California Casinos, Cardrooms Pledge Support for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

^{Smoldering ashes are all that's left of much of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in LA. These fires will go down in history for their destruction. Casinos in the area are trying to find ways to offer support. (Image: Amy Katz / ZUMA Press Wire)}

As devastating wildfires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, many in the gaming industry throughout California and beyond have donated funds to support the efforts to control those fires and help victims recover.

While stakeholders in the California gambling community are often at odds with each other, all have come together to support those in need during some of the most destructive wildfires in state history.

Donations Aimed at Supporting First Responders, Victims of Fires

On Monday, the Pechanga Tribe announced it would be donating $500,000 towards various efforts to help victims of fires in the Palisades and Eaton. Half of that donation, or $250,000, was made in partnership with the Los Angeles Rams Foundation, and went to the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the World Central Kitchen.

The tribe also donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross. The Pechanga Fire Department has also sent personnel and equipment to help efforts to contain those wildfires.

“Fron ancient times to now, Southern California has always been and will always be our home,” Mark Macarro, Chairman of the Pechanga Tribe, said in a statement. “The loss and devastation that continues to take its toll on our region from these catastrophic fires is heartbreaking. Our reservation has been impacted by fires in the past, and we know the importance of coming together to lift up people in need.”

Local cardrooms have also taken steps to help in recovery efforts. The Commerce Casino and Hotel, located in the city of Commerce in southeast Los Angeles County, has opened its hotel to employees and their families that are under mandatory evacuation orders. 

“As a partner and cornerstone of the community, we are deeply committed to supporting our employees and their families during this crisis,” Commerce Casino and Hotel CEO Jeff Harris said in a statement. “By opening our hotel to those in need, we aim to offer comfort, stability and peace of mind to our valued team members navigating significant challenges during this difficult time.”

Biggest Companies, Individual Donations United in Support of LA

Major gaming firms with ties to the region have also joined in the support efforts. FanDuel and its parent company, Flutter Entertainment, announced last Friday that they would donate $250,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and Americares. 

“FanDuel and Flutter have been proud members of the Los Angeles business community for over two decades,” FanDuel CEO Amy Howe said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by the devastating loss these wildfires have created in a community we call home.”

Even individuals have found ways to make significant contributions to the Los Angeles community. Rob Reid, the general manager of the Hustler and Lucky Lady cardrooms in Gardena, entered a Veterans Day poker tournament on Monday at the Hustler Casino, and ended up among the final four players in the field. The survivors agreed to split the pot, leaving each with $2,000 in winnings. Reid donated his share to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in Southern California. 

“I watched the devastation on television,” Reid said, via the Los Angeles Daily News. “The firefighters put their lives on the line. It’s a tragic thing. I was just trying to help.”

Strong winds and dry conditions have set the stage for massive wildfires in Southern California. The size of the fires has overtaxed fire departments and water systems, while high winds have made aerial containment efforts nearly impossible at times. The wildfires have killed at least 24 people, with over 100,000 having been displaced from their homes.