While Las Vegas and Atlantic City hold the distinction of being the nation’s gaming capitals, Southern Californians don’t have to travel far to flirt with lady luck. While gambling in California was once an unregulated mess that could place participants in precarious and even dangerous situations, the 1984 Gaming Registration Act enacted regulations that were further tightened with the 1997 Gambling Control Act. Today, all Southern California tribal casinos and card rooms are strictly regulated under California law. They have evolved from small bingo halls to elegant resorts. Most are open 24 hours offering all the excitement of the adult playgrounds of Nevada and the New Jersey Shore. With an incredible choice of casinos throughout Southern California, the following is a “quick look” list of some of the more popular facilities that offer exciting gaming and a lot more. Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage Offering over 1,000 slot and video Poker machines, this Cahuilla Indian-owned casino features gaming tables, a cabaret lounge and excellent dining. Agua Caliente Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs Slots, Blackjack, Poker, and other card games are just a part of the experience at Agua Caliente. You can also enjoy spa treatments and poolside entertainment is provided weather permitting. Rooms and restaurant are included in the complex. Augustine Casino, Coachella Featuring Blackjack, Poker and various other table games, Augustine also offers slots, entertainment, and a great menu at Cafe 54. Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino, Lakeside This casino offers a multitude of games and a players club for serious gamers. According to industry experts, Barona has the loosest slots in San Diego. This is a top-notch resort that includes a beautiful golf course. Cahuilla Creek Casino, Anza Open 24 hours, this casino offers a 14,000-square foot casino housing over 300 slot machines, Blackjack and three card Poker games. Casino Pauma, Pauma Valley Owned by the Pauma Band of Mission Indians, Pauma features delicious dining, live entertainment and 24 hour gaming. Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio Located in Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, the gaming at Fantasy Springs is lively. The casino features both smoking and non-smoking slot areas and offers a number of table games including Blackjack. Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center, Campo Owned by the Campo band of Kumeyaay Indians, this casino is a roadside truck stop/casino. Located in San Diego’s backcountry the Golden Acorn houses slots, tables for Blackjack and various Poker games. Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort, Valley Center Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, this hotel resort and gambling complex includes a 21-story high casino and hotel that offers great views of Palomar Mountain. The resort also offers a spa, nearby golf course, and headline entertainment. Havasu Landing Resort & Casino, Havasu Lake With state-of-the-art slots and $2 million dollar progressives, this casino also offers card rooms for Blackjack and Three Card Poker. With an amazing view of Lake Havasu, make sure you try their incredible prime rib. La Jolla Indian Slot, La Jolla Owned by the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians, this modest casino is located on the La Jolla Indian Reservation campground and water park complex. Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, Cabazon Located just 20 minutes from Palm Springs, this elegant hotel has the largest gaming floor on the West Coast. Owned and operated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, there is plenty to do at this casino which features a state of the art health spa, festive nightlife and luxury hotel accommodations. Pala Casino Resort and Spa, Pala Owned by the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pala Casino offers slots and high stakes table games. There is also a fitness center, spa, shopping, dining, pool, salon and nearby golf courses and wineries. Paradise Casino, Ft. Yuma This casino offers Poker, Bingo, Blackjack and slots. You will also find headline entertainers such as Willie Nelson and B.B. King. The Seahorse restaurant offers a full menu with daily dinner specials. Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula This casino and resort supports the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. Along with the casino you will also find a health spa and numerous area attractions such as hiking and horseback riding. A Four-Diamond resort that along with exciting gaming also offers top name entertainment. San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, Highland Bingo, Blackjack, a players club and slots are just some of the offerings at San Manuel. Shopping, dining, Karakoke, high stakes Bingo and double jackpots are also featured at this extremely popular casino. Soboba Casino, San Jacinto Along with exciting gaming, Soboba offers headline entertainers and great dining in the Manhattan Soboba Restaurant & Bakery. The casino boasts over 2,000 slot machines, a Bingo room, and numerous table games. Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs In the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, this resort offers 24/7 play, entertainment, spa and five superb restaurants. Spotlight 29 Casino, Coachella Located in Coachella, this casino offers a Five Star restaurant to sustain you for the slots and tables. Sycuan Resort & Casino, El Cajon Owned by the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, this casino and golf resort is large and impressive with 2,000 slots, 60 tables, a 1,200-seat Bingo hall and an Off-Track betting room. Valley View Casino Resort, Valley Center Owned by the San Pasqual band of Mission Indians, Valley View Casino, has over 750 state-of-the-art slot machines including progressives. Viejas Casino, Alpine Owned by Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, this casino also offers great shopping and an outdoor concert venue that presents top name acts throughout the summer months.