In addition to Pala, Pechanga, Viejas Casino & Resort, Sycuan Casino and Barona Resort & Casino are under construction to varying degrees. An estimated $1 billion is currently being spent to enlarge and upgrade five of the area's 10 casinos. Having raised the bar by introducing an Indian casino hotel to an area more accustomed to bingo tents and modest, single-story facilities, Pala now finds itself in the midst of a casino expansion arms race of sorts. When completed, Pala will be the third-largest casino hotel in the region, after Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula and Harrah's Resort Southern California in Valley Center.
