FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2020

IT’S HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST. ALWAYS.

FOLLOWING THE GUIDANCE OF GOVERNMENT

AND HEALTH OFFICIALS,

CASINO PAUMA TO REMAIN TEMPORARILY CLOSED

FOR THE SAFETY OF ITS GUESTS, COMMUNITY AND EMPLOYEES

PAUMA VALLEY, CALIF. (May 20, 2020) — Choosing to follow the advice of Governor Gavin Newsom and the guidance of government and health officials instead of the trend of several California-based tribal casinos to reopen this week, Casino Pauma announced today that it will remain temporarily closed in an effort to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. Casino Pauma’s closure, which took effect on March 15 at 5 p.m. PDT, 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,” said Jim Thomason, General Manager of Casino Pauma. “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 Governor Newsom’s recommendations or until we are more confident it is safe for us to reopen.” 

Tribal Leadership and Casino Pauma’s main 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 via this link: https://www.paumatribe.com/shop/ or by texting or calling (760) 891-7953, and 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 www.casinopauma.net. The majority of the 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” said Jim Thomason, General Manager. 

About Casino Pauma 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 you can enjoy 1050 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 & 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.