San Manuel Casino: San Manuel Casino, now officially known as Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, is a premier entertainment destination located in Highland, California. Originally opened in 1986, it has grown from a modest bingo hall into one of the most luxurious and expansive gaming resorts in the United States. Operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, this property reflects both cultural heritage and modern innovation.
San Manuel Casino: Table of Contents
- Founding and Early Years
- Expansion Milestones
- Transition to Yaamava’ Resort
- Economic and Cultural Impact
- Facilities and Amenities
- Timeline Table
- Visitor Statistics Table
- Conclusion
San Manuel Casino: Founding and Early Years
San Manuel Casino: The San Manuel Casino was originally established in 1986 as San Manuel Indian Bingo. This was during a time when tribal gaming was emerging as a viable form of economic development for Native American tribes. Starting with only a bingo hall, the casino served as a primary source of income and employment for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
San Manuel Casino: In its early days, the facility featured:
- A 100,000 square foot bingo hall
- Limited food services
- Small-scale parking
It was humble by modern standards, but highly significant as one of the earliest tribal gaming operations in California.
Expansion Milestones
Over the decades, San Manuel Casino underwent multiple phases of expansion, constantly modernizing its offerings to keep up with the rapidly growing casino industry.
Major Expansion Phases
| Year | Development Stage | Key Features Added |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Casino Launch | Slot machines, table games |
| 2001 | Renovation | Larger gaming floor, new restaurants |
| 2005 | Parking Structure | 5-story parking garage |
| 2011 | Major Remodel | Luxury lounge, high-limit gaming areas |
| 2017 | The Pines Added | Upscale steakhouse opens |
| 2021 | Yaamava’ Resort Phase I | Hotel tower, spa, pool, new casino areas |
The casino consistently reinvested in technology and customer experience, which allowed it to remain competitive with major Las Vegas resorts.
Transition to Yaamava’ Resort
In 2021, San Manuel Casino was officially rebranded as Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. The word Yaamava’ means “spring” in the Serrano language, symbolizing a new beginning for the Tribe and its hospitality offerings.
Highlights of the Rebrand:
- New 17-story hotel tower with 432 luxury rooms
- Full-service spa and salon
- State-of-the-art pool deck and cabanas
- Expanded gaming floor with over 7,000 slot machines
- Premium concert venue (Yaamava’ Theater)
This transformation shifted the property from a gaming center into a destination resort, attracting guests not just from Southern California but nationwide.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The San Manuel Casino has had a significant impact on both the tribal community and the regional economy.
Cultural Contributions:
- Funds education and healthcare for Tribal members
- Supports cultural preservation programs
- Promotes Indigenous entrepreneurship
Economic Highlights:
- One of the largest employers in San Bernardino County
- Supports over 4,900 jobs
- Generates millions in tax-equivalent community contributions annually
Facilities and Amenities
The resort features world-class amenities designed for both leisure and high-stakes gaming.
Resort Features Table
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Tower | 432 rooms and suites, with luxury interiors and views of the San Bernardino Mountains |
| Casino Floor | 7,200+ slot machines, 150+ table games |
| Yaamava’ Theater | 2,500-seat venue for concerts and events |
| Serrano Spa | Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments |
| Restaurants | The Pines, Serrano Buffet, Rock & Brews, Just Barbecue, and more |
| Retail | Multiple on-site shops including high-end apparel and jewelry |
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Opened as San Manuel Indian Bingo |
| 1994 | Introduced slot machines and table games |
| 2001 | First major interior renovation |
| 2011 | VIP Lounge and high-limit room introduced |
| 2020 | Groundbreaking for hotel and resort expansion |
| 2021 | Rebranded as Yaamava’ Resort & Casino |
| 2022 | Yaamava’ Theater opens |
Visitor Statistics Over Time
| Year | Estimated Annual Visitors | Major Developments |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 500,000 | Early bingo popularity |
| 2000 | 1.2 million | Casino phase growing |
| 2010 | 3.5 million | Reputation as top SoCal casino |
| 2020 | 5 million | Despite COVID challenges |
| 2023 | 8+ million | Full resort open, national attention |
Conclusion
San Manuel Casino, now Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, is a story of transformation—from a modest tribal bingo hall to a full-fledged luxury resort. Its success is not just measured in dollars or size, but in its contribution to tribal sovereignty, economic empowerment, and cultural pride.
As it continues to evolve, Yaamava’ stands as a beacon of modern Native American enterprise, showing how tradition and innovation can thrive together.
