Last year an estimated 50 million people visited Los Angeles and it is easy to see why. LA is home to so many incredible sights and attractions like Hollywood, Venice Beach and Disney World.
And while for gambling the most well known destination in this region is Las Vegas, it should be no surprise that a place like Los Angeles is home to some of the best casinos in the country.
LA thrives on entertainment, and its relative proximity to Vegas means that those who are keen gamblers, or are just interested in a glitzy fun and entertainment experience you really can’t pass the opportunity to either visit or actually play at one of the local casinos.
In comparison to Vegas, you won't find a glitzy strip with custom neon signs and world famous iconic resorts or even slot machines at casinos in Los Angeles, but there are lots of poker and blackjack tables and also tasty cuisine and entertainment on offer with shows and live music.
Now, check out our list of the top rated casinos not on GamStop but in LA. Some of them are independent, while others are part of lavish hotels and resorts where you can book accommodation and treat yourself to a spa retreat and some exceptional dining experiences.
1. Parkwest Bicycle Hotel & Casino
- Address: 888 Bicycle Casino Dr, Bell Gardens, CA 90201, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The Bicycle Hotel & Casino is one of the most well known and popular LA casinos and has been operating since 1984. A couple of years ago, the casino underwent a massive expansion that added a hotel to the gaming venue.
The Bicycle Casino specializes in hosting poker tournaments (though it also offers more card games) and is one of the largest venues in the world with a 100,000 square-foot poker room.
It’s definately one of the top places to consider visiting as it is especially as this is where the WPT and other big poker tournaments are hosted.
2. Commerce Casino & Hotel
- Address: 6131 Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA 90040, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Interested in visiting one of the largest card rooms on the planet? Check Commerce Casino with it's gaming space of 8,519 m²!
You can try your hand at over 240 tables featuring 24 types of games, among them all the popular variants of poker, but also California Games like EZ Baccarat, 21 Century Blackjack and Pan 9.
The Commerce Casino hosts several tournament series, along with daily competitions. There is also a hotel, SPA, and restaurants on the premises, including an option for tableside dining.
3. The Gardens Casino
- Address: 11871 E Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The Gardens Casino, also known as The Hawaiian Gardens Casino, comes with an interesting history.
Since being launched in 1997 it has become a popular place to gamble with locals and internationals alike. Three years ago, the owners invested $90 million dollars in an extensive redo and the current site looks spectacular.
The Gardens Casino venue has 225 tables for card games like poker, baccarat, and blackjack. Numerous high-profile tournaments and also events like pro boxing and MMA fight nights are held here.
4. Pechanga Resort & Casino
- Address: 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The Pechanga Casino is one of the several Indian owned LA casinos and hosts the largest casino floor in the city at a whopping 188,000 sq. ft.
Here you can play not only card games but also slots (4,500 of them), bingo, high-limit games, and even bet off-track on thoroughbred horse races.
Furthermore, the resort features a deluxe hotel with suites overlooking stunning views of the Pechanga Indian Reservation.
There are over a dozen dining facilities and options for all tastes and palates, while the SPA & fitness center and several live performance venues provide the resort guests with the ultumate relaxation and entertainment experience.
Last year, the Pechanga Resort & Casino was voted the Best Casino Resort by the Southern California Gaming Guide.
5. Hollywood Park Casino
- Address: 3883 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Until 2013 the Hollywood Park Casino shared the same location as the Hollywood Park Race Course. The track got demolished and is now home to an up-and-coming NFL stadium that from next season should host Ram’s and Charger’s games.
The casino is still going strong and offers players a selection of poker and California Games, and several tournaments. Recently the venue also hosted an eSports competition for Madden ‘20 players.
There’s also an instructional table on site where you can learn the rules to any game played at the casino.
A bar & grill, deli, and a large lounge cater to visitor’s dining and drinks needs, whilst you can also get served tableside.
6. Hustler Casino
- Address: 1000 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
You’d be right if this casino’s name reminds you of the famous adult magazine. They share the same owner - Larry Flynt.
The venue offers a variety of table games like poker, baccarat, and blackjack.
There are many regular tournaments for a variety of games, and according to the casino’s website, it is “home to LA’s largest seeded progressive jackpots.”
There are three dining options on the premises - Larry Flynt’s Bar & Grill, Coco’s, and Corky’s Snack Bar. There is also a gift shop filled, of course, with Hustler-branded merch.
7. Yaamava' Resort & Casino
- Address: 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Another Indian establishment, Yaamava' Resort & Casino offers quite the gaming space on its premises. It hosts table games, a blackjack area, a bingo area, over 100 video poker machines, and close to 5,000 slot machines.
There is a VIP gaming area, a shopping area, and fourteen dining locations ranging from cheap quick eats to luxury fine dining.
Entertainment is guaranteed with bars, a live entertainment lounge, and a nightclub.
There is a rich range of events and contests organized by the venue. The dining facilities also feature themed days like Steak Nights, Taco Tuesdays, and Lobster Wednesdays and Thursdays.
8. Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa
- Address: 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The next Indian resort on our list, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, also offers so much to visitors.
The casino spreads over the mesmerizing 150,000 sq. ft., hosting poker and other table games, slots, bingo, and high-limit games. The resort’s other amenities are also something to get excited about.
The hotel rooms present to guests well-styled decor and spectacular views. A Spa area offers an abundance of therapies and beauty procedures.
Seven dining facilities provide a variety of tastes and cuisines. And last but not least, the resort organizes year-long entertainment events like concerts and fight nights.
9. Crystal Casino
- Address: 123 E Artesia Blvd, Compton, CA 90220, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The Crystal Casino has an impressive 35 gaming tables for poker, blackjack, and Spanish 21, among others.
There are daily progressive jackpots along with several promotions.
Crystal Casino main attraction is due to being the only casino in the Los Angeles area offering 100% no collection fees for its players in all table games.
10. Pala Casino Spa & Resort
- Address: 11154 CA-76, Pala, CA 92059, USA
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The Pala Casino Spa & Resort is not located in LA, but the San Diego county’s Pala Indian Reservation. Nevertheless, it has made it to our lsit because it is located in close proximity to downtown LA.
The 86,000 sq. ft. casino is home to more than 2,000 slot machines and over 80 table games, including baccarat, poker, craps, roulette, and a high-limit zone.
The resort also features a hotel part and a host of amenities. There is a wine cellar, several bars, and multiple diners, where guests can try grill, noodles, or sushi among other cuisines.
Swimming pools and a Spa offer the chance for extra relaxation. There’s also an RV resort on the premises.
Can't Make it to LA?
With so many great casinos included in our list, hopefully we have give you some ideas for the top rated places to gamble in LA.
You’ll never be short or entertainment or bored in LA considering that the city is home to a variety of establishments ranging from casino-only venues to deluxe resorts where you get the whole package.
There's also no better way to experience the high-stakes atmosphere of LA casinos than with a luxury limo service.
So whether you are a complete beginner and would just like to try your luck, or if you are a experienced pro, you will be able to have a great experience even far from the glitz and glamour of Vegas.
But if you haven't got the money or time to visit Los Angeles there are lots of other ways to get the LA casino experience.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy or win big is by visiting an online casino. You can play a massive variety of games like online blackjack without having to travel. In fact, online gambling is getting lots of new fans on a daily basis due to its convenience, an abundance of games and greater safety compared to walking around with lots of cash in the pocket.
What’s more, winnings from such platforms are far from modest. For example, the world’s record for the largest online slot machine jackpot payout is currently set to £13.2 million. A British soldier (26 year-old back then) won the jaw-dropping sum in 2015 by betting on a slot machine at Betway Casino with a 25 pence stake.
Another huge upside of playing online is that virtual casinos are open 24/7 and they organize regular tournaments for all sorts of players and budgets. Just recently Grand View Research published a report which forecasts the global online gambling market to hit $102.97 billion soon.
How to recognize a legal online casino?
With the number of online virtual platforms, online casino lovers have a wide choice. Some remain more attractive than others, but how to know if they are reliable? Internet casino gambling is indeed regulated and most are illegal. In this case, risks are not to be spared, even if the advantages of playing at the casino remain real. However, to access reliable gambling platforms, visit the website and refer to the following tips. In this way, you can be sure of the casino's legality before venturing there.
Make sure that the online casino is trustworthy
All reliable online casinos can be verified on sites such as the ANJ or the National Gaming Authority for the French. If so, don't hesitate to check the list of officially licensed online casinos.
Check availability of customer service
An online gambling platform proves its credibility through its customer support service. If the support is responsive and available at all times via email, chat or phone, the casino is legal. If the virtual support is there for you and is able to solve your problems efficiently, it is a reliable gambling site.
Most important: the security of your earnings
To check the seriousness of a site, ask about its payment method and its security. So, if you have the option to withdraw your money at any time into accounts like Neteller or Skrill, the casino is legit.
Test before betting
It is recommended to test the casino before betting. Some platforms offer this option, whereas other platforms may not. This free option allows you to discover the features of the game and to make sure that it is legal. So don't hesitate to try out the free versions to confirm the reliability of an online gambling platform.
