The Chumash Casino Resort, located in Santa Ynez, California, offers a 115,000-square-foot casino, a luxury hotel, diverse dining, and entertainment options, including live performances and sports events. The resort also features various lounges, gaming promotions, and a mobile app for free-to-play games.
The Chumash Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. Situated in the Santa Ynez Indian Reservation, the resort is located near the Santa Ynez Airport, approximately five miles east of Solvang, California.
The resort encompasses a 115,000-square-foot casino floor that operates 24/7, offering a wide range of gaming options. Guests can choose from over 2,300 modern slot machines, more than 45 Vegas-style table games, and a specialised Mega Jackpot room. For high-stakes players, the Higher Limits room provides an exclusive gaming experience with premium amenities.
The on-site hotel features 320 rooms and 58 suites, including a 135-foot tower offering views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Designed to provide a blend of comfort and luxury, the hotel offers various relaxation areas and a hotel lobby bar, ensuring a restful stay for guests. The AAA Four Diamond rating reflects the high standards of service and accommodation provided.
The Chumash Casino Resort opened in its current form in August 2003. It features a gaming area spanning 94,000 square feet, offering an array of slot machines and table games. In July 2004, a 106-room hotel and spa were added to the resort.
By 2006, the resort had estimated an annual visitor count of approximately 2.89 million, with most patrons originating from Southern California. The resort’s daily footfall is estimated at around 6,000 guests.
Entertainment offerings at Chumash Casino Resort
Music and performances: The resort has hosted a diverse range of musicians over the years, including Al Green, Charlie Daniels, Clint Black, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Kiss, Los Tigres del Norte, The Moody Blues, and ZZ Top. This wide selection underscores the resort’s commitment to providing a variety of cultural and entertainment experiences.
Sports events: Chumash Casino Resort is also a venue for sports and competitive events. It has hosted Elite Xtreme Combat mixed martial arts contests and the Star Voice competition show, further expanding its appeal to a broader audience.
Cultural heritage and values at Chumash Casino Resort
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians emphasises cultural preservation and traditional values. Central to their philosophy are two core beliefs:
- Excellence: The Chumash people value exceptional effort and performance, inspired by the natural beauty and sustainability of the Santa Ynez Valley, which they have inhabited for over 8,000 years. This commitment to excellence is evident in their craftsmanship, such as basketry, which is displayed in art museums worldwide.
- Hospitality: The Chumash have a deep sense of responsibility towards their guests. Hospitality extends beyond providing food and shelter to ensuring that visitors leave revitalised and prepared to face future challenges. This approach shapes the resort’s ethos, ensuring guests experience a restorative environment.
Sustainability initiatives of Chumash Casino Resort
The Chumash Casino Resort prioritises sustainability, guided by principles of integrity, transparency, and social responsibility. The resort’s efforts have earned it the USGBC TRUE-Silver Certified Zero Waste designation. Key initiatives include:
- Transportation: Acquisition of electric and hybrid fleet vehicles, installation of electric charging stations, and an employee shuttle service that reduces 700,000 car trips annually.
- Waste Management: Achieving a 90.94% waste diversion rate through reduction, recycling, reuse, and composting. The resort also participates in the EPA Food Recovery Program.
- Energy and Water Conservation: Installation of airblade hand dryers to reduce paper towel usage, water purification systems to eliminate bottled water, and the use of recycled content in kitchenware.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborations with organisations like Clean the World Foundation to donate minimally used soap products and Veggie Rescue to distribute leftover food to those in need.
Dining options at Chumash Casino Resort
The Chumash Casino Resort offers various dining venues to cater to diverse tastes and preferences:
- Willows Restaurant: A Four Diamond-rated dining venue, featuring a wine wall with 160 bottles and a menu showcasing high-quality cuisine. It operates a lounge and dinner service, maintaining an intimate and relaxing ambience.
- The Sports Bar: A dynamic entertainment venue equipped with multiple LED screens, a full bar offering craft beer and cocktails, and five eateries. It caters to both sports enthusiasts and those looking for a social atmosphere.
- Eggington’s: A bright and airy restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily, designed to provide a refreshing start to the day.
- Grains and Grounds: Open 24/7, this café serves Starbucks® coffee, gelato, salads, and house-made desserts, making it a convenient stop for refreshments.
Lounges at Chumash Casino Resort
The resort features several lounges, offering spaces for relaxation and socialising:
- Center Bar: Located on the gaming floor, it offers cocktails and bar-top slot machines. Open daily from 9 am to midnight.
- Willows Bar: Specialising in custom craft spirits and an extensive wine list.
- Higher Limits Bar: A premium venue offering cocktails made from high-quality spirits. Open daily from noon to midnight.
Gaming and promotions
The casino regularly hosts promotional events and giveaways. One of the highlights is the December Monthly Giveaway, which offers $600,000 in cash and prizes, culminating in a grand prize of $100,000. Guests can participate by earning entries through their CLUB membership.
Another notable feature is the U PLAY Games app, a free-to-play social gaming platform that allows users to enjoy casino games like slots and table games from their mobile devices. Similarly, U PLAY Sports provides free-to-play sports picks, enabling participants to engage in sports betting activities without financial risk.
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