Pico.įor the 240 residents of the Viejas reservation near Alpine, financial independence - the dream of the Indians’ Kumeyaay forebears - hinges on the success of the new casino complex. “I have a great deal of confidence in this venture - so much so that I can stand here today and say that it will be profitable,” said tribal chairman Anthony R. Plans call for a 52,000-square-foot bingo hall - the largest in the county - to be completed next year.Īt a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, tribal members chanted traditional songs of good fortune before opening the doors of the casino and ushering in what many hope will be a new chapter in story of the Viejas band of Mission Indians. Major national races, including the Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup, also will be brought to the Viejas center via satellite. Thoroughbred races will be beamed in by satellite from Del Mar, Hollywood Park, Los Alamitos and Bay Meadows throughout the year. In addition to Vegas-style card rooms, the complex features automatic “Joker Poker” machines and video slot machines and a 20,000-square-foot Turf Club for off-track betting. Located amid brown, rolling hillsides dotted with century-old oak trees, the 24-hour gaming center offers a cool, gleaming haven for fans of Pai-Gow poker, seven-card stud and Texas Hold ‘em.
