Just like Vegas, only more expensive...,  Wednesday, 09 July 2008 This is another great casino that is located just off of I-80 in Sacramento. Built and once owned by Station Casinos (The same station casinos in Vegas), Thunder Valley looks exactly like a Las Vegas Casino. In fact, it looks just like the inside of Green Valley Ranch or Sunset Station in Vegas. Unfortunately, being so prestigious has its downfalls as well. Once in the casino, you will see that things get expensive fast. with $15 to $25 table minimums, it is very hard for the average joe to play. I also felt that there was a lack of penny machines, and that most normal penny machines were actually 5 cents. Indeed, the casino seemed to be built to divert the whales from going to Reno.

There is a nice food court (missing the normal station casino's fat burger though), that sports an assortment of foods, including panda express. Unfortunately, I have not eaten at their buffet, but I imagine it is done in the same style of Green Valley Ranch. Since I have been to GVR, I must assume, that the buffet is equally as great.

Their players club consists of entirely free game play. In fact, the deals sent monthly in the mailbox top even some of my Vegas deals. They give out the most free play I've ever seen from a casino. And of course, bribery always helps a customer come back to $25 a hand table limits.

All in All, if you never been to vegas, and want to know the exact style, setting, and environment of Las Vegas casinos without the flight, go to Thunder Valley. Otherwise, stay clear of those atrociously high minimums!

 Simply the best in Northern California,  Wednesday, 09 July 2008 Cache Creek, located about 50 minutes north of Sacramento, will astound almost anyone who enters the resort. Its 4 diamond level rating is certainly deserved. Located in the mountains, Cache Creek has several amenities that will surely please all levels of the gambler and non-gambler alike. Table games are often $5 a hand, and include such games as blackjack, single-deck blackjack, 4 card poker, etc. They have all the Vegas games and are presented excellently. If you want to play craps or roulette, you will have to play it through a tricky card game that absolutely is worthless. My suggestion is to stay away from California craps and roulette, both are horrible games. While visiting the resort, you should definitely join their players club. They give out incredible offers every month, and usually include free food/buffet coupons, and free game play on both the slots AND the table games. There are many slot machines, however, on a typical Friday or Saturday night they are jammed. The casino has a wonderful high limits room that many people would find glorious. The entire presentation reminds me if the mirage and Caesars merged into one gaming floor. Non-Gamers will enjoy the awesome buffet and the 18 holes of golf the casino presents. Don't leave without trying the buffet, it will astound you. A typical buffet includes prime rib, New York strip, ribs, salmon, etc. They really put the works in for this.

All in All, I would choose this place over thunder valley. While thunder valley might have more of that Vegas feel, Cache Creek comes in a close 2nd. However, if you are looking to avoid $25 minimums that thunder valley has, I suggest Cache Creek.