Table Mountain Casino Resort to open alcohol drinking on gambling floor

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Starting in September, Table Mountain Casino Resort will begin serving alcohol on the gaming floor, a shift from its long-standing policy that allowed people 18 and up to gamble.

While the casino has long served alcohol in its restaurants, this change is raising concerns among some who live nearby.

"I think drinking happens anyway, but I think if there are fewer regulations, that could lead to more accidents," said Fresno resident Dalia Yellin.

Yellin lives in the area and said Friant Road, which connects Table Mountain and Fresno, is already prone to car crashes.

"I'm actually following an Instagram account that shows accidents that happen at the Friant intersections. Those happen all the time, quite frequently, like weekly, actually," said Yellin.

In a press release, Table Mountain said allowing alcoholic beverages on the gambling floor is part of their years-long effort to offer an enhanced experience for guests.

That included building a new casino, new restaurants and a high-rise hotel, which opened in 2022.

Cyclists who frequent the area say this expansion is troublesome.

"For the cycling community, I think I could speak for the whole community, it'd be bad to allow more drinking at Table Mountain," said Lance Burger.

The casino said it will strictly follow all state regulations regarding alcohol service.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said its deputies patrol the area and call CHP to investigate when they suspect drivers may be impaired.

Still, nearby residents hope for more patrols.

"There have to be more checks by the CHP on the road, back from Table Mountain and also at the Friant intersections, especially at night," said Yellin.

Action News had more questions for Table Mountain Casino and reached out to their representatives, but they declined our request for an interview.

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