Casino Near La
If you're in Los Angeles and looking to play some table games or pull a slot machine lever, you've got options, but you need to know where to look. California law prohibits classic commercial casinos, so the 'casinos near LA' you'll find are card rooms and tribal casinos. This means a different experience than Vegas, but one with plenty of action for blackjack, poker, and California-style games. We'll break down the best spots, from the bustling card rooms of Gardena to the major resort casinos just a couple hours' drive away.
Los Angeles Card Rooms: Poker & California Games
Within LA County, card rooms are your legal, in-person gambling option. They can't offer house-banked games like traditional blackjack. Instead, you'll find player-banked games like California Blackjack, where players take turns being the 'bank'. The vibe is competitive and social. The Commerce Casino and The Bicycle Hotel & Casino in Bell Gardens are the giants, featuring hundreds of poker and Pai Gow tables. For a more local feel, the Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens or Larry Flynt's Lucky Lady Casino in Gardena are solid choices. Buy-ins vary, but you can often find low-stakes tables starting around $40.
What to Expect at an LA Card Room
Expect a serious poker focus. The Commerce regularly hosts major tournament series. Dress is casual, but avoid tank tops and flip-flops. Most have restaurants on-site, from casual cafes to upscale steakhouses. Remember, you're playing against other players, not the house, so the dynamic is different. Drinks are typically complimentary if you're playing.
Major Tribal Casino Resorts Within Driving Distance
For the full casino resort experience with slots and traditional house-banked games, you need to head to tribal lands. The closest major options are about a 90-minute to 2-hour drive from downtown LA, depending on traffic—always a key factor. Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula is a massive destination with over 5,000 slots, 158 table games, a luxury hotel, and a championship golf course. Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon is another heavyweight just off the I-10, offering 3,000+ slots and a huge poker room. For a coastal trip, Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez is about a 2.5-hour drive north near Solvang.
Best Slots & Table Game Selection Near LA
If your priority is slot variety, the tribal casinos are your only bet. Pechanga and Morongo have thousands of machines, from classic reels to the latest video slots with progressive jackpots that can hit six figures. For table games, both offer the real deal: blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps with house dealers. Minimum bets at peak times can be $15-$25 for blackjack, but you can often find $10 tables on weekdays. Back in the city, the card rooms excel at poker variants (Texas Hold'em, Omaha) and unique California games like Pai Gow Tiles.
Comparing the Top Two: Pechanga vs. Morongo
Pechanga feels more like a Vegas strip resort, with a larger, newer hotel and more dining options (over a dozen). Morongo is extremely convenient right off the freeway and has a reputation for looser slots, though that's anecdotal. Morongo's poker room is consistently one of the busiest in California. Your choice might come down to whether you want a full weekend getaway (Pechanga) or a straightforward gaming trip (Morongo).
Legal Online Alternatives for LA Players
While you can't legally play online slots or roulette for real money in California, social and sweepstakes casinos are popular. Platforms like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots use a sweepstakes model that's legal in most states. You buy virtual 'Gold Coins' for fun and get free 'Sweeps Coins' that can be redeemed for cash prizes. For real-money online play, you'll need to be physically located in a state like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Michigan to access apps from operators like BetMGM Casino or DraftKings Casino.
FAQ
What is the closest real casino to Los Angeles with slot machines?
The closest casinos with traditional slot machines are the tribal casinos in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The closest major one is probably Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon. It's about a 90-minute drive from downtown LA without traffic, but the I-10 can be brutal, so plan for longer.
Can I play real blackjack against the house in Los Angeles?
No, not within LA city or county limits. Card rooms offer California Blackjack, where players rotate as the bank. To play standard dealer blackjack, you must go to a tribal casino like Pechanga or Morongo, where they operate under a different gaming compact.
Do LA card rooms have slot machines or roulette?
No. By California law, card rooms are only licensed for card games where players compete against each other. You will not find any slot machines, roulette wheels, or craps tables in a Los Angeles card room.
What should I wear to a casino near LA?
For card rooms and tribal casinos, casual is perfectly fine—jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. Most people dress for comfort. Avoid overly revealing clothing or anything with offensive graphics. Some high-limit areas or fine-dining restaurants might have a 'business casual' suggestion.