Press

February 28, 2005
Million Dollar Baby: Southern California Man Wins $1 Million in Winner-Take-All Blackjack Tournament at Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

(SAN DIEGO, CA) February 28, 2005 — Don H. of Southern California, won the $1 Million Blackjack Tournament at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino last night.

Don played 156 hands during the two-day, four-round tournament.  After 30 hands in the final round, Don was tied with another player.  Both players had $89,000 and were pressed into a 6-hand playoff.

Reacting to his million-dollar win Don said, "It was a great tournament and now I can pay my markers off."

Don was one of 36 entrants and advanced through the invitation-only event. After anteing up a $10,000 entrance fee, contestants were issued $50,000 in tournament chips to be used per round, with a minimum bet of $1,000 or maximum bet of $25,000 per hand required

"We are thrilled that Don won our Million Dollar Blackjack Tournament," said Karol Schoen, General Manager of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino.  "The caliber of player and excitement surrounding this tournament was unprecedented and demonstrates that Barona Valley Ranch can attract high-profile players with our world-class gaming and hospitality."

Blending the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas, the $260 million Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, a 300,000 square foot casino, a lakefront wedding chapel, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center, and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek Magazine.

For Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).