San Manuel Casino: From Local Favorite to World-Class Entertainment Destination

Located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in Highland, California, San Manuel Casino has grown from a modest bingo hall into one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations on the West Coast. Operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the casino is a shining example of tribal enterprise success — blending luxury, culture, and economic empowerment into one remarkable story.

The Origins: A Vision Rooted in Community

San Manuel Casino’s story began in 1986, when the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians opened a bingo hall on their reservation. At the time, tribal gaming was still in its infancy, and few could have predicted how transformative the industry would become for Native American communities.

What started as a small local gaming operation soon expanded into a full-fledged casino, thanks to the tribe’s dedication to economic self-sufficiency and community development. Over the years, the casino evolved into a hub for gaming, entertainment, dining, and hospitality — all while maintaining its deep cultural connection to the tribe’s heritage.

Expansion and Transformation

San Manuel Casino underwent multiple expansions throughout the 1990s and 2000s, eventually rebranding in 2021 as the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel — a move that reflected both its growth and its new luxury offerings.

The $760 million expansion project introduced:

A 17-story hotel tower with over 400 rooms and suites.
A state-of-the-art entertainment venue with 3,000 seats for concerts and events.
A full-service spa and pool deck for resort guests.
New dining experiences ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.

This transformation elevated the property into a world-class resort on par with major destinations in Las Vegas, all while keeping its roots firmly in the Inland Empire.

Gaming and Entertainment

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino offers one of the largest gaming floors in California, featuring:

Over 7,000 slot machines, one of the biggest selections on the West Coast.
Hundreds of table games, including blackjack, poker, and baccarat.
A high-limit gaming area for exclusive experiences.

Beyond gaming, the property’s entertainment lineup is a major draw. The Yaamava’ Theater hosts concerts, comedy shows, and live performances from top national and international acts. The casino has also become a popular venue for regional events, private parties, and televised broadcasts.

Dining and Hospitality

Food plays a major role in the Yaamava’ experience. The casino offers a diverse array of dining options, such as:

The Pines Modern Steakhouse, a fine-dining restaurant known for premium cuts and elegant ambiance.
Serrano Vista Café, offering contemporary California cuisine.
Big Mo’ Café and The 909 Food Hall, serving comfort food, craft beer, and quick bites.

Guests staying at the Yaamava’ Resort can enjoy luxury accommodations, a serene spa, and a resort-style pool — making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and excitement.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The success of San Manuel Casino has had a transformative impact on the local community and beyond. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has become one of the region’s largest employers and philanthropists, contributing millions of dollars annually to education, healthcare, public safety, and social programs.

The tribe’s economic leadership has also inspired other Native American communities across the country to pursue similar ventures that promote sovereignty, sustainability, and self-reliance.

Looking Toward the Future

As Yaamava’ Resort & Casino continues to grow, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians remains committed to preserving its cultural roots while embracing innovation. The resort’s ongoing investments in technology, sustainability, and guest experience ensure it remains at the forefront of the gaming and hospitality industry.

With plans for continued expansion and partnerships, the property is poised to remain a cornerstone of California entertainment for decades to come.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a bingo hall to its status today as a world-class luxury resort, San Manuel Casino — now Yaamava’ Resort & Casino — stands as a testament to vision, hard work, and community pride.