Park Place signs Indian casino deal

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 | 11:16 a.m.

Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas has signed an agreement with the Pauma-Yuima Band of Mission Indians to develop and manage a Caesars-branded casino on tribal land near the Pauma Valley in Southern California.

The Pauma tribe already operates a casino with slots and table games including craps and roulette. It also features entertainment, a cafe and a buffet. Plans call for the "Caesars Pauma" casino to replace the existing operation, Park Place spokesman Robert Stewart said.

Ultimately, however, the decision is up to the tribe, which will begin contract negotiations with the company, he said.

The management contract is subject to approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission as well as state regulatory approvals.

Plans call for development of the new casino at the existing casino site on more than 30 acres of tribal land off Interstate 15 just south of Temecula. The $250 million-plus resort would include about 500 hotel rooms, more than 100,000 square feet of casino space, restaurants, live entertainment and a spa.

"The sovereign tribal lands on which Caesars Pauma would be built are easily accessible for millions of people living in greater Los Angeles and greater San Diego," Park Place Chief Executive Wally Barr said in a statement. "The scenic setting of the Pauma tribal lands is perfect for a new Caesars resort."

"The Pauma Tribe is excited about the opportunity to work with Park Place to create a casino resort that the Tribe and the community can be proud of," Tribal Chairman Chris Deevers said.

Deevers could not be reached for further comment.