Plans might also call for Descanso Beach Club to be fully converted into a resort and villa, giving the casino its own hotel feature. A separate building would be constructed immediately in front of Avalon Casino to house a new theater. Initial plans indicate the interior would be completely revamped to include two levels of gaming areas.

One thing appears to be for certain: Avalon Casino’s current façade would be maintained as is. Members of the Gabrielino/Tongva nation, according to most historical accounts, originally inhabited the island. It is unclear which tribe would be granted operational rights over the planned casino. However sources familiar with the permitting process but unauthorized to speak on the record hinted the planned casino would be operated by a Native American tribe. Other potential stakeholders include commercial cruise lines and Avalon’s local businesses.Ĭity and state officials did not reply to The Log’s phone calls or emails at press time. Avalon’s City Council members and public works’ staff would be consulted on traffic mitigation measures. Public input on design elements is still necessary. The state’s regulatory approvals, however, serves as the opening salvo of what could still be a multi-year process before Avalon Casino is formally converted into a gambling hall. State officials approve permits to bring slots and card games to Catalina Island.ĪVALON - The city where Third Street exists without a First or Second and a post office that doesn’t deliver mail will finally eliminate one of its other anomalies: the lack of gambling at Avalon Casino.Ĭatalina Island appears to be on pace to have recreational gaming options available to its hundreds of thousands of annual tourists as the California Gambling Control Commission and California Coastal Commission approved preliminary permits and plans to convert Avalon Casino into a Vegas-style venue with slot machines, card games and wager-friendly tables such as craps and roulette.

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