The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians after several years of negotiations signed a new state gaming pact that will allow for the expansion of its Coarsegold casino and protect casino patrons and employees, the tribe announced Thursday.

The 25-year agreement allows Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino to operate 3,500 gaming devices — nearly double its current llmit — and includes new terms to support non-gaming tribes and tribes with smaller gaming facilities consistent with tribal sovereignty.