Top 10 Casinos in California

With nearly 40 million people calling California home, it’s not surprising that casinos across the state strive to keep up with the demand for gaming.

As of now, only tribal casinos in the state allow for traditional casino games such as slots and table games. These establishments are expanding their gaming floors to ensure customers have a top-notch experience. while also employing luxurious hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

There are 62 regulated gaming locations in California but let’s take a look at the top 10 best options. Let’s get started

First on the list is Pechanga Resort Casino, one of the largest casino resorts in California with 200,000 sq. ft. of gaming space. It is operating for more than two decades under the Pechanga Band of Indians.

This expansive and luxurious setting for gaming and entertainment has:

Even though sports betting is still not legal in the state, Pechanga still provides a lounge where visitors can watch sporting events like Muay Thai Kickboxing and MMA. No sports wagering services are provided.

Pechanga also boasts its 1000-room hotel with some of the best amenities. These include spa treatments, golf courses, shows, events, bars, restaurants, plus shopping experiences. Whether looking to stay long-term or just for a short weekend getaway, Pechanga has everything visitors could desire from luxury suites to luxurious spas.

Next on the list is the Viejas Casino and Resort. This Casino opened its doors in 1991 and has been a great option in the San Diego area ever since. It features a 133,000-square-foot of gaming floor of over 133,000 with 2,500 slot machines and 35 table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette.

The Viejas Casino & Resort also features some of the best amenities, such as a luxurious hotel with 500 guest rooms and suites, several bars and restaurants, an indoor pool, and a spa. The Casino resort also offers various events and shows throughout the year to keep customers entertained. Customers can attend concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music, enjoy comedy acts, or even check out special events like an outdoor movie night. 

Viejas also gathered numerous positive comments on online review sites like  Trip Advisor, which makes it an even more attractive option for gamers who want to experience something new. 

Another popular entertainment destination in the Golden State was Cache Creek Casino Resort. It offers an upscale yet comfortable getaway in northern California’s Capay Valley. Situated in Brooks, the resort opened its doors back in 1985 and has since been upgraded to include a 200-room hotel, 27 of which are luxurious suites. 

Its 74,000 sq. ft. casino floor includes:

Cache also has a loyalty program, the Cache Club.  This allows its players to accumulate points for more rewards.

Aside from the casino and hotel services, it also has great amenities. From fine dining to state-of-the-art spa experiences, and even an 18-hole golf course – Cache Creek gives much more than a traditional casino. 

Located in Jackson, California, the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is a must-visit for travelers. Owned and operated by the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, this luxurious location offers so much more than just a hotel and casino. The gaming area has:

The Hotel at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort offers a luxurious getaway. With 86 generously spaced rooms, newly renovated executive suites, and comfortable furnishings, you can enjoy stunning views from the comfort of your room and experience exceptional service.

For those looking for an outdoor getaway, the RV Park located in a secluded forest setting is only a short 5-minute ride away from the casino. Visitors can also dine in on restaurants serving delicious food from all around the world.

The website is user-friendly so guests can check the offerings before visiting the place.

Red Hawk Casino is owned by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and is located in Placerville, California. Its 88,000 sq. ft. of gambling floor has:

Visitors to the casino can look forward to more than just gambling games as Red Hawk also open The APEX. It is an 85,000-square-foot amusement complex featuring an 18-lane bowling alley, indoor go-karting, golf simulators, and virtual reality gaming. It also has a sports bar and grill for sports fans who want to enjoy a chill night while watching sports.

Later in 2023, guests of the casino will enjoy a 5-story hotel with 150 guest rooms and 25 suites alongside a pool and outdoor terrace, and a fitness center. All this makes Red Hawk Casino an exciting destination for those looking for fun and entertainment.

The Colusa Casino Resort is a Northern California gaming destination, located between Sacramento and the Oregon border. The Colusa casino has over 66,000 square feet of casino space that includes:

The casino offers promotions each month to reward its loyal customers. Check out the website for up-to-date information about upcoming promotions. This may not be as huge as other entertainment destinations in California but still a great option for nearby customers (especially due to its 24/7 slot machine services). 

Besides the typical gaming amenities, guests can stay in luxurious hotel rooms, and enjoy massage or spa treatments at their onsite spa and salon. It is also recommended to dine in at exquisite restaurants serving high-end cuisine. Colusa is continuing to explore more contracts to expand its offerings within the premises. It recently opened The Branded Butcher chophouse which offers delicious steaks, ribs, burgers, and more. 

Harrah’s Northern California is a tribal casino located on the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. After winning its legal fight against Amador County in 2016 to allow for the development of the casino, the tribe sold $205 million worth of high-interest junk bonds and struck its development agreement with Caesars Entertainment. 

The casino opened officially in April 2019 with 71,000 square feet (6,600 m2) dedicated to gaming space. There are a total of 20 table games and about 1,000 slot machines available. 

As per online reviews, the casino is clean, and not to smoky. Some of the popular slot machines are missing but still have a lot to offer. The restaurants are commendable but be sure to have cash ready, as the transaction fees inside the premises are quite high. some of the guests are also thankful that there’s an accessible Caesars property as they can earn more rewards.

Next on the list is Pala Casino Spa and Resort. This luxurious hotel casino and spa is located on the beautiful Pala Indian Reservation, just a short drive from San Diego, California. It offers an impressive array of games, including:

It also has six restaurants that offer delicious food, and top-notch spa services. Guests will be blown away by the luxurious accommodations and will experience first-hand the generosity and hospitality.

Based on customers’ shared experiences, the working staff is very friendly and approachable. The casino offerings are improving and their hotel rooms gathered a lot of positive feedback. Negative comments about Pala casino’s cleanliness are noticeable, especially about cigarettes on table games. Overall, it is still a recommended destination for travelers.

Barona Resort & Casino offers a unique atmosphere to experience the culture of San Diego. This is located just 21 miles northeast of downtown, Barona. It is designed according to the ranch life that reflects the reservation origin’s heritage. 

The massive 340,000-square-foot casino floor has over 2,200 slot machines and 65 table games. The gaming portfolio is almost within the range of other destinations but in a more spacious area to cover more visitors. 

Guests can stay in one of their 400 comfortable rooms and enjoy delicious meals at any of their six restaurants or conveniently grab a quick bite at the food court. Those looking for even more leisure activities need only step out to the expansive golf course complemented with breathtaking views. Other offerings of Barona Resort & Casino include:

Last, but definitely not the least, is Harrah’s Resort Southern California.  Located in the town of Funner, this casino resort offers plenty of options to guests. Its 86,000 sq ft sq. ft gaming floor has 1500 slot machines like:

It also offers 50 table games like:

It also features a live entertainment venue, a pool area with cabanas, several restaurants, and even shopping experiences. The Harrah’s Resort in Southern California is popular for its special series of tournaments like the WSOP Circuit and the Deep Stack Series. 

As per Tripadvisor, it is one of the best destinations when choosing a casino with a pool, a gym, and a private balcony. It currently has a 4.5/5 rating as a resort casino which is one of the best ratings on the site.