New casino planned for tribal land

-based operators Penn National Gaming have partnered with the Jamul Indian Village tribe to develop a new Hollywood-branded casino and resort.

A definitive agreement has been confirmed between the tribe and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the operators for a $360m development situated on the former’s trust land in San Diego County, California.

The new resort will include a three-story gaming and entertainment facility totalling about 200,000 square feet.

The site will also feature 50 gaming tables, 1,700 slot machines and numerous restaurants, bars and lounges.

Construction could begin late this year with the work expected to take about two years to complete.

Penn National Gaming will manage the casino and resort upon its opening.

Casino developers Lakes Entertainment, who had been working with the Jamul Indian Village on this project until last year, will remain a subordinated lender without any further rights or obligations.

Penn National Gaming COO Timothy Wilmott said: “The development will deliver a balance of economic benefits, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”

Tribal Executive Council chairman Raymond Hunter added: “Penn National has a proven track record of development and operation of first-class gaming facilities and its strong balance sheet is an asset to the project.”