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Palm Springs
Situated a short five-hour drive from Las Vegas and just two hours from Los Angeles (depending on traffic conditions), you can find a variety of casinos dispersed throughout the Coachella Valley, particularly in Palm Springs and its adjacent desert towns. After some hesitation, I finally made the decision to visit most of the seven casinos located in and around Palm Springs. This blog post serves as a continuation of my previous experiences, considering they are in such close proximity. Much of this information reflects my visit from September 2013, with the exception of Tortoise Rock casino, which was not operational then but I visited in October 2014. San Diego Trip Report of 2009 Overall, the casinos in Palm Springs generally have an older clientele and lack the over-the-top glitz and noise found in Las Vegas establishments. It appears they attract a larger Hispanic audience, evident from many Latin music events and promotions celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Like all casinos in California, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages are available to players. In the 'wet' casinos, which are the majority, cocktail servers will deliver alcoholic drinks, but expect to pay standard bar prices for those. The legal gambling age in California is 18, however, if alcoholic beverages are served on the casino floor, you must be at least 21 to participate in gaming. Notably, the Morongo is the only casino in the Palm Springs region that does not serve alcohol.
There's not a wide array of activities to partake in at the Palm Springs casinos apart from eating, drinking, and gaming. I observed that there were no casinos offering live entertainment at night, dance clubs, bowling, or any shopping options apart from the usual gift shops. However, many establishments do feature performances by well-known guests, bringing in some big-name talent. It seems Palm Springs has resigned itself to losing nightlife-seeking customers to Vegas, choosing instead to cater to locals and the millions from the Los Angeles area who simply want straightforward gambling experiences.
The rules for blackjack are quite uniform across casinos, with the most favorable odds generally found at those that hit on a soft 17. The common 6 to 5 blackjack payout is less prevalent here compared to Las Vegas, but it’s starting to appear more frequently, making it wise to avoid these tables.
Interestingly, the game of blackjack has gained a notable following, with numerous casinos supporting the option to re-double. In some places, you can find the seldom-seen pay table of 1-4-6-30-40 for Pairplus bets, so hats off to those that do! During my observations, I noted that while the 25-cent video poker games weren’t striking, there were plenty of $1 denominations with favorable 9-6 Jacks and 16-10 Deuces. Spanish 21 Since it was my initial visit to the casinos in Palm Springs, I made it a point to acquire a player card from each one. It's nearly standard for casinos to provide incentives to new patrons. This account highlights the offers I received from each property. Three Card Poker To assess the payout potential of the gaming machines, I randomly selected a GameMaker machine and documented the available video poker games along with the pay table for pick-8 keno at the 25-cent level. For blackjack, I also took note of every unique rule I encountered. The limits listed are the lowest I observed for the corresponding set of rules, and I made additional notes regarding various table game rules. Here’s my report organized alphabetically about each casino.
The Agua Caliente casino, often referred to as 'hot water,' boasts the highest number of hotel accommodations and table games in the Coachella Valley. It is conveniently located along the I-10 freeway in Rancho Mirage. If 'Rancho Mirage' rings a bell, it’s the town where former president Gerald Ford spent his retirement and ultimately passed away in 2006.
As I explored the casino, I took a moment to query the craps dealers about the game. The table was empty, which I suspect is often the case in California due to their use of cards rather than dice. The dealers were exceedingly amicable and willing to explain the game. Later, when I found myself in the high-limit section, the same dealer from the craps table recognized me and asked if I had any more inquiries. Always eager to learn, I started asking questions. Anxious that I might linger indefinitely without wagering, he humorously limited me to five more questions. It reminded me of the Dr. Know scene from the film A.I., prompting me to think carefully about my queries. After four questions, the dealer took a break, so I want it noted that I am still owed one answer!
Agua Caliente
Once my questioning came to an end, I tried my luck at blackjack in the main gaming area. It turned out to be a pretty uneventful round. The dealer wasn’t particularly chatty but managed to deal efficiently. They had a drawing ticket promotion where each blackjack score earned a ticket. After my first blackjack, I was given several tickets, but afterwards, I only received one each time. Perhaps my tipping wasn’t up to par. Later, as I submitted my entries into the drum, I hope someone will let me know if I win that car!
Post my inquiry session, I decided to register for a player card and received a sweet bonus of $5 in free play.
Craps : The game utilizes 12 cards from two decks with distinct back colors. Two cards are drawn at random to mimic the roll of the dice. Odds are set at 3-4-5X.
Keno : The 25-cent pick-8 offers odds of 10,000-1,550-98-12-2-0-0-0-0, resulting in a return rate of 90.67%.
- Blackjack
Agua Caliente Blackjack
Decks Soft 17 Double after Split Surrender Re-split aces Limits House Edge 6 Stand Yes No Yes $50-$1,000 0.36% 2 Hit Yes No No $25-$500 0.47% 6 Hit Yes No Yes $10-$500 0.57% - Spanish 21 : Re-doubling is permitted, yielding a house edge of 0.42%.
- Three Card Poker : Exhibiting a 1-3-6-30-40 pay table for Pairplus bets, it comes with a house edge of 7.28%.
- Roulette : Double-zero card wheel.
- This game type indicates six different options with returns of 99.50% or greater. The most favorable is 60-100-11-6.
- The machine I randomly selected has an average return of 98.32%. Here are the specifics.
- Video Poker : VPfree2 Address: 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Super Draw Poker at 99.75%.
A reader points out that they have a nightclub called 'The Lounge,' operating Thursday through Sunday nights. The Lounge features lounge music, tribute bands, and tailgate parties, along with an events center named 'The Show' which hosts concerts on occasion.
Agua Caliente Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Deuces Wild 20-12-9 98.94% Bonus Poker Deluxe 8-6 98.49% Bonus Poker 30-8-5 98.48% Jacks or Better 9-5 98.45% Double Double Bonus 9-5 97.87% Triple Bonus Poker Plus 7-5 97.67% Average 98.32%
- Rooms: 362
- Restaurants: 4
- Gambling age: 21
- Slots: 1,140
- Table games: 48
- Poker tables: 10
- Bingo seats: 700
- The Augustine is by far the smallest casino in the Coachella Valley. It is situated about eight miles south of the I-10 freeway. Nestled among farmlands, it likely doesn't attract much traffic from the freeway, and thus primarily relies on local patrons. A notable advantage of a locals' casino in a jurisdiction where gambling is legal is that the clientele usually consists of more experienced gamblers, compelling the casinos to offer better odds and stronger incentives to retain their business.
- Phone: 760-321-2000
- Web site: www.hotwatercasino.com
Augustine
Despite its somewhat isolated location, the Augustine was surprisingly bustling and vibrant. I had the impression that I was the only tourist present. They offered a double-deck blackjack table with a rule to hit on soft 17, which I found irresistible. The cocktail service was prompt and the atmosphere was lively, making it a rather enjoyable venue to play.
Keno : The pay table follows a 350-250-70-30-1-0-0-0-1 structure, ensuring a return of 92.62%. Don’t forget, you can refer to my insights.
Three Card Poker : The favorable pay table of 1-4-6-30-40 for Pairplus bets is utilized here, with a house edge of 2.32%.
Blackjack:
Augustine Blackjack
| Decks | Soft 17 | Double after Split | Surrender | Re-split aces | Limits | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Stand | Yes | No | Yes | $3-$300 | 0.36% |
| 2 | Stand | Yes | No | No | $15-$500 | 0.26% |
- This denotes two different game options returning 99.50% or more, with the best option being the 9-5 Super Double Bonus at 99.69%. keno calculator to verify any pay table.
- The machine I picked randomly has an average return of 96.74%. Here are the full details.
- Video Poker : VPfree2 Fantasy Springs offers a lively environment and seems to attract a younger demographic than what's typical in this region. It's conveniently located just off the I-10 freeway in Indio. The casino is open and well-lit, with a pool area that may be smaller than those in Vegas, but still well designed. My room was nicely furnished with amenities, including a coffee maker and a safe. My only complaint was that the mattress was too soft, compelling me to sleep on the floor. Unfortunately, this is a common issue I have with hotel mattresses.
The offer for new player cards was quite appealing at $10 in free slot play (not applicable for video poker) along with a $10 food credit. However, it was somewhat challenging to understand how to redeem the free play. I initially didn’t realize I had to wager $10 on the machine first to activate it. Furthermore, both the initial and free play could only be applied to specific machines marked with an orange sticker. I spent about 15 minutes figuring out these stipulations.
Augustine Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Jacks or Better 8-5 97.30% Joker Poker (two pair) 100-16-8-5 97.19% Deuces Wild 20-12-9* 97.06% Bonus Poker 6-5 96.87% Double Double Bonus 9-5 95.27% Average 96.74% - The Augustine at a glance:
- Rooms: 0
- Restaurants: 2
- Gambling age: 21
- Slots: 700
- Table games: 8
- Poker tables: 2
- Bingo seats: 0
- Address: 84001 Avenue 54, Coachella, CA 92236
- Phone: 760-391-9500
- Web site: www.augustinecasino.com
Fantasy Springs
For the $10 food credit, I opted for the buffet, which was fairly nice. The only comparable option in the area is the Morongo, which falls short in quality. My benchmark for food quality is generally the shrimp. The ones at Fantasy Springs were pre-peeled, succulent, and about the size of a chess tournament bishop. They also get creativity points for offering unique dishes like
and sautéed Swiss chard. At 10:00 PM, during my meal, there was no queue, and the service was quick.
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Slot competitions featuring substantial prize pools
Situated within a five-hour drive from Las Vegas and just a couple of hours from Los Angeles (given favorable traffic conditions), there exists a group of casinos scattered throughout the Coachella Valley, which is home to Palm Springs and various nearby desert towns. After some hesitation, I ultimately chose to visit the majority of the seven casinos located in and around Palm Springs. I consider this blog entry a follow-up to my previous writings, especially given their relatively close distance. Most of my observations stem from a trip I took in September 2013, although I did visit Tortoise Rock casino, which was not operational during my initial visit, in October 2014.
Blackjack :Fantasy Springs Blackjack
Decks Soft 17 Double after Split Surrender Re-split aces Limits House Edge 6 Stand Yes No Yes $10-$500 0.36% 2 Hit Yes No No $15-$500 0.50%
Typically, the casinos in Palm Springs draw an older demographic and don’t exhibit the same level of extravagance and noise as those found in Las Vegas. I've noticed a notable presence of Hispanic patrons here, reflected in the many Latin music events and celebrations for Mexican Independence Day that the casinos host. As is customary in California casinos, non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary for players. At the 'wet' casinos, which make up the majority, cocktail waitresses will deliver alcoholic drinks, but you should anticipate paying bar prices. Although the legal gambling age in California is technically set at 18, if alcohol is available on the casino floor, players must be at least 21. In the Palm Springs area, the Morongo casino is the only one that operates dry. - The activities offered in Palm Springs casinos are primarily limited to dining, drinking, and gambling. I didn’t come across any casinos featuring nightly live performances, dance clubs, bowling, or shopping alternatives beyond the typical gift shop. However, many casinos do host celebrity performances and attract some well-known figures. It appears that Palm Springs is making a conscious choice to cede the vibrant nightlife scene to Las Vegas, instead focusing on pleasing locals and the millions of visitors from the L.A. area who are simply in search of straightforward gaming experiences.
- The blackjack regulations are generally uniform, with the most favorable odds present at casinos that stand on a soft 17. The 6 to 5 blackjack option is less prevalent than in Las Vegas, but it is starting to appear more frequently, so it is best to steer clear of that variation.
- is unexpectedly popular, with numerous casinos permitting re-doubling. In
- some establishments feature the uncommon 1-4-6-30-40 payout structure on the Pairplus, so kudos to those who offer this option. I found the video poker at the quarter level to be unremarkable, but I did see plenty of 9-6 Jacks and 16-10 Deuces at the dollar level and up.
- Video Poker : VPfree2 Since this was my inaugural trip to the Palm Springs casinos, I took the opportunity to enroll for a player card at each venue. It seems to be a common practice for casinos to provide something extra to newcomers. This report details the incentives I received from each property.
To assess the looseness of the slot machines, I haphazardly chose a GameMaker machine and took note of the available video poker games as well as the payout structure for pick-8 keno at the quarter denomination. For blackjack, I kept track of every unique set of rules I encountered. The limits reflect the minimum amounts I saw for each specific rule set. I also made observations regarding some of the table game regulations. Presented in alphabetical order, here’s my review of each casino.The Fantasy Springs at a glance:Fantasy Springs Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Bonus Poker 7-5 98.01% Double Bonus 9-6 97.81% Deuces Wild 20-12-10 97.58% Jacks or Better 8-5 97.30% Joker Poker (two pair) 100-16-8-5 97.19% Double Double Bonus 9-5 95.27% Average 97.19% - Rooms: 261
- Restaurants: 6
- Gambling age: 21
- Slots: 1,956
- Table games: 27
- Poker tables: 5
- Bingo seats: 750
- The Aqua Caliente casino, often nicknamed 'hot water', boasts the highest number of hotel rooms and table games in the Coachella Valley. Positioned prominently along the I-10 freeway in Rancho Mirage, this location may ring a bell since it’s where Gerald Ford chose to retire and subsequently passed away in 2006.
- Phone: 760-342-5000
- Web site: www.fantasyspringsresort.com
While exploring the casino, I paused to engage the dealers at the craps tables with some inquiries. The game was relatively deserted, a common scenario for craps in California, likely because cards are used instead of traditional dice. The dealers were quite accommodating in providing explanations. Later, I wandered into the high-limit area where the same dealer from the craps table recognized me and inquired, 'Any additional questions?' I always have plenty, so I started asking away. Fearing I might never leave without playing, the dealer said, 'You can pose five more questions.' It reminded me of a scene with Dr. Know from the movie A.I. so I pondered carefully about which inquiries to prioritize. After four questions, the dealer took a break, leaving me still owed one last answer.
Morongo
One interesting fact I gathered in my four questions was that the dealers retain their own tips. On the whole, this arrangement is beneficial for players, assuming they offer tips, but may not work out as well for those who don’t. Dealers who are solely responsible for their tips tend to provide better service to tipping players than those in casinos where tips are pooled among numerous dealers.
Once my questioning spree came to a halt, I decided to play some blackjack in the main area. It turned out to be a rather uneventful experience. The dealer was not particularly chatty but dealt a smooth game. They were running a drawing ticket promotion where every blackjack score would earn a drawing ticket. The first blackjack I secured earned me several tickets, but on subsequent wins, I only received one ticket each time. Perhaps my tipping wasn’t sufficient. I later submitted my entries into the drawing. If I win that car, I hope someone will inform me.
Following all my inquiries, I enrolled for a player card, which came with a bonus of $5 in complementary gameplay.
Craps : The game employs 12 cards from two decks that feature distinct back designs. Two cards are drawn at random to simulate the rolling of dice. The odds offered are 3-4-5X.
- Blackjack :
Morongo Blackjack
Decks Soft 17 Double after Split Surrender Re-split aces Limits House Edge 6 Hit Yes No Yes $5-$200 0.57% 6 Hit Yes No Yes $50-$2000 0.57% - Keno : The 25-cent pick-8 follows a payout structure of 10,000-1,550-98-12-2-0-0-0-0, resulting in a return of 90.67%.
- Spanish 21 : Re-doubling is permitted, resulting in a house edge of 0.42%.
- Three Card Poker : The Pairplus offers a payout structure of 1-3-6-30-40, which leads to a house edge of 7.28%.
- Video Poker : VPfree2 The following indicates six unique games with a return of 99.50% or better. The best option is a payout of 60-100-11-6.
The machine I randomly selected reported an average return of 98.32%. Here are the specifics.
Morongo Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Double Bonus 9-6 97.81% Bonus Poker Deluxe 8-5 97.40% Bonus Poker 35-6-5 97.36% Jacks or Better 8-5 97.30% Deuces Wild 20-12-9 97.06% Triple Double Bonus 9-5 97.02% Double Double Bonus 9-5 95.27% Average 97.03%
- Rooms: 342
- Restaurants: 5
- Gambling age: 18
- Slots: 2,000
- Table games: 46
- Poker tables: 10
- Bingo seats: 500
- Address: 49750 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA 92230
- Phone: 951-849-3080
- Web site: www.morongocasinoresort.com
Location: 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Spa
A reader mentions that they have a nightclub called 'The Lounge' that operates from Thursday to Sunday nights. The Lounge features a mix of lounge music, tribute bands, and tailgate parties, along with an events space named 'The Show', which hosts concerts periodically.
The Augustine stands out as the smallest casino in the Coachella Valley. It’s situated about eight miles south of the I-10 freeway. Encircled by farmland, it likely does not capture much of the I-10 traffic and depends heavily on local patrons. A positive aspect of being a local casino in a market with legalized gambling is that the customers tend to be more knowledgeable gamblers, compelling casinos to provide better odds and perks to maintain their interest.
For instance, I was greeted with a rather generous welcome offer for new players. The attendant at the front desk asked whether I preferred slots or table games. Regardless of my actual preference, the savvy choice when applying for a player card is to say 'slots'. This is because they probably offer similar amounts of free play, whether in slot credits or promotional chips for table games. The downside to promotional chips is that they typically function as 'one-time use', often valued at a little less than half their stated worth. In contrast, free play in video poker tends to offer around 99% of its face value.
That being said, what was my response to the question? 'Table games,' naturally. At times, I can be overly candid—or perhaps foolish. So, he input my information into the system and handed me $10 in promotional 'use once' chips. However, this turned out to be one of those unusual instances when being honest had its rewards. The agent then mentioned, 'We usually only do this for returning customers, but I’m going to also give you a free ace voucher.' Jackpot! I really appreciate free ace coupons since they are redeemable for just over 50% of their stated value. The maximum wager allowed with the voucher was $25, which I utilized. Fortunately, I hit a blackjack and walked away with a $37.50 win! All's well that ends well.
Given its somewhat isolated location, the Augustine was surprisingly bustling and vibrant. I felt like I might have been the only tourist around. They offered a double-deck blackjack game with the rule to stand on soft 17, which I couldn’t help but play. The cocktail service was frequent, and the overall atmosphere was lively. I found the venue to be rather enjoyable for gaming.
Keno : The payout structure of 350-250-70-30-1-0-0-0-1 is employed for a return of 92.62%. Don’t forget, you can utilize my
Blackjack :
Spa Blackjack
Decks Soft 17 Double after Split Surrender Re-split aces Limits House Edge 2 Hit Yes No No $15-$500 0.46% 6 Hit Yes No No $5-$300 0.64% - Three Card Poker : A generously structured 1-4-6-30-40 payout on the Pairplus is in place, presenting a house edge of 2.32%.
- Roulette : Double-zero card wheel.
- This shows two distinct games with a return of 99.50% or greater. The most favorable option is the 9-5 Super Double Bonus, boasting a return of 99.69%.
- Video Poker : VPfree2 The machine I randomly selected revealed an average return of 96.74%. Here are the details. Super Draw Poker at 99.75%.
Fantasy Springs is an energetic locale that appears to attract a younger demographic compared to other establishments in the region. Conveniently located just off the I-10 freeway in Indio, the casino features an open and well-lit environment. The pool area seemed smaller than what I typically encounter in Las Vegas, yet it was still nicely designed. My room was well-furnished and stocked, including a coffee maker and safe. My only complaint was that the mattress was too soft, pushing me to sleep on the floor instead. Yet, I often find myself making this comment about hotel mattresses.
The Spa at a glance:Spa Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Jacks or Better 9-5 98.45% Bonus Poker 7-5 98.01% Double Bonus 9-6 97.81% Deuces Wild 20-12-9 97.06% Double Double Bonus 8-5 96.79% Triple Double Bonus 8-5 95.97% Average 97.35% - Rooms: 228
- Restaurants: 5
- Gambling age: 21
- Slots: 1,000
- Table games: 30
- Poker tables: 0
- Bingo seats: 0
- The new player card incentive was solid, offering $10 in free slot play (not applicable to video poker) and a $10 food credit. However, the process for redeeming the free play was fairly complicated. Initially, I wasn’t aware that I had to use $10 on the machine first to activate it. Furthermore, both the pre-play and free-play had to be utilized on specific machines marked with an orange sticker. I spent about 15 minutes unraveling these stipulations.
- Phone: 760-323-5865
- Web site: www.sparesortcasino.com
For the $10 food credit, I opted for the buffet, which turned out to be quite nice. The only other buffet comparison I have in the area is with Morongo, which didn’t measure up. My typical criterion for evaluating the quality of food is the shrimp served. The shrimp at Fantasy Springs were pre-peeled, juicy, and approximately the size of a bishop in a competitive chess set. They also earned points for offering creative items like
Spotlight 29
and sautéed Swiss chard. When I dined around 10:00 PM, there was no line to contend with and the service was prompt.
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Situated about a five-hour drive from Vegas, and just two hours from Los Angeles under good conditions, there’s a series of casinos dotted around the picturesque Coachella Valley, where you can find Palm Springs and several other desert towns. After quite a bit of thought, I finally made the choice to explore most of the seven casinos in and near Palm Springs. I view this blog post as a continuation of my
given the relatively close distance between these places. Much of the information here stems from my visit in September 2013, with the notable exception being the Tortoise Rock casino, which I was unable to visit until October 2014 when it had opened. High Card Flush Overall, the casinos in Palm Springs cater primarily to an older demographic and tend to be less ostentatious and noisy compared to their Las Vegas counterparts. I also noticed a significant Hispanic presence, with numerous Latin music concerts and special events for occasions like Mexican Independence Day. As is customary for all California casinos, players can enjoy non-alcoholic beverages at no charge. In several of the casinos, known as 'wet' casinos, servers offer alcoholic drinks, but be prepared for bar prices. While the legal gambling age in California is 18, if a casino serves alcohol on the gaming floor, the age requirement rises to 21. The Morongo is the only casino in the Palm Springs region that does not serve alcohol.
In general, the activities at Palm Springs casinos are quite limited to dining, drinking, and gambling. I didn’t encounter any establishments with live entertainment every night, nightclubs, bowling, or extensive shopping options beyond the basic gift shops. Several casinos did feature performances from well-known entertainers, drawing significant crowds. It appears Palm Springs relinquishes the nightlife seekers to Las Vegas, focusing instead on attracting local patrons and the millions of residents from the Los Angeles area who simply seek straightforward gambling entertainment. Jacks or Better The blackjack rules here are fairly uniform, with casinos typically dealing on a soft 17 yielding better odds. Although 6 to 5 blackjack is less prevalent than in Las Vegas, it is becoming more common, so it’s advisable to avoid those tables.
- Blackjack :
Spotlight 29 Blackjack
Decks Soft 17 Double after Split Surrender Re-split aces Limits House Edge 6 Hit Yes No No $5-$300 0.64% - Interestingly enough, the game of blackjack is quite popular, and numerous casinos permit re-doubling. In
- Roulette : Double-zero card wheel.
- some establishments, players can find the uncommon 1-4-6-30-40 pay table for the Pairplus game, which is commendable for those offering it. During my visit, I noticed that while the 25-cent video poker machines were rather standard, there were quite a few 9-6 Jacks and 16-10 Deuces available at the $1 option and higher.
- As this was my inaugural trip to the casinos of Palm Springs, I made sure to obtain a player card at each location. It’s nearly mandatory for casinos to offer some sort of incentive to newcomers. This report details what each casino provided me.
- Video Poker :
VPfree2 To evaluate the slackness of the slot machines, I randomly selected a GameMaker machine and documented the available video poker games as well as the pay table for pick-8 keno at the 25-cent level. For blackjack, I noted the various sets of rules I came across, with the limits reflecting the lowest I found for each rule set. I also made observations regarding the rules of several table games. Below is my report about each casino, organized in alphabetical order.
A reader points out that they have a nightclub called 'The Lounge,' operating Thursday through Sunday nights. The Lounge features lounge music, tribute bands, and tailgate parties, along with an events center named 'The Show' which hosts concerts on occasion.
Spotlight 29 Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Deuces Wild 20-12-10 97.58% Jacks or Better 8-5 97.30% Joker Poker (two pair) 100-16-8-5 97.19% Bonus Poker 6-5 96.87% Double Double Bonus 8-5 96.79% Average 97.15%
- Rooms: 0
- Restaurants: 2
- Gambling age: 21
- Slots: 1,000
- Table games: 30
- Poker tables: 0
- Bingo seats: 0
- The Agua Caliente, which translates to 'hot water', is the largest casino in the Coachella Valley in terms of both hotel rooms and table game offerings. It boasts a prime location right off the I-10 freeway in Rancho Mirage. You might recognize the name "Rancho Mirage" as the retirement home of former President Gerald Ford, who passed away there in 2006.
- Phone: 760-775-5566
- Web site: www.spotlight29.com
As I explored the casino, I took a moment to inquire about the craps game from the dealers. The table was empty, which is often the case for craps in California, likely due to the use of cards instead of traditional dice. The dealers were more than willing to clarify the rules for me. Later, I ventured into the high-limit area where I was recognized by the same dealer from the craps table. He asked if I had more questions, and being one to always have queries, I started to ask him several. He jokingly limited me to five more questions, which reminded me of a scene from the movie A.I., making me carefully choose my questions. After four inquiries, the dealer took a break, leaving me with one unanswered question.
Soboba
One key takeaway from my questioning was that dealers hold onto their tips individually. In general, I believe this benefits players who tip well, as those dealers tend to take better care of their customers. Conversely, it can be detrimental for players who don’t tip, as dealers at casinos where tips are pooled may not prioritize their customers as much.
The Soboba at a glance:- Rooms: 0
- Restaurants: 1
- Gambling age: 21
- Slots: 2,000
- Table games: 21
- Poker tables: 0
- Bingo seats: 250
- Address: 23333 Soboda Road, San Jacinto, CA 92583
- Phone: 909-654-2883
- Web site: www.soboba.net
Tortoise Rock
Once my question session ended, I decided to try my luck at blackjack in the main area. The game itself was pretty standard. The dealer was not very talkative but handled the game competently. They had a promotion running where each blackjack earned players a drawing ticket. The first time I hit a blackjack, the dealer generously gave me several tickets, but for subsequent wins, it was just one ticket each time. Perhaps my tipping could have been improved. I later submitted my tickets into the drawing drum. If I happen to win the car, someone let me know!
After all the inquiries, I completed the sign-up for a player card, which included a bonus of $5 in free play.
Craps : Features 12 cards drawn from two differently colored decks. Two cards are selected at random to simulate a dice roll, with odds of 3-4-5X.
Keno : The 25-cent pick-8 pays out according to the 10,000-1,550-98-12-2-0-0-0-0, offering a return of 90.67%.
Spanish 21 : Re-doubling is permitted, benefiting from a house edge of 0.42%.
Three Card Poker : The casino features a 1-3-6-30-40 pay table on the Pairplus, resulting in a 7.28% house edge.
Blackjack
This segment describes six different games with a payout percentage of 99.50% or greater, with the highest being 60-100-11-6.
- Six decks
- Dealer hits soft 17
- Double after split allowed
- Surrender NOT allowed.
- The machine I chose at random had a typical return rate of 98.32%. Here are the specifics.
The house edge under these rules is 0.64%.
Video Keno
Address: 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Video Poker
A reader mentions that there is a nightclub called 'The Lounge', open from Thursday to Sunday evenings. The Lounge features a mix of lounge music, tribute bands, and tailgate parties, in addition to an events center known as 'The Show' where concerts occasionally occur.
Tortoise Rock Video Poker
Game Pay Table Return Jacks or Better 8-5 97.30% Bonus Poker 7-5 98.01% Double Double Bonus 8-5 96.79% Deuces Wild 20-12-10 97.58% Joker Poker (two pair) 100-16-8-5 97.19% Average 97.37% Other Games
The Augustine stands out as the smallest casino in the Coachella Valley. It's located approximately eight miles south of the I-10 freeway and is set amidst agricultural land. I presume that they don’t capture much traffic from the freeway and primarily depend on local customers. The positive aspect of a local’s casino in an area where gambling is legal is that the patrons usually tend to be more knowledgeable about gambling, compelling the casinos to provide better odds and more enticing deals to keep them returning.
- One Spanish 21 For instance, I was greeted with an attractive offer for new players. The attendant at the counter asked if I preferred slots or table games. Regardless of my actual preference, the smart answer is typically 'slots' because the free play tends to be of equal value whether it’s in slot credits or promotional table game chips. The downside to promotional chips is that they often come as 'one-time use' tokens, which hold slightly less than half of their face value. In contrast, free play for video poker holds about 99% of its face value.
- One Face Up Three Card Poker So, how did I respond? Naturally, I said, 'Table games.' Sometimes my honesty or lack of caution hinders me. This got me registered in the system, and I was awarded $10 in promotional chips. However, in a rare twist, my honesty paid off as he added, 'Normally, we reserve this for returning customers, but I’m giving you a complimentary ace voucher as well.' Jackpot! I greatly appreciate ace vouchers since they have a value just over 50% of their face value. The maximum bet for the coupon was $25, which I placed. To my delight, I hit a blackjack and secured a $37.50 win! Everything turned out well in the end.
- One pai gow poker table.
- Four live poker tables.
Player Club
Despite its somewhat isolated location, the Augustine was surprisingly bustling and energetic. It felt as though I was the only tourist there. They featured a double-deck blackjack game under the soft 17 rule, which I couldn’t resist trying out. The cocktail service was regular, and the ambiance was festive, making it a joy to play there.
Tortoise Rock at a Glance
- Rooms: 0
- Restaurants: 1 (snack bar)
- Gambling age: 18
- Slots: 490
- Table games: 8
- Poker tables: 4
- Bingo seats: 0
- Keno : Utilizes the pay table 350-250-70-30-1-0-0-0-1, providing a return of 92.62%. Don’t forget, you can refer to my
- Phone: (760) 367-9759
- Web site: www.tortoiserockcasino.com/
Casino Comparison
Three Card Poker : Offers a generous 1-4-6-30-40 pay table on the Pairplus, establishing a 2.32% house edge.
Blackjack Comparison
Rank Casino House edge 1 Augustine 0.26% 2 (tie) Agua Caliente 0.36% 2 (tie) Fantasy Springs 0.36% 4 Spa 0.46% 5 Morongo 0.57% 6 Spotlight 29 0.64% 7 Tortoise Rock 0.64% Video Poker Comparison
Rank Casino Return 1 Agua Caliente 98.32% 2 Fantasy Springs 97.63% 3 Morongo 97.40% 4 Tortoise Rock 97.37% 5 Spa 97.35% 6 Augustine 97.26% 7 Spotlight 29 97.15% Video Keno Comparison
Rank Casino Return 1 (tie) Augustine 92.62% 1 (tie) Spotlight 29 92.62% 1 (tie) Tortoise Rock 92.62% 4 (tie) Fantasy Springs 92.31% 4 (tie) Morongo 92.31% 6 (tie) Agua Caliente 90.67% 6 (tie) Spa 90.67% Links
