.First Look Inside California’s New $600 Million Casino That’s Bigger Than Caesars Palace

Published in cooperation between Cardstudios and Good Times Santa Cruz

The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland, California, rivals even the biggest Las Vegas casinos. Located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation, Yaamava’ Casino is quite large. Building it cost $600 million. At 510,000 square feet, it’s almost twice the size of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, which is about 280,000 square feet.

This shows how much tribal gaming has grown. More importantly, Yaamava’s aims to make every guest feel welcome, no matter their experience with casinos. Starting from scratch? This is ideal because you can get going without a big money commitment. Options like those in PokerScout’s list of $10 deposit casinos offer a simple way to get started online. You can learn the basics of gaming without spending a lot of money before trying something bigger. It’s a good way to get comfortable, especially if you’re new and want to understand how these things work.

Walking in, the scale is striking. The gaming floor seems endless, packed with more than 7,500 slot machines. Their bright screens and spinning reels light up everything. There are at least 200 table games, like blackjack, roulette, baccarat and other classics. Poker players have their own room, drawing dedicated players for tournaments and cash games. There’s a high-limit area for those wanting more privacy, but there are choices for casual visitors, too.

Yaamava’ Resort offers a high-end experience. It shows the culture of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who own the resort. Their culture is part of the design. The details honor their history. The resort has more than 400 rooms, and many suites have nice mountain views. After a show or activities, coming back to those peaceful views makes your visit more special.

With more than 10 restaurants available, finding a great meal won’t be a problem. You can pick from steakhouses, Asian cuisine and burger joints. Bars are easy to find, so grabbing drinks with friends is simple. The 5,000-seat theater is perfect for catching concerts. If you want to relax, check out the spa or pools. Shops are also available if you need anything. They’ve taken care of all the necessities to make sure you have a great time.

Despite facing difficulties such as COVID-19 delays, the project incrementally opened and became fully operational by early 2021. It now represents increased financial activity in the area, supporting tribal programs. The design reflects careful planning, and its style, along with an authentic feel, distinguishes it from other venues on the Strip. These places not only entertain but also mirror authority and an improved quality of life.

Yaamava’ combines luxury with genuine comfort. The pools are stunning and create a welcoming space to enjoy yourself. You can lounge in plush cabanas while soaking up tropical-inspired views of the Southern California scenery. The spa provides various wellness treatments, including massages and facials, that leave you feeling renewed. The shopping experience mixes familiar brands with regional art, demonstrating the tribal community’s commitment to supporting local artists.

The gaming floor is alive with choices. Slot players can enjoy everything from classic machines to modern video slots with large jackpots. Table game fans can play Pai Gow and craps led by dealers. The poker room is popular, maintaining standards for fairness and hospitality. Note that seating at the poker tables may be limited at times.

The casino’s size is quite remarkable, and it seems to be reshaping what people expect from casinos. The moment guests step inside, they’ll notice the carefully planned design. Warm wood tones and soft lighting create a welcoming atmosphere. The casino’s open design makes it easy to get around and feels inviting. Small details make each visit special. The comfortable seats and soft music improve the experience. Being close to major cities means it draws both local visitors and tourists. This casino is setting the bar for what California casinos should be.

Daniel Vega
Daniel Vega is a Santa Cruz-based features writer covering community growth, culture and entertainment. With a background in local journalism and a passion for stories that highlight how regional projects shape everyday life, Vega brings a people-first perspective to news on development, leisure and the evolving identity of coastal California.
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