Casinos Return As County Moves to Accelerate Reopening Process

Casinos throughout San Diego County are beginning to restart their gaming machines. Though California Governor Gavin Newsom asked tribal governments to delay their reopening timelines, the sovereign nations ultimately decided that the time is now. Viejas Casino & Resort was the first to swing open Monday, with Sycuan Casino & Resort following suit today, Jamul Casino resuming operations on Thursday, and Valley View Casino & Hotel, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, and Harrah’s Resort Southern California all scheduled to come back online this Friday, May 22. And Barona Casino & Resort announced phased re-opening on Wednesday, May 27. Each venue has implemented new safety procedures, with some still waiting to reopen areas such as restaurants and other amenities.

This all comes as San Diego County’s Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., declared that San Diego has met California’s amended criteria for moving into the next phase of reopening, with the Board of Supervisors voting yesterday to send an accelerated phase 2 plan to the state, which would allow restaurant dining rooms and more retail to reopen sooner. If approved, San Diego would be the largest county in California so far, following smaller areas like Napa County, to get the green light to move the reopening process forward.