The San Manuel Bingo and Casino in Highland California, just outside of San Bernardino, is the ultimate locals casino. So, while customers like to be comfortable in their familiar environment, they also like to see upgrades that elevate the level of amenities and service.
  
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is one of the most progressive gaming tribes in California. Always at the forefront of innovation, the tribe strives for excellent customer service and loyalty. That’s why it recently embarked on a renovation, directed by TBE Architects. The casino recently opened renovations to the Sports Watch Grill, Tutu’s Food Court, a major expansion of the Serrano Buffet and the addition of Street Tacos, a totally new food concept. Two bars have undergone a complete transformation and a third has been introduced, the Round-Up Bar.

Bar Bar Bar
The feature bar centered on the main casino floor underwent a complete makeover, expanding bar positions, gaming, entertainment and seating and transforming it into a dramatic centerpiece visible from anywhere on the main casino floor. The main focal point feature consists of layered, internally lit leaves that spring from the back bar creating a glowing overhead canopy capable of dynamic, color-changing light shows. The customizable effects transition the space from a daytime floor bar into a nighttime hub of energy and activity, as well as offering one-of-a-kind experiences during holidays or special events.
    
The Finish Line Bar has a new look with a bold use of color and sculptural lighting that gives a sense of energy and movement to the space you would expect to feel at the “finish line.”

High Limit Area
The newly opened High Limit area adds to guests’ extensive gaming choices, and along with a better connection to the energy of the main casino floor, offers a new contemporary elegance to the gaming experience. A floor-to-ceiling glass entry façade separates the space from the main casino and is etched with traditional tribal basket patterns to give high-limit patrons a discreet gaming experience that is still close to the action. A private high-limit bar and lounge area within is punctuated in gold through the use of mosaic tiles and metallic fabric light fixtures. Deep wood tones throughout soften the feel and add a rich warmth to the space.

Specialty Gaming
A new specialty gaming space has just been unveiled as well. The entry to the dedicated space is guarded by solid Jade Foo Dogs and framed by a honed travertine façade that gives a sense of opulence along with oversized weathered timbers, which convey a distinctly Eastern flavor. The column in the center of the main gaming space is encircled with a spectacular chandelier composed of hundreds of glass spheres that seem to rise up the column like champagne bubbles.

Dramatic Pathway
The entire perimeter of the main casino floor has been replaced with a custom-designed terrazzo floor. The bold geometries and bright colors introduced by the design are brought to dazzling effect through the use of mirror shards within the flooring itself.

Grand Rotunda
Soon to be completed is the renovation to the main entry rotunda. Guests who arrive to the property from the garage sky bridge will soon step into a new immersive experience. Guests descending the escalators to the main gaming level below view a two-story sculptural fire feature. Custom-designed lighting creates the illusion of fire rising up behind the faceted glass face.

Owner and Operator: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Architect: Thalden Boyd Emery Architects
General Contractor: Penta
Investment: $45 million

By Casino Design Staff