Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel is California's premier gaming destination and the only AAA Five-Diamond casino resort in the United States. Located in Highland, California, this Native American casino is owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
San Manuel Casino, now operating as Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel, represents the pinnacle of gaming and entertainment destinations in California. Located in Highland, San Bernardino County, this Native American casino has transformed from its humble beginnings as a bingo hall into the only AAA Five-Diamond casino resort in the United States. The facility is owned and operated by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, demonstrating how tribal gaming can create economic prosperity while delivering world-class hospitality experiences.
The resort spans 290,000 square feet of gaming space and features a 432-room luxury hotel tower, multiple dining venues, a state-of-the-art theater, and comprehensive amenities that rival any major resort destination. Whether you are a serious gaming enthusiast, entertainment seeker, or luxury traveler, Yaamava' offers an experience that has earned it recognition as the best casino outside of Las Vegas.
The San Manuel Casino story began on July 24, 1986, when the San Manuel Bingo hall first opened its doors. This modest facility served the local community and provided the San Manuel Nation with its first significant revenue stream. For many years prior to the casino's establishment, the tribe had limited resources, with many members depending on public assistance.
In 1994, the facility expanded beyond bingo to include slot machines and card games, prompting a name change to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. This expansion marked the beginning of the casino's growth trajectory. The passage of California Proposition 5 in 1998 and Proposition 1A in 2000 authorized the state to sign gaming compacts with tribal governments, enabling further expansion of gaming operations.
The original bingo hall was closed in 2017 and replaced with additional slot machines, reflecting the changing preferences of casino patrons. By 2021, the facility underwent its most significant transformation with the addition of a 17-story, 432-room hotel tower and a comprehensive rebranding to Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
The name Yaamava, meaning spring in the Serrano language, was chosen to symbolize the rebirth and renewal of the property. The rebranding also helped distinguish the property from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority's other ventures, including the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, which the tribe purchased in 2021 and reopened in 2022.
Yaamava' Resort & Casino offers one of the most comprehensive gaming experiences in California, with 290,000 square feet dedicated to various gaming options. The casino floor features thousands of slot machines ranging from classic reel games to the latest video slots and progressive jackpot systems.
The slot machine selection at Yaamava' includes games from all major manufacturers, with denominations ranging from penny slots to high-limit machines. The casino regularly updates its slot floor with the newest releases, ensuring guests have access to the latest gaming technology. Progressive jackpot networks offer the potential for life-changing wins, with multiple jackpots hitting regularly throughout the year.
The table games section features a full complement of classic casino games including blackjack, baccarat, pai gow poker, and various poker variants. Professional dealers staff the tables, and limits accommodate both casual players and high rollers. The casino maintains multiple table game pits throughout the property, ensuring guests can always find their preferred game.
For high-limit players, Yaamava' offers exclusive VIP gaming areas with enhanced privacy, dedicated service staff, and higher betting limits. These areas provide a more intimate gaming environment with premium amenities and personalized attention from casino hosts.
The Club Serrano rewards program is the loyalty system at Yaamava' Resort & Casino, offering members the ability to earn points, receive promotional offers, and access exclusive benefits. Membership is free and provides immediate benefits from the first visit.
One of the most valuable features of Club Serrano is the tier matching program, which accepts status from over 40 different casino rewards programs from California to Las Vegas. This means players with existing status at other casinos can immediately enjoy comparable benefits at Yaamava' without starting from scratch.
The program includes multiple tier levels, with benefits increasing as members advance through the ranks. Perks include complimentary hotel stays, dining credits, priority access to promotions and tournaments, exclusive event invitations, and dedicated customer service lines. Members also receive special offers tailored to their gaming preferences and play patterns.
San Manuel Casino has evolved from a modest bingo hall opened in 1986 into a world-class resort destination. The transformation to Yaamava' Resort & Casino in 2021 marked a new era of luxury gaming and hospitality, with the name meaning spring in the Serrano language, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
The resort features comprehensive gaming options including VIP gaming areas, extensive slot machine floors, professional table games, and regular tournaments. The Club Serrano rewards program offers tier matching from over 40 casino programs across California and Las Vegas, making it accessible for players from various loyalty systems.
In March 2022, Yaamava' signed a partnership with Live Nation to book touring artists during breaks in their tour schedules. This strategic partnership has enabled the resort to attract major headliners, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that Yaamava' pays millions of dollars to artists, comparable to what they earn at arena shows.
The Yaamava' Theater opened in April 2022 as a 3,000-seat concert venue featuring a 3,800-square-foot stage equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The inaugural performance featured the Red Hot Chili Peppers, setting the tone for the caliber of entertainment the venue would host.
The theater has since welcomed numerous major artists including Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin, Colter Wall, and Kelly Chen. The venue's design ensures excellent sightlines from every seat, and the acoustics have been praised by both performers and audiences. Beyond concerts, the theater hosts comedy shows, special events, and other live entertainment throughout the year.
Additional entertainment venues include bEATS for concerts and nightlife, Tukut Lounge for more intimate performances, and The 909 Fan Zone, which hosts football viewing parties with drawings and giveaways throughout the season.
Yaamava' Resort & Casino features an impressive array of dining options, from fine dining to casual quick eats, ensuring guests can find the perfect meal for any occasion.
Pines Steakhouse has earned Four-Star recognition for its exceptional cuisine and service. The restaurant specializes in premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. The elegant atmosphere makes it ideal for special occasions and business dinners.
Hong Bao Kitchen offers authentic Asian cuisine with a focus on Chinese specialties. Chingon Kitchen, created in partnership with comedian George Lopez, serves Mexican-inspired dishes with bold flavors. These restaurants provide guests with diverse culinary experiences without leaving the resort.
Serrano Buffet features multiple cooking stations with rotating selections of international dishes, ensuring variety for every visit. Serrano Vista Cafe provides 24-hour dining with classic American fare. The 909 offers a sports bar atmosphere with pub-style food and numerous televisions for watching games.
For guests on the go, Yaamava' offers multiple quick-service options including Radiance Cafe for coffee and pastries, JBQ Grill for burgers and sandwiches, and various grab-and-go locations throughout the property. In-room dining is available for hotel guests, and the resort offers special brunch services on weekends.
The 432-room hotel tower at Yaamava' has earned Four-Star recognition for its luxury accommodations and exceptional service. Rooms feature modern design, premium bedding, spacious bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the San Bernardino Mountains or the valley below.
Suite options range from junior suites to expansive multi-room accommodations with separate living areas, wet bars, and premium amenities. All hotel guests receive access to the resort's full range of facilities and priority reservations at restaurants and entertainment venues.
The Serrano Spa holds the distinction of being the only Five-Star spa in the Inland Empire. The facility offers a comprehensive menu of treatments including massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services. The spa features relaxation lounges, steam rooms, and a tranquil atmosphere designed to provide complete rejuvenation.
The resort pool area features cabanas available for rent, providing a private oasis for relaxation. The Health & Fitness Center offers modern equipment and facilities for guests who want to maintain their workout routines during their stay. The resort also provides golf benefits through partnerships with local courses.
For overflow accommodations or guests seeking a different experience, the San Manuel Nation operates Bear Springs Hotel approximately two miles from the main resort. This property provides additional lodging options while maintaining the tribe's hospitality standards.
Yaamava' features several retail locations offering diverse shopping experiences. The 1891 Boutique carries designer fashion and accessories. HERS and HIS provide gender-specific apparel and gift items. Puuhia't Gift Shop offers authentic Native American crafts, jewelry, and cultural items.
Cache & Carry is a convenience store for essentials and snacks. The Authentic Merch Shop sells Yaamava' branded merchandise and memorabilia. Yaamava' At Home offers home goods and decor items. Gift cards are available for purchase throughout the resort, making them convenient gifts for any occasion.
Yaamava' Resort & Casino runs regular promotions designed to enhance the guest experience and provide additional value. Current promotions include the Dream Car Giveaway, where players can qualify to win luxury vehicles including a Toyota Supra Final Edition selected by Jay Leno and a 2025 Ford Bronco Raptor.
The casino hosts regular tournaments for both slots and table games, allowing players to compete for substantial prize pools. The 909 Fan Zone operates throughout football season with special drawings and giveaways for sports fans. Promotional calendars are updated monthly, ensuring there are always new opportunities for guests to participate in special events and win prizes.
Yaamava' Resort & Casino is located at 777 San Manuel Boulevard in Highland, California, within the San Manuel Reservation in San Bernardino County. The location provides convenient access from major Southern California population centers, with Los Angeles approximately 65 miles to the west and San Diego about 100 miles to the south.
The resort operates a comprehensive bus program with pickup locations throughout Southern California, making it accessible for guests without personal transportation. Ample parking is available on-site, including valet service for hotel guests and VIP members. The property's location in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains provides a scenic setting while remaining easily accessible from major highways.
The success of San Manuel Casino has transformed the economic situation of the San Manuel Nation. Federal court findings have documented that the casino enabled the tribe to achieve full employment, provide complete medical coverage for all members, fund educational scholarships, improve housing conditions, and make significant infrastructure improvements to the reservation.
Some casino employees are represented by the Communication Workers of America Local 9400, reflecting the property's commitment to fair labor practices. The resort employs thousands of people, making it one of the largest employers in the region and contributing significantly to the local economy through jobs, taxes, and business partnerships.
Yaamava' offers comprehensive meeting and event facilities suitable for corporate gatherings, conferences, weddings, and special celebrations. The resort's event spaces can accommodate groups of various sizes, with professional event planning staff available to coordinate all aspects of successful events.
The combination of meeting facilities, hotel accommodations, dining options, and entertainment makes Yaamava' an attractive destination for multi-day conferences and corporate retreats. The resort's AAA Five-Diamond status adds prestige to any event hosted at the property.
Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel has established itself as California's premier gaming and entertainment destination through continuous investment in facilities, entertainment, and guest services. The property's evolution from a modest bingo hall to the only AAA Five-Diamond casino resort in the United States demonstrates the vision and commitment of the San Manuel Nation to excellence in hospitality.
With 290,000 square feet of gaming space, a luxury 432-room hotel, world-class entertainment venues, award-winning dining, and comprehensive resort amenities, Yaamava' offers an experience that rivals any destination in Las Vegas or beyond. The Club Serrano rewards program, tier matching capabilities, and regular promotions provide additional value for guests, while the partnership with Live Nation ensures a steady stream of top-tier entertainment.
Whether visiting for gaming, entertainment, dining, relaxation, or business, Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel delivers an exceptional experience that has earned its reputation as the best casino outside of Las Vegas. The resort continues to evolve and expand its offerings, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the gaming and hospitality industry for years to come.
They are the same property. The casino was rebranded from San Manuel Casino to Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel in 2021 when the new hotel tower opened. The name Yaamava means spring in the Serrano language and symbolizes the property's rebirth as a full resort destination.
Yes, the Club Serrano rewards program offers tier matching from over 40 different casino rewards programs across California and Las Vegas. This allows players with existing status at other properties to receive comparable benefits at Yaamava' immediately upon enrollment.
Yaamava' earned the AAA Five-Diamond designation through its exceptional combination of luxury accommodations, world-class service, fine dining, comprehensive amenities, and attention to detail. It is currently the only casino resort in the United States to hold this prestigious rating.
The casino features 290,000 square feet of gaming space with thousands of slot machines, extensive table game options, VIP gaming areas, and regular tournament facilities. The gaming floor is one of the largest in California.
The resort features the 3,000-seat Yaamava' Theater which hosts major touring artists through a partnership with Live Nation. Additional venues include bEATS for concerts and nightlife, Tukut Lounge for intimate performances, and The 909 Fan Zone for sports viewing and special events.
Yes, Yaamava' offers multiple dining venues including the Four-Star Pines Steakhouse, Hong Bao Kitchen for Asian cuisine, Chingon Kitchen for Mexican fare, Serrano Buffet, Serrano Vista Cafe for 24-hour dining, and various quick-service options throughout the property.
The Five-Star Serrano Spa is available to all guests by appointment, not just hotel guests. Pool and cabana access is typically reserved for hotel guests, though specific policies may vary. Contact the resort directly for current access policies and reservations.
The resort is located at 777 San Manuel Boulevard in Highland, California, on the San Manuel Reservation in San Bernardino County. It is approximately 65 miles east of Los Angeles and easily accessible from major Southern California highways.
Yaamava' Resort & Casino collaborates with leading entertainment and hospitality partners to deliver exceptional experiences.
Discover the exclusive VIP gaming areas at Yaamava' featuring high-limit slots and table games with personalized service and premium amenities for discerning players.
Experience the only Five-Star spa in the Inland Empire with comprehensive treatments, relaxation facilities, and expert therapists in a tranquil setting.
Players can qualify to win luxury vehicles including the Jay Leno-selected Toyota Supra Final Edition and 2025 Ford Bronco Raptor through ongoing promotional play.
Yaamava' Theater welcomes Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin, and Colter Wall with additional major acts to be announced through the Live Nation partnership.
The rewards program now accepts tier matching from over 40 casino loyalty programs across California and Las Vegas, providing immediate benefits to new members.