When you travel to California, there’s always that breath of excitement you take before setting foot in the Golden State, the free-running trill of the Wild West. Southern California offers various pleasures to people from all walks of life, this sun sees no color, and everyone receives love.
In Los Angeles and the surrounding cities you can certainly find something to amuse 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 the 5 best 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 dollar renovation and expansion project and opened earlier this year. The 59,500 square foot former casino has been redeveloped into a modern and highly attractive 200,000 square foot gaming, dining and entertainment complex.
For serious poker players or even hobbyists who want to try cashing 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 tournaments with smaller buy-ins and occasional $100,000 and $150,000 guaranteed prize events. It’s worth checking out.
For more information visit their website thegardenscasino dot com.
4. The Bicycle Casino and Hotel
Located at 888 Bicycle Casino Dr. Bell Gardens, CA 90201
The casino here is staggeringly larger than you would expect and if you are specifically into card games this is the place you want to be, seriously there are only card games but various types of games.
-Not a slot machine in sight
You also get free food when you play the $100-$200 no limit tables. Food prices at this location 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 gone through recent improvements to the interior. Overall, it’s a very nice place to put your poker face on. Don’t forget to have a drink from the brewery.
3. The Trading Casino
Located at 6131 East Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA 90040
The world’s largest card casino 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. It’s not a bad place to gain experience at the poker tables and further your education. Arena grills also has savory food.
The no-limit tables are:
$40 table, that’s it, no 40-80, 40-140, etc., just $40 max entree. $60 max rebuy after bust.
$100 Table: Same as above $100 only, $150 max rebuy after drop.
$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 is a clean casino excellent for a night out with friends. The food is delicious, great service and a great parking lot. Lots of tables to play, lots of different games, 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 trading.
2. San Manuel Indian Casino and Bingo
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 neighboring town to San Bernardino, CA, about 45 minutes east of Los Angeles on the I10 freeway.
This casino is always very much alive 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 gambling on slots, remember to bet the minimum to avoid losing all your money to speed up and maximize potential wins. 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 probably get you an extra $20 free slots credit.
Good luck finding an open slot machine you like. There is no cell signal or reception for your phone at this location, but they do offer free 24/7 unlimited WIFI that you can connect to.
I like coming to San Manuel and if you are 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 Pokemon in Pokemon Go, you’re in luck. Not that he plays 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 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 Las Vegas when this hidden gem is so close to home? Only 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 are not into gambling there is a great Spa & Saloon to visit. Everyone is treated like a VIP here. Lots and lots of slot machines. They have poker rooms, high limit slots, a theater with live shows, buffet and food court.
If you have the opportunity to check it on your trips or trips in 2017, be sure to do it and you will see what I am talking about. It is worth the 2 hour drive (depending on traffic) if you are coming from Los Angeles.
Not Vegas, but it will do.