Agriculture is the primary industry in Pauma Valley, but people come for the casinos.
The first casino on the drive in from I-15 is run by the Pala Indians. Pala Casino has six restaurants, two lounges, 2000 slot machines, 50 Vegas-style tables -- games including Black Jack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai-Gow Poker and more. There are also two well-ventilated, non-smoking rooms. The action goes on 24 hours a day.
Along SR 76 is Casino Pauma--slots, black jack, restaurants and entertainment in a tropical setting. Further down the road is a small shopping center with a grocery store and the El Rey restaurant (formerly Peg Henry's) where the "elite" meet in the valley.
The food is good, and the customers tend to be a mix of the valley's farmers and the golf set from across the road at the Pauma Valley Country Club--a private residential community with a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course and estate homes.
You can also go to Harrah's Rincon Casino and Resort. It is the newest attraction in the area with a resort hotel and brand new casino.