I assume now, that it was to keep people separate due to COVID but, the staff didn’t tell me that. I play black and odd and asked if I could sit there and was told no with no explanation why. When I was able to play, the woman told me I had to sit next to red/even or the far end of the table. The third had just opened and I was told it would take 15 minutes to play. I went to three roulette tables: one with only one player as they were holding a spot for someone, another with two players but, the 2nd not even standing at/near the table. Drinks can’t be consumed unless you’re in a restaurant, table games only serve 2 players at a time and they hold spots for those who choose to step out to smoke or take a break, leaving one person actually playing for an extended amount of time. Barona has taken it to the extreme however.

Due to COVID, casinos are following protocols for public safety. What wasn’t good was that they wrap the appetizer and salad up in cellophane and set it on the table which reminded me of a middle school lunch vs a nice restaurant. The food was standard and nothing to scream about but, not bad. We had dinner at the Italian restaurant and the service was excellent. That said, we will never go back there again. Tonight we decided to go to dinner at Barona as it’s been 6 years since i went there. I live locally and usually go to Sycuan or Viejas to dine/gamble. I had my fun and I remember the good times. Too many deaths because the speeders exceed 65 miles on the winding road. With the buffet closed, and social distancing on the food court, it's not worth the harrowing drive up the Wildcat Canyon dangerous road. You can't even touch the checks (chips) on the table, meaning you have to tell the dealer what you want to bet, Forget it, it's now a complete flop. It's a known fact that the action is dry on the tables at Barona. No more BJ, slot tourneys, no more car giveaways, concerts. Post 2008, BJ gaming action dried up as they put in an extra cut to prevent streaky winning. BJ tournaments, single deck BJ, Slot tournaments, generous VIP hosts, free concerts for VIP's, car giveaways.

In looking back over the years, I would say the Barona Casino was at it's peak in gaming, dining and overall FUN during the years prior to the economic collapse in 2008. Been a Barona Casino and Resort gambler and guest for over 20 years and have seen a noticeable decline in EVERYTHING.

Barona casino careers