CA Casino List (A-Z) 
Reviews written by Editor
Discover This Gem Up North, Saturday, 24 February 2007
Full review coming soon!
Last updated: Sunday, 25 February 2007
Real Action In Rancho Mirage, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: Over the years, Rancho Mirage has been home to Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers... and Agua Caliente Casino. Pass the famous Windmill forest and you're almost there!
THE PARKING: Expect ample parking in a well organized covered garage.
THE CASINO: The casino is being expanded so check back for a new review.
The current Aqua Caliente Casino is beautiful and easy to navigate because it's one HUGE room. Don't expect many penny slots, most are .2 cents and up. But they have a nice variation of slots and boast more Keno machines than most in the area. Non-smokers will love that nearly half the casino is non-smoking. It can get a bit crowded at peak times because it is loved by the locals (with so many casinos to choose from in the area that says a lot!)
Agua Caliente has a great selection of tables, if you're a table lover you must check it out. In fact, they were the only casino that offered one of our favorite table games, Carribean Stud Poker. Sadly, on our last trip, they no longer had it... let's hope they bring it back!
JACKPOT STORY: One night we went into the high limit room and everyone pitched in a twenty to play a three coin $5 slot machine. On our last pull we hit triple bars all the way across and won around $1200.
THE FOOD: The buffet is open late and worth a last minute visit before you hit the road!
THE HOTEL: Agua Caliente is currently expanding to include a brand new hotel. We'll check it out as soon as we can.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we've left up more often than not. Also, our friends who live in the area have had big wins on Keno.
THE PAYLINE: Forget any other Rancho Mirage activities (which are pretty much limited to golfing and the Betty Ford Center). You'll have way more fun at Agua Caliente Casino!
THE PARKING: Expect ample parking in a well organized covered garage.
THE CASINO: The casino is being expanded so check back for a new review.
The current Aqua Caliente Casino is beautiful and easy to navigate because it's one HUGE room. Don't expect many penny slots, most are .2 cents and up. But they have a nice variation of slots and boast more Keno machines than most in the area. Non-smokers will love that nearly half the casino is non-smoking. It can get a bit crowded at peak times because it is loved by the locals (with so many casinos to choose from in the area that says a lot!)
Agua Caliente has a great selection of tables, if you're a table lover you must check it out. In fact, they were the only casino that offered one of our favorite table games, Carribean Stud Poker. Sadly, on our last trip, they no longer had it... let's hope they bring it back!
JACKPOT STORY: One night we went into the high limit room and everyone pitched in a twenty to play a three coin $5 slot machine. On our last pull we hit triple bars all the way across and won around $1200.
THE FOOD: The buffet is open late and worth a last minute visit before you hit the road!
THE HOTEL: Agua Caliente is currently expanding to include a brand new hotel. We'll check it out as soon as we can.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we've left up more often than not. Also, our friends who live in the area have had big wins on Keno.
THE PAYLINE: Forget any other Rancho Mirage activities (which are pretty much limited to golfing and the Betty Ford Center). You'll have way more fun at Agua Caliente Casino!
Last updated: Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Win With The Locals In Coachella, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: Head into the heart of the Coachella Valley (aka "Golf Capitol Of The USA") just three miles east of PGA West... and you'll reach adorable Augustine Casino. Surrounded by rural neighborhoods and Palm Tree nurseries (a cool site!), Augustine is a delightful free standing casino that's worth the 15 minute drive from the nearby Spotlight 29 or Fantasy Springs Casino & Resort.
THE PARKING: A nice parking lot, I've never seen it overly crowded.
THE CASINO: On a recent trip to Indio, we made a point to check in on one of the local faves, Augustine Casino. Patrons are mostly locals because of the location... but for the rest of us, Augustine proves there is huge value of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger, more crowded joints.
They have a solid selection of slots, lots of old favorites (where else can you get a 9 line penny Cleopatra these days?!) mixed with current hot slots - my friend who came with me usually plays tables but had the time of her life on a .02 "Deal Or No Deal."Basically, Augustine is the kind of casino you can relax and settle in to. And for a smaller casino, they have a nice selection of... drum roll please... LOW LIMIT tables including 4 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em (a table version of the popular poker game), Spanish 21 and 3 Card Poker Bonus.
THE FOOD: We recommend the brunch buffet, they lay out everything from made to order omelets to slices of cake! And if you sign up for a player's club card you get 5.00 off ?
THE STAFF: Friendly and will give you a goodie bag at the players club window.
THE ODDS: I swear I will come back with a $300 bank roll... but I must say, I've never lost more than $50 there and I've won jackpots four times that.
THE PAYLINE: Small but solid, Augustine is the kind of casino you could have a mind blowing jackpot in and everyone would go... "You won it where?!"
THE PARKING: A nice parking lot, I've never seen it overly crowded.
THE CASINO: On a recent trip to Indio, we made a point to check in on one of the local faves, Augustine Casino. Patrons are mostly locals because of the location... but for the rest of us, Augustine proves there is huge value of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger, more crowded joints.
They have a solid selection of slots, lots of old favorites (where else can you get a 9 line penny Cleopatra these days?!) mixed with current hot slots - my friend who came with me usually plays tables but had the time of her life on a .02 "Deal Or No Deal."Basically, Augustine is the kind of casino you can relax and settle in to. And for a smaller casino, they have a nice selection of... drum roll please... LOW LIMIT tables including 4 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em (a table version of the popular poker game), Spanish 21 and 3 Card Poker Bonus.
THE FOOD: We recommend the brunch buffet, they lay out everything from made to order omelets to slices of cake! And if you sign up for a player's club card you get 5.00 off ?
THE STAFF: Friendly and will give you a goodie bag at the players club window.
THE ODDS: I swear I will come back with a $300 bank roll... but I must say, I've never lost more than $50 there and I've won jackpots four times that.
THE PAYLINE: Small but solid, Augustine is the kind of casino you could have a mind blowing jackpot in and everyone would go... "You won it where?!"
Last updated: Thursday, 29 November 2007
Fantasy Springs Eternal, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: Follow the windmills for about 25 minutes past Palm Springs and you'll arrive in Indio, CA. Set against a classic desert landscape, the casinos of Indio have a few things over their Palm Springs neighbors: They're RIGHT off the 10 freeway... and they're WAY less crowded. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino also has the honor of having its own bowling alley.
THE PARKING: I'm glad to report that Fantasy Springs has put in a new covered parking structure! No more melted sunglasses in the desert heat...
THE CASINO: Fantasy Springs has always been an appealing casino, but, until recently, not because of it's atmosphere. However, with the new casino floor expansion and addition of a beautifully designed hotel and pool, Fantasy Springs has grown from a fun local casino to a true vacation destination.
Fantasy Springs has always had a great variety of slots and stocks some fun multi-denom gems you don't see everywhere including "Soul Train," "Chocolate Factory," "I Love Lucy," and a huge bank of penny "Star Wars." They also appear to be looking towards the future of gaming with some cool virtual table games. Although I didn't try it, the jam packed video Baccarat machine intrigued me. Next time!
Although they only have 40 tables, Fantasy Springs does have a nice variety of table games including Mini-Baccarat, California craps (with cards instead of dice), 3 and 4 card poker, Jackpot Pai Gow and Spanish 21.
BLACKJACK PLAYER ALERT: Fantasy Springs has some pretty cool blackjack rules you won't find at other Indian casinos. You can choose between hand-shuffled, machine-shuffled games or "double-deck pitch" ... and they actually have $5 tables! The Fantasy Springs blackjack rules also allows players to split paired cards up to four hands... and double down on splits (except Aces). So if blackjack is your game, consider making the drive to Indio.
THE FOOD: We've only eaten in the 24 hour café, which has quick friendly service... and the Patty Melt is delicious! Another plus worth mentioning: Fantasy Springs has a Starbucks in the hotel.
THE SPA: We intend to try the spa on our next visit.
THE HOTEL: We love staying at Fantasy Springs! The weekday price is very reasonable -- if you join the players club and book ahead it's around $80/night, sometimes lower. The upscale rooms sport flat screen TVs, high speed internet and are beautifully appointed.
CLUB FANTASY: We highly recommend joining the player's club... we've gotten free weekday hotel nights and around $30-$50 of free slot play every time we come back.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we usually do well at Fantasy Springs. Haven't had any huge jackpots there... instead, we usually experience consistent moderate payouts that allow longer profitable play over time.
THE PAYLINE: For serious slot players looking for long play time in a casino with all the amenities, it's a Fantasy Springs come true!
THE PARKING: I'm glad to report that Fantasy Springs has put in a new covered parking structure! No more melted sunglasses in the desert heat...
THE CASINO: Fantasy Springs has always been an appealing casino, but, until recently, not because of it's atmosphere. However, with the new casino floor expansion and addition of a beautifully designed hotel and pool, Fantasy Springs has grown from a fun local casino to a true vacation destination.
Fantasy Springs has always had a great variety of slots and stocks some fun multi-denom gems you don't see everywhere including "Soul Train," "Chocolate Factory," "I Love Lucy," and a huge bank of penny "Star Wars." They also appear to be looking towards the future of gaming with some cool virtual table games. Although I didn't try it, the jam packed video Baccarat machine intrigued me. Next time!
Although they only have 40 tables, Fantasy Springs does have a nice variety of table games including Mini-Baccarat, California craps (with cards instead of dice), 3 and 4 card poker, Jackpot Pai Gow and Spanish 21.
BLACKJACK PLAYER ALERT: Fantasy Springs has some pretty cool blackjack rules you won't find at other Indian casinos. You can choose between hand-shuffled, machine-shuffled games or "double-deck pitch" ... and they actually have $5 tables! The Fantasy Springs blackjack rules also allows players to split paired cards up to four hands... and double down on splits (except Aces). So if blackjack is your game, consider making the drive to Indio.
THE FOOD: We've only eaten in the 24 hour café, which has quick friendly service... and the Patty Melt is delicious! Another plus worth mentioning: Fantasy Springs has a Starbucks in the hotel.
THE SPA: We intend to try the spa on our next visit.
THE HOTEL: We love staying at Fantasy Springs! The weekday price is very reasonable -- if you join the players club and book ahead it's around $80/night, sometimes lower. The upscale rooms sport flat screen TVs, high speed internet and are beautifully appointed.
CLUB FANTASY: We highly recommend joining the player's club... we've gotten free weekday hotel nights and around $30-$50 of free slot play every time we come back.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we usually do well at Fantasy Springs. Haven't had any huge jackpots there... instead, we usually experience consistent moderate payouts that allow longer profitable play over time.
THE PAYLINE: For serious slot players looking for long play time in a casino with all the amenities, it's a Fantasy Springs come true!
Last updated: Tuesday, 27 November 2007
All Roads Lead To Pala, Saturday, 03 February 2007
THE DRIVE: About half way between Los Angeles and San Diego, State Route 76 (that we've affectionately dubbed "Casino Highway") winds it's way gently inland from Temecula to Oceanside. Dotted along this beautiful scenic route are quite a few of our favorite casinos, including the world class Pala Casino Spa Resort. Rising like a giant between lush orange groves and a buffalo ranch (more often than not, you will literally see "the buffalo roam" from your car while driving there!), Pala is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside.
THE PARKING: We recommend parking in the covered garage to keep your car cool, or using the friendly valet if you're staying in the hotel.
THE CASINO: Pala's well designed casino floor is one of the biggest in the state, with a large glass enclosed non-smoking section that really keeps the fumes out! Pala has a healthy selection of table games, including Blackjack, Pala Craps (which, like all California casinos, uses cards instead of dice), Pala Roulette, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Crazy 4 Poker, 3-5-7 poker and even a real Baccarat pit in the high limit room.
But we're not usually table players, we're slot players... and that's the real reason we love Pala so much. Their slot variety is incredible: Every multi-denom video slot imaginable (with new slots added frequently, sometimes before we've seen then anywhere else!) Plenty of three reel quarter and dollar machines for those in the mood for more traditional slots. A nice amount of video poker machines, Keno & Game Kings (I have personally witnessed two friends hit jackpots over $1200 sitting next to each other at Pala's main Keno area) plus a robust High Limit section. Even on a Saturday night, there's always an appealing machine available that has your name on it.
THE FOOD: We've had a wonderful meal in The Oak Room (try the sautéed mushrooms, yum!) and were impressed by the terrific selection of fine wines. The Pala Café has that cozy diner feel, if you want to eat with a view, try the outside seating on the Pala Terrace. Don't want to spend a lot of time eating? The Deli has a very satisfying foot-long hotdog!
THE SPA: We've not personally had a spa treatment, but our friends have raved about Pala's Spa.
THE HOTEL: We highly recommend staying at Pala's hotel: the rooms are surprisingly large and luxurious... and are usually less expensive than it's neighbors Pechanga and Harrah's Rincon. In fact, if you sign up for a Pala Privileges players card, you can book weekday rooms at some pretty great player's rates -- we've gotten a room for as low as $39/night! The catch is that the discounted rates are offered through Pala's promo mailings and based on your casino play.
THE STAFF: Friendly and eager to cater to your every need. When there was a hotel mixup, we got an upgrade. When a waitress forgot to bring back change, the host was quick to give us a dining comp to fix the situation.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we frequently leave even or up at Pala. Which says a lot since we've played there over twenty times!
THE PAYLINE: If you're looking for a high-end casino that makes everyone feel like a VIP, Pala Casino Spa Resort is a win-win situation!
THE PARKING: We recommend parking in the covered garage to keep your car cool, or using the friendly valet if you're staying in the hotel.
THE CASINO: Pala's well designed casino floor is one of the biggest in the state, with a large glass enclosed non-smoking section that really keeps the fumes out! Pala has a healthy selection of table games, including Blackjack, Pala Craps (which, like all California casinos, uses cards instead of dice), Pala Roulette, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Crazy 4 Poker, 3-5-7 poker and even a real Baccarat pit in the high limit room.
But we're not usually table players, we're slot players... and that's the real reason we love Pala so much. Their slot variety is incredible: Every multi-denom video slot imaginable (with new slots added frequently, sometimes before we've seen then anywhere else!) Plenty of three reel quarter and dollar machines for those in the mood for more traditional slots. A nice amount of video poker machines, Keno & Game Kings (I have personally witnessed two friends hit jackpots over $1200 sitting next to each other at Pala's main Keno area) plus a robust High Limit section. Even on a Saturday night, there's always an appealing machine available that has your name on it.
THE FOOD: We've had a wonderful meal in The Oak Room (try the sautéed mushrooms, yum!) and were impressed by the terrific selection of fine wines. The Pala Café has that cozy diner feel, if you want to eat with a view, try the outside seating on the Pala Terrace. Don't want to spend a lot of time eating? The Deli has a very satisfying foot-long hotdog!
THE SPA: We've not personally had a spa treatment, but our friends have raved about Pala's Spa.
THE HOTEL: We highly recommend staying at Pala's hotel: the rooms are surprisingly large and luxurious... and are usually less expensive than it's neighbors Pechanga and Harrah's Rincon. In fact, if you sign up for a Pala Privileges players card, you can book weekday rooms at some pretty great player's rates -- we've gotten a room for as low as $39/night! The catch is that the discounted rates are offered through Pala's promo mailings and based on your casino play.
THE STAFF: Friendly and eager to cater to your every need. When there was a hotel mixup, we got an upgrade. When a waitress forgot to bring back change, the host was quick to give us a dining comp to fix the situation.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we frequently leave even or up at Pala. Which says a lot since we've played there over twenty times!
THE PAYLINE: If you're looking for a high-end casino that makes everyone feel like a VIP, Pala Casino Spa Resort is a win-win situation!
Last updated: Thursday, 29 November 2007
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