Federal judge rejects Chukchansi tribe’s bid to halt North Fork casino
Regulation1 min read
A federal judge in Fresno denied the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians’ request to make North Fork Mono Casino suspend operations. The casino opened on 27 October; Judge Kirk E. Sherriff said Picayune had not demonstrated the immediate, irreparable harm required for preliminary relief. Picayune’s lawyer said the tribe would appeal to the Ninth Circuit.
In Fresno, a federal judge turned down a request from Picayune Rancheria, the Chukchansi tribe, to halt operations at North Fork Mono Casino. The new casino in Madera remains open as the dispute heads toward the Ninth Circuit.
Judge Kirk E. Sherriff concluded that Picayune had failed to demonstrate irreparable harm requiring immediate preliminary relief. Sherriff observed that Picayune has run its casino successfully for years and may face more competition, yet an injunction would cause North Fork "extensive, and potentially permanent, losses". The judge also suggested that more gaming capacity might expand the overall market instead of just dividing existing business. Sherriff also questioned how long the tribe waited, saying it could have moved earlier after state rulings from December 2025 and April 2026.
Picayune's lawyer, Navtej Dhillon, said the tribe will appeal. Dhillon said: "The U.S. district court was just a pit stop." North Fork is signalling further investment, including a 200-room hotel and expanded parking.