When you travel to California, there’s always that breath of excitement you take before setting foot in the Golden State, the trill of running free in the Wild West. Southern California offers various delights to people from all walks of life, this sun sees no color and everyone is greeted with love.
In Los Angeles and the surrounding cities you can certainly find something to entertain you, no matter if you are a theme park enthusiast or a connoisseur of strip clubs.
-We did it.
I have a couple of friends who love to gamble at California casinos, so I asked them what are the top 5 casinos to visit in Southern California.
Here is the list of top 5 casinos for your 2017 trip
5. Hawaiian Gardens Casino
Located at 11871 Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens, CA.
Hawaiian Gardens Casino recently underwent a serious $90 million renovation and expansion project and opened earlier this year. The 59,500-square-foot former casino has been remodeled into a modern and highly attractive 200,000-square-foot gaming, dining and entertainment complex.
For serious poker players or even amateurs who want to try to cash in on their beginner’s luck, Gardens Casino offers a full range of no-limit games, from $20 and $40 buy-in no-limit hold’em, ranging up to at $500-$1,500. At the moment, the casino also offers daily smaller buy-in tournaments and occasional $100,000 and $150,000 guaranteed prize events. It’s worth taking a look.
For more information visit their website thegardenscasino dot com.
4. The bike hotel and casino
Located at 888 Bicycle Casino Dr. Bell Gardens, CA 90201
The casino here is staggeringly bigger than you’d expect, and if you’re specifically into card games, this is the place you want to be, seriously, there’s only card games but various types of games.
-Not a slot machine in sight
You also get free food when you play at the $100-$200 No Limit tables. Food prices at this place are very good either way. The Korean BBQ here is amazing and tastes very authentic. There has been a noticeable change in the casino as it has undergone recent upgrades to the interior. Overall, it’s a very nice place to put your poker face on. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the brewery.
3. The Trading Casino
Located at 6131 East Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA 90040
The largest card casino in the world is not in Las Vegas. He’s in Los Angeles.
This is by far one of the best card casinos in the Los Angeles area. Not a bad place to gain experience at the poker tables and further your education. Arena grills also has salty food.
The unlimited tables are:
$40 table, that’s it, no 40-80, 40-140 etc, just $40 max buy-in. $60 max buyback after bust.
$100 table: Same as above $100 only, $150 max rebuy after crash.
$200 Table – Same as above $200 only, $300 max rebuy after elimination.
$300-500 table and then it goes from there. The minimum bets are $5 for blackjack and $10 for baccarat.
It’s a clean casino great for a night out with friends. The food is delicious, excellent service and a large parking lot. Lots of tables to play, lots of different games, the dealers are friendly and welcoming. There are other advantages that make this place quite interesting, but the point is that if you want to play cards, you can never go wrong here in the trade.
2. San Manuel Bingo and Indian Casino
Located at 777 San Manuel Blvd Highland, CA 92346
One of my personal favorites, just because of the great memories this place has given me. This casino is located in Highland, Ca, a small town neighboring San Bernardino, CA, about 45 minutes east of Los Angeles on the I10 freeway.
This casino is always very lively and alive, on Fridays and Saturdays it gets quite crowded. I have a few friends employed here which makes every visit very welcoming, so I can say that San Manuel has friendly employees and not to mention the pay. The last time I was here I won $400 after I put a $100 bill in a slot on my way out.
Valet parking is the way to go, it’s only $3. If you’re new to slots betting, remember to bet the minimum to avoid losing all your money to speed up and maximize potential winnings. If this is your first time here then you need to sign up for a free player card as you can spin a wheel which will likely net you an additional $20 free slots credit.
Good luck finding an open slot machine that you like. There is no cell signal or reception for your phone at this place, but they do offer unlimited 24/7 free WIFI which you can connect to.
I like coming to San Manuel and if you’re in the SoCal area give it a try you won’t regret it.
1. Pechanga Resort & Casino
Located at 45000 Pechanga Pkwy Temecula, CA 92592
I just want to add a quick important fact:
There are some pokestops here. So if you’re looking for Pokémon in Pokémon Go, you’re in luck. Not that I play those things or anything, wink-wink.
I love how elegant the atmosphere is when you walk in through the valet and how all the employees are so friendly, I feel like this Resort is like a second home. When you are here you are family. This is by far one of the most immaculate casinos I have ever been to. Why bother with Vegas when this hidden gem is so close to home? Just about another 45 minutes from San Manuel on the 215 South towards San Diego. The food here is exquisite, there is a beautiful tree surrounded by beautiful waterfalls. If you’re not into gambling, there’s a great Spa & Saloon to visit. Everyone is treated like a VIP here. Lots and lots of slot machines. They have poker rooms, high bet limit slot machines, a theater with live entertainment, buffet and food court.
If you have the opportunity to check it on your trips or trips in 2017, make sure you do it and you will see what I am talking about. It’s worth the 2 hour drive (depending on traffic) if you’re coming from Los Angeles.
Not Vegas, but it will do.