Ron Jones

LINCOLN (CBS13) ― Thunder Valley Casino has been forced to postpone their ambitious expansion due to current economic uncertainty. Officials say they have no other choice but to put the $1 billion project on hold.

Thunder Valley, California's largest casino, broke ground earlier on the expansion that would have brought a five-star hotel, restaurants, convention center, and a performing arts center to the property.

"We have pretty much the same number of visitors, what we're finding is they're spending less money," said spokesman Doug Elmets.

The casino is still profitable, Elmets said, but they can't bet on a rosier economic outlook in the near future.

"You're seeing projects all across the country being reassessed," Elmets said. "This is a prudent decision that the tribe has made, and a smart business decision as well."

The project will be on hold for three to six months while officials decide when to continue construction.