Graton Resort & Casino Enters Vertical Construction Phase of $1 Billion Expansion
Written by Klara Neumann · Aug 5, 2026
Graton Resort & Casino Enters Vertical Construction Phase of $1 Billion Expansion
Graton Resort & Casino in California has begun a two-year stretch of major vertical construction that forms the next stage of its $1 billion multi-year expansion program, with work now visible across multiple areas of the property and further milestones scheduled through late 2026.
The project encompasses a 240-room hotel tower that will feature an adults-only pool deck along with dedicated suites, while a large-format entertainment venue designed for concerts and shows is also advancing alongside continued growth in gaming facilities. Current slot machine counts stand just over 3,000, with long-term plans targeting up to 6,000 machines, and additional elements include a relocated and enlarged poker room plus a new high-limit room and more table games.
Hotel Tower and Supporting Amenities Take Shape
Foundation work for the hotel tower has become one of the most visible signs of progress on site, and crews are expected to maintain steady advancement on the structure itself through the end of 2026. The tower will bring 240 rooms to the resort, complete with an adults-only pool deck and a selection of suites, while dining concepts and other guest services are being coordinated to open in tandem with the new accommodations.
Parking infrastructure is keeping pace as well, with the garage expansion incorporating solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations that align with broader operational goals at the property. These elements are moving forward while the resort maintains its existing operations without interruption.
Gaming Expansion Continues Alongside New Entertainment Options
Gaming floor development remains a core focus, and the property is adding table games while preparing a relocated and enlarged poker room plus a dedicated high-limit area. The long-term target of reaching up to 6,000 slot machines will unfold in phases, building on the current inventory that already exceeds 3,000 units. A non-smoking wing that opened in May 2024 continues to serve guests as these newer gaming spaces take form.
The large-format entertainment venue is also part of the same construction timeline, with design and site preparation work supporting its future role in hosting concerts and shows. Observers note that these additions are being sequenced so that operational areas can transition smoothly once vertical construction reaches key completion points.
Timeline and Milestones Through 2026
According to project updates shared in August 2026, visible milestones such as continued hotel foundation activity and related structural work are projected to remain prominent through late 2026. The overall expansion is structured as a multi-year effort valued at $1 billion, with the current two-year vertical construction window representing a concentrated period of above-ground development across the listed components.
Data from industry tracking sources shows that phased openings will occur as individual elements reach readiness, allowing the resort to integrate new hotel rooms, entertainment capacity, and gaming options without halting day-to-day activities. Project documentation outlines how solar-equipped parking facilities and EV infrastructure are advancing in parallel with the main tower and venue builds.
Additional dining concepts are being planned to complement the hotel and entertainment offerings, with layouts coordinated to serve both new and existing guest traffic. The combination of these elements reflects the resort's approach to expanding capacity while maintaining compliance with applicable California gaming standards.
Conclusion
The two-year vertical construction phase now underway at Graton Resort & Casino consolidates progress on the hotel tower, entertainment venue, gaming expansions, and supporting infrastructure as part of the larger $1 billion program, with key milestones remaining visible through late 2026 and incremental openings expected as work concludes.