Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Wins 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas. Both Tribal Owned and Operated Properties Win Big With the Reader’s Choice Awards

HIGHLAND, CALIF. (September 8, 2023) — Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has been named the winner in two categories in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. First for the Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, ranked No. 1 among fans nationwide and Yaamava’s fine dining restaurant, The Pines Modern Steakhouse, was also voted the ‘Best Casino Restaurant’ this year.

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority’s Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, was also among the USA Today rankings. Palms’ A.Y.C.E Buffet was ranked fifth place for the Best Casino Restaurant in the United States, bringing in an additional win for the Tribe.

“We are honored to be recognized as the best casino by USA Today’s readers across the nation.” said Kenji Hall, General Manager at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “The Tribe and our team members work hard to ensure our guests have a memorable, best-in-class experience across the property. This prestigious achievement speaks volumes to both their dedication and hard work to ensure our valued guests encounter an unforgettable experience.”

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is the No. 1 entertainment destination in Southern California offering casino gaming, live performances from iconic artists, Forbes Travel Guide and AAA Diamond award-winning luxury resort accommodations, dining and world-class spa. With over 7,000 slots – the most in the West with multiple world-premieres each year, Yaamava' is California’s best destination for the most elite gaming and entertainment experiences.    

Guests at Yaamava’ can indulge in exquisite dining and hand-crafted cocktails at The Pines Modern Steakhouse, which serves certified 100% Japanese Kobe Beef steaks, fresh pastas made from scratch, and a world-class cache of rare and cult wines and spirits from the resort’s exclusive Collection 86. The Pines is one of over 20 venues to wine and dine throughout the resort, spanning from 5-star to fast casual.

Guests visiting Palms Casino Resort partake in a culinary trip around the world at the A.Y.C.E. Buffet. The 250-seat venue features seven unique food stations – World Pan, Revival, The Greenery, The Roastery, The Hearth, Smoke & Fire, Sweet & Light – each filled with culinary delights.

Yaamava’s and Palms’ nominations were chosen by a panel of experts, including a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties before being voted on by the public online.

About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino 
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star-rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA, the Casino has more than 7,200 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

For more information, visit www.yaamava.com or follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is located at 777 San Manuel, Highland, Calif. 92346. Telephone 800-359-2464. 

This is the Third Year in a Row That San Manuel has Achieved this Recognition  
 

HIGHLAND, Calif., Sept. 5, 2023-- For the third year in a row, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (the 'Tribe' and 'San Manuel') is proud to announce that its Tribal Government Operations and Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel received Great Place To Work Certification. This year, 81 percent of team members said it's a great place to work which is 24 points higher than the average U.S. company.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors. The survey measures team members' level of trust in an organization and the consistency of their experience.

"San Manuel is grateful to our team members and proud to lead an enterprise that has achieved certification as a Great Place to Work® for the third year in a row," said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "Since day one, we have endeavored to create a work environment that reflects our Serrano Tribal culture and values where our team members are respected, feel welcomed, supported, and rewarded for their dedication and hard work."

The enterprise of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is guided by a higher purpose and believe in giving back to charitable organizations, surrounding communities, and their team members. The Tribe prides itself on creating a robust work environment and offering unique experiences to help team members reach their full potential. A few examples are team member talent shows, annual team member appreciation days and various scholarship funds offered by the Tribe.

"San Manuel is a unique employer that brings together tribal government operations, hospitality, gaming and entertainment into a single enterprise that helps ensure the Tribe's livelihood today and for generations to come," said Laurens Vosloo, Chief Executive Officer, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "It's an honor to work for an enterprise where more than 80 percent of our team applauds the Tribe for fostering a welcoming, safe, and respectful culture. This recognition is one of many that validates why San Manuel is a great place to work."

Hear what our team members shared:

"The Tribe's continuous and generous contributions to the community make this a purposeful place to work. There is no other employer like us in the area and that offers unique and valuable professional experiences to the employees."

"The amount of benefits this company offers to its employees is like nothing I've ever seen or heard of. From educational discounts to endless employee incentives and benefits."

WE'RE HIRING!  
According to Great Place To Work® research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace.

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page.

About Great Place to Work Certification™

Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

HIGHLAND, CALIF. (August 28, 2023) - On August 24, a local Southern California resident won $1,315,761.19 from a $25 bet while playing Aristocrat Gaming’s “Dragon Link Panda Magic” slot machine at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. The winning combination was an accumulated win during a bonus round, hitting the grand jackpot.

“We are thrilled to share in the joy with one of our lucky Club Serrano members, following an amazing win last night,” said Kenji Hall, general manager at Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “We strive to create once-in-a-lifetime moments for all our patrons across the resort every day. Last night’s $1.3M jackpot win is an unforgettable moment for all of us.”

While the winner of the $1.3M+ jackpot declined to disclose her identify publicly, the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino team shares in her excitement and extends their congratulations and warmest wishes to her following this milestone win.

About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star-rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA, the Casino has more than 7,000 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. .

KENJI HALL NAMED GENERAL MANAGER FOR
YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO

Hall will lead flagship property operations for 
San Manuel Entertainment Authority
 

The San Manuel Entertainment Authority today named Kenji Hall the new General  Manager at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, succeeding Peter Arceo, who was selected as Chief Gaming Officer for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (the Tribe) in May.  

Hall will lead the strategic execution and performance of daily gaming and hospitality operations and continue in his successful role as an inspiring leader of workplace culture at the award-winning resort and casino. 

“Kenji’s expertise in hotel, food and beverage, marketing and gaming operations make him ideally qualified for leading the next generation of service excellence at Yaamava’. He and his team will continue to drive our competitive positioning of Yaamava’ as the top casino resort destination in California,” said Peter Arceo, Chief Gaming Officer for the Tribe. 

“I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue the Yaamava’ legacy as a best-in-class resort and casino. It is an honor to serve the Tribe in this capacity. The Tribe’s mission, vision and values and our commitment to team members are the key elements in growing our market and delivering exceptional experiences for our valued guests,” said Hall.

Hall joined San Manuel Casino in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer-Hospitality, where he led the complete renovation of the Tribe’s Bear Springs Hotel in San Bernardino, California. Hall also brought revenue growth to San Manuel Casino with the opening of new and phenomenally successful food and beverage outlets. Later, Hall was named Chief Operating Officer-Casino, where he was responsible for leading the expansion of gaming operations and played an instrumental role in the rebranding and opening of Yaamava’. 
Prior to San Manuel, Hall held management and executive leadership positions in Nevada, Louisiana, Indiana, and North Carolina with companies including Hilton Hotels, Boyd Gaming, and MGM Resorts International during his 30+ years in the gaming and hospitality industry. 

Under Hall’s leadership, Yaamava’ has become the largest casino in the west with over 7,200 slots, 165 tables and five high-limit rooms. Yaamava’ also recently earned Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for the Serrano Spa as well as Four-Star ratings for the resort and The Pines Modern Steakhouse. Hall is also responsible for inspiring a “team first” workplace culture that values excellence, resulting in Yaamava’ receiving the Great Place to Work® certification two years in a row. 

Hall holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Company’s latest poker innovation launches during “X Marks the Spot!” event at world-class gaming venue in Southern California

IGT introduced its latest video poker game, Fortune X Poker, to players at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, Calif., on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The “X Marks the Spot!” celebration commemorated this “first in California” installation and included five popular slot influencers from across the U.S. 

“Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is excited to be the first casino in California to introduce the Fortune X Poker that is sure to bring the thrill to our valued guests,” said Kenji Hall, Interim General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “IGT’s robust library of games has continuously delivered on performance, and we’re certain that Fortune X Poker will bring a cutting edge, one-of-a-kind game experience that our players cannot find anywhere else.””

“We were pleased to partner with Yaamava’ Resort and Casino for a special kickoff event that introduced IGT’s Fortune X Poker to the property’s video poker enthusiasts,” said Darnell Johnson, IGT Senior Director of Product Management, Video Poker. “IGT’s legendary video poker content consistently energizes the casino floor, and we are confident Fortune X Poker will be another compelling option that will thrill players, return excellent results, and propel IGT’s leadership in the segment.” 

IGT’s Fortune X Poker was displayed on the Company’s next-generation CrystalSlant™ cabinet at the event. In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the five video poker influencers, who were the first players to experience the game at the venue, live-streamed the event on their respective YouTube channels. 
 

Represents First Installation of Video Cabinet Featuring Unique Custom Display

LAS VEGAS – (April 3, 2023) – Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi” or “the Company”)--a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, and player loyalty solutions--today announced the first installation of the company’s new Dynasty Vue™ cabinet at Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, Calif. 

The stunning Dynasty Vue is Everi’s first form factor in its new Dynasty family of game cabinets. Dynasty Vue provides sightlines comparable to a dual-screen cabinet but features a custom display that enables Everi’s designers to create game mechanics players would typically experience on a portrait cabinet, all with the functionality and integrated base of a slant top cabinet. This innovative form factor features a uniquely shaped main game display and an integrated 27-inch top box with distinctive dual-banded lighting integrated with gameplay for maximum attract value. 

This first deployment of Dynasty Vue showcases the Combo Cash™ Series, featuring two distinct base themes – Rockin’ Reels™ and Secret Treasures™. Both themes introduce COMBO CA$H, a fun new twist on the player-favorite Win What You See® feature, which was made popular by Everi’s award-winning stepper games Cash Machine® and Gold Standard Jackpots®. In Combo Cash, players landing a “$” symbol in the base games will unlock the “COMBO CA$H” feature, which spins to award big prizes up to $20,500.

 “We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Yaamava’ to introduce a new era in Everi’s hardware evolution,” said Dean Ehrlich, Executive Vice President and Games Business Leader at Everi. “Their players will be the first to experience the cabinet’s immersive feel coupled with our new Vue-exclusive  game content.” 

“We are excited to be the first casino in the country to offer Everi’s newest video cabinet,” said Kenji Hall, Chief Operation Officer of Gaming at Yaamava' Resort & Casino. “With more than 7,000 slots, Yaamava' is known for bringing the most popular, cutting-edge games to our guests to deliver a premium gaming experience and the Combo Cash Series on Dynasty Vue enables us to do just that.” 

Launch Activity
Everi will host a ribbon cutting on April 4, with Yaamava’ and Everi leadership along with The Money Man®, Everi’s iconic brand ambassador, who will hand out game-branded t-shirts to players in attendance. XXX invited  guests will have chance to play Combo Cash Series on the Dynasty Vue cabinet with complimentary slot pulls.

About Everi
Everi’s mission is to lead the gaming industry through the power of people, imagination, and technology. As one of the largest suppliers of technology solutions for the casino floor that also has an expanding focus in adjacent industries, our commitment is to continually develop products and services that provide gaming entertainment, improve our customers’ patron engagement, and help our customers operate their businesses more efficiently. We develop entertaining game content, gaming machines, and gaming systems and services for land-based and iGaming operators. Everi is a leading innovator and provider of trusted financial technology solutions that power casino floors, improve casinos’ operational efficiencies, and fulfill regulatory compliance requirements. The company also develops and supplies player loyalty tools and mobile-first applications that drive increased patron engagement for our customers and venues in the casino, sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries. For more information, please visit www.everi.com, which is updated regularly with financial and other information about the Company.

About Yaamava'  
Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Four- and Five-Star-rated top entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA, the Casino has more than 7,000 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including the IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

For more information, visit www.yaamava.com or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is located at 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, Calif. 92346. Telephone 800-359-2464.
 

Company completes the first installation of the latest addition to its highly entertaining game show slot theme library

(March 21, 2023) - IGT announced today that guests at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, Calif., will be the first players in North America to experience the entertainment of Let’s Make a Deal™ video slots. The game is IGT’s newest adaptation in its highly successful TV game show-themed portfolio of licensed games.

Let’s Make a Deal video slots offer exciting jackpots, instant win prizes, a Big Deal of the Day pick bonus, and the potential to win thrilling Winfall™ free spins. The immersive experience is completed by fan-favorite imagery, custom voiceovers from the show’s hosts, and sounds from the namesake show. Certain to make a statement on the floor, Let’s Make a Deal video slots are housed on the commanding Peak65™ cabinet, featuring a progressively curved 65-inch ultra-high-definition display.

“Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is thrilled to be the first casino in North America to bring Let’s Make a Deal video slots to our gaming floor,” said Kenji Hall, Chief Operating Officer of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “IGT’s captivating content consistently provides exceptional entertainment to our valued guests, and we are confident their latest TV game show theme will be a casino centerpiece and even further enhance our robust offering of 7,000-plus slot machines.”

“IGT is constantly evolving its diverse portfolio of top-tier licensed themes and is pleased to introduce Let’s Make a Deal video slots to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Global Gaming. “We very carefully develop game show-inspired themes such as Let’s Make a Deal to ensure that players can engage in authentic elements from the actual TV show and expand their overall entertainment experience with their favorite brands.”

# # #

© 2023 IGT

LET’S MAKE A DEAL ® Marcus / Glass Productions LLC

All other trademarks used herein are owned by IGT or its affiliates, may not be used without permission, and where indicated with a ®, are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The SoCal Casino will be the first casino in the world to have all six new games starting with Let's Make a Deal™ by IGT

Highland, CA (March 21, 2023) - Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is excited to announce the installs of exclusive world-premiere slot machines to its casino floor throughout the month of March. To celebrate, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino will host multiple ribbon-cutting events where guests will have the chance to win prizes, receive free play and more.

The first install was IGT’s Let's Make a Deal™ in March, marking the beginning of the exciting exclusive world premiere coming to the Yaamava’ casino slot floor. The following games will make their debut in the coming weeks: Diamond Boost™ from AGS; Lightning Buffalo Link™ from Aristocrat Gaming; Dragon – Jin Long Jin Bao™ from Light & Wonder; the full line of Double Flaming Link™ from Bluberi; and Combo Cash™ from Everi. These games bring with them exciting new themes, state-of-the-art technology, and immersive game play.

“Getting one World-Premiere or First-to-Market game takes a lot of work and collaboration with our partners. Getting SIX is unprecedented”, said Kenji Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “It speaks volumes to the dedication of Yaamava’ in providing the newest and best selection of games in the country, as well as the continued partnerships with game manufacturers in developing one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests.”

Yaamava' Resort & Casino is committed to staying at the forefront of the industry by continually exploring new and innovative ways to improve the gaming experience. This commitment is reflected in the casino's ongoing efforts to bring first-to-market games with mind-blowing themes, game-changing features and groundbreaking technologies that will elevate the overall gaming experience for its guests.

In addition to its exceptional gaming offerings, Yaamava' Resort & Casino also boasts a variety of other amenities for guests to enjoy. Guests can take advantage of the resort's Forbes Five-Star-rated Serrano Spa, fitness center and pool complex. The resort, which received four stars from the Forbes Travel Guide and a AAA Four Diamond rating, features 432 luxurious guestrooms and suites in its 17-floor hotel, the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Dining options range from casual eateries to high-end restaurants including The Pines Modern Steakhouse, recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with a Four-Star rating. Finally, guests can experience the best of entertainment in a luxury setting at the state-of-the-art Yaamava’ Theater, destined to become Southern California’s top small venue entertainment destination.

HIGHLAND, CALIF. (March 8, 2023) — The American Automobile Association (AAA) Diamond ratings evaluate the largest number of hotels and restaurants annually, using professionally trained inspectors and published guidelines to conduct unannounced hotel and restaurant evaluations. Yaamava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel is the first hotel in the Inland Empire to earn AAA’s Four Diamond rating, while The Pines Modern Steakhouse is one of only two restaurants in the Inland Empire to earn AAA’s Four Diamond rating. 

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is Southern California’s newest luxury resort offering the ultimate destination for relaxation, entertainment, and dining. Best-in-class service and unmatched amenities can be experienced at the hotel which opened its doors December 13, 2021. Each of the 432 luxurious rooms and spacious suites are beautifully crafted with furniture and décor inspired by the native landscape. An elevated fine dining and an award-winning wine list featuring rare, unique, and one-of-a-kind vintages can be found at The Pines Modern Steakhouse which is also recognized with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence.

"We are truly honored to receive this prestigious Diamond recognition from AAA, as we continue our focus on creating memorable moments and providing a one-of-a-kind experience for our valued guests, " said Peter Arceo, General Manager of Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel.  "This was achieved through the commitment from all of our team members, coupled with the vision and support of the Tribe.  We look forward to what we can accomplish in 2023 and beyond!

AAA describes its evaluations as more than just a typical rating system. Diamond designations reflect the type of experience a property offers so you can choose the destination for every trip. Whether it's an overnight stop, a family vacation or a special-occasion splurge, Diamonds offer guidance at a glance to make your travel planning easier. AAA’s professional inspectors take a detailed look at a property’s quality, cleanliness, and condition. 

AAA Four Diamond hotels and restaurants, which represent less than five percent of the total, are an exclusive group. They must be refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes; extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.