COMPETITION HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD FOR CASINO'S

Implications: The Pauma Tribal council should not go out with tears in their eyes about the prospect of Pala buying property around their casino. The impact of a new casino can only enhance business - not stifle it. The only fear that the Pauma's should have is if they try to rest on their laurels.

Analysis: Having just returned from doing some research at Pala, Pechanga and Barona Ranch Casino's it my opinion that Indian gaming in the southern part of California seems to be thriving. I must admit that I did not get to Pauma as my time was rather limited. Let's make a case for Pala buying 1800 acres for about $27 million dollars - that makes it about $1.5 million plus an acre - not bad in today's market for possible casino property. My guess is that they will also fold in the land previously purchased to make it look even a bit better.

Competition between rival companies to reach out and get business is good for all concerned -Especially the most important ingredient - the customer. It's no secret that if you are a slot player in these above mentioned properties you come up short with your Las Vegas cousins. The local LV casinos give you a lot better chance at winning as they allow more betting selections than the tribes do. I am not saying it's the wrong way to go, however you are dealing with a significant amount of local players at these tribal properties. I could never figure what is so bad about winning the money two or three times - it's not necessary to take it all at one sitting.

An overwhelming amount of Asian players are finding their way to these casino and represent a major portion of their immediate customer base. They are being vigorously marketed and are responding to the call. Barona Ranch was the property that really stood out - the have been issuing credit for a number of years and  may be a step ahead of the pack. They allow a customer to bet up to $10,000 per hand and up to three hands. That far exceeds what the others in the vicinity are allowing. Pala has just gone to allowing casino credit - grudgingly, though I must admit - if they could get away without it they would. It has become a way for casino's to
expand business even if they don't like to admit it. A gambler would rather pay his casino debt than any other.

The bare facts are that Tribal Gaming is here to stay - the public likes to try their hand at lady luck and casino's allow them the opportunity to do just that. Does it make some into hard core players - I suppose so - that's not a reason to try and hold back this vibrant industry. I will tell you this just one more time - you must 21 years old to gamble. That's considered to be an adult able to make their own decisions - let's leave it at that, enough said...