Casino Pauma to remain temporarily closed for the safety of guests, community and employees

PAUMA VALLEY – Choosing to follow the advice of Gov. Gavin Newsom and the guidance of government and health officials instead of the trend of several California-based tribal casinos to reopen, Casino Pauma announced Wednesday, May 20, that it will remain temporarily closed to further reduce the spread of COVID-19. Casino Pauma’s closure, which took effect March 15, will remain in effect until further notice.

“It is very important to the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians and Casino Pauma leadership that we continue to demonstrate that ‘Where People Come First,’ is more than a slogan,” Jim Thomason, general manager of Casino Pauma, said. “Chairman Temet Aguilar, the Tribal Council and Casino Pauma Leadership do not believe in gambling with the health and safety of our guests, our team members or the community. In the spirit of our sovereign-to-sovereign relationship, we will continue to follow Gov. Newsom’s recommendations or until we are more confident it is safe for us to reopen.”

Tribal Leadership and Casino Pauma’s focus has been to help the local community and provide support. During the closure, Casino Pauma assisted employees with filing unemployment and navigating the red tape. Additionally, the Tribal Council directed Casino Pauma to open the Pauma Store where employees, neighboring tribes and the community can safely order dry, bulk, canned items, COVID-19 safety products and other hard to find household essentials, online and receive them via a drive-thru pickup at the Pauma Pavilion at Casino Pauma to avoid going to nearby cities with larger populations. Orders may be placed by visiting https://www.paumatribe.com/shop or by texting or calling 760-891-7953 and may be picked up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Casino Pauma also opened the Pizza Deli for curbside takeout, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, again as a safe option to minimize exposure in the larger cities. Orders can be placed via http://www.casinopauma.com/deliorders. Many menu items are under $9.

Though Casino Pauma may be temporarily closed, it remains busy implementing and preparing safety protocols and preventive measures to help its guests feel safe and comfortable.

“We encourage everyone to be safe, patient and compassionate as we battle to contain COVID-19 and look forward to welcoming our guests back once the restrictions have been lifted,” Thomason said.

Nestled in the citrus groves in the heart of Pauma Valley, Casino Pauma features a warm comfortable and contemporary atmosphere with the friendliest staff around. With over 40,000 square feet, guests can enjoy 1,050 of the hottest most exciting slot and video games plus 16 table games featuring the lowest blackjack minimums in Southern California, three delectable dining options including the “Best Buffet value in the Valley” the Grove Buffet and home of the $6.99 steak and eggs at the Café. Casino Pauma is owned and operated by the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians. For more information, visit http://www.casinopauma.com.

Submitted by Casino Pauma.