One of the bigger questions we get on the forums is, “Where should I play?”

Well, I’m going to take you on a journey around the country discussing some the best (and worst) casino playing spots.  Contrary to what many think, Las Vegas and Atlantic City are not the only places around to find some sweet blackjack action.

First on the list, I’d like to tackle one of the more beautiful places to play: Southern California.

It is well known that California has some the best weather, agriculture and coastal beaches, but did you know they also have some of the best blackjack in the country?  San Diego houses some of the largest Tribal casinos with some of the best blackjack games.  Although not extremely close to each other, it is easy to get to approximately 10 casinos in the greater San Diego area. Continue a little further North and East, and you’ll find another 7 or so places in Palm Springs.

The great part about playing in this area is it can easily be a “family retreat.” The larger, more attractive casinos, such as Barona and Sycuan, offer numerous amenities: spas, views, great rooms, and golf packages.  All of which are worth pushing to be comped.

Casino Priority:

• Barona – One of the BEST BLACKJACK GAMES in the country. While here, check out their Card Counter Hall of Fame.  (I think Loudon Ofton is pushing to get in there). Great place to play, they handle action of all size well. Barona is one of the few places that respects what we do, although it’s still possible to be backed off.
• Sycuan - Close to Barona, this is the next place I would hit in the area. Stay out of the high limit room if possible. Jumping around on the main floor in and out of 6 deck shoes worked quite well.
• Pala - A little ways north you’ll hit another grouping of 3 casinos: Pala, Pechanga, Pauma. That is the order they should be played. Pala was easy to get comps, push for dinner in their Oak Room: get the Crab Cakes and the Filet!
• Pechanga – One of the largest Tribals I’ve ever played, it took a few to find their shoe games. This place is swimming with CSM’s, but they had 1 larger pit with shoes, and a decent Double Deck game with 2 tables in their high limit room.  Penetration was average at both, but heat was low (at least until I cleared their black the second time, then it got much “warmer”).

If you manage to blow out those 4, there are several more to play. I have avoided the Harrah’s Rincon there simply based on the fact that Harrah’s as a whole doesn’t care for me or “my action.” Viejas was rather unhospitable as well, and their games were sub-par.  If you are close (Barona/Sycuan) you might as well poke your head in there, but don’t have high hopes.

Palm Springs has a cluster of casinos along highway 10. Agua Caliente treated me well for a day and a half, comped room in their newer hotel, and great food.  They are connected to Spa Casino though, so a backoff at one will most likely mean an instant backoff at the other.

Tip of the Trip: Bring SHORTS! It’s hot there in the summer.

Carry on the conversation in our forums HERE.

Until next time!