Casinos

Sycuan Casino adding 700+ jobs

By Michele Parente

January 24, 2018 at 1:08 p.m.

The San Diego area's $1 billion casino building boom is a boon for job seekers....

<p>An art piece located main desk at the new Willows Hotel and Spa at Viejas Casino. </p>

New Viejas hotel to offer elevated luxury

By Michele Parente

January 15, 2018 at 8:53 p.m.

Alexa: What’s the name of a casino hotel that’s more like a luxury boutique property?...

Pechanga looking to hire nearly 200 more

By Michele Parente

January 3, 2018 at 2:02 a.m.

In anticipation of the March opening of its mega pool complex, Pechanga Resort & Casino...

Viejas unveils details, sets opening date for new hotel

By Michele Parente

December 19, 2017 at 1:06 a.m.

Viejas Casino & Resort has started taking reservations for its new hotel tower, which is...

Casinos launch all-you-can-compete lobster wars

By Michele Parente

December 15, 2017 at 12:23 a.m.

The claws are coming out. Lobster claws, that is.The latest battleground in the San Diego...

Miramar, California, USA November 10th, 2017 | Allyson Ott, Chief Executive Officer from The Casino Institute explains the card game of Pai Gow. | Alejandro Tamayo © The San Diego Union Tribune 2017

Winning strategy: How to play pai gow poker

By Michele Parente

December 4, 2017 at 6:38 p.m.

Pai gow poker is a relatively new casino table game that has ancient roots. It’s...

Your Lucky 7: the latest places to eat in Las Vegas

By Michele Parente

December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Las Vegas is nirvana for obsessives.With 24/7 gambling action, A-list (and risqué) spectacles galore and...

San Diego-area casinos’ private dining rooms serve secluded elegance

By Michele Parente

December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Like many fine restaurants, casino steakhouses have private dining rooms.These secluded gathering getaway spots are...

Chef’s journey from Disney to Dean Spanos to Viejas

By Michele Parente

December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Larry Banares, the executive chef at Viejas Casino & Resort, has cooked for musical royalty...

Pechanga set to open new hotel, spa

By Michele Parente

December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Construction cranes are being replaced by housekeeping carts at Pechanga as the casino resort readies...

San Diego-area casinos raise the steaks

By Michele Parente

December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

You’re nestled into a sumptuous velvet booth next to a crackling fireplace and listening to...

The spaghetti at Giada at the Cromwell. Cromwell Hotel photo

5 sure-bet restaurants you must try in Las Vegas

By Michele Parente

December 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

I go to Las Vegas to gamble. And eat.The goal is to come home with...

Exterior of Valley View Casino and Resort. Courtesy photo

San Diego casino boom heats up: Valley View to launch $50 million expansion

By Michele Parente

November 1, 2017 at 8:26 p.m.

Valley View Casino & Hotel on Tuesday announced a $50 million expansion, becoming the region’s...

Pala Casino breaks ground on $170M expansion, new hotel

By Michele Parente

October 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Pala Casino Resort & Spa, which ushered in the era of luxury Las Vegas-style hotels...

San Diego, California, USA June 23rd, 2017 | How to play blackjack at the Casino Institute. Player gets twenty-one. | Alejandro Tamayo © The San Diego Union Tribune 2017

Winning strategy: How to play blackjack

By Michele Parente

September 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

If you’ve ever been on a casino floor, you know the most popular table game...

Casinos make S.D. a pampering paradise

By Michele Parente

November 1, 2017 at 7:35 p.m.

San Diego has long been known as a weather wonderland, but perhaps it’s time to...

San Diego, California, USA, March 17th, 2017: | The dessert bar at Viejas Casino & Resort includes a cheesecake bar. | Alejandro Tamayo © The San Diego Union Tribune 2017

Your guide to San Diego-area casinos

By Michele Parente

September 4, 2017 at 3:41 p.m.

Barona Resort & Casino1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside. (619) 443-2300 or barona.com. Shuttle information: barona.com/about-barona/directions-and-transportation/shuttle-scheduleThe...

Rendering show the Viejas Casino and Resort expansion. Courtesy photo

San Diego casino building boom expands again

By Michele Parente

September 5, 2017 at 6:32 p.m.

One down, five to go.On June 12, Harrah’s Resort Southern California completed the final phase...

Taking a spin at casinos outside San Diego

By Michele Parente

September 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Casinos and casino resorts aren’t exclusive to the San Diego area. Here are destinations to...

Temecula, California, USA July 27th, 2017 | Pechanga golf course. Practice hole area. | Alejandro Tamayo © The San Diego Union Tribune 2017

Luxury links: Our pro tees off at Barona, Pechanga golf courses

By Tod Leonard

September 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

When the Barona Band of Mission Indians decided in the late 1990s they were going...

Pechanga to start booking rooms at mega-hotel

By Michele Parente

August 21, 2017 at 3:56 a.m.

Pechanga Resort & Casino will soon start taking reservations for its expanded hotel, which will...

Pala Casino Spa and Resort announced plans for a $170 million expansion and renovation. Courtsey photo

Pala casino launches $170 million expansion

By Michele Parente

July 28, 2017 at 12:09 a.m.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort announced a $170 million expansion on Thursday, becoming the latest...

Rendering shows the expansion of the Pechanga casino in the foreground and to the right of the existing casino. Photo courtesy of Pechanga

Pechanga expands its RV park

By Michele Parente

June 25, 2017 at 11:54 p.m.

Local casino expansion plans just keep rolling on.Pechanga Resort & Casino is adding to its...

Viejas Casino is launching a new concert series at a new 3,000-capacity outdoor venue.

Viejas expanding the definition of casino resort

By Michele Parente

July 11, 2017 at 6:16 p.m.

Viejas Casino & Resort marked a milestone in its major expansion Friday with the installation...

Pechanga seeks to fill 560 jobs

By Michele Parente

May 31, 2017 at 5:21 p.m.

With its massive $285 million expansion about six months from completion, Pechanga Resort & Casino...

The Chumash Casino's 15,000-square-foot pool area, atop the original five-story hotel, has eight private cabanas, a splash deck, multiple jacuzzis, fire pits, a full bar and patio dining. Adrian Tiemens Photography

Santa Barbara casino a wine country getaway

By Michele Parente

July 11, 2017 at 6:46 p.m.

The year 2004 was a defining one for Santa Barbara wine country.That’s when the movie...

No, this isn't an upscale bakery, it's the Choices buffet at Pala Casino Resort and Spa, which offers a over 80 dessert selections.

Casino buffets go gourmet

By Michele Parente

April 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

If you think a typical casino buffet meal would feature dry meatloaf, instant mashed potatoes,...

Casinos expand, up their game

By Michele Parente

April 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Pardon their dust. With half of the San Diego area’s 10 casinos undergoing expansions and...

Caliente operates multiple gambling facilities in Mexico, including this main one in Tijuana.

Your guide to casinos in Mexico

By San Diego Union-Tribune

July 11, 2017 at 6:41 p.m.

Visitors head south of the border in search of Baja-Med cuisine, Puerto Nuevo lobster, wineries...

San Diego, California, USA March 16th, 2017: | The Casino Institute teaches us how to play Texas Hold Them poker. Thompson Pham deals. | Alejandro Tamayo © The San Diego Union Tribune 2017

Winning strategy: How to play Texas Hold’em

By Michele Parente

April 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

America is all in … to No Limit Texas Hold ’em.With its colorful cast of...

Pechanga’s $285M expansion at midway point

By Michele Parente

April 20, 2017 at 8:57 p.m.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is halfway through its $285 million expansion, a benchmark that was...

How to get millennials to gamble? Casinos bet on video games

By Michele Parente

April 18, 2017 at 9:55 p.m.

The “Downton Abbey”-themed slot machine on display at the recent Indian gaming trade show at...

The expansive view from Final Cut Steak & Seafood, Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego's glam fine-dining restaurant, is matched by the well-executed cuisine.

Hollywood: New venue, old ties

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 10:44 p.m.

Hollywood Casino Jamul-San DiegoThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the...

Sycuan casino started as a humble bingo hall and has grown into a philanthropic force in the community, aiding 700 local organizations and charities.

Sycuan: Moving forward, giving back

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 10:29 p.m.

Sycuan CasinoThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the region’s 10...

Pala Casino's 2,000-seat Starlight Theater attracts headliner acts.

Pala: Pick your pleasure

By Michele Parente

February 15, 2017 at 3:46 a.m.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin...

Golden Acorn Casino's modest-sized casino floor has 750 slot machines and eight table games, including $3 blackjack.

Golden Acorn: Rest stop retreat

By Michele Parente

December 9, 2016 at 10:58 p.m.

Golden Acorn CasinoThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the region’s...

Valley View Casino & Hotel's intimate size, personalized service and 21-and-over crowd gives it a boutique feel.

Valley View: The grown-up getaway

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 10:30 p.m.

Valley View Casino & HotelThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at...

Pechanga Resort & Casino offers a Vegas-sized destination experience and the mega resort is growing even bigger, with a $285 million expansion underway.

Pechanga: Super-sized spot

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 10:28 p.m.

Pechanga Resort & CasinoThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the...

Viejas Casino & Resort, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has grown from a bingo hall into a glam casino, hotel and dining destination.

Viejas: The next generation

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 10:30 p.m.

Viejas Casino & ResortThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the...

Casino Pauma: Live music, food add to fun

By Michele Parente

December 9, 2016 at 11:03 p.m.

Casino PaumaThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the region’s 10...

With the opening of Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego, the region now boasts 10 casinos, many full-scale resorts.

San Diego hits casino jackpot

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 1:25 a.m.

Casino fans, it’s your lucky day — San Diego’s gaming industry has never been more dynamic. The...

Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa, one of six casinos in the Palm Springs area, is a full-scale resort that features a 50,000-square foot pool area.

Take a spin at Palm Springs’ casinos

By Michele Parente

July 11, 2017 at 6:43 p.m.

With six casinos, the greater Palm Springs region is a hot gaming destination. Take a...

Harrah's Resort Southern California is one of several local casinos undergoing renovations. Among the changes is an its full-service spa facilty, featuring new treatments.

Harrah’s: Glitzy Vegas vibe

By Michele Parente

December 10, 2016 at 10:43 p.m.

Harrah’s Resort Southern CaliforniaThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the...

Barona Resort & Casino is a perennial favorite in the Union-Tribune Readers Poll, earning the title of Best Casino for six years in a row, among other awards.

Barona: The people’s choice

By Michele Parente

December 9, 2016 at 7:07 p.m.

Barona Resort & CasinoThe San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the...

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