Save $4 on every ATM withdrawal at Barona Resort & Casino - - extended by popular demand!

Could your ATM card use a vacation from fees?  The Loose Troop™ has  “loosened” its ATM machines and due to popular demand we have extended this so that you can continue to make no fee withdrawals!

 Please note that any additional fees charged by banks, including fees for using other banks and over limit fees still apply.

Not a member of Club Barona yet?  Join today>>

The August Money Monday Results are in!  Winners have until September 6, 2010 to claim their prize.

And the winners are...

RANK	FIRST NAME	LAST INITAL	CLUB BARONA #	PRIZE
1	Virginia	L	729058	$50,000
2	Steward	F	574252	$10,000
3	Hulda	L	404432	$5,000
4	David	I	636903	$2,000
5	Stephanie	G	780934	$500
6	Diane	G	77660	$500
7	Mohammad	J	102539	$500
8	Gail	B	133163	$500
9	Hrand	G	100820	$500
10	Armando	M	1023193	$500
11	Gordon	S	146652	$500
12	Betty	S	221383	$500
13	Carolyn	C	841455	$500
14	Damon	W	47330	$500
15	Sylvia	D	1000505	$500
16	Roman	T	320464	$500
17	Hue	N	103379	$500
18	Phyllis	L	51493	$500
19	Jose	S	23622	$500
20	Carmelita	S	98500	$500

Join Club Barona and start playing one of our best casino promotions this August!  Sign up now »

The Loose Troop is out… and they are busy!  That means MORE PLAY TIME, MORE JACKPOTS, and MORE WINNING for YOU!

The LOOSE TROOP is out to loosen slot machines for YOU!  Every day they will be adjusting 5 new slot machines throughout the casino to make even LOOSER. They want you to have more fun and more jackpots.  If you see them – give ‘em a high five!

How do you know what machines the LOOSE TROOP has visited?  Come to Barona and look for the machines with the Loose Troop logo on them or you can always ask any of our friendly staff to help you too. 

Win up to $500 every week!

Register today to receive two FREE Bingo cards by email.  Then stay tuned to NBC San Diego 7 on Friday nights between 7:15pm and 7:45pm to see if the numbers drawn match the numbers on one of your cards.  If your numbers form a BINGO, you win $500!  It's free and easy to play!  No purchase necessary!  Guaranteed winner every week!

REGISTER TODAY>>>

Restaurant Month is back at Barona!

During the month of September, all Club Barona Members who earn 500 myPOINTS will enjoy an array of mouth-watering entrées or a buffet for 50% OFF for up to two guests!  Offer good any day of the week.

Enjoy a 50% OFF BUFFET at Seasons Fresh Buffet

OR

50% OFF ANY ENTRÉE at:

El Rancho Grande
Barona Oaks Steakhouse
Sage Café
Italian Cucina
The Plaza

From El Rancho Grande to our Steakhouse - everything is made from scratch with the freshest ingredients.   Join Club Barona for free and start enjoying your many benefits today!

Siren’s Crush have established themselves as Southern California’s hottest new top 40 act. This energetic, 7 -10 piece band has officially set a new standard in live event entertainment. The key to their success is their front lineup consisting of the most talented and sought after female vocalists on the west coast. These Lovely young “Sirens” have an undeniable star power quality which is gaining them a fan base all over North America. They electrify their audiences with powerful vocal harmonies, charismatic stage presence, dazzling wardrobe, concert level choreography and crowd pleasing energy.

Many have compared their style and harmonies to a modern day Supremes or Destiny’s child. Backing this dynamic front lineup is an all live, “Concert” style show featuring a dynamic crew of young, ultra-hip, professional musicians already being called “the best musical lineup that Southern California has to offer”.Siren’s Crush covers a wide range of musical genres from every decade and has performed for audiences ranging from 100-10,000 guests. Being a “true” Top 40 act, they pride themselves on their vast musical knowledge and feature songs from the 50’s to today’s hottest hits. Siren’s Crush are living proof that a top 40 act can look and sound like today’s hottest stars.

DJ Effren is a turntablist and remixing originator with an infectious old school approach to the dance music scene. His relentless work ethic and obsessive music library exemplify his dedication to his craft. His musical roots (Hip Hop, Funk, and Acid Jazz), origin (House and Hip Hop), and future (Electro, Hip Hop, and Video) are unleashed in a hypnotic explosion of melodic power when he is behind the decks.

To Tim Altbaum Productions Effren brings years of amazing Video DJ skills and experience. By mixing music videos live your guests are sure to relive their favorite songs and engage in both an audio and visual dance experience unlike any event they have ever attended.

His journey began amongst the geniuses at Lucas Film studios, where he was inspired to develop his aptitude for sound engineering and production. Years of experience, academic degrees, and his commitment to excellence has earned him several exclusive clients including Red Bull Energy Drink, Playboy, Club Aubergine, Club Decos, The Keating, Trademark Luxury, and many more including Shawne Merriman of the SD Chargers.

Effren brings his passion for music to brides and grooms by combining the club element with his excellent emcee skills. A wedding is all about the bride and groom; their personalities are what need to shine. By coordinating with your vendors, making the right announcements at the right time, and keeping the dance floor going all night, he’s sure to make the memories of your wedding day last a lifetime.

When Effren is not performing or in the studio he is busy influencing the next generation of remixers by designing and teaching school programs, where he has taught over 1000 students. Effren’s experience, innovation, and commitment ensure that he is an artist who intends to leave a permanent mark on the dance music world. For information on booking Effren for your event contact Tim Altbaum at www.taproductions.com.

For over 11 years, the 80'z All-Stars have been the premiere 80's tribute show in Southern California! The show has been seen from Florida to Hawaii to Cabo San Lucas and everywhere in between. The band has had the privilege of sharing the stage with such 80's icons as Foreigner, Berlin, The Romantics, The Bangles, Bret Michaels, and many more. From Glam Rock to New Wave to Pop, you'll hear all your favorites performed with an energy that can't be matched!

Six electric musicians, each with their own musical influences, come together to create a one-of-a-kind sound. Coyote puts their spin on songs by everyone from The Beatles to Johnny Cash. A unique blend of country, blues, rock, and pop will leave you wondering what song they might play nex

Bluefish is a boiling pot full of musical love and skill. There's not anything trendy thrown into their mix, just warm guitar grooves, mellow lyrics, and deep bass lines, all laced with some super stead drumbeats. The band consists of Rob Nolan on lead guitar, Craig Stillwell on bass and vocals, Scott Hudson on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Duane Pruitt on drums. BlueFish is a truly groovin' band.

SENSATION SHOWBAND is THE hottest National dance and showband in the country! Their incredible musicians, beautiful costuming and masterful audience interaction has catapulted their reputation as the thoroughbred of corporate entertainment, high society galas & celebrity parties.

Their performances have included Steven Spielberg, Donald Trump, Jamie Lee Curtis, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Crystal, Whoopie Goldberg, Pierce Brosnan, Bill Gates and so many more.

Arrowhead is a four piece rock band that originated in the summer of 2000 and is based out of Ramona, Ca. Arrowhead's musical influences include artists from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and today's dance rock.

The musicians who comprise Arrowhead are dedicated to ensuring everyone has a great time during their performances. Since 2000, Arrowhead has performed venues throughout Southern California and is still going strong.

Six electric musicians, each with their own musical influences, come together to create a one-of-a-kind sound. Coyote puts their spin on songs by everyone from The Beatles to Johnny Cash. A unique blend of country, blues, rock, and pop will leave you wondering what song they might play next.

DJ Tommy (a.k.a. "The Funk") has been a DJ in San Diego for over 20 years working in Clubs, on Radio, for Record Labels, on Cruise Lines and providing music and entertainment for Corporate events, Parties, Weddings, Fashion shows and other themed events.

www.thefunkexperience.com

Arrowhead is a four piece rock band that originated in the summer of 2000 and is based out of Ramona, Ca. Arrowhead's musical influences include artists from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and today's dance rock.

The musicians who comprise Arrowhead are dedicated to ensuring everyone has a great time during their performances. Since 2000, Arrowhead has performed venues throughout Southern California and is still going strong.

Environmentally Friendly Buses Save Fuel, Lower Emissions

and Reduce Congestion

Barona Resort & Casino is rolling out a new line of “green” shuttle buses that offer guests and staff a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly way to travel to the award-winning gaming, golf and entertainment destination in the scenic Barona Valley just northeast of downtown San Diego. 

Free shuttle service aboard the expanded fleet of low-emission eco-friendly luxury motorcoach buses is available daily from early morning to late evening from six locations throughout San Diego County, including El Cajon, Lakeside, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Chula Vista and National City. In addition, all of the buses are equipped with a handicap lift.

The new fleet of Barona buses are “good for the environment, save wear on roads and reduce traffic congestion,” explained Jay Bart, director of safety, health and environment at Barona Resort & Casino.

In recent years, he said there’s been a huge attitude shift away from private vehicles and toward more eco-smart bus transportation. “With fuel prices skyrocketing and concerns about traffic congestion and global warming ever increasing, the demand from our guests and staff for greener alternatives has been very strong.” 

Motorcoaches are the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Barona’s new biodiesel-fueled motorcoaches provides 206.6 passenger miles per gallon of fuel – more than double the second most fuel-efficient sector of commuter rail. They also emit the least carbon dioxide per passenger mile when compared to other vehicles and are on average seven times more energy and fuel efficient than single occupancy automobiles.

“It is always encouraging to see that Barona – an early adopter of green technology continues to raise the bar for environmental performance,” said Gary Goodson, Executive Director of the United States Green Building Council - San Diego Chapter. “Since biodiesel is a fuel made from plant crops like soybeans or recycled fryer oil from restaurants, it burns cleaner and is more of a renewable resource than diesel made from oil pulled from the ground.”

“When you go by Barona bus, you go green,” said Bart, noting that each shuttle bus has the potential of removing 56 autos from the local roads and busy highways. “That’s millions of cars not driven, saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing congestion,” he said. 

And that’s not mentioning lowered transportation costs and stress levels as well as other positive health benefits for both staff and guests who instead of driving simply “sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Barona Valley on their way to work or to play,” said Bart.

The green shuttle buses are just part of Barona’s environmental sustainability program and wide reaching eco-friendly mission.

With a proven track record for environmental stewardship, Barona has received numerous honors and accolades for its green practices. It has received SANDAG RideLink Diamond Awards for its transportation management program that has provided shuttle and vanpool services to more than 500,000 riders in recent years.

In addition, Barona has been recognized with the 2007 United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act Recognition Award, the 2006 San Diego Earthworks Earth Award for water resource management and the 2009 U.S. EPA Energy Star Award for superior energy efficiency.

“We’re proud of our environmental record and think our guests and employees appreciate our eco-friendly efforts,” said Bart. “We plan to continue to expand the greening of Barona by adding additional shuttle buses and other carbon footprint shrinking programs.”

For casino shuttle service information and schedules, visit www.barona.com and click on directions or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). 

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, 11 award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3^rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies^{SM –} Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Donation of 4,000 gallon tanker of gas helps deliver food to seniors

(San Diego, CA) – The ripple effect of escalating gas prices has had a dramatic impact on San Diego’s Meals on Wheels, which relies on volunteers to deliver nutritious meals to seniors throughout San Diego County. Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino provided some relief today, in the form of a 4,000 gallon tanker of gas given to Meals on Wheels, kicking off the Barona Tanker-A-Day Great Gas Giveaway promotion.

“The work that Meals on Wheels does for seniors in our community is really inspiring,” said Barona Tribal Vice Chairman Charles “Beaver” Curo as Barona’s gas tanker rolled up to Meals on Wheels’ Old Town headquarters. “So when we realized how much they were being impacted by the rising gas prices, it was natural for Barona to donate this first tanker of gas to Meals on Wheels.”

Tanker-A-Day won’t create convoys of trucks rumbling in and out of the serene Barona Valley. But from September 1 through September 27 shouts of joy will be heard as Barona gives a lucky winner 4,000 gallons of gas each day. And in addition to the Tanker-A-Day promotion, the Great Gas Game will give players, via daily drawings, the chance to win $50 gas cards, $250 gas cards or even a year’s worth of free gasoline (valued at $200 per month for 12 months).

Barona expects to give away more than 160,000 gallons, over $800,000 worth of gas, as part of the Tanker-A-Day Great Gas Giveaway promotion. But today’s donation, the equivalent of $20,000 worth of gas, was especially gratifying for Barona because it will allow Meals on Wheels to deliver over 72,000 meals into the homes of San Diego seniors in need.

“Quote Meals on Wheels”

The mission of Meals-on-Wheels Greater San Diego Inc. is to support the independence and well being of seniors. This mission is accomplished through the delivery of nutritious meals to those who are unable to meet their own daily nutritional needs. The average age of a Meals-on-Wheels recipient is 80 and about 84 percent are considered low-income. Meals-on-Wheels home delivers two meals a day, seven days a week, including special diets, to seniors age 60 and over, throughout San Diego County. For more information, visit www.meals-on-wheels.org.

“The Tanker-A-Day promotion is a fun and exciting way for Barona and our players to deal with rising gas prices,” said Rick Salinas, General Manager of Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. “But it’s equally as exciting for us to be able to help Meals on Wheels continue to serve the community as they do.”

Ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning restaurants, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

The J.D. Power and Associates SCIGC Study explores casino players’ entire gaming experience, from arrival at the casino to cashing out their chips. The inaugural study provides a single measure to assess the levels of overall player satisfaction among casinos located throughout Southern California.
     
Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study SM. Study based on responses from 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary.  Visit jdpower.com.

San Diego Earth Works recognizes programs supporting a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future

(San Diego, CA) – The Barona Band of Mission Indians announced today that it has been awarded a 2006 Environmental Achievement Earth Award by San Diego Earth Works.

"The San Diego EARTH Awards are a great opportunity to recognize businesses such as the Barona Band of Mission Indians for their water recycling program and conservation efforts," said San Diego City Councilmember Donna Frye and EARTH Awards presenter.  "The tribe's water resources management plan is impressive and shows a commitment to environmental best practices," said Frye.

The Environmental Achievement Earth Award recognizes businesses, clubs, organizations and/or individuals that work on behalf of a clean, healthy environment.  The competition provides the public with the opportunity to acknowledge entities implementing environmentally responsible operations and conservation efforts throughout the region.

The Barona Band of Mission Indians was recognized for implementing an innovative and extensive conservation program.  This program focuses on key strategies including water conservation, resource management and careful use of renewable and sustainable materials in all areas including lighting, heating and ventilation.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award from San Diego Earth Works,” said Rhonda Welch-Scalco, Chairwoman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “Our tribe has an historic legacy of protecting and living in harmony with nature and the environment,” she said.  “As an industry leader in all areas of the business, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been pro-active in developing and implementing a comprehensive water resource management plan,” she said.

The Barona Band of Mission Indians has lived in Southern California for over 5,000 years and the Barona Indian Reservation since 1932.  The Tribe was once a semi-nomadic band that traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided.  It is now a sovereign government operating Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, San Diego’s premier luxury resort and casino.

(SAN DIEGO) Sept. 5, 2008 – Continuing Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino’s status as a leading provider of cutting-edge casino innovation in San Diego, Barona has debuted a Three Card Poker Progressive™ Table, which is only the game’s second installation in North America and the first outside of Las Vegas. Offered by Barona in conjunction with DEQ Systems Corp. and Shuffle Master Inc., this progressive table game includes a unique electronic side bet feature, allowing players to wager on possible outcomes without chips.

“We’re pleased that we were selected to introduce Three Card Poker Progressive,” said Michael Patterson, director of table games for Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. “We are constantly striving to enhance the casino experience for our players. And this game gives table players in particular an added level of excitement.”

Using the G3TM system, the progressive’s electronic betting mechanism includes an LCD screen table display with payout charts, rules of the game, game logos and prize animation, a personal bet manager interface for each player position at the table, a dealer interface and a central game server computer. The G3 automates the process of the wager and the outcome, as well as provides more accurate accounting of the side bet features.

The game allows for an optional $1 progressive wager, along with head-to-head play against the dealer and a Pair Plus bonus bet. The $1 side bet wins when players receive a three-of-a-kind or higher, with the top payout being an Ace-King-Queen of Spades for a 100 percent progressive jackpot.

Barona also has plans to introduce additional electronic formats for other games in the near future.

Ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning restaurants, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

The J.D. Power and Associates SCIGC Study explores casino players’ entire gaming experience, from arrival at the casino to cashing out their chips. The inaugural study provides a single measure to assess the levels of overall player satisfaction among casinos located throughout Southern California.
     
Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study SM. Study based on responses from 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary.  Visit jdpower.com.

WMS Gaming Jackpots Total $18 Million in 2008

(WAUKEGAN, Ill.) October 30, 2008 – WMS Gaming Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE:WMS), announced a nearly half-million dollar winner on one of its MONOPOLY™ themed slot machines. Truman Thompson was playing a WMS MONOPOLY JACKPOT STATION slot machine at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino in San Diego. His win is the 24th jackpot so far this year on a WMS wide area progressive slot machine.

Thompson collected a grand total of $465,826 after hitting the top wide area progressive jackpot on the nickel slot machine. Including his winnings, players have won nearly $18 million this year in major jackpots on WMS wide area progressive slot machines. Recent jackpots have included a $1.9 million payout at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee in September, and a $1.8 million prize at the Fiesta Rancho Casino in Las Vegas in late July.

"The MONOPOLY name, Mr. Monopoly and Scotty the Dog have been player magnets since day one on the casino floor. We are proud to leverage these all-American icons to deliver true entertainment value to players and casino operators,” said Ron DiNola, vice president of gaming operations. “And with our WMS wide area progressive jackpots, the payouts can be even more impressive.”

Thompson, an accountant from the Spring Valley/Chula Vista area of San Diego, was playing WMS MONOPOLY JACKPOT STATION when he hit the jackpot. A Diamond Club member of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Thompson says playing at this casino is his favorite pastime, as he enjoys the core group of people that the casino attracts. He favorably compares this resort to many Las Vegas venues and says he was drawn to the WMS MONOPOLY JACKPOT STATION because he had never played the game before.

“We’re excited to add Mr. Thompson’s win to our list of jackpot winners at Barona,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. “From first-time players to Diamond Club members, such as Mr. Thompson, we invite everyone to experience winning moments at Barona.

In addition to a large wide area progressive jackpot, the popular WMS MONOPOLY JACKPOT STATION slot machine combines five mechanical reels with a transmissive video overlay to enhance the gaming experience and offers multiple player options. This combination creates an exciting new dimension of game play and virtually unlimited bonus opportunities. Following the verification of the winning, the wide area top progressive jackpot is reset for continued play.

In total, WMS has paid more than $18 million in total jackpots in 2008.

Other large WMS jackpot awards this year include:

    * $1.9 million on Powerball Free Spin Maximus® at Potawatomi Bingo Casino in September
    * $2.8 million on Top Gun™ Sensory Immersion at Harrah's Prairie Band Casino in July
    * $1.2 million on MONOPOLY™ Super Money Grab ® at Grand Biloxi in Mississippi in April
    * $1.3 million on DOUBLE POWERBALL® at Monte Carlo in Las Vegas in January
    * $1.1 million on POWERBALL® IT’S AMERICA’S GAME® at Grand Biloxi in Mississippi in January

About WMS

WMS is engaged in serving the gaming industry worldwide by designing, manufacturing and marketing video and reel-spinning gaming machines, video lottery terminals, and in gaming operations, which consists of the placement of leased participation gaming machines in legal gaming venues. WMS is headquartered in Waukegan, IL.

MONOPOLY is a trademark of Hasbro. Used with permission. ©2008 Hasbro. All rights reserved.

DOUBLE POWERBALL, IT’S AMERICA’S GAME and POWERBALL are registered trademarks of Multi-State Lottery Association.

MONOPOLY is a trademark of Hasbro. Used with permission. ©2008 Hasbro. All rights reserved.

TOP GUN™ & (C) Paramount Pictures Corporation

Bigger Bang Big Event is a registered trademark of WMS Gaming Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT:

Kathryn Green
Access Communications for WMS Gaming
415-844-6219
kgreen@accesspr.com

Official Certifications Ensure Best Odds of Winning

(SAN DIEGO) Nov. 7, 2008 – Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino announced today that it has been certified as having the loosest blackjack and the loosest roulette in California. The Blackjack Hall of Fame, which consists of the 18 most revered blackjack experts, authors and professional players in history has certified Barona as having the most liberal games. Michael Shackleford, A.S.A. a professional actuary and owner of WizardofOdds.com, has also certified that Barona has the loosest roulette in California and the loosest blackjack in the San Diego area.

"We designed our games to give our players the best odds possible," said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. "But we are now excited to receive third party confirmation of our great odds. Our blackjack and roulette games are two examples of winning moments players can experience at Barona.”

The Blackjack Hall of Fame honorees who certified Barona’s blackjack as the loosest in the California included Max Rubin, a former casino executive, professional blackjack player and best-selling author; James Grosjean, computer analyst and professional player; and Stanford Wong, author and inventor of the “Wonging” strategy and publisher of “Current Blackjack News.” Barona features 21 tables, offering Single- or Double-deck Blackjack with Surrender.

“If you play Blackjack and Roulette to win, then Barona is the place to play,” said Rubin. “In my business, I’ve played in almost all of the casinos across the nation. As a result, in addition to offering the best odds and the loosest games, I have found that Barona has the friendliest dealers and the best overall customer service of any casino in America.”

According to WizardofOdds.com, the single zero roulette is the only one in California, which significantly improves the players odds. In addition, Barona has the best blackjack rules anywhere in California for high-limit play. The low-limit tables have the best rules in the San Diego area.

“The goal of my Web site and my work, in general, is to increase players’ wins and minimize their losses,” said Shackleford. “After analyzing Barona’s blackjack and roulette table games, I have verified that Barona has the most liberal rules in California. Players have a real chance of winning here.”

Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center, and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on responses from 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary.  Visit jdpower.com.

Video Poker Expert Finds the Area's Loosest Video Poker Machines At Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

(SAN DIEGO) Dec. 15, 2008 – America’s premier video poker player, writer and teacher, Bob Dancer, has officially certified Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino as offering the “Best Video Poker in San Diego.” The certification was determined through an extensive review of the video poker options at Barona and nine other area casinos. Dancer’s expertise has been highly regarded in the gaming industry since he began his professional gambling career in 1994 and subsequently authored Million Dollar Video Poker to recount and share his winning secrets.

“After completing a thorough analysis of San Diego’s casinos, I have determined that Barona has the best video poker in the area,” said Dancer. “Barona’s casino consistently provides players with excellent chances of winning and a wide variety of gaming options for all levels of play from 25 cents to $1 to high limit machines.”

Barona features over 250 video poker machines with more than 120 multi-hand video poker machines, including Triple Play, Five Play, Ten Play, Multi Strike Poker, Fifty Play and One Hundred Play Poker. These machines include the following popular video poker games: Deuces Wild, Double Double Bonus Poker, Jokers Wild, Double Bonus Poker, All Star Poker, Jacks or Better, Aces$ Bonus Poker, Joker Poker and Deuces Wild Bonus Poker.

To summarize his analysis of video poker games in greater San Diego, Dancer categorized the casinos based on the number and type of video poker games offered and divided the games into three categories based on the monetary denomination needed for game play: “Less than $1,” “$1” and “Greater than $1.” The casinos then received ratings of “Excellent,” “Very Good,” “Good,” “Decent” or “Not Good” in each category. Based on this methodology, Barona achieved a first place ranking among the reviewed casinos and was the only casino noted for its “Excellent” liberal offerings in all three categories.

“We have always strived to enrich our players’ experiences with quality games and great odds,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. “We are pleased to receive Dancer’s official video poker endorsement, adding to the high level of satisfaction our players have come to expect at Barona.”

Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center, and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on responses from 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

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Course Earns Top Rankings in Best California, Best Resort, Best Casino Course Categories

(SAN DIEGO) Nov. 30, 2008 – For the fourth straight year, Golfweek magazine named Barona Creek Golf Club as one of the best golf courses in the state and nation in multiple categories: fifth best course in California; third best resort course in California; 28th best resort property nationwide; and fifth best casino golf course in the country. Barona Creek is part of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino in San Diego.

“Through the guidance and support of The Barona Band of Mission Indians we work to improve Barona Creek every day, and our frequent rankings as a top course in California and the nation demonstrate our commitment to delivering an exceptional golf experience,” said Don King, executive director of golf operations at Barona Creek. “From hosting top golfers from around the world to being the site of last year’s Nationwide Tour Championship, our course continues to have tremendous national appeal. We’re honored to be in the company of such elite courses as part of Golfweek’s best golf course lists.”

Notably, Barona Creek maintained its ranking as the number five golf course in California, directly behind landmark properties Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Pasatiempo and Rustic Canyon. The golf course was also awarded with the number three ranking in California for resort courses and earned a spot on the national list as the 28th best resort property. Barona Creek was the highest ranked course of the three Southern California properties listed on the 100 best national courses list. In addition, with a fifth place ranking, Barona Creek is the only casino golf course in California on Golfweek’s casino course list.

Golfweek’s course raters are comprised of a nationwide team of more than 450 evaluators who have surveyed over 500 Classic and 1,200 Modern nominated courses. Judgments are rendered on the basis of 10 standards of evaluation: routing, quality of shaping, overall land plan, greens and surrounds, tree and landscape management, conditioning and a “walk in the park” test, as well as the variety and memorability of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s.

Barona Creek Golf Club is a par 72 course that was recently extended to 7,448 yards, with more than 100 multi-fingered bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds that are connected to the area’s naturally fed streams. The golf course also has more than 170 mature native oak trees transplanted from other regions of the Barona Indian Reservation. Making use of the subtly undulating terrain, prominent rock outcroppings and gentle elevation changes preserve the lands’ unique characteristics. The combination of both natural and strategic elements of the design make Barona Creek Golf Club one of the most challenging and thought provoking golf courses in San Diego.

The course has also been recognized for its environmental efforts by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and San Diego Earthworks. Barona’s state-of-the art water reclamation and wastewater treatment facilities allows the Tribe to save and reuse nearly every drop of water run off at its Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino and Barona Creek. The property currently uses 100 percent of the reclaimed water to irrigate the golf course and surrounding landscape. The course has also won the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International for its conservation, environmental quality and land management efforts.

Barona Creek Golf Club is located at 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road. To schedule a tee time please call 888-7-BARONA. Additional course information is also available at www.barona.com.

(SAN DIEGO) January 22, 2009 – Recognizing Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino’s achievements in environmental stewardship and community contributions, the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) has awarded Barona with two Lodging Property Achievement Awards. Barona received the Good Earthkeeping award for the second year in a row, as well as the Community Service award for a large property. The awards were presented at the CH&LA’s annual 2008 Stars of the Industry Awards dinner in Anaheim, Calif.

“Winning these awards is a real testament to our amazing staff and demonstrates the commitment of the Barona Band of Mission Indians and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino to two very important causes – the environment and the community,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. “We are honored to be recognized by the California Hotel and Lodging Association, as we continue the traditions of protecting and cultivating Barona’s beautiful landscape and surrounding valley and giving back to the San Diego community.”

The Good Earthkeeping Award recognizes lodging properties that have developed a culture toward integrating environmental management practices that improve daily operations while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations. The program must demonstrate success in one or more of the following areas: energy conservation, solid waste reduction, effluents and emissions, water conservation, purchasing and business issues.

Some of Barona’s award-winning features for this award include its commuter programs, use of natural light throughout the hotel and office spaces and green cleaning efforts. Barona also has a state-of-the-art water conservation program and on-site water treatment facility, which saves and reuses nearly every drop of water run-off at the hotel and Barona Creek Golf Club.

The CH&LA Good Earthkeeping Award adds to a long list of prestigious awards that Barona has received for its environmental programs, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s 2007 National Clean Water Act Recognition Awards, the San Diego Earthworks Earth Award and two SANDAG Diamond Awards. Barona Creek Golf Club has also received an Audubon International Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification, as well as the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and Golf Digest.
The Community Service Award from the CH&LA recognizes hotels and resorts that are responsive to the local community by helping local or national service organizations, charities and community groups to benefit the area. Barona has always placed great importance on positively impacting the community and through the years, has donated millions of dollars to charitable organizations in the San Diego region and has also contributed countless hours of services and volunteer support. In 2008, Barona was a major sponsor of several high profile community events including Balboa Parks December Nights, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots, Epilepsy Foundation’s Gingerbread City and Foundation for Women.

As a winner of the CH&LA Good Earthkeeping and Community Service Awards, Barona’s nomination will automatically be entered in the national Stars of the Industry Awards competition, presented at the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Summer Summit in Chicago on June 24, 2009.
Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

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 Voluntary, pro-active effort saves water and reduces carbon footprint

(SAN DIEGO) February 23, 2009 – In a voluntary, pro-active approach to water conservation and environmental stewardship, Barona Creek Golf Club, recipient of the Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International, today announced an ambitious turf reduction project that will lower irrigation and maintenance needs to enhance its conservation of natural resources.

Don King, Barona Creek’s executive director of golf operations, says the project will eliminate alternate tee boxes and convert 10 to 12 acres of out-of-play turf to waste bunkers or more natural landscape. These measures will address several important environmental issues ranging from reduced fuel and energy consumption to the use of fewer fertilizers and chemicals used for maintenance.

“Barona’s commitment to protecting and preserving the environment has always been at the forefront of the golf industry, and moving forward with this turf reduction initiative our goal is to further reduce our carbon footprint,” he says.

The multi-phased project also calls for limiting over-seeding to tees and roughs, lowering maintenance requirements by an additional 10 to 15 percent.

King adds, “What makes this program even more important, especially in a dry, drought-prone region like San Diego, is the water savings that could run as high as 100 percent in those turf areas that will be eliminated or returned to native plantings.”

In the face of continued drought conditions in the Desert Southwest, governments in California, Arizona and Nevada are requesting voluntary water use restrictions and limited acreage requirements on new construction and new golf course developments. The Barona Band of Mission Indians is addressing the issue with an innovative and proactive approach that could result in a new trend for the golf industry.

“The Barona Tribe has made a legacy commitment to preserving the natural resources on our reservation,” said Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “It is our hope that the innovative environmental practices we have implemented at the Barona Creek Golf Club will serve as a model for the golf industry. And, as we watch the global climate changes, we also feel a responsibility to our Tribal members, the guests of our resort and our neighbors to do everything we can to conserve all natural resources. ”

The PGA TOUR has also acknowledged Barona Creek for its conservation efforts.

“Barona Creek Golf Club should be applauded for taking a very proactive approach in their turf reduction plans,” said Cal Roth, Senior Vice President Agronomy for the PGA TOUR agronomist. “Golf courses throughout the world need to look at their environmental issues and plan accordingly to ensure their courses meet their maintenance and conditioning goals. It is very admirable how Barona Creek has become a leader in improving both their sustainable landscape and carbon dioxide footprint.”

According to Sandy Clark, the club’s golf course superintendent, Barona Creek already is leading the industry in water conservation with its advanced water reclamation plant, computerized irrigation system, sophisticated weather monitoring program and sustainable landscape plan.

“This turf reduction plan will further reduce our water usage,” says Clark. “These water-saving innovations at Barona Creek are about more than self-preservation. They are also helping the environment and hopefully influencing the golf community-at-large.”

The upshot for golfers, continued Clark, is that the golf course will remain open during the turf reduction and reseeding process and when completed in late spring, will result in even better course playing quality with enhanced natural surroundings.

“Being more environmentally friendly and aesthetically appealing are not mutually exclusive terms. We will still be green and gorgeous,” says Clark who was awarded the 2004 Environmental Leader of the Year by the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America and Golf Digest Magazine.

Opened in 2001, the championship-caliber course was originally designed by Todd Eckenrode of Gary Roger Baird Design International. Eckenrode now leads all design for Origins Golf Design and provided assistance for Barona’s turf reduction project.

Located adjacent to the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Barona Creek is a 7,448-yard par 72 golf course with more than 100 multi-fingered bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds connected to the area’s naturally fed streams. The course offers multiple sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. It features more than 170 mature native oak trees transplanted from other regions of the Barona Indian Reservation.

In 2008, Golfweek magazine named Barona Creek Golf Club one of the best golf courses in the state and nation in multiple categories: fifth best course in California; third best resort course in California; 28th best resort property nationwide; and fifth best casino golf course in the country.

The course has also been recognized for its environmental efforts by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and San Diego Earthworks. Barona’s state-of-the art water reclamation and wastewater treatment facilities allow the Tribe to save and reuse nearly every drop of water runoff at its Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino and Barona Creek Golf Club. The property currently uses 100 percent of the reclaimed water to irrigate the golf course and surrounding landscape. The course has also won the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International for its conservation, environmental quality and land management efforts.

Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

For current progressive amounts and Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(Lakeside, Calif.) March 4, 2009 – Barona Resort & Casino has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Commercial buildings, including hotels and resorts, that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency may qualify for the Energy Star. Barona was one of only 85 hotels in the state of California to receive this recognition.

“Barona is pleased to accept an Energy Star in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Jay Bart, director of safety, health and environment at Barona Resort & Casino. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship and lowering our carbon emissions.”

Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Barona has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used from approximately 180 households for a year.  

“Whether you are running a grocery store, a school, or an office building, getting the most out of your energy dollars – while reducing your carbon footprint – just makes sense,” said EPA administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

Barona achieved an Energy Star rating due to its energy efficient equipment and diligent training of staff members. The resort property features a highly efficient HVAC, a system that heats, ventilates and air-conditions each room throughout the hotel and casino. Also, Barona’s staff have been trained to turn-off lights and set thermostats to unoccupied mode when guests are not in the room. Additionally, Barona has replaced all incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents throughout the entire hotel.

EPA’s national energy performance rating system provides a 1-100 scale that helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a rating of 75 or higher is eligible for the Energy Star. Commercial buildings that can earn the Energy Star include offices, bank branches, financial centers, retailers, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories and warehouses.

About Energy Star

Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2006, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles. For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.

About Barona Resort & Casino

Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 
Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
 

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Barona is First California Casino to Launch Integrated Online Viral Networking Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(SAN DIEGO) April 6, 2009 – In a marketing first for a California casino, Barona Resort & Casino is launching an exciting new social networking campaign encouraging people from across the country to create a video that captures the magic of gambling. Called the Barona Video Contest, Hollywood hopefuls have between now and May 29, 2009, to share stories about what they love about casinos – the sights, the sounds, the games and the thrill of winning. The creator of the highest rated video will win a total cash prize of $5,000 while the finalists and even online voters will share a total of $17,000 in additional cash prizes. 

“Barona’s Video Contest is intended to open new doors of awareness for our property through a combination of online, social, viral, traditional and in-house media,” said Troy Simpson, senior vice president of innovation at Barona Resort & Casino. “While we have been integrating social media into our marketing for quite a while, this is our first major foray into the space. We are excited to tap new audiences and gain insight into the mind of our customers.”

The premise of the contest is easy: demonstrate, in up to two minutes, what you love most about casinos. Is it poker, blackjack, slot games, casino movies, gambling as a sport? Is it the thrill of winning? A casino promotion? The atmosphere? The food? The entertainment? Do you have a winning moment at Barona to share? Or, what do you love most about Barona Resort & Casino?

“In recent focus groups and research, we’ve discovered that our guests just love to share their experiences and opinions about Barona,” continued Simpson. “We thought this would be a great way for them to visually express what they love best and share their favorite gaming moments with the world. We expect that we’ll get some very creative entries!”

 Videos can be uploaded at www.baronavideocontest.com and submissions will be accepted through May, 29, 2009. The top five finalists, selected by Barona judges, will be voted online from June 5 through June 25. The finalist to receive the most online votes will be announced live at Barona on June 26, 2009.

 Official rules, conditions and the prize chart are available at www.baronavideocontest.com.  

Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

 Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.

http://www.barona.com/facebook | http://www.barona.com/twitter | http://www.barona.com/myspace

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8825 Aero Drive #200, San Diego, CA 92123
858-541-2277 / www.burninstitute.org    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2009    
                 
SAN DIEGO -- On Thursday, April 16, 2009, support local firefighters as they take to the streets for the annual Barona Firefighter Boot Drive, to be held throughout San Diego County.

What began 10 years ago as a grassroots effort backed by the fire service, the Boot Drive has become a hallmark fundraiser for the Burn Institute, raising more than $215,000 for the organization in 2008.

Each year, hundreds of uniformed firefighters from fire departments all over San Diego County come together for a common goal, hopping aboard their engines to meet at intersections within their communities to collect donations in their boots during the morning and evening commutes. And each year passing motorists generously help to fill those boots with their spare change -- ones, fives, twenties – even $100 bills.

Sponsored by Barona and backed by the San Diego–Imperial County Fire Fighters Advisory Council to the Burn Institute and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association, the event is not only the agency’s largest one-day fundraiser, but it illustrates the close partnership between the Burn Institute and the fire service.

“The Boot Drive has become one of the Institute’s most successful events,” said James Floros, Burn Institute Executive Director/CEO, adding that the past success can be attributed to the energy and support from local fire service. “It really makes me proud to see that synergy between various agencies and ourselves,” said Floros. “The fire service really is the backbone of this organization; as a team we can do great things for the community.”

Proceeds benefit Burn Institute fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support programs such as Camp Beyond The Scars for burn-injured children. All of the money raised through the Boot Drive stays in San Diego County.

“Barona is honored to be the first ever sponsor of this extremely worthwhile fundraising event,” said Chief Randy Sandoval of the Barona Fire Department. “Our fire department on the Barona Indian Reservation works in cooperation with fire departments throughout the county. We have seen first hand the good works of the Burn Institute and want to do our share to provide additional resources to help burn survivors through the recovery process.”

Last year more than 30 departments participated in the fundraiser, which was the agency’s best ever. As always, the top fire department in each region will win the agency’s highly-coveted bronze boot trophy.

Note: Find a list of locations at www.burninstitute.org; Continual updates through April 16, 2009.

First of its Kind Progressive Jackpot Only at Barona

(San Diego, CA) April 14, 2009 – The holiday weekend proved lucky at Barona Resort & Casino as two big winners hit the right beat playing one of Barona’s most popular games featuring an exciting new way to win even bigger jackpots – Blackjack Bad Beat Progressive Jackpot.  Barona is the only casino in the country to offer a progressive Bad Beat jackpot on high-end blackjack games.

On Saturday, April 11, Lisa L. of Ramona was playing Blackjack Bad Beat Jackpot, when it hit at $33,058. Eight other lucky players who were in Barona’s Parlor 32 high-limit area when the progressive hit each won $500 for a total of $37,058. Lisa was the first player to win a major jackpot so far on the new progressive jackpot which debuted only two weeks ago at Barona. Then, less than 24 hours later, on Sunday, April 12, Henry T. of San Diego was playing the same game when the progressive jackpot hit $25,157 and 10 other players in the high-limit area also won $500 each for a total of $30,157.

“We’re excited to add Lisa and Henry to our list of jackpot winners at Barona,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to provide more opportunities for our players to win at Barona and that is how we created the Bad Beat progressive jackpot.  While we just barely introduced this new progressive jackpot  on our casino floor we already have two big winners!  It is great to see that a new twist on an old favorite can create even more winning moments for our guests.”

Barona’s Blackjack Bad Beat Progressive Jackpot debuted earlier this month in addition to several other exciting games including Rapid Baccarat, Video Craps, and Perfect Pairs Blackjack.

While playing Blackjack Bad Beat Jackpot, guests have a chance to win even if the dealer gets 21. Adapted from the concept of Bad Beat Jackpot in poker, Blackjack Bad Beat Jackpot is available in Barona’s Parlor 32 high-limit area with the one-of-a-kind progressive bonus that does not even require an additional side wager.  The Blackjack Bad Beat Jackpot starts at $25,000 and grows about $275 a day until it is hit.

Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center, and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit www.jdpower.com. 

(SAN DIEGO) – In an effort to encourage local students to create a sustainable future in San Diego, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has introduced the Barona Sustainable Environment Scholarship.  The scholarship is the latest initiative as part of the Barona Valley Environmental Sustainability Program on the reservation and at Barona Resort & Casino.  The program includes a state-of-the-art water reclamation plant, water recovery program, landscaping and wildlife preservation, golf course turf reduction, resort conservation programs – carpooling, recycling and energy efficient practices – and community outreach to increase awareness of eco-friendly events and awards.

The scholarship is available to college students with a passion for the environment who are pursuing careers in horticulture, turf grass management, natural resources, or environmental sciences industries. The Tribe will award four finalists $1,000 and one of the four finalists will receive an additional $1,000, based on a personal interview. The scholarship funds can be used to supplement costs incurred through tuition, books and living expenses. The application deadline is July 15 and the winners will be announced on August 1.

“Our respect for the environment is an important part of our Tribe’s heritage,” said Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “This scholarship was created to inspire future generations of San Diegans to help protect our region’s precious resources.”

In order to be eligible to apply for the scholarship, applicants must be studying a field related to horticulture studies, turf grass management, natural resources management or environmental sciences at a two or more year accredited college and university. In addition, applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester units, with a minimum of 15 semester units of coursework from a field of study related to the environment. Applicants must be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credits per semester and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For additional information and to download the application, please visit communityrelations.barona.com. Applications must be postmarked by July 15 and mailed to:

Barona Resort & Casino
c/o Barona Sustainable Environment Scholarship Program
Scholarship Selection Committee
1932 Wildcat Canyon Road
Lakeside, CA 92040

The scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s application, references and recommendations. All applications will be reviewed by the Barona Scholarship Selection Committee consisting of representatives from the Barona Band of Mission Indians and Barona Resort & Casino.

The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932.  Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation, established in 1875 by the federal government.  Long before, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign government is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region.  For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

135 Grants Totaling $680,000 Have Been Awarded Since Program Launch

(SAN DIEGO) – June 11, 2009 – Today, staff and students of Riverview Elementary School located in Lakeside, Calif. accepted a $5,000 grant from members of the Barona Tribal Council on behalf of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

As schools across the state wrestle with the reality of budget cuts, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has quietly been helping lessen the blow with its Barona Education Grant Program. Since 2006, Barona has awarded more than $680,000 to over 135 schools statewide.

“Our goal is to help ease the burden of budget cuts to schools in our backyard, such as the Riverview Elementary School and across California,” said Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “We are honored to help schools and educators with crucial funding through our education grant program.”

The school was selected as a recipient based on an application process and endorsement by Assemblyman Joel Anderson. Riverview Elementary will use the grant money to purchase Spanish test books for its Spanish immersion program.

The Barona Education Grant Program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model.

Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much-needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://barona-nsn.gov/education/education.html

The Barona Band of Mission Indians has lived in Southern California for over 5,000 years and the Barona Indian Reservation since 1932. The Tribe was once a semi-nomadic band that traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. It is now a sovereign government operating Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego’s premier luxury resort and casino.

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Father’s Day Specials Served June 21 at the Ranch House Buffet

(SAN DIEGO) June 12, 2009 – Make dad feel like a big winner by treating him to lunch or dinner at the Ranch House Buffet at Barona Resort & Casino. A robust Father’s Day Buffet will be served 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.

Among the all-American male meals available at the all-you-can enjoy buffet are Braised Pork Shoulder in Apple Cider, Smoked Texas Beef Brisket, Prime Rib of Beef, Beer Bash Chicken, Butcher-Smoked Bratwurst Sausage in Tabasco-Honey Glaze and Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Sour Cream.

 There will be bold Italian dishes as well, including Ranch House’s Classic Bolognaise with Penne, Handcrafted 10-layer Ricotta Lasagna, Spicy Pasta with Clams, White Wine, Garlic and Herb Broth. Additional father’s favorites from Morning Omelets, Poached Salmon and Seafood and generous portions of Antipasti will also be prepared to perfection.

Tell dad to save room for the decadent desserts ranging from Cherries Jubilee over Vanilla Ice Cream and Double Chocolate Macadamia Cookies to Turtle Cheesecake and Almond Biscotti.

The all-you-can-eat Father’s Day Buffet at the Ranch House Buffet is priced at $29.95 per person and will be offered Sunday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
 
Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning restaurants, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Among Indian Gaming Casinos in California, Barona Resort & Casino and Red Hawk Casino Rank Highest in Customer Satisfaction

Having the Right Games Available at the Right Time is Critical to Gaming Customer Satisfaction

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 24 June 2009 —Barona Resort & Casino ranks highest for a second consecutive year in gaming customer satisfaction among casinos in Southern California, while Red Hawk Casino ranks highest in Northern California, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM released today.

The study measures overall customer satisfaction based on performance in five key measures (listed in order of importance): gaming; facility; cage cashier/ticket redemption machine; arriving/parking; and beverage service.

“The highest-ranking Indian gaming casinos combine Las-Vegas-style excitement with the convenience of being local,” said Michael Drago, director of the global hospitality and travel practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “In the current economic climate, where ‘staycations’ are increasingly popular, Indian gaming casinos are a particularly satisfying entertainment option.”

Northern California Region Rankings
Red Hawk Casino (located in Placerville, Calif.) ranks highest in the Northern California region with a score of 769 on a 1,000-point scale and performs particularly well in all five measures driving satisfaction. Following in the regional rankings are Chukchansi Gold Resort Casino (744), located in Coarsegold, and Black Oak Casino (736), located in Tuolumne.

Southern California Region Rankings
Barona Resort & Casino (located in Lakeside) ranks highest in the Southern California region for a second consecutive year with a score of 787. Barona Resort & Casino performs particularly well in three of five factors: gaming; facility; and arriving/parking. Following in the rankings are Valley View Casino (764), located in Valley Center, and Viejas Casino (760), located in Alpine. Valley View Casino performs particularly well in the beverage service measure, while Viejas Casino performs particularly well in the cage cashier/ticket redemption measure.

Additional Northern and Southern California Casino Findings
Overall, the gaming experience makes a substantial contribution to satisfaction. Within this measure, slot and other machine games are approximately three times as important as table games.

“Although other aspects of the casino experience are important, customer satisfaction with gaming continues to grow in importance and is the key differentiator in this highly competitive market,” said Drago.

The study finds that satisfaction with the gaming measure declines considerably—by more than 40 points—when customers are unable to play the games they want, when they want, and at their preferred denomination.

“Regardless of the type of game a player is seeking, the availability of that specific game at the desired denomination is paramount to the player’s experience,” said Drago. “When players are denied the opportunity to wager, they keep the money in their pocket—which represents lost potential revenue for the casino.”

The 2009 Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study measures customer satisfaction of gaming players of Indian casinos in Northern California, Southern California. To be included in the study, casinos in the Southern California region must have a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, while casinos in Northern California must have a minimum of 800 slot machines. The study is based on a total of more than 1,250 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Northern California and more than 2,000 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian Casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009. The study was fielded in May 2009. The study was also conducted in Southern Arizona.

For more information, read an article or view Northern California, Southern California or Southern Arizona Indian gaming casino ratings at JDPower.com.

KTLA5 News Clip:

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:
John Tews; Troy, Mich.; (248) 312-4119; media.relations@jdpa.com

Syvetril Perryman; Westlake Village, Calif.; (805) 418-8103; media.relations@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

(SAN DIEGO) -- Barona Resort & Casino has long been a top destination for humans who want to enjoy San Diego’s most exciting gaming action.

Now, it’s getting even better for the guests who want to treat their dog to a getaway that they’ll drool over.

Barona has just declared Plush Puppies Kennel and Daycare Center in El Cajon the resort’s “official doggie concierge,” which means guests who are traveling with their dogs can give their best friends a relaxing vacation on their own.

Located a short distance away from Barona in a beautifully tranquil spot in eastern San Diego, Plush Puppies has many amenities that are the cat’s meow for dogs including a “doggie limo service” from the resort and a 5000-square-foot area where dogs can run free with their fellow canines.

At Plush Puppies, dogs receive the same excellent handling, attention and loving care their owners receive at Barona. After a brief on-site pre-screening, all the dogs play together in a fenced area, unless they are busy eating or relaxing in the sun.

It’s a perfect way for a dog to spend the dog days of summer – or any other time of the year – and that’s one reason why Rick Messura, Barona’s Senior Vice President of Development, decided to make Plush Puppies part of the Barona family.

“We know that many of our guests are dog lovers who want to enjoy their stay knowing their beloved pet is in good hands,” Messura said. “Having Plush Puppies as our official doggie concierge ensures that our guests are able to fully relax, knowing that their dogs are safe, happy and comfortable.”

Catz Plush, who has owned and operated Plush Puppies since 2002, is thrilled by the honor of being Barona’s official doggie concierge.

“This new partnership is a natural,” Plush said. “Barona offers humans some of the finest food, accommodations and gaming and we do the same for their animal friends so everyone comes out a winner.”

About Barona Resort & Casino
For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study. Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, ten award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.

http://www.barona.com/facebook  http://www.barona.com/twitter  http://www.barona.com/myspace

About Plush Puppies Kennel and Day Care Center
Plush Puppies Kennel and Day Care Center is located at 14863 Quail Valley Way El Cajon, CA 92021, in a beautifully tranquil spot among the beautiful hills in eastern San Diego. Amenities include a 5000-square-foot area where dogs can run free with their fellow canines, a “doggie limo” service, and daily obedience training.

For more information, call 619-561-4299 or log on to http://www.plushkennel.com. To arrange an interview with Catz Plush, please call David Moye 619.858.0322 or e-mail him at david@altstrategies.com.

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Barona Resort & Casino today announced the opening of a new Italian Cucina. This marks the first phase of several new restaurants planned for Barona. Later this month, a new Seafood Plaza will debut completing the second phase. Barona has filled nearly 100 positions to staff the new restaurants.

“While many businesses and casinos are forced to cut back due to the economy, we continue to enhance the services we provide our guests at Barona,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “We are very excited to unveil the new restaurants to our guests and the San Diego community.”

The Italian Cucina, designed by Solana Beach based W. Morris Architects, Ltd., exudes warmth with vibrant colors, reminiscent of an Italian Piazza. A highlight of the new restaurant is its 3,800 pound ceramic wood stove hearth oven, which will produce delicious pizzas, calzones and pasta dishes. Live kitchen cameras will capture and broadcast chefs in action on plasma screens over the hot-line so guests can enjoy watching their food preparation. Overlooking Barona’s newest garden, complete with a decorative labyrinth and water fountain, the Italian Cucina can accommodate up to 175 guests and also features a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 for special events or meetings.

While the featured entrees in the Italian Cucina will be traditional Italian classics including Spaghetti with Homemade Italian Sausage, Meatballs and Lasagna, the expansive menu also features numerous appetizers and soups including Minestrone, Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Bruschetta, Crispy Fried Calamari and Hearth-Roasted Stuffed Mushrooms and Cannellini Beans, all ranging from $4.50 to $12.95. The Italian Cucina will also offer Ricotta Gnocchi Ragu, Spaghetti Carbonara and Hand-Cut Pasta Bolognese. Additionally, the menu features Italian specialties such as Mediterranean Sea Bass with Basil-Parsley Butter, “Chianti Braised” Beef Short Ribs, as well as individual pizzas and calzones. All entrées are available from $5.95 to $19.95 and include an all-you-can-eat Caesar Salad.

In the near future, a new Seafood Plaza restaurant will open next to the Italian Cucina and Barona’s acclaimed Culinary Institute. The casual-fare and value-oriented restaurant offers a variety of seafood options starting from $6.95 including Classic New England Clam Chowder in a Bread Boule, Barona’s Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Chilled Alaskan King Crab Jumbo Leg in a Cucumber-Mint Salsa  and Mediterranean-Style Shrimp Ceviche with Tomato, Onion Cucumber, Parlsey, Lime and Feta. The Seafood Plaza also boasts a selection of grilled menu items from its Char Grill ranging from $6.95 to $12.95 such as the BBQ Seafood Skewer with Grilled Halibut, Shrimp, Pineapple and Chipotle Glaze, Butcher Sausage Skewer with Three House-Made Sausages and Pesto Drizzle ($6.95) and Classic Clams “Casino.” Guests will also be able to enjoy oysters from the Raw Bar and selections of Barona Signature Rolls from the Sushi-Sashimi Bar.

“Our culinary team has been hard at work creating the concepts and planning the menus,” added Salinas. “We think guests will be just as excited about our new winning dining experiences as they are about hitting a jackpot on our loose machines.”

The new restaurants will join Barona’s award-winning collection of dining options including the Ranch House Buffet, Sage Café and Ho Wan, as well as its Food Court. Recently, Barona Resort & Casino was honored with a 2009 Gold Medallion Award for Best Casino Dining by the California Restaurant Association (CRA), San Diego Chapter. Additional accolades include the CRA Gold Medallion Awards for “Best Casino Restaurant” and “Best Casino Buffet”; “Best Restaurants”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Brunch” from Southern California Gaming Guide; “Best Traditional Cuisine” from Santé magazine; and “Best Gourmet Restaurant”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Steakhouse” by Strictly Slots magazine.

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study. Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, ten award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
http://www.barona.com/facebook
http://www.barona.com/twitter
http://www.barona.com/myspace

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For the second consecutive year, Barona Resort & Casino ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” by J.D. Power and Associates. 

“We are extremely honored to be recognized once again by J.D. Power and Associates for offering our guests the ultimate gaming experience,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “Our staff at Barona is constantly striving to raise the bar for our guests every day and in every area of operations from the casino to dining to our golf course. And, in today’s economic climate this is more important than ever. This prestigious award belongs to everyone at Barona who goes above and beyond to create memorable moments for our guests.”

The J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM explored casino players’ entire gaming experience including gaming; facility; cage/cashier and ticket redemption machine; arrival and parking; and beverage service.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 2,005 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

About Barona Resort & Casino
Blending the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas, Barona Resort & Casino is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, an award-winning casino, ten world-class restaurants, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center, and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.

http://www.barona.com/facebook | http://www.barona.com/twitter | http://www.barona.com/myspace

J.D Power and Associates Ranks Barona Highest in Southern California

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

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Barona Resort & Casino has been honored in 25 different categories in the 2009 “Best of Gaming” reader’s survey in the July issue of Casino Player magazine. Barona received eight first place titles including Best Over-All Hotel Casino.

“We are honored to receive these awards that come directly from our guests and peers,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “Our team has once again shown that they are tops in every aspect of the industry from our casino floor, to our restaurants and golf course.”

Readers selected Barona with first place votes for Best Over-All Hotel Casino, Best Blackjack, Best Video Poker, Best Cashback, Best Comps, Best Hosts, and Best Steakhouse Restaurant (Barona Oaks Steakhouse) and Best Casino Golf Course (Barona Creek Golf Club).

Barona also received 10 second-place honors for Best Casino, Best Hometown Casino, Best Rooms, Best Spa (AmBience Day Spa), Best Live Poker, Best Players Club, Best Service, Luckiest Casino, Best Chinese (Ho Wan Noodle Shop) and Best Buffet (Ranch House Buffet).

Third place honors included Best Hotel, Best Pool, Best Reel Shots, Best Video Slots, Best Promotions, Best Dealers and Best Coffee Shop (Sage Café).

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study. Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, ten award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
http://www.barona.com/facebook
http://www.barona.com/twitter
http://www.barona.com/myspace

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You don’t have to know about the blitz, bomb or bump-and-run plays to catch the excitement of Football Bingo, a new easy-to-play game kicking off at Barona Resort & Casino.

From the NFL season opener in September through the last game of the regular season on January 2, 2010, Club Barona members are eligible to play Football Bingo and win up to $10,000 in cash prizes each week.

The game plan for football fun is simple. Show up at the casino, accumulate 250 Club Barona points, swipe your membership card at one of the specially marked kiosks and earn one bingo card featuring the 24 NFL teams. Guests can qualify for up to seven unique Football Bingo cards each week.

Every Tuesday after the completion of the final NFL game of the week, participants can review their results at a kiosk and print reward coupons based on the prizes they have won, including Triple Bingo payoffs from $250 to $10,000.

“Football Bingo is a great way for everyone – gridiron enthusiasts and non-fans alike – to be part of the upcoming sports season,” said Kari Stout-Smith, director of casino marketing for Barona Resort & Casino. “We encourage new and existing Club Barona members to get into the game weekly and score big points and exciting prizes.”

Joining Club Barona is fast, easy and free, giving players an opportunity to earn prizes ranging from cash back and restaurant discounts to complimentary hotel stays and merchandise. Sign up at the Club Barona booth in the casino or online at www.barona.com.

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, ten award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rdbest resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at:

www.barona.com/facebook      www.barona.com/twitter      and www.barona.com/myspace.

(SAN DIEGO) Oct. 22, 2009 – Barona Resort & Casino is rolling out a new line of “green” shuttle buses that offer guests and staff a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly way to travel to the award-winning gaming, golf and entertainment destination in the scenic Barona Valley just northeast of downtown San Diego. 

Free shuttle service aboard the expanded fleet of low-emission eco-friendly luxury motorcoach buses is available daily from early morning to late evening from six locations throughout San Diego County, including El Cajon, Lakeside, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Chula Vista and National City. In addition, all of the buses are equipped with a handicap lift.

The new fleet of Barona buses are “good for the environment, save wear on roads and reduce traffic congestion,” explained Jay Bart, director of safety, health and environment at Barona Resort & Casino.

In recent years, he said there’s been a huge attitude shift away from private vehicles and toward more eco-smart bus transportation. “With fuel prices skyrocketing and concerns about traffic congestion and global warming ever increasing, the demand from our guests and staff for greener alternatives has been very strong.” 

Motorcoaches are the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Barona’s new biodiesel-fueled motorcoaches provides 206.6 passenger miles per gallon of fuel – more than double the second most fuel-efficient sector of commuter rail. They also emit the least carbon dioxide per passenger mile when compared to other vehicles and are on average seven times more energy and fuel efficient than single occupancy automobiles.

“It is always encouraging to see that Barona – an early adopter of green technology continues to raise the bar for environmental performance,” said Gary Goodson, Executive Director of the United States Green Building Council - San Diego Chapter. “Since biodiesel is a fuel made from plant crops like soybeans or recycled fryer oil from restaurants, it burns cleaner and is more of a renewable resource than diesel made from oil pulled from the ground.”

“When you go by Barona bus, you go green,” said Bart, noting that each shuttle bus has the potential of removing 56 autos from the local roads and busy highways. “That’s millions of cars not driven, saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing congestion,” he said. 

And that’s not mentioning lowered transportation costs and stress levels as well as other positive health benefits for both staff and guests who instead of driving simply “sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Barona Valley on their way to work or to play,” said Bart.

The green shuttle buses are just part of Barona’s environmental sustainability program and wide reaching eco-friendly mission.

With a proven track record for environmental stewardship, Barona has received numerous honors and accolades for its green practices. It has received SANDAG RideLink Diamond Awards for its transportation management program that has provided shuttle and vanpool services to more than 500,000 riders in recent years.

In addition, Barona has been recognized with the 2007 United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act Recognition Award, the 2006 San Diego Earthworks Earth Award for water resource management and the 2009 U.S. EPA Energy Star Award for superior energy efficiency.

“We’re proud of our environmental record and think our guests and employees appreciate our eco-friendly efforts,” said Bart. “We plan to continue to expand the greening of Barona by adding additional shuttle buses and other carbon footprint shrinking programs.”

For casino shuttle service information and schedules, visit www.barona.com and click on directions or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). 

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, 11 award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3^rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies^{SM –} Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and

Barona Resort & Casino was the top winner at the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) ninth annual AGA Communications Awards ceremony, taking home five Gaming Voice awards, which recognize outstanding corporate communications, public relations and advertising in the gaming industry.

“We are honored to be recognized by our peers and industry experts for our creative and memorable marketing campaigns,” said Linda Devine, senior vice president of marketing of Barona Resort & Casino. “Our five awards, ranging from Best Web site to Best Corporate Social Responsibility Publication, display the amazing versatility of our marketing team. These prestigious awards truly belong to them for their passion and hard work.”

Barona received first prize in five different categories including Best Corporate Social Responsibility Publication for its “Barona Valley Environmental Sustainability Program,” Best Direct Mail – Single Piece for the “Randy Travis Spring VIP Concert Event Invitation,” as well as Best Direct Mail Campaign for the “2009 Club Barona Tier Aspiration and Migration Program” and Best Web Advertisement for the “Barona Video Contest.” In addition, Barona took home the trophy for Best Web site, which made its inaugural debut this year, for its “Speakeasy” player development event site.

The ninth annual AGA Communications Awards was held in Las Vegas and represented four different industry sectors including gaming equipment manufacturers, commercial, racetrack and Tribal casinos. With more than 200 entries, a panel of judges with expertise in advertising, marketing, public relations, Internet design, graphic arts and financial communications evaluated the entries, and awards were presented in 16 categories.

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study. Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, 11 award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
http://www.barona.com/facebook  http://www.barona.com/twitter http://www.barona.com/myspace

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Barona Resort & Casino (Barona) is helping to make the holiday season a little brighter for deserving children through the annual United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots gift drive.

Barona staff members and guests are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys Friday, Nov. 20 through Thursday, Dec. 17 at various collection sites at Barona Resort & Casino to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  The donated toys will be collected and distributed to children in need throughout the San Diego community.  In 2008, Barona staff and guests collected more than 6,500 toys for the program and the goal is to collect even more this year.  

“Everyone at Barona looks forward to Toys for Tots every year because it puts smiles and joy to so many children and families during the holiday season,” said Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “This is one of those programs that truly unites our Tribal members, staff and guests for a common cause. I’d like to thank those that have been so generous in the past and ask for their support again this year when there are more children in need than ever before.”

Club Barona members will also benefit from giving back by donating toys to the Club Barona collection booths.  Those that participate will be awarded 1,000 Club Barona myPOINTS for donating one toy, 5,000 points for three toys, and 10,000 points for five toys.
    
From 1991 to 2005, the Toys for Tots Foundation raised $344 million in local toy collections. The goal of Toys for Tots is to spark hope in underprivileged children and help to motivate them to become driven and responsible leaders. For further information or to make a donation online, please visit the official Toys for Tots Web Site.

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study. Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, 11 award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
http://www.barona.com/facebook
http://www.barona.com/twitter
http://www.barona.com/myspace

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Enjoy 23 Days of Cash and Prizes During Barona’s Season of Giving Promotion
 
Barona is decked out in its holiday finest and all of the restaurants are offering delicious holiday meals and deals, and now there’s one more reason to visit Barona Resort & Casino this holiday season: exciting gaming action and a chance to win some of the season’s most sought after gifts all wrapped up by the Barona elves.

Now through Dec. 23, Club Barona members can earn points daily to participate in Barona’s $260,000 Season of Giving promotion for a chance to win exciting prizes such as a Louis Vuitton handbag, Tiffany necklace, Callaway golf clubs, Wii Fit 2, iPhone 3GS, HP laptop computer and a Sony Blu-ray player with surround sound. Cash drawings are also held every Wednesday at 9 p.m. for a chance to win up to $25,000.  

And on Dec. 23, Barona will feature an “everything must go” blowout of prizes from noon to 10 p.m. with hourly drawings and a grand finale cash drawing at 10 p.m. Guests can earn one entry into the Dec. 23 drawings for every 1,000 Club Barona myPoints they earn during the last week of the promotion only from Dec. 17-Dec. 23.

“With our beautiful displays, season-inspired dining specials and all-around festive atmosphere, there’s no better holiday escape than Barona,” said Kari Stout-Smith, director of casino marketing of Barona Resort & Casino. “We’ve made our list and checked it twice and believe our guests are really going to enjoy all of the amazing prizes we have tucked away in our workshop ready to be unwrapped.”

Joining Club Barona is fast, easy and free, giving players an opportunity to earn prizes ranging from cash back and restaurant discounts to complimentary hotel stays and merchandise. Sign up at the Club Barona booth in the casino or online at www.barona.com.

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, ten award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rdbest resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

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For the fifth consecutive year, Barona Creek Golf Club (Barona Creek) located at Barona Resort & Casino in San Diego ranked as one of the best golf courses in the state and nation by Golfweek magazine.

Golfweek rated Barona Creek as the fifth best course in California; third best resort in California; and fifth best casino golf course in the nation. Additionally, Barona Creek jumped up three spots to 25th place for best resort property nationwide.

“We’re extremely pleased and honored to be on this prestigious list of resort courses,” said Don King, executive director of golf operations at Barona Creek. “The Barona Tribe has established extremely high standards for the quality of this course and our staff works diligently to meet those standards and provide a unique and memorable golf experience for our customers each and every day.”

Continued King, “From hosting top golfers from around the world to being the site of the Southern California PGA championship, our course continues to have tremendous national appeal. We’re flattered to be in the company of so many respected courses as part of Golfweek’s 2010 rankings.”

 Golfweek’s course raters are comprised of a nationwide team of more than 450 evaluators who have surveyed over 500 Classic and 1,200 Modern nominated courses. Judgments are rendered on the basis of 10 standards of evaluation: routing, quality of shaping, overall land plan, greens and surrounds, tree and landscape management, conditioning and a “walk in the park” test, as well as the variety and memorability of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s.

Barona Creek Golf Club is a 7,448-yard par 72 golf course with more than 114 multi-fingered bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds connected to the area’s naturally fed streams. The course offers multiple sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. It features more than 170 mature native oak trees transplanted from other regions of the Barona Indian Reservation.

The course has also been recognized for its environmental efforts by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and San Diego Earthworks. With its state-of-the-art water reclamation and wastewater treatment facilities, Barona uses 100 percent reclaimed water to irrigate the golf course and surrounding landscape. The course has also earned the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International for its conservation, environmental quality and land management efforts.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study. Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, 11 award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino StudiesSM—Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May, 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
http://www.barona.com/facebook  http://www.barona.com/twitter http://www.barona.com/myspace

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United We Paint’s Victory for Veterans Event Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30

United We Paint is proud to announce Barona as the title partner for United We Paint’s Victory for Veterans campaign. Barona joins the County of San Diego’s Aging & Independence Services, Asymtek and California Own Native Landscaping, as partners committed to helping veterans of foreign wars.  
 
The funding partners and their employees will provide a free home makeover to WWII veteran Jim Bounds and his wife of 67 years. The event is Saturday, January 30 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.  

Jim Bounds, a Pearl Harbor Attack “cut-out survivor” served on the USS Oklahoma. Nine torpedoes struck and sunk the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941 and 429 sailors died on the battleship that day. Jim Bounds was one of a handful to survive, trapped underwater in the battleship for 32 hours. As air supply diminished to perilous levels, shipyard workers successfully rescued Jim and fellow sailors by cutting a hole in the haul of the ship. Jim continued to serve our country for another 27 years.
 
“We are honored to support Mr. Jim Bounds who is a true American hero and inspiration to us all,” said Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “In addition to our donation and to thank Mr. Bounds for his many years of service, Barona Tribal and staff members will also serve as volunteers to help with this very special home makeover. We are truly proud to be a part of this significant event that honors such a distinguished veteran in our community.”

Barona, the County of San Diego and Asymtek are providing the necessary funding for volunteers to paint and landscape the home. Additionally, an eco-friendly water and energy conservation plan will help Mr. and Mrs. Bounds save money and the environment. United We Paint will provide volunteers a light breakfast, snacks, beverages, lunch, music, an official volunteer certificate and pictures memorializing their participation. The volunteer deadline is Friday, January 29.  
 
Contact:  Jeff Zotara |  Executive Director, United We Paint  |  760.855.8858  |  jeff.zotara@unitedwepaint.org
 
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About United We Paint
United We Paint is a San Diego-based volunteer initiative that revitalizes homes, schools, and non-profits through painting, landscaping, and renovation.  Additionally, United We Paint provides eco-friendly environments for residents and students.  This event marks the 515th project across the nation for United We Paint and 16,000 volunteers have provided communities $4,000,000 of products and services.   For more information about United We Paint, visit www.unitedwepaint.org or call 760.855.8858.

About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians has lived in Southern California for thousands of years and the Barona Indian Reservation since 1932. The Tribe was once a semi-nomadic band that traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. It is now a sovereign government recognized by the United States government and is governed by an elected Tribal Council. It is also one of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country owning and operating Barona Resort & Casino, a leading gaming resort in San Diego, casino and championship golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

Need a little help winning money on today’s state-of-the-art slot machines? No worries. Just look for the official Loose Troop™ that just landed at Barona Resort & Casino in San Diego.

This top-notch crew of slot technicians has been deployed to adjust some of the casino’s 2,000 slot machines to make them “even looser than ever,” explains Barona General Manager Rick Salinas.

“Barona has always been committed to having the loosest slots in San Diego but now that we have set the Loose Troop loose on our casino floor, it means our guests can expect even longer slot playing time, more jackpots and more winners,” he added.

 Barona’s friendly and fun loving Loose Troop™ -- specially trained gaming sleuths dressed in eye-catching uniforms like a combination of Ghost Busters and Geek Squad -- vigilantly patrols the casino floor day and night in search of slot machines that could use a little attitude adjustment.

 “Guests can’t believe how much more generous this makes our slot machines,” says Salinas of the casino’s 2,000 slots and video poker machines, already the loosest in San Diego.

To cash in on some of the $10 million Barona pays out on average every day, he suggests guests simply look for the adjusted slots marked with the special “Loose Troop” symbol.
 
“It’s a no-brainer,” continued the hotel’s general manager. “We’re proud to offer the loosest slots around and we want everyone to come out and take full advantage of them.”

 In addition to 2,000 slots, progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and iTable Blackjack are offered at Barona as well as 75 other table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and traditional poker.

Barona offers players exclusive advantages through the Club Barona membership rewards program. Members of Club Barona can earn points that are redeemable for cash back, free merchandise, hotel stays, restaurant meals and golf.

 Joining Club Barona is fast, easy and free, giving players an opportunity to earn daily prizes and discounts. Sign up at the Club Barona booth in the casino or online at www.barona.com.

 About Barona Resort & Casino

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400  guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.
 
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El Rancho Grande and Barona Steakhouse Now Open

Barona Resort & Casino is now dishing up authentic Mexican fare such as tamales, ceviche and carnitas at the new El Rancho Grande Mexican restaurant, formerly occupied by its signature steakhouse. Just a stone’s throw from its old spot, the Barona Steakhouse has moved into larger and more deluxe quarters next to the recently unveiled Italian Cucina and Seafood Plaza restaurants.

“Within the past few months we’ve opened three new restaurants to give our guests more exciting dining options,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “Our culinary team has created distinctly different menus while maintaining Barona’s commitment to fresh ingredients and locally grown produce.”

The interior of the El Rancho Grande restaurant was designed by Denean Scott of Design Solutions-id3, Inc. and features beautiful wrought iron chandeliers, murals depicting a traditional Mexican village, as well as hand-painted ceramic plates and pottery. The dining room can accommodate up to 70 guests and is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

The vast menu includes “Desayunos” or breakfast choices such as Huevos a La Mexicana, Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles ranging in price from $7.50 to $9.95. In addition, the menu features “Entradas” or appetizers including the Barona Empanada, Chile con Queso and Stuffed Jalapenos in addition to “Sopas y Ensaladas” or soups and salads such as the traditional soup Albondigas and Yucatan Grilled Shrimp Chopped Salad and Marinated Carne Asada Salad – all for less than $12.

Specialty dishes or “Especialidades Mexicanas” including the Chile Relleno, Mexican Style Short Ribs of Beef, Pork Mole, Grilled Jumbo Prawns are all available from $7.95 to $15.95. In addition, classic combination plates of Tamales, Enchiladas, Tacos are offered from $7.95. Delicious treats such as Churros, Caramel Flan, Pastel de Tres Leches and Fried Ice Cream are $5.95.

To complement the spicy Mexican cuisine, El Rancho Grande serves festive specialty margaritas, as well as an extensive “cervezas” or beer list. “And for those who like to sip tequila straight up, the restaurant offers more than a dozen tequilas,” said Salinas.

The steakhouse’s new 2,700-square-foot location, open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner beginning at 5 p.m., boasts an upscale 105-seat main dining area as well as an elegant private dining room that can accommodate more intimate gatherings of up to 16.

Besides nearly doubling in size, the new version of the Barona Oaks Steakhouse features a massive wood-burning grill, which according to Chef de Cuisine Duncan Firth “greatly enhances meats’ natural flavors.”

And while the upscale steakhouse has expanded and changed locations, its expansive menu of premium steaks, choice chops and fresh seafood has remained the same. Keeping old favorites was a priority, and guests can still enjoy such signature dishes as the Hickory Smoked Beef Ribeye, Dry Aged Porterhouse, California Lamb Rack, Veal Oscar, Alaskan Halibut with Tempura Asparagus and Honey Glazed Mary’s Free Range Chicken.

“Our commitment to hand-cut steaks, top-quality meats and fresh seafood has not wavered,” said Chef Duncan, who selects seasonal vegetables from Barona’s onsite Organic Chefs’ Garden.

Chef Duncan also noted that the steakhouse also dry ages many of its meats in-house to produce “more moist and tender steaks.”

The steakhouse has added several excellent San Diego County wines to the extensive wine list, which earned the prestigious 2005-2009 “Award of Distinction” from Wine Enthusiast.

Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc. of San Diego, in partnership with Denean Scott, created the new look for the eight year-old steakhouse into a more modern and sophisticated eatery for its brand new location.

Eye-catching circular booths, ornate ceiling fixtures, an elegant grand piano – whose keys come alive five days a week – and commissioned artwork of Barona Creek Golf Club by Marshall Hall in the private dining room, further add to the chic allure of the refined establishment.

Using rich wood, soft velvet drapery, lush upholstery and rock walls with a double-sided fireplace, “We’ve created a warm and welcoming ambiance that invites guests to relax and linger,” says Tucker Sadler Design Principal Gregory Mueller.  

Recently, Barona Resort & Casino was honored with a 2009 Gold Medallion Award for Best Casino Dining by the California Restaurant Association (CRA), San Diego Chapter. Additional accolades include the CRA Gold Medallion Awards for “Best Casino Restaurant” and “Best Casino Buffet”; “Best Restaurants”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Brunch” from Southern California Gaming Guide; “Best Traditional Cuisine” from Santé magazine; and “Best Gourmet Restaurant”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Steakhouse” by Strictly Slots magazine.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400  guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

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Club Barona members save 50 percent at six casino restaurants throughout February

(SAN DIEGO) February 2, 2010 – Economy have you on a tight dining budget?  There’s no need to deprive your stomach or drain your wallet. Just head to Barona Resort & Casino throughout the month of February and enjoy 50 percent off any entrée at six of its signature restaurants.

Local foodies, budget-minded diners and out-of-town visitors alike can cash in on Barona’s discounted dining deals throughout the month by simply earning 250 Club Barona myPOINTS during any given day for up to two guests.

According to the casino’s General Manager Rick Salinas, joining Club Barona is “fast and easy,” resulting in immediate opportunities to earn daily prizes and great discounts. Sign up is available at the Club Barona booth in the main casino or online at www.barona.com.

“With such tremendous savings, Club Barona members can try some really hot dining spots without breaking the bank,” says Salinas.

From authentic Mexican and Italian fare to traditional comfort food and casual California cuisine, “there’s sure to be an affordable gourmet dining experience to satisfy every appetite,” notes Salinas.

The eclectic array of eateries participating in Barona’s February Restaurant Month include the signature Barona Oaks Steakhouse, casual Seafood Plaza, refreshingly relaxed Sage Café, spicy new El Rancho Grande and home-style Italian Cucina.

Seasons Fresh Buffet, with all-you-can-eat dining, also will offer the half-off pricing Monday through Friday for both lunch and dinner.

Barona offers San Diego dining at its best. The casino resort’s award-winning culinary team has created distinctly different menus at each of the 11 eating establishments now serving daily, while maintaining its commitment to fresh ingredients and locally grown produce.

All restaurants welcome walk-ins but reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for the popular Barona Oaks Steakhouse. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

Barona Resort & Casino recently was honored with a 2009 Gold Medallion Award for Best Casino Dining by the California Restaurant Association (CRA), San Diego Chapter. Additional accolades include the CRA Gold Medallion Awards for “Best Casino Restaurant” and “Best Casino Buffet”; “Best Restaurants”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Brunch” from Southern California Gaming Guide; “Best Traditional Cuisine” from Santé magazine; and “Best Gourmet Restaurant”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Steakhouse” by Strictly Slots magazine.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400  guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

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(SAN DIEGO) Feb. 4, 2010 – Combining the excitement of the traditional blackjack table game with state-of-the-art technology, Barona Resort & Casino’s blackjack dealers are dealing chipless hands and offering new side bet options with its newly unveiled electronic i-Table game.

Developed by gaming manufacturer Shuffle Master, live dealers and standard casino playing cards are used in this easy version of the classic casino card game. But there are no chips to worry about as all wagers are made on individual touch screens and results are verified electronically.

“This all results in a less intimidating and faster game, without chips and with instant payoffs,” said Mike Patterson, vice president of table games operations of Barona Resort & Casino.

Additionally, players can place side bets with higher odds on each hand, including “Bet the Set 21” and “Royal Match 21”.

According to Patterson, once a hand has been dealt all players also have the option to place an “odds bet,” essentially the probability that they are going to win or lose the round.

The fast paced action also means gamers can make lower minimum bets on blackjack games at Barona.

Just as with the other chipless games introduced at the casino earlier this year, Patterson thinks i-Table Blackjack is going to be “a big hit with table game players.”

“We are pleased that Barona has added our i-Table product to its floor,” commented Tim Parrott, Shuffle Master’s Chief Executive Officer. “Its electronic betting interface gives players access to a wider range of betting opportunities while ensuring speedy and secure game play. In addition, the ability to have live player tracking will allow players to get the recognition they deserve.”

Barona’s dealers have already been dealing chipless hands and offering new side bet options on Rapid Roulette and Rapid Baccarat tables, in addition to 75 traditional table games including Blackjack, No Commission Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Barona Roulette, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and 15 traditional poker tables. Barona also has 2,000 of the most current and popular slots and video poker machines.

About Barona Resort & Casino
 
For the last two years in a row Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400  guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.
 
Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 
You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

About Shuffle Master, Inc.

Shuffle Master, Inc. is a gaming supply company specializing in providing its casino customers with improved profitability, productivity and security, as well as popular and cutting-edge gaming entertainment content, through value-add products in four distinct categories: Utility products which include automatic card shuffler, roulette chip sorters and intelligent table system modules, Proprietary Table Games which include live table game tournaments, Electronic Table Systems which include various e-Table game platforms and Electronic Gaming Machines which include traditional video slot machines for select markets. The Company is included in the S&P Smallcap 600 Index. Information about the Company and its products can be found on the Internet at www.shufflemaster.com.

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(SAN DIEGO) February 4, 2010 – Barona Creek Golf Club was ranked for the second straight year as the fifth best casino course in Golfweek magazine’s Top 40 Casino Courses in the country.

“We are extremely honored that our course continues to receive such a significant ranking on Golfweek’s list of Top 40 Casino Golf Courses,” said Don King executive director of golf operations at Barona Creek. “Since our opening in 2001, we have been committed to providing our customers a world-class golf experience.”

Golfweek’s top five casino courses in 2009 were:
1.    Shadow Creek MGM Mirage, Las Vegas
2.    Fallen Oak Golf Course, Saucier, MS
3.    We-Ko-Pa Golf Course, Fountain Hills, AZ
4.    Cascata, Henderson, NV
5.    Barona Creek Golf Club, San Diego, CA

In addition, Golfweek previously rated Barona Creek the fifth best course in California; third best resort in California and 25th place for best resort courses nationwide.

“Our list embraces the very best of casino golf courses across the country," said Bradley S. Klein, national director of Golfweek's Best Courses ratings program. "In an era when course operators and resort developers are looking to highlight what makes their facility unique, a place on this, the most comprehensive of all casino course ratings, should be a matter of pride."

Since beginning its rating system in 1997, Golfweek has developed the most respected ranking structure in the industry. Every year, Golfweek's nationwide team of course raters, which currently boasts more than 475 evaluators, survey more than 2,200 courses - rating each nominated course on the basis of Golfweek's 10 strict standards of evaluation.

Collectively, Golfweek raters have turned in more than 45,000 votes. Golfweek's Best Courses lists include: Modern, Classic, New, Casino, Municipal, Residential, Resort, Caribbean & Mexico, Courses You Can Play and Tour Courses You Can Play.

Barona Creek Golf Club is a 7,448-yard par 72 golf course with more than 114 multi-fingered bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds connected to the area’s naturally fed streams. The course offers multiple sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. It features more than 170 mature native oak trees transplanted from other regions of the Barona Indian Reservation.

The course has also been recognized for its environmental efforts by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and San Diego Earthworks. With its state-of-the-art water reclamation and wastewater treatment facilities, Barona uses 100 percent reclaimed water to irrigate the golf course and surrounding landscape. The course has also earned the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International for its conservation, environmental quality and land management efforts.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

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(SAN DIEGO) Feb. 11, 2010 – Nostalgic for the boutique shops in Greenwich Village, that perfect cosmo and the art galleries in Soho? Then grab a date and head to Barona Resort & Casino for the Sex and the City™ video slot game.
 
This new, highly acclaimed and much-anticipated multi-level progressive slot game is now appearing for the first time in Southern California at Barona Resort & Casino in San Diego.
 
Based on the popular HBO® series, Sex and the City™ slots are creating quite a buzz at Barona as well as a handful of other hot casinos across the country that recently launched the high-fashion slot machine game. The game also resonates strongly with Sex in the City™ fans – male and female alike – by including iconic moments and quotes from the award-winning TV series.
 
“Simply put, this game is great fun right down to the shoes and cosmos,” said Vice President of Slot Operations Chuck Hickey. “Sex and the City™ slots are performing off the charts, with some casinos reporting players standing in line to get a shot at playing. We expect it to be very popular with our guests.”
 
The vividly animated slot game features the show’s upbeat and catchy music as well as its oh-so popular characters, Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, Miranda and Mr. Big. It offers players a chance at five progressive jackpots and four bonus games.
 

With each bonus game, players get to watch their favorite video clips (such as “Hello, Lover!”) that feature shoes, jewelry, fashion and more, and are tied to specific bonus themes.
 
"We knew this game was a winner from the start," said IGT Vice President of MegaJackpots® Tom Mikulich. "Our game development team made it a priority to stay true to the Sex and the City brand. We invite fans to sit back, relax and feel like they are part of the show with our state-of-the-art sound system and graphics. We are sure Barona’s guests will love it.”
 
In addition to 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 75 table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and iTable Blackjack.
 

Barona offers players exclusive advantages through the Club Barona membership rewards program. Members of Club Barona can earn points that are redeemable for free merchandise, hotel stays, restaurant meals, golf and cash back.
 
Joining Club Barona is fast, easy and free, giving players an opportunity to earn daily prizes and discounts. Sign up at the Club Barona booth in the casino or online at www.barona.com.
 
For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit the website (www.barona.com) or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 

About Barona Resort & Casino

For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.
 
Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.
 

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
 
For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 
You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.
 
###

(San Diego, CA) Feb. 17, 2010 – BARONA. MORWNNRS. CHA CHING.  If you’ve driven along Interstate-8 in San Diego during the past few weeks, you may have seen a new series of billboard’s highlighting these winning moments at Barona Resort & Casino.

Since the launch, the campaign – developed by Barona’s award winning marketing team – has generated such an enthusiastic response from guests and passersby that Barona is inviting San Diegans to use their creative license and submit their own ideas as part of the Great Barona Vanity Plate Contest.

“Given the success of our Barona video contest last year, we wanted to once again give our guests and all the creative types in San Diego another chance to express themselves in a fun way,” said Linda Devine, senior vice president of marketing at Barona Resort & Casino.

Now through March 31, San Diegans are invited to share what they love about Barona in 16 letters on two license plates at www.barona.com/billboard.  The winner of one chosen vanity plate could win $500 or $1,000 if two plates are chosen.  And, they may get to see their creativity blazing across a billboard (or two) for all of San Diego to see!

Plus, those who submit their ideas in person at Club Barona at Barona Resort & Casino will receive a free Barona license plate frame or Barona key chain, while supplies last.

Official rules are available at www.barona.com/billboard.

About Barona Resort & Casino

For two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400  guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.


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Barona Doubles the Number of Penny Slots on Casino Floor

(SAN DIEGO) March 3, 2010 – After Barona Resort & Casino’s original introduction of ticket-in, ticket-out technology, multi-line penny slots have become one of the hottest innovations to hit the casino floor in recent years.   Responding to recent customer requests for more of these exciting games, Barona is now bringing in more penny slots, doubling the amount on the casino floor.

“Penny slots are a fun way to give our customers more bang for their buck.” says Barona’s Vice President of Slot Operations Chuck Hickey. “Our players asked for more penny slots, so we doubled the number to make it possible for our guests to have more play time for their gaming money.”

Barona’s new penny slots span from treasured themes such as Aztec Temple to relaxing destinations such as Hawaiian Sunset Multi-play and excitement in the popular Glitz. The majority of all the new penny slots are replacing nickel games.

Barona’s famous Loose Troop™ has made sure the new penny machines are the loosest around which means “our guests can expect even longer slot playing time, more jackpots and more winners,” explained Hickey.

In addition to a total of 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 75 table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and i-Table Blackjack.

About Barona Resort & Casino

For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3^rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

# # #

(SAN DIEGO) March 4, 2010 – One lucky San Diego County player hit the jackpot this past weekend at Barona Resort & Casino. Club Barona member Sheila R. of Lakeside scored $152,102 while playing the Power Strike progressive penny slot machine.

“We are happy to add Sheila to our list of jackpot winners,”said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “Barona has always been committed to having the loosest slots in San Diego. We recently doubled the number of penny slots on our casino floor so that our guests can play longer and have more opportunities to win.”

New games and promotions have been implemented to help Barona’s players’ cash in on big pay outs. The new Barona Loose Troop™ daily loosens slot machines on the casino floor to make them the loosest around, including penny slots.

In addition to the 2,000 slots, progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona offers traditional poker and over 75  table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and iTable Blackjack.

Barona offers players exclusive advantages through the Club Barona membership rewards program. Members of Club Barona can earn points that are redeemable for cash back, free merchandise, hotel stays, restaurant meals and golf.

Joining Club Barona is fast, easy and free, giving players an opportunity to earn daily prizes and discounts. Sign up at the Club Barona booth in the casino or online at www.barona.com.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

###

Cash In On the Fun on Friday and Saturday Nights From 6 to Midnight

(SAN DIEGO) March 11, 2010 – It’s party time at Barona Resort & Casino every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. to midnight now through March 13.

Barona guests can dance the night away as professional DJ Thomas Hootman spins top tunes from yesterday and today, or grab some of the more than $100,000 in cash and prizes including great swag.

“Every night is a party at Barona but we’re really kicking up the festivities this month to reward our frequent players and club members,” says General Manager Rick Salinas. “This is an exciting time to head out to Barona for a great party with tons of giveaways and prizes.”

Barona Club membership is fast, free and easy, says Salinas, noting sign up is available at the Barona Club booth at the casino or online at www.barona.com.

“Join now and let’s get the party started,” he says.

Barona Club members can cash in on the nightly fun with raffle drawings, hot seat games and happy hour playing specials. 

According to Salinas, each week there will 14 raffle-drawing winners of $500 cash. In addition, every 10 minutes from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturday nights there will be “hot seat” prizes such as free plays and game chips given to Club Barona members playing slots and video poker machines.

Plus, Club Barona members playing slots, video machines and table games during the 6 to 7 p.m. Party Time Happy Hour will have their points multiplied based on tier levels.

With 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 75 table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and iTable Blackjack.

Barona offers real players exclusive advantages through the Club Barona membership rewards program. Members of Club Barona can earn points that are redeemable for free merchandise, hotel stays, restaurant meals, golf and cash back.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit the website (www.barona.com) or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

About Barona Resort & Casino

For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3^rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

Course Moves Up To Fourth in State Behind Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Pasatiempo

(SAN DIEGO) March 22, 2010 – Barona Creek Golf Club at Barona Resort & Casino jumped from the fifth to the fourth spot in Golfweek magazine’s “Best of California Course” list Barona officials announced today. The publication also recently named Barona Creek as the third best resort course in California, number 25 on its list of resort properties nationwide, and fifth on its casino course list.

“We are honored to have moved up in these rankings amongst the best courses in the state,” said Don King, executive director of golf operations at Barona Resort & Casino. “There are hundreds of great courses in California and it’s a tremendous distinction for our property.”

Barona Creek ranks directly behind the state’s landmark courses Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach and Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz.  Barona Creek moved ahead of Rustic Canyon on their Top 10 list to assume 4th place on the list. 

Golfweek’s  2010 Top 10 California Course Rankings
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach 
2. Spyglass Hill, Pebble Beach
3. Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz 
4. Barona Creek, Lakeside
5. Rustic Canyon, Moorpark
6. PGA West (Stadium), La Quinta
7. CordeValle, San Martin
8. The Classic Club, Palm Desert 
9. Torrey Pines (South), San Diego 
10. DarkHorse, Auburn

Golfweek’s course raters are comprised of a nationwide team of more than 450 evaluators who have surveyed over 500 Classic and 1,200 Modern nominated courses. Judgments are rendered on the basis of 10 standards of evaluation: routing, quality of shaping, overall land plan, greens and surrounds, tree and landscape management, conditioning and a “walk in the park” test, as well as the variety and memorability of par-3s, par-4s.

Barona Creek is a 7,448-yard par 72 golf course with more than 114 multi-fingered bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds connected to the area’s naturally fed streams.  The course offers multiple sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. It features more than 170 mature native oak trees transplanted from other regions of the Barona Indian Reservation. 

The course has also been recognized for its environmental efforts by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and San Diego Earthworks. Barona’s state-of-the art water reclamation and wastewater treatment facilities allow the Tribe to save and reuse nearly every drop of water runoff at its Barona Resort & Casino and Barona Creek Golf Club. The property currently uses 100 percent of the reclaimed water to irrigate the golf course and surrounding landscape. The course has also won the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International for its conservation, environmental quality and land management efforts.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

# # #

Casino Players Cash in on Certified Manufacturers’ Best Paying Machines

(SAN DIEGO)  March 23, 2010 – On the heels of Barona’s Loose Troop™ campaign, which has expert slot technicians loosening slot machines on the floor while players observe, the world’s leading slot machine manufacturers are working exclusively with Barona Resort & Casino’s Loose Troop™ to loosen even more slot machines. This means that casino-goers can enjoy even better odds of winning on their favorite big-name games as part of Barona’s Certified Manufacturer’s Best Payouts program.

Barona has partnered with the gaming industry’s leading creators of the most popular slot machines for this program. Simply put, Barona’s Manufacturer’s Best Payout slots are certified by the manufacturer that their machines at Barona are set as loose as they can be set and cannot possibly be looser anywhere else.

“We’ve teamed up with our slot manufacturers to make sure our players can win more jackpots and play longer on the industry’s most exciting games including Whipping Wild, Jackpot Celebration and Blazing 7s,” explains Chuck Hickey, vice president of slot operations at Barona.

As well as playing popular-titled slot machines marked with “Certified Manufacturer’s Best Payouts,” Barona gamers also should continue to be on the lookout for the Loose Troop™ -- a friendly and fun-loving group of expert slot technicians that regularly patrols the casino floor loosening other slots to be looser and more fun. 

“All of this casino craziness is to give our first timers and loyal guests higher payout percentages in a fun and festive atmosphere,” added Hickey holding up colorful hats and t-shirts that also will be given away throughout the promotion.

In addition to 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 75 table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and i-Table Blackjack.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

# # #

Big Top Buckets, Discounts in the Buffet, ‘Iipay Corner Menu and Nostalgic Big Top Promotions Will be Offered for a Limited Time

(SAN DIEGO) March 25, 2010 – Barona Resort & Casino will take a nostalgic look back to the days before table games with electronic betting terminals to remember some of Barona’s earliest moments as the first Tribe in San Diego to open a major casino with Las Vegas style gaming action.

From March 26 to April 24, Barona will celebrate its past and look to the future with a month-long Back to the Big Top Celebration, which will feature weekly drawings, special meal deals and chances to win on such big top-inspired promotions as the Crazy Wheel, Big Top Blinko and Big Bang Balloon.

“Those exciting, early days of the Barona Big Top really set the stage for where we are today,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino.  “And, on occasion our guests reminisce about their favorite things from those days.  So, we thought we would bring back some of those memories while creating new ones at the same time.”

When Barona unveiled the 39,000 square-foot Big Top Casino in a sprung structure tent in 1994 with its turn-of-the-century circus theme, the gaming area featured wooden replicas of acrobats overhead and small acts such as jugglers in the center ring.

“To pay tribute to Barona as the first Native American casino with a theme, it’ll be a circus all month long,” added Salinas, describing the festive atmosphere and three-ring entertainment that he expects will draw thousands of first-time gamers and long-time patrons to the high-flying casino celebration.

From wandering magicians and stilt walkers to caricaturists and carnival barkers at the weekly prize drawings, Salinas says the Barona Big Top promotion will be a throwback to simpler times when folks had fun just clowning around in a carnival setting. 

“Before the Barona Big Top, San Diego players had to travel to Las Vegas to experience a major casino,” remembered Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “It was such an exciting time when we opened the Big Top, especially when we rolled out the new slot machines and added the first all-you-can-eat Las Vegas style buffet in California. It’s amazing to see just how far we’ve come since that time.”

Guests’ palates will be reminded of the good old days with several restaurant specials during the Big Top celebration, including:
• ‘Iipay Corner Café – The original ‘Iipay menu will be served in the Sage Café through March
31 featuring old favorites such as the Frisco Melt, Mom’s Fried Chicken, Monte Vista Meatloaf and Dieguito Huevos Rancheros. 
• Big Top Bucket Mondays – For reminiscing guests, the casino will specially offer the Barona
Big Top Bucket every Monday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at your favorite slot machine via Gameside Dining, the Sage Café, El Rancho Grande and The Plaza restaurants. For just $9.99 guests can savor Carne Asada, Pollo Asado, Slipper Lobster or Shrimp served over a bed of rice.
• Prime Rib Tuesdays – The casino classic slow-roasted Prime Rib dinner will be offered every
Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Sage Café and through Gameside dining on the casino floor for just $9.99.
• Seasons Fresh Buffet – Barona’s award-winning buffet will be available all day for just $9.99
every Wednesday for guests 18 and older.

At the casino, a weekly drawing once wildly popular with Club Barona members will make a come back. On Throwback Thursdays throughout April, all eligible Club Barona members may enter into drawings for a chance to play a randomly-selected game for up to $5,000 in cash. Players may also step right up to the final giveaway drawing on Saturday, April 24 for a 2010 Ford Mustang and $10,000.

According to Salinas, everyone can participate in the Big Top drawings and restaurant discounts by joining Club Barona, which is fast, easy and free.  Sign up is available at the Club Barona booth in the casino or online at www.barona.com.

Along with the return of the Ringmaster drawings and promotion games, he says Barona is decking out its casino and restaurants in colorful Big Top memorabilia from banners to kitschy advertisements reflecting the last two decades that have been filled with fun promotions, great giveaways and historic jackpot winners.

In just 15 years, Barona has evolved from a small bingo hall to San Diego’s leading casino resort destination with an award winning casino, a championship golf course consistently ranked in the top five in California by Golfweek magazine since its opening, world-class restaurants and meeting and convention facilities.

Today, Barona combines modern gaming technology with good old-fashioned wagering fun, explains Salinas.  “We’ve got a mix of classic and new games that appeal to casino-goers of all gaming levels as well as those that have been with us since the Big Top days to those that have only recently discovered us.”

In addition to 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 75 table games including blackjack, Pai Gow poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, three-card poker, four-card poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and i-Table Blackjack.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

###

Exciting Table Game Parties Feature Themed Nights, DJ Hootman, Cash and Prize Giveaways

(SAN DIEGO) April 1, 2010 – Barona Resort & Casino is letting the good times roll every Friday night at its high-energy Party Pit. During the month of April, table game players will have the chance to win even more cash and prizes in a fun and spirited atmosphere.

DJ Thomas Hootman will spin player’s favorite upbeat tunes in the Party Pit from 6 p.m. to midnight while guests play at their favorite table game. And, guests are encouraged to come dressed in costume to represent each themed-party night.   
•    4/2 - Barona Bunny
•    4/9 - Famous Characters
•    4/16 - Pajama Party
•    4/23 - 70s Disco Night
•    4/30 - Preppy

“Barona’s Party Pit is the place to have fun,” said Mike Patterson, vice president of table games. “We’ll be dealing out $30,000 in cash and prizes during the entire month to reward our Club Barona members and get our players in the party spirit.”

According to Patterson, the casino will be giving away promo chips, free bets and lucky charms to table game players in the party pit. Guests at select tables may win extra chips and charms and get a chance to spin the prize wheel. Plus, each guest who gets dealt the “cut” card will receive a certificate for a $5 free bet.

Surrounding slot players will also get to enjoy some of the fun in the “hot seat” drawing, which will take place every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to midnight. The hot seat winner will select an envelope with certificates ranging from $25-$100. And, Club Barona members will take home an added bonus.

In addition to 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 80 table games including blackjack, Pai Gow poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, three-card poker, four-card poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and i-Table Blackjack.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

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Seasons Fresh Buffet Now Features New Menu Choices and Extended Hours

(SAN DIEGO) April 12, 2010 – Named “Best Buffet” by the California Restaurant Association, San Diego Chapter,  Barona Resort & Casino has officially changed the name of the Ranch House Buffet to Seasons Fresh Buffet. In addition to a new name, the restaurant has added dozens of new menu choices and extended hours.

“To showcase our fresh, local seasonal ingredients, we decided to rename our popular buffet restaurant and extend the restaurant’s hours due to customer demand,” said General Manager Rick Salinas. “We whipped up new choices to offer our guests additional menu selections and to keep them coming back for more.”

New additions include a Seafood Station, which offers an assortment of fish for seafood lovers such as Peel and Eat Shrimp and Snow Crab Legs, as well as an Omelet & Crepe station.

The American BBQ station dishes up Pulled Pork, Smoked Brisket, St. Louis Ribs and Smoked Sausage. Additionally, guests can also sample authentic Chinese fare at the new Dim Sum station.

The main buffet continues to feature individually-themed stations that translate to an around-the-world culinary journey including Mexican, Chinese, Mongolian, Rotisserie, Soup & Salad, Dessert and Flambé.

The Seasons Fresh Buffet is priced at $20.99 per person. New extended hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400  guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

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(SAN DIEGO) April 15, 2010 – Today, Barona Resort & Casino announced that it has achieved Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED™-EB) rating system. Barona is the first Tribal resort in the nation to earn the internationally recognized certification for the design and operation of high performance green buildings.

The Barona Resort & Casino’s LEED for Existing Buildings Gold certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The most sustainable way to green the built environment is through retrofitting existing buildings. Barona can look forward to increased water and energy savings throughout the lifecycle of the facility.
 
For more than a year, staff members have been working toward certification under the LEED program, which encompasses all aspects of building management and maintenance.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council and think that it is an important milestone for Barona,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “This achievement sends a clear message about Barona’s commitment to sustainability.  LEED was in its infancy when we built our resort so the opportunity to retrofit our building to high-performance green benchmark is a major accomplishment for our team.  We would also like to encourage other properties to join us in working towards more sustainable operations. What might seem to be an impossible task is entirely possible and the right thing to do.”

LEED Gold Certification of the resort was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. A few of these key features include Barona’s extensive recycling efforts, including the recycling of paper, cardboard, batteries, plastic, electronics, Styrofoam and guestroom soap; the use of green maintenance and cleaning products; a shuttle program for guests and staff to reduce the property’s carbon footprint; parking spaces designated for alternative fuel vehicles; and an educational program about Barona’s environmental efforts which is available to staff as well as resort guests.

Buildings achieving LEED-EB certification must meet minimum standards in critical performance categories including energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management and indoor air quality. In addition, buildings must achieve a minimum number of credits or ‘points’ by documenting the implementation of sustainable practices. To date only a few hundred buildings in the U.S. have achieved LEED-EB certification, of which only a handful are hotel or resort properties.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” continued Fedrizzi.  “The work of the team at Barona Resort & Casino is a fundamental driving force in the movement.”

Pursuing LEED certification is just part of the Barona Valley Environmental Sustainability Program and wide reaching eco-friendly mission. Barona’s state-of-the art water reclamation plant allows Barona to reclaim and reuse nearly every drop of water runoff at the resort and Barona Creek Golf Club. The property currently uses 100 percent of the reclaimed water to irrigate the golf course and surrounding landscape at the resort.

And, in a pro-active approach to water conservation, the Barona Creek Golf Club underwent an ambitious turf reduction project last year to lower irrigation and maintenance needs to enhance its conservation of natural resources. Other environmental initiatives include Styrofoam recycling and an award-winning carpool program complete with low-emission buses.

Barona has also received numerous honors and accolades for its green practices. Barona has been recognized with the 2007 United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act Recognition Award, the 2006 San Diego Earthworks Earth Award for water resource management and the 2009 U.S. EPA Energy Star Award for superior energy efficiency. In addition, the Barona Creek Golf Club won the prestigious Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International for its conservation, environmental quality and land management efforts.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace at: www.barona.com/facebook, www.barona.com/twitter and www.barona.com/myspace.

U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to soar to $60 billion by 2010. The USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system is the preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 5.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

(SAN DIEGO) April 20, 2010 – Grab your sombreros and get ready for a fiesta at Barona Resort & Casino on Wednesday, May 5. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Barona is serving up authentic Mexican cuisine at the casino’s new El Rancho Grande Mexican restaurant, Seasons Fresh Buffet and The Plaza.

“Barona is giving our guests many reasons to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with exciting dining options and incredible deals,” said Barona’s General Manager Rick Salinas. “Our affordable buffet, Puerto Nuevo lobster and festive drinks are the perfect accompaniment to a fun-filled fiesta at the casino.”

For those looking to sip on a refreshing margarita and enjoy traditional Mexican fare, the recently-opened El Rancho Grande restaurant, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., will serve a family-style Puerto Nuevo Lobster Special paired with rice and beans for $19.95. Or, guests can enjoy additional dishes on the El Rancho Grande menu including Chile Relleno, Mexican Style Short Ribs of Beef, Pork Mole, Enchiladas and Tacos. Guests can also choose from a selection of specialty margaritas and cervezas, as well as more than a dozen tequilas available beginning at 5 p.m. The Plaza restaurant will also be dishing up the Puerto Nuevo Lobster meal deal from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In honor of the holiday, the Season’s Fresh Buffet will be offering guests an assortment of all-you-can-eat dining options for a festive price of $5.55. The buffet will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for guests 18 and over and Club Barona discounts will apply.

Barona Resort & Casino was honored with a 2009 Gold Medallion Award for Best Casino Dining by the California Restaurant Association (CRA), San Diego Chapter. Additional accolades include the CRA Gold Medallion Awards for “Best Casino Restaurant” and “Best Casino Buffet”; “Best Restaurants”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Brunch” from Southern California Gaming Guide; “Best Traditional Cuisine” from Santé magazine; and “Best Gourmet Restaurant”, “Best Buffet” and “Best Steakhouse” by Strictly Slots magazine.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
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Latest Technology Asks Players “How Do You Like to Win?™”

(SAN DIEGO) April 22, 2010 – For the first time in the United States, video slot players can choose how they want to win with the revolutionary Magic Touch® video slot machine at Barona Resort & Casino.

Developed by Incredible Technologies, Magic Touch® video slot games use a fun animated character, called the Prize Guy™ to explain and educate players about the three ways you can win: a low volatility game, designed to win often; a medium volatility game, designed to win steady; and a high volatility game, designed to win big.

“The new Magic Touch game is one of the more exciting new products to launch at Barona because it empowers individual video slot players to choose how they want to win,” said Chuck Hickey, vice president of slots. “We believe cutting edge technology is only good if it is good for our players. Magic Touch is both great and exciting for our players and adds to their overall gaming experience.”

Designed and created by innovative slot machine manufacturer Incredible Technologies, the Magic Touch® video slot games feature state-of-the-art 3-D graphics, animations and digital sound. Players can choose from four exciting and different themes, including the buzzing and fast Cars, colorful Fish Store, wild and exotic Fruit and action-packed Money.

“If we’re not creating games that push the boundaries of imagination, we’re not doing our job,” said Elaine Hodgson, president and CEO of Incredible Technologies. “Much like us, Barona thrives on a spirit of innovation in entertainment, making them the premier partner to launch our Magic Touch video slot games.”

Recently, Barona also doubled the number of multi-line penny slots on the casino floor. The penny slots span from treasured themes such as Aztec Temple to relaxing destinations such as Hawaiian Sunset Multi-play and excitement in the popular Glitz.

In addition to a total of 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 80 table games including blackjack, Pai Gow poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, three-card poker, four-card poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and i-Table Blackjack.

About Barona Resort & Casino

For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). You can also join Barona Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.

About Incredible Technologies

Incredible Technologies is located in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois and specializes in the design and development of entertainment hardware and software for the on-premise amusement and Class III gaming industries. Incredible Technologies is the largest

manufacturer of coin-operated video games in the United States and is undergoing diversification into the casino gaming sector. Their flagship product, Golden Tee Golf, is the most-successful pay-to-play video game in history.

Incredible Technologies is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise.

For more information visit www.itcasinogames.com.

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(SAN DIEGO) May 12, 2010 – Barona Resort & Casino is asking guests to pick some of their lucky numbers for a chance to win in the Barona Lottery. From May 11 through June 22, players who earn 250 Club Barona POINTS can test their luck and play in weekly lottery drawings for a chance to win a share of $250,000 in cash prizes and instant giveaways.

“The Barona Lottery is just another fun way for our Club Barona members to win,” said Greg Liggett, Director of Special Events and Promotions for Barona Resort & Casino. “For every visit that our loyal guests earn an entry, the opportunity increases to win the lotto cash rewards. Some lucky guests will even be awarded instant prizes, such as Coca-Cola products, memorabilia and t-shirts.”

Guests can select five unique numbers between 1 and 42 or randomly selected numbers through a quick pick draw. The winning numbers will be drawn every Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. on the Fireside Stage.

The more numbers that guests match, the higher the cash prizes. Guests that match two numbers will win $50; match 3 numbers and win $500; match all 4 numbers and win $25,000! In the event that all 4 numbers are not matched, the top prize will roll over to the next week's drawing.  Each consecutive week that it is not won, the jackpot will grow by $25,000.

For a chance at winning the big payout in the grand finale drawing, guests who earn 250 Club Barona POINTS can visit the lottery kiosks during the week of June 16-22 to receive an entry ticket. On June 22 at 8 p.m., a drawing will be held to distribute the final jackpot, a cash prize up to $125,000.

Not a Club Barona member? Membership is fast, free and easy and can be accessed on Barona’s Web site at www.barona.com.

About Barona Resort & Casino
For the last two years in a row in 2008 and 2009, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the "Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience" in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region.  The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009.  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the Barona Casino blog.

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(SAN DIEGO) – May 14, 2010 – In an effort to encourage students to create a sustainable future, the Barona Band of Mission Indians is accepting applications for its Barona Sustainable Environmental Scholarship. For the second consecutive year, college students with a passion for the environment and who are pursuing careers in environmental industries can apply for Barona’s scholarship for assistance with college expenses.

“Being chosen as a finalist for the Barona Sustainable Environment Scholarship was one the highlights of my scholastic career,” said last year’s scholarship recipient Scott Goodman, a graduate of UC San Diego who is currently pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona with an expected graduation next month.

“All the staff seemed to deeply honor the awards they had bestowed upon the scholarship finalists and have immense pride in the culture of sustainability, which is obviously flourishing at Barona,” he said.

For additional information and to download the application, please visit www.barona.com/about/community-relations. Applications must be postmarked by July 15 and mailed to:

c/o Barona Sustainable Environment Scholarship Program

Scholarship Selection Committee

The scholarships will be given based on the student’s application, references, recommendations and personal interview. Each of the four finalists will receive $1,000 and one of the finalists will also receive an additional $1,000 after a final review from the Barona Scholarship Selection Committee comprised of representatives from the Barona Band of Mission Indians and Barona Resort & Casino.

The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932.  Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego’s leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

Barona Expands Innovative Chipless Gaming Technology on the Casino Floor

Always on the cutting edge of the gaming industry, Barona’s General Manager Rick Salinas says, “chipless table games truly will be the future for all casino floors around the world and we are proud that Barona was one of the first to launch it.”

This month, Barona will expand its existing bank of Rapid Baccarat, Rapid Roulette and Barona i-Table Blackjack. Live dealers and standard casino playing cards are still an important part of play and determine the outcome of the game. But with these next-generation table games, instead of the ubiquitous bright-colored chips, all wagers are made on individual touch screen computer terminals.

“It’s as simple as all of the other electronic transactions people make every day like withdrawing cash from an ATM or paying for groceries or gas on a touch screen,” explains Salinas.

The feedback on Barona’s chipless games from players of all gaming interests and levels has been overwhelmingly positive, notes Mike Patterson, vice president of table games.

“We’ve long been real proponents and early adopters of innovative technology on the casino floor and our customers – both tech savvy and computer newcomers alike – tell us that chipless is much less intimidating and easier to play with the advantage of lower minimum bets," says Patterson.

Additionally, he says customers are thrilled because “there are a lot of multiple feature bets with even more ways to win.”

Chipless table games will soon transform the gaming industry, says Patterson, much the same way that the coinless slot machines Barona developed and introduced in 2000 revolutionized casino floors across the country.

“As long as our customers are excited and eagerly embracing new technology, we’ll keep expanding our computer-based gaming,” says Patterson.

In addition to the chipless games, Barona has more than 80 conventional table games including blackjack, Pai Gow poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, three-card poker, four-card poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride. Barona also has 2,000 of the most current and popular slots and video poker machines.

About Barona Resort & Casino

For the last two years in a row, Barona Resort & Casino has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for the “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Casino Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study.

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas.LEED™ Gold Certified by the United States Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3^rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Indian Gaming Casino Studies SM-Southern California Region. The 2009 study, which only surveys casinos with a minimum of 1,000 slot machines, is based on 4,452 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2008 and May 2009. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the Barona Casino blog.

Resort Hotel’s Repurposed Soap to Aid Haitian Relief Efforts and African Refugee Camps

(SAN DIEGO) June 1, 2010 – Like most hotels around the country, Barona Resort & Casino in San Diego used to discard thousands of bars of used soap every week.  But, not anymore.  Barona announced today that is has partnered with the Global Soap Project to recycle its soap in a way that is good for the environment and also helps people in need across the globe.

“After learning about the Global Soap Project, we were inspired by the program and excited that there was a way to help reuse the estimated one billion bars of soap the nation’s hotel industry tosses ever year,” said Barona’s Jay Bart, director of safety, health and environment. “And, not only is this program good for the environment but helps people in need.”

Now, instead of throwing away leftover sink and shower soap from its 400 guest rooms, Barona collects the old bars and sends them to the Global Soap Project in Atlanta, Georgia to be recycled for new life-saving efforts around the globe.

Barona is one of a handful of hotels around the country – and the only one in California – contributing thousands of pounds of second-hand suds to the Global Soap Project. This non-profit organization melts down and purifies used soaps, then makes new bars for distribution to vulnerable populations in struggling third world countries.

According to Derreck Kayongo, co-founder of the Global Soap Project who grew up in impoverished Uganda, more than 2 million children worldwide die each year from diarrheal disease caused by unsanitary conditions.  “Hand washing with soap can reduce this number by 42 to 47 percent,” he said.

Kayongo reports that his year-old soap initiative already has amassed some nine tons of soap from hotels big and small, with an ever growing volunteer corps bundling it in one-month supply packages and sending it mostly to refugee camps in Africa, including Uganda and Swaziland.

The non-profit group plans to soon start sending the much needed sanitizing hand soap to earthquake victims in Haiti.

According to Bart, “This is a really easy and relatively inexpensive way for us to help the millions of people throughout the world who are struggling to survive for lack of basic hygiene supplies and practices.”

The soap recycling collection process is pretty simple, he explained.  “Rather than throwing the soap in the trash, hotel room housekeeping staff members remove it from guestrooms and then at the end of every shift put in a large collection bin.”

“I am so proud that Barona is participating in this program,” said Daniel Ukang, a member of Barona’s housekeeping staff who is from Uganda.  “Even the small conveniences we take for granted here in the United States every day are hard to come by in my homeland.  Now, every bar of soap we save could make a big difference in the living standards of my friends and family back home.” 

The only cost incurred by Barona is for shipping the saved soap to the recycling center in Atlanta, and the savings – in human and environmental terms – are priceless, said Bart.

Through its soap donations, Barona is not only working to address global health issues but also helping to divert some of the more than approximately nine tons of waste annually from local landfills – as well as saving hauling and dump fees and reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint.

“Soap recycling fits nicely with our mission to be an environmentally responsible business,” said Bart.

Barona launched a sustainability program in 2005 and is constantly working to further enhance its environmentally-friendly operations, he said.

With a proven track record for environmental stewardship, Barona has received numerous honors and accolades for its green practices.  Barona has been recognized with the 2007 United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act Recognition Award, the 2006 San Diego Earthworks Earth Award for water resource management and the 2009 U.S. EPA Energy Star Award for superior energy efficiency. Most recently it received the SANDAG RideLink Diamond Award for its transportation management program that last year provided shuttle and vanpool services to more than 500,000 riders.

 “We’re proud of our environmental record and know our guests and staff members appreciate our eco-friendly efforts,” said Bart.  “We plan to continue to expand the greening of Barona by adding more waste reduction programs and other carbon footprint shrinking programs.”

For more information about Barona’s soap donation program, visit www.barona.com or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). 

About Barona Resort & Casino

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. LEED™ Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter and the Barona Casino blog.

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Save $4 on Every ATM Withdrawal this June and July at Barona Resort & Casino

(SAN DIEGO) June 2, 2010 – Could your ATM card use a summer vacation from fees?  The Barona Loose Troop™ has announced that Barona will “loosen” its ATM machines during the months of June and July so that guests can make no fee withdrawals.

“Here at Barona we know that every dollar counts to you even while you are out having fun and getting away from it all,” said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. “That’s why our team has been so proactive in finding innovative ways for our guests to save, everyday.”

And, Barona’s Loose Troop, a fun-loving group of expert slot technicians, has joined in on the fun as they are always looking for ways to loosen slot machines and share news about great deals and winning moments for guests. Recently, the Loose Troop teamed up with the world’s leading slot machine manufacturers to certify that their  machines at Barona are set as loose they can be and cannot be looser anywhere else through the Manufacturer’s Best Payout program.  The Loose Troop also recently doubled the number of penny slots on the casino floor giving guests longer and more exciting slot play for less.

Continued Salinas, “We are on the casino floor every day giving away cash and getting great guest feedback.  From offering no fees at the ATM machine to a meal for a buck with our 24-hour delicious ‘Dollar Deals’ we provide our guests with great value at Barona. And, while we can’t do anything about the fees that other banks may charge on their end for ATM transactions, ATM fees will be $4 cheaper at Barona than any other casino in San Diego this summer because we are waiving the $4 fee our banks charge.  It is just one more way we are looking to provide our guests with value.”

About Barona Resort & Casino
Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. LEED™ Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.
For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter and the Barona Casino blog.

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Deals on hotel rooms and suites, restaurants and more available at all properties

SAN DIEGO (June 7, 2010) – San Diego’s Barona Resort & Casino is betting that its new marketing relationship with two world-class resorts, The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, will be a big winner with its exclusive Club Barona members as well as draw a full-house of new Las Vegas casino guests to San Diego.

In the new relationship between Barona, The Venetian and The Palazzo, San Diego’s leading resort casino and the two luxurious Las Vegas destinations will offer their loyal customers reciprocal complimentary hotel, dining and gaming deals.

“It’s a win-win-win for all of us,” says Barona Resort & Casino General Manager Rick Salinas. “Our frequent casino guests occasionally want the Las Vegas experience and their gamblers occasionally want the San Diego experience.
 
“To our thinking, this is a great way to reward our most valued Barona patrons. It gives our guests special privileges at two of the most luxurious casino properties in Las Vegas and it gives their guests the opportunity to experience the leading gaming resort in California,” he noted.  
 
In a bid to attract more Southern Californians to brightly lit Las Vegas, The Venetian and The Palazzo, owned by Las Vegas Sands Corp., are inviting Barona’s burgeoning customer base to visit their exclusive Las Vegas properties with hard-to-refuse offers of complimentary suites, meals, gondola rides and more.
 
“We’re not competing with Las Vegas any more, we’re actually complementing Las Vegas and Las Vegas is complementing us,” said Salinas. “Our players want the same luxurious amenities and superior customer service during their visit to Las Vegas as they’ve come to expect here at Barona.”
 
The Barona-Venetian-Palazzo relationship is a good deal for all properties.
 
A perfect venue for The Venetian and The Palazzo casino guest, the Barona Resort & Casino has its own high-limit gaming areas and ultra-luxurious private gaming rooms. In addition, Barona has a spectacular hotel with gorgeous suites, a selection of award-winning restaurants, a beautifully intimate spa and a world famous18-hole championship golf course, Barona Creek.
 
In addition to 2,000 slots, including progressive slots and video poker machines, Barona has more than 80 table games including blackjack, Pai Gow poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, three-card poker, four-card poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and new chipless table games including Barona Roulette, Rapid Baccarat and i-Table Blackjack.
 
For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit the website (www.barona.com) or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 
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ABOUT BARONA RESORT & CASINO
 
Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego's most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Gold LEED-EB® certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.
 
For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
 
You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter and the Barona Casino blog.
 
ABOUT VENETIAN RESORT-HOTEL-CASINO
 
The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, the largest property in the country to receive AAA’s Five Diamond Award and Mobil’s Four-star, is one of the world’s most luxurious resort and convention destinations. Re-creating Venice’s legendary landmarks, the resort offers unmatched service and quality for leisure and corporate guests. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian features The Grand Canal Shoppes, an indoor streetscape complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, world-class gaming, exquisite restaurants and a variety of entertainment such as Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular, Blue Man Group, David Spade and Wayne Brady on its premises, as well as extensive convention and corporate services. For additional information, visit www.venetian.com. Follow The Venetian on twitter @venetianvegas.
 
ABOUT THE PALAZZO® LAS VEGAS
 
With over 3,000 expansive suites, luxury shopping and world-class dining and entertainment, the $1.9 billion, Silver LEED®(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Palazzo Las Vegas literally takes luxury to new heights.  The AAA® Five Diamond and Mobil Four-Star Award winning property is highlighted by a flagship, 85,000square-foot Barneys New York with The Shoppes at The Palazzo featuring more than 60 luxury boutiques.  In addition, 20 remarkable stores and couture brands made their Las Vegas debuts at The Palazzo, including Chloé, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Van Cleef & Arpels, Catherine Malandrino and Anya Hindmarch.  The Palazzo also offers a variety of cuisines from a collection of award-winning chefs such as Carnevino by Mario Batali, CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse. Other unique offerings include Tony Award winning Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS;  the chic dining and nightlife LAVO; the world’s largest Canyon Ranch SpaClub; the ultimate sports bar, sportsbook and restaurant on the Strip: Lagasse’s Stadiumand“Prestige at The Palazzo,” an exclusive space designed to offer the sophisticated traveler an elevated level of services and amenities including private champagne check in, packing and unpacking services, exclusive bath and pillow menus, complimentary cocktail reception and more. For additional information, please visit The Palazzo website at www.palazzolasvegas.com, follow on twitter @palazzolasvegas and on Facebook at facebook.com/palazzolasvegas.
 
 

Chef Jim Phillips Honored with Gold Medallion Award from San Diego’s CRA


(SAN DIEGO) June 16, 2010 – Executive Chef Jim Phillips of Barona Resort & Casino was recently honored with the coveted “Gold Medallion Award” for Chef of the Year by the California Restaurant Association (CRA), San Diego Chapter. The winners were selected by members of the chapter, which is comprised of the city’s top restaurant and hospitality professionals.


“I am extremely honored to be recognized by peers and industry leaders as this year’s chef of the year by our local California Restaurant Association chapter,” said Chef Phillips. “This award is especially meaningful to me at this point in my career. While working at Barona I’ve had the unique opportunity to help open new restaurants, manage several different dining venues at the same time and train our staff at the Culinary Institute. I’d like to thank my Barona team members for their support and the CRA for this distinguished award.”


The culinary veteran currently oversees over 400 Barona staff members including 12 chef de cuisines, 30 sous chefs and 220 cooks in addition to six award-winning restaurants, several casual eateries, as well as special events catering. While at Barona, he also played an instrumental role in the development of the menus and concepts of the resort’s Barona Steakhouse, Italian Cucina, El Rancho Grande and The Plaza restaurants.


“Each year we honor chefs that not only create an outstanding dining experience for guests, but also promote the core values of culinary excellence, leadership, professionalism and diversity,” said Fred Glick, president of the CRA San Diego. “Throughout Chef Jim’s long career in San Diego, he has continued to set the standard for our industry by impressing guests with his culinary creations, inspiring his large staff and providing support to numerous local charities and organizations. We appreciate everything he has done and continues to do for San Diego’s culinary scene.”


In addition, Chef Phillips manages the Barona Culinary Institute, a certified on-site demonstration kitchen, accredited culinary school and private dining room located within the resort’s main casino. The program is American Culinary Federation Apprenticeship certified according to California and Federal labor guidelines and is directly associated with the local-state accredited Grossmont College and can be continued toward further education including an associate degree.


Chef Phillips is the Apprentice Chair on the American Culinary Federation Chefs and Culinarians of San Diego. Currently, he serves as treasurer of Chef Celebration, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for local rising culinary talent and has been a member of the organization since its inception in 1995. Together, Chef Phillips and Barona have maintained a presence in the community volunteering in events and organizations such as the Recipe for a Cure, Taste of the Triangle, Taste of the Nation, St. Madeline’s, Alpine Wine Festival, Wine and Roses, San Diego Zoo Celebration of the Critters, CRA Golf Tournament, Promises 2 Kids, Epilepsy Foundation, December Nights and numerous others.
About Barona Resort & Casino

Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas.LEED-EB™ Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine.

For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).

You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter and the Barona Casino blog.

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