create a destination for outstanding entertainment that will significantly boost the economy in Kern County. The project aims to achieve major accomplishments: it will promote tourism, create 1,000 permanent jobs and over 5,000 construction-related roles, and stimulate the local economy through increased investment and demand. In addition, resources and services, such as social services and infrastructure, will be provided for members of the Tejon Indian Tribe. Furthermore, the planned infrastructure improvements will be entirely privately funded. This means that taxpayers will be relieved of any financial burden, as they will not have to make any direct contributions.
According to Hard Rock, the first phase, planned for 2025, will create a huge gaming area of approximately 150,000 square feet that will house 2,000 modern slot machines, 58 table games, and video poker. To round off the project, the gaming area will be complemented by a Hard Rock merchandise store and several restaurants. Of course, a typical Hard Rock Café will also be part of the complex.
Economic Independence for the Tejon Indian Tribe
For the Tejon Indian Tribe, the casino not only marks an economic breakthrough but also has a profound impact on the tribe’s structures. It was not until 2011 that the tribe regained federal status after being excluded for several generations. Through its partnership with Hard Rock, a company founded by the Seminole Tribe and itself under tribal leadership, the tribe is now regaining autonomy and self-governance.
Of the 1,000 permanent jobs promised to be created by the project, more than 50 tribal members are expected to be employed in the project. The additional thousands of jobs in construction represent economic progress for the tribe, which not only relies on gaming revenues but also intends to reinvest them specifically in improving the community.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the project further includes space for a tribal administration headquarters, a medical facility, and housing for members. Thus, the Hard Rock project not only supports the tribe’s social infrastructure but also promotes a sense of cultural belonging and long-term ties to the land, which is now being economically revalued and gaining nationwide recognition.
“Today marks a historic moment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the entire Kern County community.” Octavio Escobedo, III, Chairman of the Tejon Tribe, said during the opening celebrations. “The opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon is not only a celebration of our Tribe’s heritage and resilience but also a bold step forward in creating opportunity and prosperity for future generations. This project will bring thousands of jobs, fuel economic growth, and serve as a gathering place where culture, entertainment, and community come together. We are proud to share this milestone with our friends, neighbors, and partners who helped make this vision a reality.”
Gambling Future in Southern California
The Hard Rock Casino Tejon has enormous economic potential, not only for the tribe itself but also for the entire state. The resort will create new jobs and attract additional visitors. In addition to the expected revenue from tourism, there are also expectations of a significant increase in local visitors. The new casino is intended to offer attractive leisure activities that will ideally discourage people from the region from switching to online platforms and instead spend their money at local establishments, which will ultimately benefit the state and the community.
