CA Casino List (A-Z) 
Reviews written by Editor
Nice Payouts Under The Big Top, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: Well, it's not pretty, folks, I'll admit that. From Los Angeles, the best route is to take the 60 East towards Riverside. On a clear day you may catch a glimpse of a snow capped Mount Baldy, but most times the view is limited by smog and strip malls. In Riverside, Exit Gilman Springs road (alternate route is the Ramona Expressway). Here's where it gets interesting. You'll toodle down a two lane road for about 20 minutes, passing deserted paint-ball arenas and lots of dusty fields covered with tire tracks from off-roading enthusiasts. Keep going! Suddenly, you'll see a strange sort of landscaped village with a castle theme and a huge pirate ship. After doing some internet research, I've come to learn this is a complex owned by the Scientologists, WOW! You don't see that every day. Follow the signs and you'll soon be on the main road to Soboba Casino. They've even put in a brand new casino sign over the road to let you know you're about to have fun!
THE PARKING: A vast parking lot, but no covered parking. If you don't want to walk, they do have a valet and little golf cart shuttles.
THE CASINO: Soboba is one of the few remaining CA Casinos that is still made up of "tents" - three to be exact. But, they do fit 2000 slots and over 20 tables so you can imagine how big they are. Until this year, the atmosphere of Soboba was charmingly "rustic" if you're used to high end casinos. Not anymore. When I visited this November, I was pleasantly surprised to see they'd totally remodeled the entire interior! Gone are the bare white walls with pipes, they've been replaced by plush new carpets, a dropped ceiling with huge wood beams, and pleasing lighting. Each of the tents now serves as it's own aptly named room, with the last room being completely devoted to NON-SMOKING. In fact, it seems the ventilation is much better throughout the casino in general.
As far as playing, I love Soboba slots. I love the variety and I love the payouts. And you can play A LONG TIME. I have won more small/medium jackpots there than almost anywhere else. The biggest downside has been the atmosphere, which has been much improved due to remodeling. They've also added quite a few more tables in the second room.
PROMO NOTE: Soboba has $1000 giveaways and other events going on most evenings. Why let the locals win all that money? Put your name in the raffle and your card in the machine!
THE FOOD: They've swapped out their old steakhouse with the new "Manhattan At Soboba" Delicatessen, Restaurant & Bakery which I'll try the next time I visit. I was concerned about them removing the hot dog stand in the front, but was relieved to find they'd moved it to a bigger and better space. After a few hours of playing, Soboba hot dogs are the bomb!
LODGINGS: Unfortunately, there are no lodgings at the casino and it's 20 minute drive back to civilization. However, once back on the 60 freeway (or the 10) there are plenty of Holiday Inn Express type hotels if you're tired.
THE STAFF: Friendly and local. The kind of vibe where it feels like everyone knows (and likes!) each other.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, I have almost always left even or a little bit up at Soboba. The few times I left down, I think I had too many $2 beers and lost my sense of gambling judgement :)
THE PAYLINE: If you're feeling adventurous, the drive to Soboba can give you more bang for your buck.
THE PARKING: A vast parking lot, but no covered parking. If you don't want to walk, they do have a valet and little golf cart shuttles.
THE CASINO: Soboba is one of the few remaining CA Casinos that is still made up of "tents" - three to be exact. But, they do fit 2000 slots and over 20 tables so you can imagine how big they are. Until this year, the atmosphere of Soboba was charmingly "rustic" if you're used to high end casinos. Not anymore. When I visited this November, I was pleasantly surprised to see they'd totally remodeled the entire interior! Gone are the bare white walls with pipes, they've been replaced by plush new carpets, a dropped ceiling with huge wood beams, and pleasing lighting. Each of the tents now serves as it's own aptly named room, with the last room being completely devoted to NON-SMOKING. In fact, it seems the ventilation is much better throughout the casino in general.
As far as playing, I love Soboba slots. I love the variety and I love the payouts. And you can play A LONG TIME. I have won more small/medium jackpots there than almost anywhere else. The biggest downside has been the atmosphere, which has been much improved due to remodeling. They've also added quite a few more tables in the second room.
PROMO NOTE: Soboba has $1000 giveaways and other events going on most evenings. Why let the locals win all that money? Put your name in the raffle and your card in the machine!
THE FOOD: They've swapped out their old steakhouse with the new "Manhattan At Soboba" Delicatessen, Restaurant & Bakery which I'll try the next time I visit. I was concerned about them removing the hot dog stand in the front, but was relieved to find they'd moved it to a bigger and better space. After a few hours of playing, Soboba hot dogs are the bomb!
LODGINGS: Unfortunately, there are no lodgings at the casino and it's 20 minute drive back to civilization. However, once back on the 60 freeway (or the 10) there are plenty of Holiday Inn Express type hotels if you're tired.
THE STAFF: Friendly and local. The kind of vibe where it feels like everyone knows (and likes!) each other.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, I have almost always left even or a little bit up at Soboba. The few times I left down, I think I had too many $2 beers and lost my sense of gambling judgement :)
THE PAYLINE: If you're feeling adventurous, the drive to Soboba can give you more bang for your buck.
Last updated: Saturday, 24 November 2007
Las Vegas Only 90 Minutes From LA, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: Location, location, location... The Morongo Band of Mission Indians have been developing their freeway adjacent property for the last decade and Morongo Casino's location couldn't be better. Roughly 90 minutes from LA, Morongo's glittering new hotel beckons drivers on the 10 freeway to pull over and try their luck. Have a spouse or friend who doesn't like to gamble? Drop them off at the awesome Cabazon outlet mall next door!
THE PARKING: Brand new covered parking, swift valet service. Costs a couple bucks, but you get a discount with your players card.
THE CASINO: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa (formerly Casino Morongo) has been around for over a decade. What used to be a fun stop along the way to Palm Springs has become an resort destination that rivals any Las Vegas Casino: A brand new casino and spa, a beautiful hotel, state of the art bowling alley, and world class entertainment.
It seems that Morongo is focused on bringing in LA's young set (it feels very much like Vegas' Hard Rock or Palms Casino) with ultra hip decor, slamming nightclubs and over 100 table games. They also have an awesome poker room with daily tournaments. The slots are new and mostly high denominations, lots of 15-20 line video machines set to nickel or quarter minimums which is a little steep for the average player. Until recently, they didn't even carry penny machines but I am pleased to report they have put in a few. My guess is that Morongo wants you to enjoy it's other activities and isn't targeted to the players who want to simply sit at the same machine for hours on end... there are plenty of lower end casinos for that!
THE FOOD: We'll be reviewing the Casino restaurants on our next trip. In the meantime, we recommend checking out Hadley Fruit Orchards next door for fresh California fruits and nuts!
THE STAFF: Friendly and efficient.
THE ODDS: I have not had much luck at the new casino, but the atmosphere is so pleasing it doesn't dampen my mood.
THE PAYLINE: If you're looking for a high end Vegas experience minutes from LA, Morongo is your best bet!
THE PARKING: Brand new covered parking, swift valet service. Costs a couple bucks, but you get a discount with your players card.
THE CASINO: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa (formerly Casino Morongo) has been around for over a decade. What used to be a fun stop along the way to Palm Springs has become an resort destination that rivals any Las Vegas Casino: A brand new casino and spa, a beautiful hotel, state of the art bowling alley, and world class entertainment.
It seems that Morongo is focused on bringing in LA's young set (it feels very much like Vegas' Hard Rock or Palms Casino) with ultra hip decor, slamming nightclubs and over 100 table games. They also have an awesome poker room with daily tournaments. The slots are new and mostly high denominations, lots of 15-20 line video machines set to nickel or quarter minimums which is a little steep for the average player. Until recently, they didn't even carry penny machines but I am pleased to report they have put in a few. My guess is that Morongo wants you to enjoy it's other activities and isn't targeted to the players who want to simply sit at the same machine for hours on end... there are plenty of lower end casinos for that!
THE FOOD: We'll be reviewing the Casino restaurants on our next trip. In the meantime, we recommend checking out Hadley Fruit Orchards next door for fresh California fruits and nuts!
THE STAFF: Friendly and efficient.
THE ODDS: I have not had much luck at the new casino, but the atmosphere is so pleasing it doesn't dampen my mood.
THE PAYLINE: If you're looking for a high end Vegas experience minutes from LA, Morongo is your best bet!
Last updated: Monday, 26 November 2007
The Little Casino That Could, Saturday, 24 February 2007
Full review coming soon!
Last updated: Sunday, 25 February 2007
A Much Needed Expansion Pays Off, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: Neither interstate 10 nor the 215 freeway are particularly scenic... but who cares! Taking either route, San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino is a little over an hour away from Los Angeles... making it the closest casino to the inland empire.
THE PARKING: FINALLY! They have a covered parking garage and brand new valet area. In fact the back of the old casino is now the impressive front of the new casino.
THE CASINO: Okay, I'll be honest. Before this November, I'd been to San Manuel three times and never stayed for more than an hour. It is the closest casino to LA and smack in the middle of residential Highland, CA, which is a recipe for major crowds. I mean, who wouldn't want to gamble after a hard day's work, or on a lunch break for that matter? Add a killer marketing campaign, radio commercials and... yikes! It felt more like an airport than a casino.
I am pleased to report that my opinion has changed. Granted, I recently visited San Manuel on a weekday afternoon... BUT, I had been there at that same time before and could not get in the door. (USERS: Please report what the crowds are like on a weekend.)
First off, the new casino is absolutely beautiful. It has that circular casino design reminiscent of a Las Vegas casino. The ceilings are high, the ventilation is a thousand times better and best of all... it didn't feel that crowded!
They have acres of brand new slots and gorgeous new tables. I must note, there are NO pennies. There are some .02 cents but mainly nickels up. I'm never sure why casinos decide to not carry pennies which are a favorite of mine, but the .02 paid out better than expected so I can live with that!
THE FOOD: The Serrano Buffet looks amazing, I will try the next time out.
THE STAFF: Very friendly. Lots of ticket X-change machines so not that many of them on the floor.
THE ODDS: I must return for a longer playing time to calculate my play results. Like I said, I've never stayed for more than an hour before this trip, so I wasn't planning on enjoying it as much as I did!
THE PAYLINE: I look forward to revisiting San Manuel again to give an in depth review of slot play and the restaurants. In the meantime, I'd recommend you check out San Manuel before the rest of LA realizes how great the casino has become!
THE PARKING: FINALLY! They have a covered parking garage and brand new valet area. In fact the back of the old casino is now the impressive front of the new casino.
THE CASINO: Okay, I'll be honest. Before this November, I'd been to San Manuel three times and never stayed for more than an hour. It is the closest casino to LA and smack in the middle of residential Highland, CA, which is a recipe for major crowds. I mean, who wouldn't want to gamble after a hard day's work, or on a lunch break for that matter? Add a killer marketing campaign, radio commercials and... yikes! It felt more like an airport than a casino.
I am pleased to report that my opinion has changed. Granted, I recently visited San Manuel on a weekday afternoon... BUT, I had been there at that same time before and could not get in the door. (USERS: Please report what the crowds are like on a weekend.)
First off, the new casino is absolutely beautiful. It has that circular casino design reminiscent of a Las Vegas casino. The ceilings are high, the ventilation is a thousand times better and best of all... it didn't feel that crowded!
They have acres of brand new slots and gorgeous new tables. I must note, there are NO pennies. There are some .02 cents but mainly nickels up. I'm never sure why casinos decide to not carry pennies which are a favorite of mine, but the .02 paid out better than expected so I can live with that!
THE FOOD: The Serrano Buffet looks amazing, I will try the next time out.
THE STAFF: Very friendly. Lots of ticket X-change machines so not that many of them on the floor.
THE ODDS: I must return for a longer playing time to calculate my play results. Like I said, I've never stayed for more than an hour before this trip, so I wasn't planning on enjoying it as much as I did!
THE PAYLINE: I look forward to revisiting San Manuel again to give an in depth review of slot play and the restaurants. In the meantime, I'd recommend you check out San Manuel before the rest of LA realizes how great the casino has become!
Last updated: Saturday, 24 November 2007
Moving Sideways Into The Winner's Circle, Saturday, 24 February 2007
THE DRIVE: There's no arguing California's famous Highway 101 boasts one of the most scenic drives in the country, and it doesn't get much prettier than the stretch between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Rolling hills, world-renown horse ranches, exceptional wineries, Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch... and Chumash Casino Resort. Exit the 101 about 30 min. north of Santa Barbara at Buellton (Home of the famed "Anderson's Pea Soup Restaurant"), drive inland a few miles past Solvang (the quaint Danish-themed village made famous in the movie "Sideways"), and you'll arrive at a casino worthy of it's surroundings.
THE PARKING: Head straight for the covered garage. The bridge to the casino is a floor or two up... so you may want to park on the second level or third level.
THE CASINO: Let me just say, that Chumash was the first Indian casino I ever played at back when I was under 21 (they allow 18 & over). At that time, the entire casino was a single tent with a few blackjack tables... and some strange bingo-ish tab video machines they were trying to call "Slots." Since then, I've watched it evolve and expand: from additional tents, to a stunning new casino in 2003, to it's four diamond hotel opening in 2004.
Chumash has always had a friendly small-town vibe, which has thankfully stayed intact. The current casino has a great variety of slots (lots of pennies!), video poker and keno. Table games include Blackjack, 3 & 4 card poker, and Let It Ride. For you poker players, Chumash has a 24 hour Poker Room with 5 card poker, Omaha High/Low, Hold 'em and weekly tournaments.
DRINKER'S NOTE: Since the age of entry is 18, there is no liquor service on the casino floor. They do, however, have a bar in the hotel and restaurants.
JACKPOT STORY: I must make mention that last October I was there on a Monday when they have a "Fiesta Mexicana Mondays" promotion. Keep your player card in a machine and they draw names to win cash prizes every hour. To my surprise, I actually heard MY NAME over the loudspeaker! A few minutes later, a woman came by to present me with 5 hundred dollar bills and a box of Hot Tamales! It made my night.
THE FOOD: We've never had a meal in their high end restaurant, but the Café is delicious. They also have a tasty snack bar in their giant Bingo Room.
THE SPA: Haven't tried it, we've been too busy gambling!
THE HOTEL: The hotel is new and beautiful. A little pricey ($150-$200 weekdays) but worth it if you don't want to drive back into Solvang.
THE STAFF: Very friendly and considerate... the host even comped our room on a Monday because the hotel wasn't booked up.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we've often left even or way up. And even when we don't... I'm eagerly planning my next trip back.
THE PAYLINE: If you play your cards right, you can make a fabulous weekend getaway to the wine country complete at Chumash Casino Resort.
THE PARKING: Head straight for the covered garage. The bridge to the casino is a floor or two up... so you may want to park on the second level or third level.
THE CASINO: Let me just say, that Chumash was the first Indian casino I ever played at back when I was under 21 (they allow 18 & over). At that time, the entire casino was a single tent with a few blackjack tables... and some strange bingo-ish tab video machines they were trying to call "Slots." Since then, I've watched it evolve and expand: from additional tents, to a stunning new casino in 2003, to it's four diamond hotel opening in 2004.
Chumash has always had a friendly small-town vibe, which has thankfully stayed intact. The current casino has a great variety of slots (lots of pennies!), video poker and keno. Table games include Blackjack, 3 & 4 card poker, and Let It Ride. For you poker players, Chumash has a 24 hour Poker Room with 5 card poker, Omaha High/Low, Hold 'em and weekly tournaments.
DRINKER'S NOTE: Since the age of entry is 18, there is no liquor service on the casino floor. They do, however, have a bar in the hotel and restaurants.
JACKPOT STORY: I must make mention that last October I was there on a Monday when they have a "Fiesta Mexicana Mondays" promotion. Keep your player card in a machine and they draw names to win cash prizes every hour. To my surprise, I actually heard MY NAME over the loudspeaker! A few minutes later, a woman came by to present me with 5 hundred dollar bills and a box of Hot Tamales! It made my night.
THE FOOD: We've never had a meal in their high end restaurant, but the Café is delicious. They also have a tasty snack bar in their giant Bingo Room.
THE SPA: Haven't tried it, we've been too busy gambling!
THE HOTEL: The hotel is new and beautiful. A little pricey ($150-$200 weekdays) but worth it if you don't want to drive back into Solvang.
THE STAFF: Very friendly and considerate... the host even comped our room on a Monday because the hotel wasn't booked up.
THE ODDS: With a bankroll averaging $300, we've often left even or way up. And even when we don't... I'm eagerly planning my next trip back.
THE PAYLINE: If you play your cards right, you can make a fabulous weekend getaway to the wine country complete at Chumash Casino Resort.
Last updated: Friday, 17 August 2007
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