In 1986, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation – then known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians – launched its first foray into commercial gambling as a means to develop economic self-sufficiency across its 
Tribal community. Two centuries of surviving various attempts on its existence and culture had led the Tribe to Highland, California, and the surrounding mountains of San Bernardino. Looking to pique the interest of local residents, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation introduced the San Manuel Indian Bingo Hall on July 24, which focused exclusively on bingo games. 

Bingo bliss

While more legal framework would be provided in 1988 with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the Tribe felt it was necessary to establish economic independence after expanding the right to self-govern just over a decade prior. Described as a “landmark” era for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and other Tribes by Chief Gaming Officer Peter Arceo, the desire to “create opportunity for many generations” led to one of Southern California’s first gambling expansions since horseracing was legalized in 1933.