The Barona Band of Mission Indians, part of the Kumeyaay Nation, had been forcibly evicted from the area now containing El Capitan Reservoir. In 1932, they used their share of the proceeds to purchase the Barona Ranch. In the early 1990s, they opened a bingo hall at the location. The tribe became active in court cases that eventually legalized Native American bingo halls in California, and were a proponent for the passage of balloted measures such as Proposition 5 and later Proposition 1-A. After 1-A passed, the tribe's bingo hall grew into a full casino, known as The Big Top, which opened in 1999, after which the tribe has played a more passive role in the politics involving Indian gaming.
The tribe selected Kenny Rogers as the casino's spokesperson, and he appears in their advertising. In 2001, the casino was expanded to be the "Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino", a $250 million complex incorporating a 1930s style California ranch theme. As of 2007, it houses 2000 slot machines, up to 70 table games, four restaurants and a food court, an off-track betting facility, and a poker room. The hotel has 395 rooms, including suites. The golf course has a pro shop, cafe, and a food delivery service accessible via GPS.
Barona Valley Ranch is one of the three largest casinos in San Diego, alongside Sycuan and Viejas. Pechanga, Pala Casino Spa Resort, and Harrah's Rincon are the nearest casinos with a full service hotel. Barona depicts itself as an upscale destination for serious gamers; declaring in print advertisements that "if you bet big, you're our kind of player." Barona Valley Ranch does not serve alcohol in the casino; however it is available in the hotel, on the golf course, and in the Barona Oaks Steakhouse. Barona, like other California casinos, has restrictions on the roulette or craps offerings, but offers variants involving the use of cards instead of dice, which falls within the legal guidelines.
Unlike Pechanga, Pala or Harrah's, guests 18 years old and over can gamble at Barona, along with Morongo and Casino Pauma.
[edit] Blackjack Hall of Fame
In 2002, Barona sponsored the creation of the Blackjack Hall of Fame, which after a debate by notable blackjack players, inducted seven prominent players and authors. As of 2007, there are 11 members. The Barona Casino has a small physical Hall of Fame on one wall, with a plaque for each player along with their photo and a few words about their contributions and accomplishments. There is also a museum with cheating devices on display, such as the cigarette pack-sized computer invented by Keith Taft, and other computers that were hidden in shoes.