Pauma Resort to Replace Casino Pauma

NORTH COUNTY, California -- As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "The Pauma Band of Mission Indians unveiled plans yesterday for replacing its temporary 1,090-slot casino with a resort
Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians  featuring a 23-story, 400-room hotel; a spa; an entertainment venue; and twice as many slot machines.

"...The move is a bid to replace a quickly built casino with a $300 million attraction capable of standing its ground against resorts operated by neighboring tribes such as Pala and Pechanga.

"It's also a milestone for a tribe that has tried twice before to expand its gambling operations with outside help – previous deals with Caesar's Palace and the Hard Rock Casino fell apart.

"...Details of the resort are in a draft environmental impact report that says the casino project would negatively affect traffic, air quality, noise and public safety, but finds that all those issues can be dealt with.

"...The proposed 66-acre Pauma Resort will replace Casino Pauma, the existing gambling hall, which will continue to operate out of large metal-framed tents during construction.

"...The proposed casino will feature 110,000 square feet of gambling space, with room for 2,500 slots – though it will open with 2,000. It also will include a 400-room hotel, including 16 villas in a park-like setting, each 950 square feet, plus a spa, pool and 'lawn garden.'..."