$600M Hard Rock Casino Tejon to Open in California Next Month

Hard Rock Casino Tejon will swing open its doors on Nov. 13, bringing a $600 million resort to the tribe’s lands in Mettler, just south of Bakersfield. The development — owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and managed by Hard Rock International — stakes a bold claim in Kern County as the region’s first full-scale casino, with a gaming floor that rivals some of Las Vegas’s biggest names.

Massive gaming footprint and non-stop action under one roof

Spread across roughly 150,000 square feet, the property will house more than 2,000 slot machines and a broad selection of live table games, including blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em and three-card poker. Dedicated rooms for exclusive tables add another layer of VIP-style play, while the sheer scale of the floor means higher-stakes play and deeper jackpot pools for players hunting big payouts.

Expect a lineup of games powered by major studios that casino players recognize — from IGT and NetEnt to Playtech, Konami, Red Tiger, SG Gaming and more — delivering a variety of slots, progressive jackpots, and table game formats that keep every session fresh.

What players can expect online and on-site — perks, payments, support

Hard Rock’s brand extends beyond the casino floor. Players who prefer to spin from home can tap into the brand’s online offerings and promotions. New customers can often find welcome packages such as a 100% match up to $1,000 plus 50 free spins (minimum deposit $20, wagering multiplier typically applies), and the site supports a broad set of deposit options in USD, including ACH, bank wire, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Neteller, PayNearMe, eCheck and on-site facility payments. Live chat and email support (support@hardrockcasino.com) are available to resolve account or bonus questions quickly.

If you want to check the brand’s full platform and current promotions, you can find more details on their official online channels.

A game-changer for the tribe and the local economy

The Tejon tribe’s path to this moment stretches back decades. After struggling to win federal recognition, the tribe secured formal status in 2011 and began negotiations that ultimately led here. Tribal chairman Octavio Escobedo III framed the opening as a milestone: the project created thousands of construction jobs and is expected to support about 1,000 permanent positions, while adding a tribal government center, a medical facility and housing for tribe members on-site.

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, said the property will “set a new standard for entertainment in the region,” signaling Hard Rock’s intent to make Tejon a destination for players across California and beyond.

A new front in the high-stakes expansion race

The Tejon launch arrives as major operators jockey for market share across the U.S. — Hard Rock is simultaneously pursuing a contentious bidding process in New York and watching litigation over other California projects unfold. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and local tribes have raised concerns about some recent federal approvals, illustrating how casino expansion continues to intersect with politics, regulation and community opposition.

Don’t miss opening-week offers and exclusive launch activity

With a formal opening on Nov. 13, players should expect splashy launch promotions, limited-run rewards and special on-site events. Early visitors often score higher-value comps, tournament entries, and bonus spins tied to opening festivities — and online platforms frequently mirror that momentum with time-limited deposit matches and enhanced rewards. If you plan to try the new venue or the brand’s online games, act quickly when launch announcements drop: many of the most valuable offers are capped or available for a short window.

Hard Rock Casino Tejon promises big gaming rooms, recognizable software partners, multiple ways to fund play, and on-demand support — all designed to deliver larger jackpots and memorable sessions for both locals and road-trippers heading up or down the 5 Freeway. The Nov. 13 opening will be the moment the Central Valley gets a major-league casino experience and a new option for players chasing major wins.