Overview
Yaamava Resort & Casino, formerly known as San Manuel Casino, is a gaming establishment located in Highland, California, about 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. This resort offers an array of entertainment options, including table games, slot machines, bingo, poker, and e-gaming stations. With its unique theme inspired by the Serrano Band of Mission Indians’ ancestors, Yaamava Casino provides a one-of-a-kind experience for patrons looking to test their luck.
History
The property was initially established in 1986 as San Manuel Bingo & Casino under the jurisdiction of the Yaamava California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA). It later evolved into the present-day San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino with a major renovation and expansion completed in 2013. As part of this overhaul, the gaming area introduced new table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps to supplement existing bingo operations. In February 2022, the resort underwent another name change, adopting Yaamava Resort & Casino as its current moniker.
The Concept
Yaamava Casino is an example of a Native American-run casino, which leverages sovereign gaming rights granted by federal law under specific circumstances (e.g., Indian Gaming Regulatory Act). These establishments benefit from exclusive jurisdiction and tax-free operations within designated regions. Unlike tribal casinos found in Nevada or New Jersey, the regulatory environment for California-based enterprises differs due to state-specific laws governing gaming activities.
Types of Games
One can expect an extensive selection of table games at Yaamava Casino:
- Blackjack
- Roulette (American and European)
- Craps (pass line/buy options available)
- Baccarat
- Pai Gow Poker
