California: Sky River Casino announces expansion plans featuring extended gaming floor, 300-room hotel

The Wilton Rancheria tribe and gaming partner Boyd Gaming Corporation have formally announced and outlined expansion plans for California's Sky River Casino, which first opened on August 15, 2022.

Located off Highway 99 in Elk Grove, future expansion plans for Sky River Casino include an expanded gaming floor, an additional high-limit room, a 300-room hotel, a luxurious spa, an outdoor pool, and meeting, event and entertainment space. 

According to the casino, as an architectural highlight, "a dramatic hotel atrium ceiling will allow for breathtaking views of the sky above – one of many features that pay tribute to the tribe’s close connection to nature."

With work planned to begin on a new parking structure this year, the expansion plans will roll out in two construction phases:  

Phase 1 Expansion Plans

• Multi-story, 1,600 space parking garage
• Enhanced valet service area and new porte cochere

Phase 2 Expansion Plans

• 300-room hotel
• Outdoor pool
• Day spa
• Multi-use event and entertainment space
• 400 additional slot gaming options
• Additional, elevated high limit and VIP gaming area

While timing is subject to change based on construction, availability of materials, and weather-related variables, Phase 1 is expected to be completed by summer 2025 and Phase 2 by early 2027.  

“We are very proud of what we have created – and continue to imagine – at Sky River Casino,” said Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria Chairman. “With these expansion plans now firmly in process, the future is even brighter for the Elk Grove community, greater Sacramento area, and for generations of Wilton Rancheria people.

"I want to thank the tribal elders and citizens of Wilton Rancheria for their support. We would also like to gratefully acknowledge the invaluable support extended by the city of Elk Grove, Sacramento County, and our state leaders, along with the incredible reception by an amazing and welcoming Northern California community.”  

Wilton Rancheria currently possesses nearly 140 acres of land, including Sky River Casino and the parcels surrounding it. This includes 77 acres of the tribe’s traditional Rancheria land, which was recently put into federal trust with plans to develop tribal services and preserve its cultural legacy.  

“These expansion plans for Sky River will continue to set new standards of excellence for casino experiences not only in the Sacramento area, but throughout Northern California and beyond,” said Michael J. Facenda, Sky River Casino President.

“Once we have a world-class hotel, event space and other highly desirable amenities, we will offer a destination of appeal to guests who will travel in search of elevated experiences that are highlighted by lively gaming and entertainment, amazing culinary options, upscale overnight accommodations, and relaxing environments.”  

Currently, Sky River Casino employs approximately 1,600 team members. With these expansion plans, approximately 200 new job opportunities will be created to accommodate the new offerings and amenities.