The differences basically boil down to the variety of games offered. (And comparatively more of them are considered legal in tribal casinos, since native tribes are recognized by the state as sovereign entities.) State law regulates casino-style gambling by distinguishing “games of skill” from “games of luck.” So, while places like the Bicycle or Gardens casinos might look like Vegas transplants to passersby, in reality, they’re a little different. Unlike Nevada, only certain forms of gambling are considered legal around Southern California. They’re called card clubs, or card rooms.

In fact, technically speaking, the casinos Koenig saw in Hawaiian Gardens and Bell Gardens aren’t actually casinos at all. The thing is, if you’re in California and come across an establishment that’s calling itself a “casino,” chances are, it’s probably not the kind of casino you expected. And finally, just as the 605 is about to careen into south bay, there’s also the Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens nearby. Then, there’s the Bicycle Hotel & Casino off the 710 in Bell Gardens. First, there’s the Commerce Casino off the 5 in Commerce. to Downey and you might see views similar to theVegas strip. In California, the casinos that emulate the typical “Vegas, baby!” gambling experience are relegated to tribal land, per the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.īut Koenig was definitely onto something. In New Jersey, for example, you’d be hard-pressed to find a casino anywhere outside Atlantic City. (Louisiana is the other.) Other states, like New Jersey and California, still allow Vegas-style casino gambling to a certain extent, but it’s regulated pretty heavily and restricted to certain areas. states that permits casino-style gambling across the board. Gambling is technically legal under federal law, though Nevada is one of just two U.S. “I thought the draw to Vegas was due to no legal gambling here.” “Why are there casinos in Hawaiian Gardens and Bell Gardens?” Koenig asked Curious Coast. So, when KCRW listener Chris Koenig drove past a couple of casinos less than 30 minutes outside of downtown L.A., she thought it was pretty weird. Thanks to pop culture and its gambling obsession, most of us - even the youngsters - would probably have to say something along the lines of “Vegas, baby!” Makes sense, given the notoriety of the Vegas strip as a hotbed for casino-style gambling and all the gilded glory that’s supposed to come with it. What’s the first thing that comes to mind? You don’t have to be a high roller in your spare time to stake a claim here.

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