The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California is opening the doors to its $250 million casino resort to the public today.

The tribe held two nights of private ceremonies that attracted thousands of state and federal officials, celebrities and other VIPs to the 27-story resort. Carlos Santana, Destiny's Child and Tonight Show" host Jay Leno provided the entertainment.

Now the tribe is ready for the masses at a facility marketed as the Las Vegas experience but closer to home. The 600,000-square-foot casino and hotel includes restaurants, a spa and other amenities meant to attract a younger crowd.

In related news, representatives of the tribe and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) will meet a second time to discuss the tribe's use of video lottery terminals. Schwarzenegger says the machines violate the tribal-state compact and wants them removed.

Get the Story:
Tribe Unveils Its Casino Royale (The Los Angeles Times 12/10
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Inland tribes unveil casino expansions (The Riverside Press Enterprise 12/10)
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Casinos set to deal 'em (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 12/9)
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Stars ring in Morongo Casino's opening (The San Bernardino Sun 12/9)
A bigger, fuller house (The San Bernardino Sun 12/9)
Morongo tribe to discuss gaming dispute (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 12/9)