Best Indian Casinos in California June 2023

California is a gambler’s paradise when it comes to casinos, even though casino gambling is illegal in the state. But, fortunately for slot machine and table game lovers, Indian reservations are not considered California land. Therefore, the state’s anti-gambling laws don’t apply at the Indian casinos in California. (Your winnings are still taxable, though.) This makes for a bustling gaming industry. As of February 2023, California boasts 66 Indian casinos, with the 66th, Sky River Casino, opening in August. Those 66 gambling meccas, run by 64 federally recognized tribes, have become the state’s only source for casino wagering. Those 66 tribal casinos also mean California has the third-most casinos in the US, behind Nevada and Oklahoma. California’s Indian casino gaming industry generates around $9 billion in revenue every year, providing essential funds for community and social services on tribal lands. That number will grow, too, if California sports betting is legalized in the future. The casino hotels are also often of the most luxurious and well-reviewed hotspots for gambling vacations in the state. There will be more Indian casinos in California, too, as the state has tribal-state gaming compacts with at least 10 more tribal nations. Seven tribes, who currently don’t own any casino, are either constructing or planning to construct a casino as of this writing. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best California Indian casinos, as well as a full California casinos list.

Best Indian Casinos in California

As a group, Indian casinos in California produce more handle and revenue than the tribal casinos of any other state in the US. The most recent available data is from fiscal year 2021. That year, Indian casinos in California and northern Nevada generated a revenue of $11.9 billion, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission. While it isn’t broken down further, just by the sheer number of CA Indian casinos, it’s logical to assume they generated at least $9 million of that eye-popping total. California’s 66 tribal casinos vary in size and theme. Some pair their gambling with five-star resorts and spas, as well as entertainment venues attracting some of the biggest names in music. Others are smaller operations that provide fun nights out to their local community, with slot machines and table games to satisfy every level of gambler.

Full California Casinos List

Casino	Tribe	Address
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs	Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation	401 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa Rancho Mirage	Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation	32-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City	Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation	68960 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Augustine Casino	Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians	84-001 Avenue 54, Coachella, CA 92236
Barona Resort & Casino	Barona Band of Mission Indians	1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040
Bear River Casino Hotel	Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria	11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, CA 95551
Black Oak Casino	Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians	19400 Tuolumne Rd N, Tuolumne, CA 95379
Blue Lake Casino & Hotel	Blue Lake Rancheria	777 Casino Way, Blue Lake, CA 95525
Cache Creek Casino Resort	Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation	14455 CA-16, Brooks, CA 95606
Cahuilla Casino Hotel	Cahuilla Band of Indians	52702 CA-371, Anza, CA 92539
Casino Pauma	Pauma Band of Luiseño Mission Indians	777 Pauma Reservation Rd, Pauma Valley, CA 92061
The Heights Casino	Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria	27 Scenic Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570
Chicken Ranch Casino	Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians	16929 Chicken Ranch Rd, Jamestown, CA 95327
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino	Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians of California	711 Lucky Ln, Coarsegold, CA 93614
Chumash Casino Resort	Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians	3400 CA-246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Colusa Casino Resort	Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians	3770 CA-45, Colusa, CA 95932
Coyote Valley Casino	Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians	77 BIA Rd 228, Redwood Valley, CA 95470
Desert Rose Casino	Alturas Indian Rancheria	901 Co Rd 56, Alturas, CA 96101
Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel	Susanville Indian Rancheria	900 Skyline Rd, Susanville, CA 96130
Eagle Mountain Casino	Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation	681 S Reservation Rd, Porterville, CA 93257
Elk Valley Casino	Elk Valley Rancheria	2021 Elk Ranch Road, Crescent City, CA 95531
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino	Cabazon Band of Mission Indians	84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203
Feather Falls Casino & Lodge	Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians	3 Alverda Dr, Oroville, CA 95966
Garcia River Casino	Manchester Band of Pomo Indians	22215 Windy Hollow Rd, Point Arena, CA 95468
Gold Country Casino Resort	Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians	4020 Olive Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center	Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians	1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Graton Resort & Casino	Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria	288 Golf Course Dr W, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain	Enterprise Rancheria of Maidu Indians	3317 Forty Mile Rd, Wheatland, CA 95692
Harrah’s Northern California Casino	Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians	4640 Coal Mine Rd, Ione, CA 95640
Harrah’s Resort Southern California	Rincon Band of Luiseño Mission Indians	777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082
Havasu Landing Resort & Casino	Chemehuevi Indian Tribe	13145 Havasu Lake Rd, Needles, CA 92363
Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort	Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians	12222 New York Ranch Rd, Jackson, CA 95642
Jamul Casino	Jamul Indian Village	14145 Campo Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
Konocti Vista Casino	Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians	2755 Mission Rancheria Rd, Lakeport, CA 95453
Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel	Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation	350 N Indian Rd, Smith River, CA 95567
Lucky Bear Casino	Hoopa Valley Tribe	12510 CA-96, Hoopa, CA 95546
Mono Wind Casino	Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians	37302 Rancheria Ln, Auberry, CA 93602
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa	Morongo Band of Mission Indians	49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
Pala Casino Spa Resort	Pala Band of Mission Indians	11154 CA-76, Pala, CA 92059
Pechanga Resort & Casino	Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians	45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Pit River Casino	Pit River Tribe	20265 Tamarack Ave, Burney, CA 96013
Quechan Casino Resort	Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation	525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Rain Rock Casino	Karuk Tribe	777 Casino Way, Yreka, CA 96097
Red Earth Casino	Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians	3089 Norm Niver Rd, Thermal, CA 92274
Red Fox Casino	Cahto Tribe of the Laytonville Rancheria	200 Cahto Dr, Laytonville, CA 95454
Red Hawk Casino	Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians	1 Red Hawk Pkwy, Placerville, CA 95667
Redwood Hotel Casino	Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation	171 Klamath Blvd, Klamath, CA 95548
River Rock Casino	Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians	3250 CA-128, Geyserville, CA 95441
Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino	Robinson Rancheria	1545 State Hwy 20, Nice, CA 95464
Rolling Hills Casino and Resort	Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians	2655 Everett Freeman Way, Corning, CA 96021
Running Creek Casino	Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake	635 State Hwy 20, Upper Lake, CA 95485
Sherwood Valley Casino	Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians	100 Kawi Pl, Willits, CA 95490
Sky River Casino	Wilton Rancheria	1 Sky River Pkwy, Elk Grove, CA 95757
Soboba Casino Resort	Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians	22777 Soboba Rd, San Jacinto, CA 92583
Spotlight 29 Casino	Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians	46-200 Harrison Pl, Coachella, CA 92236
Sycuan Casino Resort	Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation	5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
Table Mountain Casino	Table Mountain Rancheria	8184 Table Mountain Rd, Friant, CA 93626
Tachi Palace Casino Resort	Santa Rosa Indian Community of the Santa Rosa Rancheria	17225 Jersey Ave, Lemoore, CA 93245
Thunder Valley Casino Resort	United Auburn Indian Community	1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648
Tortoise Rock Casino	Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians	73829 Baseline Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Twin Pine Casino & Hotel	Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians	22223 CA-29, Middletown, CA 95461
Valley View Casino & Hotel	San Pasqual Band of Diegueno Mission Indians	16300 Nyemii Pass, Valley Center, CA 92082
Viejas Casino & Resort	Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians	5000 Willows Rd, Alpine, CA 91901
Wanaaha Casino	Bishop Paiute Tribe	2742 N Sierra Hwy, Bishop, CA 93514
Win-River Resort & Casino	Redding Rancheria	2100 Redding Rancheria Rd, Redding, CA 96001
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino	San Manuel Band of Mission Indians	777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346
4 Other Casinos With Class II Gambling
San Pablo Lytton Casino	Lytton Band of Pomo Indians	13255 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, CA 94806
Winnedumah Winn’s Casino	Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians	135 US-395, Independence, CA 93526
Hidden Oaks Casino	Round Valley Indian Tribes	76700 Covelo Rd, Covelo, CA 95428
La Jolla Trading Post Casino	La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians	22003 CA-76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061

Indian Casinos in Southern California

The majority of Southern California casinos operate in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and Imperial counties. Here are some of the best casino options in Southern California.

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

Formerly San Manuel Casino, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino began long ago as a bingo casino and is now the largest casino in California. It features 7,000 Vegas-style slot machines, 150 table games (including pai gow, baccarat, video poker, blackjack, craps, and more), and 290,000 square feet of gaming space. It also has 17 restaurants and bars, as well as a hotel. Address: 777 San Manual Blvd., Highland, CA 92346

Pechanga Resort Casino

Pechanga Resort Casino is the second-largest of the Indian casinos in California with 200,000 square feet and 5,400 slot machines. It additionally boasts 20 restaurants and bars, a casino hotel with over 1,000 rooms, and a 25,000-square-foot spa. It’s located in beautiful wine country southwest of Riverside County, so you can spend some of your winnings on premium wines. Address: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is located just 20 minutes west of Palm Springs. It currently features 150,000 square feet in total, with 4,000 slot machines, and a poker room that allows for 20 private tables for poker games such as Texas hold’em. It also boasts a 310-room hotel and a world-class spa. Morongo is one of 16 18+ casinos in California. Address: 49750 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230

Viejas Casino & Resort

This Four Diamond Casino and resort is only 29 miles east of San Diego and was renovated in 2018. It features a high-limit gaming area of 15,415 square feet, which also includes eight high-limit tables. Close to 2,500 slot machines are available at Viejas Casino & Resort, along with two hotels and a selection of restaurants and bars. Address: 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, CA 91901

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa

Situated in the eastern part of Palm Springs, 61 miles east of Riverside, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa offers guests 1,800 slot machines, 42 table games, a 10-table poker room, and a high-limit gaming section. It is one of three Southern California casinos owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. There is also a full-service spa open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Address: 32-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Sycuan Casino Resort

This casino is just 20 minutes east of downtown San Diego. It features 2,300 slot machines, 53 table games, a 15-table poker room, and 90,000 square feet of gaming space to play casino games. There’s also a 300-room hotel, plus a spa, an adults-only pool, and various restaurant choices. Address: 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019

Barona Resort & Casino

Another large San Diego-area casino, Barona Resort & Casino has a sprawling 340,000 square feet of gaming space — making it one of the most spacious of the Indian casinos in California. That huge gaming floor features 2,200 slot machines and 65 table games. One of 16 California casinos that allow 18-year-olds, Barona also has a 400-room hotel, six restaurants and a food court, and a golf course — Barona Creek Golf Club. Address: 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040

Chumash Casino Resort

Situated between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, and just 10 minutes from historic Solvang, Chumash Casino Resort offers 2,300 slot machines, 45 table games, 12-table poker room, and 115,000 square feet of gaming space. Beyond that, Chumash also features a 321-room, two-tower hotel with 17 luxury suites, as well as a rooftop pool at 1,400-seat entertainment venue. Address: 3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Pala Casino Spa Resort

Address: 11154 CA-76, Pala, CA 92059 Just 12 miles south of Temecula and in the middle of some excellent wine country, Pala Casino Spa Resort features 2,000 slot machines, 61 gaming tables, and an 86,000 square-foot gaming floor. Beyond that, it also offers guests 13 restaurants and a food court, indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, 425 rooms and 82 suites, and a world-class spa.

Spotlight 29 Casino

Address: 46-200 Harrison Pl, Coachella, CA 92236 Chances are you’ve heard of Coachella for the Coachella Music Festival. But, yes, there’s a high-quality casino there too. Spotlight 29 Casino, situated 29 miles east of Palm Springs, offers guests 1,600 slot machines and 39 table games, plus a 2,200-seat entertainment venue, various restaurants, and a nightclub. Check out our Complete Guide to Gambling in Southern California.

Indian Casinos in Northern California

Most Northern California casinos operate in Placer County and Yolo County. Here are some of the best casino options in Northern California.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort

Thunder Valley Casino Resort is located just outside Sacramento. The iconic palm trees conjure up a feeling of summertime year-round. It features nearly 270,000 square feet with 3,400 slot machines and 110 table games, all open 24 hours daily. Bingo and live poker are also available, plus a selection of top-tier restaurants and a 400-room casino hotel. Address: 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln, CA 95648

Cache Creek Casino Resort

Cache Creek Casino Resort, located in Brooks, California, features 2,300 slot machines, 120 table games, and 74,720 square feet of gaming space with everything from video poker to baccarat and more. There’s also a two-tower hotel with 649 rooms and a top-rated golf course. Address: 14455 CA-16, Brooks, CA 95606

Blue Lake Casino Hotel

Located along the Redwood Coast, 20 minutes north of Eureka, Blue Lake Casino Hotel features more than 600 slots, as well as Play Station 777, an 18+ non-smoking section with more than 70 slot machines. The casino floor also features table games and a poker room that’s open Thursday-Saturday starting at 6 p.m. local time. Address: 777 Casino Way, Blue Lake, CA 95525

Rolling Hills Casino and Resort

Situated 110 miles north of Sacramento and 40 miles east of the Mendocino National Forest, Rolling Hills Casino and Resort offers guests 840 slot machines (including video poker games and penny slots) and 12 table games, including The Stadium, an area dedicated to electronic table games. Beyond that, there’s an adjacent golf course called The Links at Rolling Hills and a two-tower hotel. It’s one of a handful of Indian casinos in California that boast award-winning golf courses. Address: 2655 Everett Freeman Way, Corning, CA 96021

Sky River Casino

California’s newest casino, Sky River Casino, opened Aug. 16, 2022. It’s the first casino located in Sacramento County. It features 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, a 12-table poker room, four restaurants, a spa, and a 12-story casino hotel. It boasts 110,260 square feet of gaming space. Address: 1 Sky River Parkway, Elk Grove, CA 95758

Red Hawk Casino

Located about 30 miles east of Sacramento, Red Hawk Casino features 2,100 slot machines, 75 table games, and 88,000 square feet of gaming space. It also just opened The Apex, an 80,000-square-foot entertainment complex with an indoor go-kart track, bowling alley, golf simulators, virtual reality arcade, and sports bar. A hotel is currently under construction. Address: 1 Red Hawk Boulevard, Placerville, CA 95667

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Located about 30 miles from Fresno, this casino features 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games, and 73,000 square feet of gaming space. There’s also a 220-room hotel, 13,000-square-foot spa, and nine restaurants. Address: 711 Lucky Lane, Coarsegold, CA 93614

Table Mountain Casino Resort

The brand new Table Mountain Casino Resort opened in July, just down the road from the old Table Mountain Casino. About 20 miles north of Fresno, this casino offers 600,000 square feet of total space, 110,000 of which is dedicated to gaming. There are 2,000 slots, 33 table games, a high-limit room, and a “Dragon’s Den” card room. There’s also a 171-room casino hotel and eight restaurants. Address:  777 Jackpot Lane, Friant, CA 93626

Tachi Palace Casino Resort

This casino is owned by the Tachi Yokut Tribe, which is one of just three tribes that publicly endorsed Prop 27 in California. Tachi Palace Casino Resort is located 38 miles south of Fresno and it has 2,000 slot machines, 21 table games, and 80,000 square feet of gaming space. It also offers a bingo hall for anyone 18 and older. Address: 17225 Jersey Avenue, Lemoore, CA 93245

Graton Casino & Resort

Address: 288 Golf Course Dr W, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 The sprawling Graton Casino & Resort 48 miles north of San Francisco offers guests 3,000 slots and 100 table games on a massive 317,750-square-foot gaming floor. Beyond that, it also features a 200-room hotel, four restaurants, three bars and lounges, a food court, a convention center, and a spa where you can spend some of your winnings.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain

Address: 3317 Forty Mile Road, Wheatland, CA 95682 Despite Sacramento being in its name, Hard Rock Fire Mountain is actually about 36 miles north of Sacramento. Still, the only current Hard Rock Casino in California offers guests a hotel with 170 rooms and 31 suites. It also recently opened Hard Rock Live, a 3,000-seat indoor entertainment venue. For gambling, bettors can enjoy more than 1,500 slot machines and 55 table games on a 62,000-square-foot casino floor. Check out our Complete Guide to Gambling in Northern California.

Largest Indian Casinos in California

This list looks at number of slot machines first. If those numbers are the same for multiple casinos, then we consider number of table games.

Casino	Details	Location
1. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino	7,000 slot machines, 150 table games, 290,000 square feet of gaming space	Highland
2. Pechanga Resort Casino	5,400 slot machines, 153 table games, non-smoking poker room, 200,000 square feet of gaming space	Temecula
3. Morongo Casino Resort & Spa	4,000 slot machines, 80 table games, 20-table poker room, 150,000 square feet of gaming space	Cabazon
4. Thunder Valley Casino Resort	3,400 slot machines, 110 gaming tables, 50-table poker room, 270,000 square feet of gaming space	Lincoln
5. Graton Casino & Resort	3,000 slot machines, 100 table games, 20-table poker room, 317,750 square feet of gaming space	Rohnert Park
6. Viejas Casino & Resort	2,500 slot machines, 35 table games, 133,000 square feet of gaming space	Alpine
7. Chumash Casino Resort	2,400 slot machines, 45 table games, 12-table poker room, 115,000 square feet of gaming space	Santa Ynez
8. Cache Creek Casino Resort	2,300 slot machines, 120 table games, 74,720 square feet of gaming space	Brooks
9. Sycuan Casino Resort	2,300 slot machines, 53 table games, 15-table poker room, 90,000 square feet of gaming space	El Cajon
10. Barona Resort & Casino	2,200 slot machines, 65 table games, 340,000 square feet of gaming space	Lakeside

Indian Casinos in California With Hotels

Most Indian casinos in California offer hotels, and a handful boast some of the most luxurious resort and spa vacation experiences on the West Coast. As of February 2023, 42 of California’s 66 Indian casinos have a hotel. Just 24 don’t. Here’s a list of those 24 (some of these are currently planning hotels, so this number will only shrink). If the California Indian casino is not on this list, then it has a hotel.

• Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
• Augustine Casino
• Casino Pauma
• The Heights Casino
• Chicken Ranch Casino
• Desert Rose Casino
• Eagle Mountain Casino
• Elk Valley Casino
• Garcia River Casino
• Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center
• Jamul Casino
• Lucky Bear Casino
• Mono Wind Casino
• Pit River Casino
• Rain Rock Casino
• Red Fox Casino
• Red Hawk Casino
• River Rock Casino
• Running Creek Casino
• Sherwood Valley Casino
• Spotlight 29 Casino
• Tortoise Rock Casino
• Wanaaha Casino

What Games Are Offered at Indian Casinos in California?

California Indian casinos, despite being outside state jurisdiction, are still heavily regulated. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act divides all travel gambling operations into three distinct classes:

• Class I games involves wagering on any social games that include prizes of minimal value or any traditional Indian games that are related to tribal celebrations and ceremonies.
• Class II games involves bets on games like bingo (electronic or otherwise), the lottery, any non-bank card games such as poker, and similar activities. These games all involve players that compete against one another rather than competing against the house.
• Class III games involves wagering on any other types of gaming, which include slot machines, banked card games like blackjack, electronic games of chance, and so on. Notably, there are a few games that are illegal because of laws from the California Department of Justice. These exclusions include some types of dice games, craps, and roulette.

Class III gaming compacts are responsible for the type of California casinos you’re probably picturing — with aisles and aisles of slot machines and table games dotted throughout a bustling gaming floor with gamblers hoping for a payout. Really, you can find any type of gambling activity you can think of at most Indian casinos in California. That includes slot machines, card games, table games, bingo, and plenty more games of chance. And casinos are adding new games all the time. Beyond games, California casinos also add new restaurants, bars, and lounges to keep bettors’ experiences fresh. Furthermore, some Indian casinos have private games or tournaments from time to time. It all depends on the exact casino’s offerings. For example, Morongo Casino Resort Spa includes several private poker tables that players can reserve ahead of time for serious or high-stakes games.

Class II Gaming Casinos

When this site and everywhere else talks about California’s 66 Indian casinos, we’re talking about Class III gaming casinos — which offer the types of table games and slot machines we all associate with casinos. However, a handful of tribes also have compacts with California for Class II casinos. These smaller facilities can only offer Class II gaming machines based on bingo. These games feel like slot machines, but they’re slightly different. As of February 2023, there are four Class II casinos in California. They are:

• San Pablo Lytton Casino — 1,500 slot machines, San Pablo, CA, Lytton Rancheria of California
• Fort Independence Travel Plaza & Winnedumah Winn’s Casino — 100 slot machines, Independence, CA, Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians, 18+ casino
• Hidden Oaks Casino — 93 slot machines, Covelo, CA, Round Valley Indian Tribes
• La Jolla Trading Post Casino — 76 slot machines, Pauma Valley, CA, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians

Concerts at Indian Casinos in California

Beyond offering a wide range of casino gaming options, California’s Indian casinos are also home to some of the state’s best entertainment venues. Whether it’s the hottest musical acts, world-renowned magicians, or hilarious comedians, the best of the best come to perform at Indian casinos in California. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming acts happening around California:

Act	When	Casino	City
Styx	Feb. 17	Graton Resort & Casino	Rohnert Park
Eagles	Feb. 17	Thunder Valley Casino Resort	Lincoln
Santana	Feb. 17	Yaamava’ Resort & Casino	Highland
Bruno Mars	Feb. 18	Thunder Valley Casino Resort	Lincoln
Gabriel Iglesias	Feb. 24-25	Thunder Valley Casino Resort	Lincoln
Jim Gaffian	March 3	Yaamava’ Resort & Casino	Highland
Michael Bolton	March 11	Pala Casino Spa Resort	Pala
The Beach Boys	March 26	Pechanga Resort Casino	Temecula
Chris Tucker	April 1	Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain	Wheatland

Why Are Indian Casinos Legal in California?

The legal history between Indian tribes and the US government dates back to 1787. According to the US Constitution, the federal government reserves the right to regulate commerce between states and Indian tribes. In 1831-32, the US Supreme Court determined that tribes within the US are their own independent political entities. This means that Indian territory technically is under its own legal jurisdiction that operates outside of state jurisdiction. Naturally, this extends to casinos that are built on reservation property. According to federal law, the California cannot regulate tribal gambling enterprises unilaterally and enter a congressional pact. This interpretation resulted in the passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, which provides a statutory structure for all tribal gambling operations. Congress now allows Indian casinos to be built if they are ostensibly advancing three main goals: the economic development of a tribe, the self-sufficiency of a tribe, and the strengthening of a tribal government. Though California initially banned most forms of gambling, some forms have been reauthorized over time. For example, in 1933, the state legalized horse race betting. In 1976, bingo games for charitable purposes became legal. Just a few years later, in 1984, California introduced the state lottery. As of today, however, brick-and-mortar casinos are still not legal on state soil. But tribal soil isn’t the same thing. Currently, there are 66 casinos operated by 64 tribes. Indian casinos are now mostly concentrated in the San Diego and Riverside counties, containing 22. Some counties are still waiting for their first. Sacramento County, for instance, just had its first open in Sky River Casino. In a nutshell, Indian casinos are legal in California and residents can bet at them because they technically aren’t on California soil.

Do Indian Casinos Pay Taxes in California?

Technically, no. Indian casinos in California do not pay state taxes. However, they still make payments to the government. All payments that Indian casinos make to local and  state governments are dictated by “tribal-state” compacts. These are essentially agreements between the government of the state in which a sovereign Indian territory is located and the government of the tribe. Tribes typically make payments to California government accounts based on the terms of those compacts. Most of the payments go toward special funds for dispersing grants to local towns that tribal casinos impact. For instance, this might include a town that needs to pay for frequent road renovation due to its proximity to a high-traffic tribal casino. Other grants may also be given to any native tribes that are not under the above compacts. Casinos also deposit into accounts for the repaying of state transportation funds, especially for loans to the General Fund. When it comes to revenue, California Indian casinos generate around $9 billion of annual revenue. Most of the earnings from the casinos are exempt from federal, state, and local taxes. There are only a few exceptions. Whenever tribal members divide revenue evenly and distribute the earnings to members, for example, the federal government does get to take some taxes. In addition, some large-scale casinos pay state taxes as part of their agreements with local governments. This normally only occurs if a casino drives significant traffic into the state and is otherwise a large part of a state’s economy. However, most casino revenue from gaming will go toward tribal government expenses and other charitable ventures. California’s gaming tribes also share revenue with non-gaming and limited-gaming (350 or fewer slot machines at their casinos) tribes though the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund. Eligible tribes currently receive $1.1 million annually from the RSTF. It is not mandatory for all gaming tribes to chip into the RSTF. Currently, 30 California gaming tribes contribute to the RSTF.

Are All Casinos in California on Indian Reservations?

The only casinos that offer slot machines and certain table games in California are on Indian reservations. However, there are also casinos in California called card rooms, or card room casinos. There used to be well over 100 card room casinos in California. Today, 84 have licenses but only 59 are currently active and hosting gamblers. Card room casinos most offer poker — Texas hold’em, Omaha hold’em, and seven-card stud are particularly popular varieties. Some also contract with third party player proposition services to offer modified table games called Cal games, including blackjack. Any establishment that has slot machines off an Indian reservation in California, however, is illegal. The state does not allow any real money to be wagered on games of pure chance, wether that’s in-person or via California online casinos.

New Indian Casinos in California

As we mentioned earlier, there are already 66 casinos in California. But soon, there could be more than 70. To our best knowledge as of February 2023, there were 10 tribes in California either currently building a new casino or planning to build one. Below we’ll break down the status of all those projects.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon

The Tejon Indian Tribe took a major step forward toward starting construction on its $600 million casino project when, in late November, it received federal approval to break ground. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon will begin construction 15 miles south of Bakersfield, near Mettler, California. The plans call for 3,000 slot machines, which would make it California’s fifth-largest casino. It will have 13 places to eat and drink, a spa, and a fitness center. There will also be an 11-story, 400-room hotel, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, and a resort-style pool complex. Kern County spokesperson Ally Soper told California Casinos that construction and staffing for the new casino will provide 5,000 local jobs.

Timbisha Shoshone Casino

The Timbisha Shoshone Tribe is currently building its 20,000-square-foot casino in Ridgecrest. It will offer 349 slot machines and six table games, and a later construction phase will add a hotel. The casino is expected to be completed some time in 2023.

Mechoopda Casino

The Chico area will soon have a new casino. The Mechoopda Indian Tribe began construction on what it calls a “temporary casino” in May 2022. Then, the full casino (which doesn’t yet have a completion date) is set to offer 500 slot machines, 10 table games, 42,000 square feet of gaming space, and three restaurants. The tribe has partnered with Palace Hospitality, owned by the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe, to run the casino. The tribe expects the temporary casino to be finished by “late 2023,” a tribal spokesperson told California Casinos.

Ione Band Casino

The Ione Band of Miwok Indians is facing another legal challenge from the advocacy group No Casino in Plymouth. The group is asking the Ninth District Court of Appeals to block the tribe from building its $47 million casino in Amador County. That appeal is expected to fail. The Ione Band received final approval for their casino in Amador County back in August 2020. Phase I of construction (costing $47 million) will build the casino, which will offer 1,200 slot machines, 40 table games, and four eateries. Phase II (costing $22 million) will build the 250-room hotel, 1,200-seat conference center, and pool.

Barstow Casino

Two tribes are working on plans for a casino in Barstow. The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe is a little further along, as it already owns a 40-acre plot of land in Barstow and had a new service agreement with Barstow approved in July 2021. The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians also had an agreement with Barstow approved in October 2020, but the tribe doesn’t own any land in Barstow yet. Neither tribe has reservation land in Barstow, so either casino would be considered an “off-reservation” casino. The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe already owns Havasu Landing Casino & Resort  in Lake Havasu.

Cloverdale Rancheria Resort Casino

The Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians has plans to build a $320 million casino next to Cloverdale, California. It’s still relatively early in the process for this 596,000-square-foot facility with 2,000 slot machines, 45 table games, a 244-room hotel, and a 1,300-seat entertainment venue. The tribe still must negotiate a gaming compact with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and get approval from the state legislature and US Department of the Interior.

Shiloh Resort & Casino

The Koi Nation of Northern California is hoping the federal government approves its request to put a 68.8-acre parcel in Sonoma County in its trust. If that happens, the tribe can begin working on a tribal-state gaming compact for what it hopes will be a $600 million casino and resort project. The plan calls for a massive, 1.2 million-square-foot complex. It recently shared details of that $600 million plan, including a casino floor with 2,500 slot machines, as well as a 200-room hotel, six restaurants, and a spa. Five local tribes, as well as the Sonoma County Supervisors, oppose the project, saying Koi Nation doesn’t have as significant of a historic connection to the land as other tribes in the area. The Sonoma County Council recently further showed how it opposes the Koi Nation plan. As part of the council’s agreement with the local Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians to not build another casino in the county until 2035, the county agreed to allow the Pomo tribe to pull out of that agreement if the federal government puts the 68.8 acres in Koi Nation’s trust before 2035.

Madera Hwy 99 Casino

Things have gone pretty quiet regarding the planned casino of the Northfork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, other than the tribe securing a liquor license for the Madera casino last October. A court ruling in 2020 gave the tribe the final approval needed to begin building the $400 million project, but a case filed in July 2021 postponed the groundbreaking. For now, this is a waiting game to see what the courts say.

Vallejo Casino

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians got a major court win recently. On Sept. 30, the US District Court in Washington, D.C. ruled in favor of the tribe regarding its $700 million casino project, paving the way forward for the Vallejo Casino, which had been bogged down in legal proceedings since 2019. The Department of the Interior, which originally denied the tribe’s claim to the land to be used for the casino in 2019, will no review the application again — and, given the US District Court ruling telling the DOI to re-review, chances are high that it will be approved this time around.

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