With over 150 casinos, California has the largest number of gambling institutions in the country after Nevada. The development of the casino industry in Sunny state is a recent event, started in 2000, when the state legislature allowed it. Unlike Nevada, California does have a twist in its rules. The only games that are allowed are the ones involving skill. Purely luck-based games can’t be played in California casinos, so if you are looking for those, you may need to look elsewhere.
Even with such rules in place, there are plenty of games left to play. Here is our pick of some of the best casinos in California in 2024.
Harrah’s Rincon
Location: 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, CA 92082
With 1,700 slots and 70 game tables, Harrah’s Rincon is one of the largest casinos in California. It doubles as a hotel, so you can stay for a few days and really give your luck a chance. Other amenities include a golf course, spa, and several restaurants.
Pechanga Resort & Casino
Location: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592
Pechanga Resort & Casino is probably the largest casino in California. It features 4,000 slot machines, 154 game tables and a Bingo hall with 700 seats, which can get pretty rowdy on some nights. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, as well as a comedy club, cabaret lounge, and a spa.
Fantasy Springs Resort & Casinos
Location: 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, CA 92203
Fantasy Springs Resort & Casinos boasts over 2,000 slot machines and 40 game tables, packed in a 250-room hotel with restaurants and bars. They offer live entertainment, bowling, and golf when you need to take a break from gambling.
Pala Casino Resort & Spa
Location: 35008 Pala Temecula Road, Pala, CA 92059
Featuring 11 restaurants on the premises, Pala Casino Resort & Spa is a wonderful opportunity for all foodies to have a go at different cuisines they offer. The casino has 2,000 slots, 80 game tables, and 15 separate poker rooms for high rollers. There is also a spa for relaxation.
Hustler Casino
Location: 1000 West Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA, 90247
One of the newest casinos in the state, Hustler offers some 1,500 slot machines and around 40 game tables to its customers.