Page 17 - August 2007 • Southern California Gaming Guide

August 2007 Tribes in the News
Annual Barona Powwow Celebrates NEative American Culture
xperience San Diego County’s largest celebration of Native American tradition and culture at the 37th Annual Barona Powwow
on Friday, August 31st through Sunday, September 2nd. Native American dancers from around the country will showcase traditional Tribal dances and compete for cash and prizes during the three-day event.
The Barona Powwow will also
feature traditional singing and music,
authentic Native American foods,
and exquisite handcrafted arts and
jewelry. The celebration takes place
at the Barona Baseball Field ( just
one mile north of the Barona Valley
Ranch Resort & Casino) on the
Barona Indian Reservation at 1095
Barona Road in Lakeside from 6 p.m.
to 11 p.m. on Friday, August 31st,
from 1 p.m. to 12 midnight on Saturday, September 1st, and 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, September 2nd. Admission and parking are free. Bring chairs and prepare for the sun and heat. Also, please ask permission before you take any photos of Tribal members in their regalia. For more information, call (619) 443-6612, ext 400.
Viejas Casino and
San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino Certified in
esponsible Gambling
n April 2007, Viejas Casino became the rst casino in California to be certi ed as a responsible gambling facility by the California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG). In
training sessions Viejas’ frontline casino employees learned how to identify and assist problem gamblers, bringing the total number of trained casino employees to 1,581. is marked the rst time an entire casino had been certi ed. In order for a casino to become certi ed in responsible gambling, over 60% of its frontline employees have to attend and pass the training courses.
In late July, San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino became the second tribal casino to earn the “Certi ed Responsible Gambling Establishment.” As part of certi cation, San Manuel Casino has posted signage and placed brochures in highly visible locations throughout the casino directing patrons to the 24-hour con dential Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-gambler.
In addition to employee training, there are six other criteria which must be met. e steps educate patrons, create public awareness and often prevent more serious consequences associated with problem gambling. Being able to recognize and assist those who exhibit early warning signs is the rst step in helping to minimize the problem.
August 2007 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE Page 17
RI
Tribes in the News