Casino Morongo Resort & Spa Reels Them In

Cabazon is a town of just 2,535, but thousands flock there every day to visit the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.

“It’s fun to come here every once in awhile with friends, to do something different,” said Suzette Hanson of Banning. “You always can go in there thinking you might hit it big.”

Today, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is known for its slot machines, hotel, VIBE nightclub, restaurants and live entertainment, but it’s beginning was much more humble. The reservation was created in 1865, and in 1983, tribal members decided to open a bingo hall. The operation grew and in 2004, the $250 million resort opened as it is today. 

“I remember when it was much smaller,” Hanson said. “It’s much more sophisticated now.”

According to the Morongo website, the tribe has become the largest private sector employer in the Banning and Beaumont region, with more than 3,000 employees, and is a major contributor to the Coachella Valley economy. More than two-thirds of the workforce lives in the Pass and in cities across the desert.

“The Morongo tribe’s progress is a case history that illustrates combining a proactive tribal government with sound economic development can enable tribes to turn their lives and communities around and dramatically impact the surrounding economic region,” the website said. “Morongo is actively working with government and community leaders to explore the best paths of future development and planning that will yield a better quality of life for this generation and generations to come.”

Because there is a hotel on the premises, kids are free to come to the resort; from swimming to bowling at Canyon Lanes, there’s a lot for them to do. Tammy Rich doesn’t live far away, but finds her family at Morongo often.

“We have a pool, but my son loves staying at the hotel and going in the pools,” the San Bernardino resident said. “For him, it’s so much more fun than the one at home.”

She understands why the casino is an attraction for adults.

“It’s a lot closer than Las Vegas,” she said. “You can come here for just a few hours, or extend it to a day.”

Those who don’t gamble are drawn to the VIBE nightclub, as well as the concerts and specials held throughout the year. Upcoming events at Morongo include the Monkees on July 15, Creedance Clearwater Revisited July 29 and Joan Rivers October 23.

“You get some big names out here,” said Hanson. “It’s really nice to not have to worry about driving far to have fun.”

For more information on Casino Morongo Resort & Spa, visit its website.