As part of an expansion the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon, in Riverside County, Southern California, has announced plans to add 800 slot machines, a 750 parking lot, build a new bar and lounge and revamp its eateries.
The expansion is seen as one of many similar activities going on among the very competitive casino landscape in the Southland.
Morongo’s plans include upping its casino game by expanding its 150,000 square foot casino floor by 65,000 SF. The addition of a second parking structure will create the new parking spaces. The expansion will also add 425 new jobs, according to the tribe.
Tribal Chairman Robert Martin declared in a statement: “At Morongo, our goal is always to exceed the expectations of our guests by offering an unmatched gaming and resort experience. “He added, “From our many new dining options to the elegance and aura of our gaming floor, this expansion and renovation project will transform the very heart of the 27-story Morongo Casino tower – the tallest building in Riverside County – while setting the new standard for Southern California gaming.”
During construction, some slot machines will be temporarily relocated to the original Casino Morongo, which is across the parking lot from the 27-story tower. The original building is being used for a bingo hall and bowling alley.
County Supervisor Marion Ashley, whose district includes the casino, said in a statement, “An increase in the tribe’s economic activities not only creates increased employment opportunities, but it also generates local expenditures by Morongo’s guests and citizens that benefit surrounding communities.”
She added, “Individually and collectively, these expansion projects mark an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into Riverside County. They provide enormous direct and indirect benefits to our economy, creating local jobs and economic activity while also promoting Riverside County as a tourism destination.”
Other area casinos that are part of the casino “arms race” includes Soboba Casino’s new resort with a six-story hotel, conference center, pool complex, and dining; Pechanga Resort & Casino’s just opened $300 million expansion with a 4.5-acre pool complex and second hotel tower; Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s proposed 310 new hotel rooms, 58,000 SF of gaming space; and San Manuel Casino’s $550 million expansion project of a 450 room hotel , 3,000-seat indoor entertainment venue, a pool complex, spa and fitness center, retail shops and dining.
