Find Your Favourite California Casino Resorts 2025

When you think of California, you might think of Hollywood, white sandy beaches, or sunny climates, but you probably don’t think of casinos. It’s certainly not an easy link to make.

Like many states, California doesn’t allow commercial casino resorts. However, they do allow card rooms. But thanks to the many Native American tribes located in the state, there are plenty of tribal-owned casinos for players to enjoy. 

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California Land-Based Casino Operators

There are 62 tribes that own casinos in California, and that is why California Indian gaming revenue is higher than any other state in the US.

Most tribes only own one casino, however, there are a few tribes that own more than one, and a few that stand out as big players: 

• Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians – own three major casinos - Agua Caliente Palm Spring, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage,  and Agua Caliente Cathedral City
• Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians – own two casinos Spotlight29 in Coachella and Tortoise Rock casino in Twentynine Palms
• San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians – own the biggest casino in California which is Yaamava' Resort Casino at San Manuel
• Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pechanga Reservation – own the second biggest casino resort in California, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula

California Casino Resorts 

As we’ve already established, there are many tribal-owned casinos in California, but which ones stand out? Let’s take a look. 

• Yaamava' Resort Casino – A Five Diamond casino hotel that can rival any casino in the world. Offering luxury accommodation, pool oasis, relaxing spa, shopping, and a plethora of bars and restaurants to enjoy, you won’t need to go elsewhere. The casino is the biggest in California at over 300,000 square feet and includes over 7,400 slots, 150 live table games, plus various high-limit lounges. If that’s not enough, then the Yaamava’ Theater hosts some of the country’s top musicians and comedians too.
• Pechanga Resort Casino – Located in the Temecula Valley, the Pechanga Resort offers an impressive 1,100 hotel rooms, spa and fitness center, live entertainment in the Pechanga Theater, plus a variety of bars and restaurants. It also has a 4.5-acre tropical pool oasis called The Cove with four pools, whirlpools and waterslides.  The 200,000 square foot casino is fully smoke-free and offers over 5,000 slots, 150 table games and high limit gaming.  
• Thunder Valley Casino Resort – With a casino floor of 250,000 square feet, you can choose from the 3,400 slot games or the 100 live table games on offer.  If poker is your game, then there’s a 28 table poker room open 24/7 with daily games and there’s even bingo sessions four nights a week. The Venue at Thunder Valley is a 4,500 capacity venue showcasing some top comedy shows and live music. Plus, guests at the hotel can enjoy the Coconut Pool, luxury spa or indulge in one of the many restaurants and bars on site. 

More Than Gambling

Obviously California has much more to offer than just casinos, so why not take a look around at some other top places to explore while in the Golden State. 

• Famous Landmarks – California is brimming with famous landmarks that you’ve seen over and over again in movies and TV series. Sights such as the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Monica Pier or even Alcatraz Island. Movie lovers should really take a trip down the Hollywood Walk of Fame too.
• Beautiful Beaches – Venice Beach, Malibu, Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach, nothing beats a gorgeous white sandy beach on a hot California day. There’s usually lots of great characters and pop up food places to enjoy there too. 
• National and State Parks – Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking waterfalls and cliffs to explore. Or you might want to take a trip to Death Valley, one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. 
• Attractions  – California is home to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland California and Six Flags Magic Mountain so if you love thrill rides and theme parks you have plenty of choice. 
• Las Vegas - Okay, so Las Vegas isn't in California itself, but it's a reasonably short(ish) drive away. It's certainly close enough for a visit. 

Important Considerations

In California you need to be 21 or over to enter a casino. It is always advisable to bring photographic ID with you on entry. 

California state laws prohibit casinos from serving free alcohol to players who are gambling. Alcohol is available but it must be purchased.