Travel Guide to California

30 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 383116210/SHUTTERSTOCK . OPPOSITE: AIDAN BRADLEY; RUSLAN HUZAU/SHUTTERSTOCK I n the olden days—the days of Frank Sinatra and Bugsy Siegel—U.S. gamblers looking for a date with Lady Luck had one option: Las Vegas. Nowadays, with changes to gambling laws in many states, it's a safe bet that bettors can throw down their cash just about anywhere. Of all the states that now offer gambling, the best (and most plentiful) options are in California. The Golden State has two choices for people looking to place bets: Native Amer- ican casinos, and card rooms (which are glorified bars where gambling is legal, so long as the house doesn't win). The Native American outposts tend to be farther from major cities but offer nicer digs. They have slots. They have table games. They even have bingo. Many of these wagering wonderlands are "Vegas- style" resorts, complete with luxury hotels, top-notch restaurants and indulgent spas. A few of the properties even have their own golf courses. Card rooms are smaller, quieter and, in many cases, more geared toward locals. Games here are far less varied. In most cases, as the name suggests, only card games are available. The upside? Gam- bling action is usually loose (and that's a good thing). We've divided California's gambling scene into four distinct geographical regions. Wherever you go, bet wisely, and remember to stay within your means. CASINOS LET IT RIDE Want to try your luck? California has plenty of options for gambling PECHANGA RESORT CASINO Located in Temecula Valley, the Pechanga Resort Casino is among the largest resort/casinos in the U.S. A four diamond property, it is owned and operated by the Pechanga Tribe, with cultural artifacts throughout the resort. It boasts more than 12 restaurants, an on-site golf course and luxury spa, a pool complex the size of five football fields, a live sports and concert events venue and a 24-hour casino with 200,000 square feet of gaming space. BY MATT VILLANO

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