Los Angeles is a city known for its glamour, entertainment, and endless opportunities for fun. While it may not be as synonymous with casinos as Las Vegas, LA and its surrounding areas offer some fantastic gambling experiences, from luxurious casino resorts to smaller card rooms with a local vibe. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my favorite casinos in and around Los Angeles, covering everything from table games and slots to dining and entertainment.
Why Visit a Casino in Los Angeles?
Before diving into the specifics, you might wonder: Why choose Los Angeles for a casino experience? While LA itself doesn’t have large Vegas-style casinos due to state laws, nearby cities like Commerce, Gardena, and Inglewood house some of the best card rooms and casino resorts in California. These venues offer:
✅ High-stakes poker & table games
✅ Live entertainment & fine dining
✅ A more relaxed atmosphere than Vegas
✅ No state income tax on gambling winnings
If you’re looking for a mix of gambling, nightlife, and luxury, LA’s nearby casinos won’t disappoint.
Top Casinos Near Los Angeles
Here’s a breakdown of the best gambling spots within a short drive of LA:
1. The Commerce Casino & Hotel (Commerce, CA)
📍 Address: 6131 E Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA 90040
🎰 Games: Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow
🍽️ Dining: The Buffet, Legends, The Max Sports Bar
⭐ Why I Love It:
The Commerce Casino is the place for poker lovers. With over 240 tables, it’s the largest card casino in the world. I’ve spent countless nights here playing Texas Hold’em and enjoying their high-limit games.
“The Commerce Casino has the best poker action outside Vegas. The variety of tables and tournaments keeps me coming back.” – Local Poker Enthusiast
Pros:
✔ Massive poker room
✔ Frequent tournaments
✔ Luxurious hotel on-site
Cons:
✖ Doesn’t offer slot machines (California law restricts card rooms)
2. The Bicycle Hotel & Casino (Bell Gardens, CA)
📍 Address: 888 Bicycle Casino Dr, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
🎲 Games: Poker, Blackjack, Super Pan 9
🍸 Bars & Restaurants: The Legends Room, Pasta Bar
⭐ Why I Love It:
“The Bike” (as locals call it) is a classic. It’s known for high-energy poker tournaments and a loyal player base. I’ve had some of my most memorable poker nights here.
Pros:
✔ Legendary poker scene
✔ Great daily tournaments
✔ Recently renovated rooms
Cons:
✖ Smaller than Commerce Casino
3. Hollywood Park Casino (Inglewood, CA)
📍 Address: 3883 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303
🎰 Games: Poker, Asian Games
🍽️ Dining: The Cafe, The Grill
⭐ Why I Love It:
Located near SoFi Stadium, this casino is perfect for sports fans. I love coming here before or after major events for some poker action.
Pros:
✔ Great for sports bettors (via apps like DraftKings)
✔ Solid low-stakes poker
Cons:
✖ Smaller selection of games
4. Hustler Casino (Gardena, CA)
📍 Address: 1000 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
🃏 Games: Poker, Blackjack, Casino War
🍔 Dining: Legends Café
⭐ Why I Love It:
Owned by Larry Flynt, this casino has a fun, edgy vibe. It’s a great spot for casual players who want a mix of serious poker and laid-back gaming.
Pros:
✔ Lively atmosphere
✔ Good low-limit tables
Cons:
✖ Limited high-stakes action
Comparing LA’s Top Casinos
Casino Poker Tables Other Games Hotel On-Site? Best For
The Commerce Casino 240+ Blackjack, Baccarat ✅ High-stakes poker
The Bicycle Casino 100+ Blackjack, Super Pan 9 ✅ Tournaments
Hollywood Park Casino 40+ Asian Games ❌ Casual players
Hustler Casino 50+ Casino War ❌ Low-limit fun
Tips for Visiting LA Casinos
Before you go, here are some key things I’ve learned from my experiences:
Know the Laws – California doesn’t allow traditional slot machines in card rooms, so most casinos offer poker and table games only.
Check for Tournaments – If you love poker, look for daily/weekly tournaments at Commerce or The Bike.
Dress Code – Most places are casual, but upscale areas (like The Commerce’s high-limit rooms) may require smart attire.
Use Player’s Cards – Sign up for rewards programs to get comps on food and hotel stays.
Los Angeles Casino FAQ
❓ Are there slot machines in LA casinos?
No, due to California gambling laws, LA-area card rooms only offer poker and table games. For slots, you’d need to visit tribal casinos like Morongo or Pechanga (a bit farther out).
❓ What’s the best casino for poker in LA?
Hands down, The Commerce Casino – it’s the largest poker room in the world!
❓ Can I bet on sports at LA casinos?
While physical sportsbooks aren’t allowed, you can use mobile betting apps like DraftKings or FanDuel while at the casino.
❓ Do LA casinos have hotels?
Yes! Commerce Casino and The Bicycle Casino both have on-site hotels.
Final Thoughts
While Los Angeles may not be Vegas, its nearby casinos offer world-class poker, great dining, and a unique blend of luxury and local charm. Whether you’re a high-roller, a casual player, or just looking for a fun night out, LA’s casinos have something for everyone.
Have you visited any of these casinos? Let me know your favorite in the comments! 🎲✨
Ready to roll the dice? Check out these casinos on your next LA trip and experience the thrill for yourself! 🎰♠️♥️♣️♦️