The casino boom – is it a sign of prosperity or desperation? Stephanie Schulte, a reporter with the Southern California News Group, says it’s driven by people having more money to spend.
”Casino upper management folks that I spoke to, they all kind of agreed on the same notion that it really is about the economy. People have more money to spend on entertainment, going out, fine dining and having fun.”
She says casinos are spending money to beef up their overnight accommodations ”People are coming in from other areas, even if it’s only an hour or two away, they want somewhere to stay.”
Schulte reported that in the last year Pechanga Resort and Casino completed a $300 million expansion; San Manuel Casino broke ground on a $550 million expansion and Soboba Casino’s new property is under construction and on track to be open by the first quarter of 2019. Just last month, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa announced plans to undergo renovations and expansions due to be completed in 2020.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa announced plans for a major expansion in January but in the meantime is undergoing changes in the current casino with new gaming rooms, restaurants and updates to the casino floor.
Stephanie Schulte was a guest on McIntyre in the Morning.
By Sandy Wells
KABC News
