Wizard
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September 23rd, 2013 at 12:29:43 PM permalink
Two weeks ago I paid a visit to six of the seven (corrected) casinos around Palm Springs. I just wrote a blog entry about. I'd be interested in corrections, comments, and questions about it before I announce it to a wider audience. Thanks in advance.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
EvenBob
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September 23rd, 2013 at 12:40:30 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Two weeks ago I paid a visit to five of the six casinos around Palm Springs.



They have no roulette or craps, they just
pretend they do. It's ridiculous. It's like having a bordello where
they only give lap dances, why bother.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Ibeatyouraces
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September 23rd, 2013 at 12:46:54 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Alan
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September 23rd, 2013 at 12:54:33 PM permalink
5 of the 6 or 7 how many casino's?

How about point out how many you actually visited in the article, by number instead of 'most'.

I quit reading after the 2nd paragraph after it confirmed(yet again) what a screwy place California is.
rdw4potus
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September 23rd, 2013 at 1:52:25 PM permalink
I don't think you golf (and it's probably not open for the season yet, either), but Fantasy Springs has a Fantastic golf course called Eagle Springs. If you parked in the garage, you may have noticed all of the pictures in the hallway from Playboy's annual charity tourneys that are played there. And, I suppose, if you didn't notice those pictures...well...it's only 5 hours to Indio...:-)
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
RogerKint
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September 23rd, 2013 at 1:55:14 PM permalink
Great review all around. I'm glad you took the time to experience the magic that is Augustine.

By the way I could swear I have ordered alcoholic beverages while gambling at Morongo. And one would think the California casinos would find a way to get around their inability to comp alcohol and tobacco. Like charge a penny per drink.
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bigfoot66
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September 23rd, 2013 at 2:00:42 PM permalink
"The standard deviation of the session would have been $297. I would have felt stupid if I had lost that much chasing a damn t-shirt."

I started laughing out loud. Nice.

You did notice the 2nd to last paragraph before the first entry you still have [(you didn't mention what you got at Agua Caliente.)]
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bigfoot66
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September 23rd, 2013 at 2:05:09 PM permalink
Quote: RogerKint

Great review all around. I'm glad you took the time to experience the magic that is Augustine.

By the way I could swear I have ordered alcoholic beverages while gambling at Morongo. And one would think the California casinos would find a way to get around their inability to comp alcohol and tobacco. Like charge a penny per drink.



I have also had a beer at Morongo. The 18/21 age requirement is, I believe, a decision made by the tribe. Pauma definately serves alcohol and welcomes 18 year old players.
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Wizard
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September 23rd, 2013 at 2:38:09 PM permalink
Quote: bigfoot66

I have also had a beer at Morongo. The 18/21 age requirement is, I believe, a decision made by the tribe. Pauma definately serves alcohol and welcomes 18 year old players.



Here is the alcohol policy at Morongo, "Alcohol is available In-Room, Room Service and in Casino Bars, outside alcohol or food is prohibited. Coolers, large containers and any outside alcohol or food are strictly prohibited." That doesn't specifically say cocktail waitresses don't bring drinks to the tables, but that is how I would interpret it.

From 500nations.com, "Indian Casinos: The legal age to gamble in California is 18 years or older. However, most Indian casinos serve alcohol and have set the minimum age to enter at 21 to comply with the minimum age of 21 required by their alcohol license. Some casinos allow people under 18 or 21 years old to enter unrestricted areas in their building, but you should check with the casino first before visiting. Other casinos enforce the 21 years limit throughout their facility."
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
jml24
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September 23rd, 2013 at 2:39:22 PM permalink
Nice review with some good information. I noticed one mistake in your review of the Augustine. You mentioned that you couldn't resist playing the double deck BJ but right below that line there is a table of available games that doesn't list a DD game.
Wizard
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September 23rd, 2013 at 3:39:14 PM permalink
Quote: jml24

You mentioned that you couldn't resist playing the double deck BJ but right below that line there is a table of available games that doesn't list a DD game.



Thanks, good catch. I just fixed that table.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
PBguy
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November 3rd, 2013 at 1:55:49 AM permalink
Quote: bigfoot66

I have also had a beer at Morongo. The 18/21 age requirement is, I believe, a decision made by the tribe. Pauma definately serves alcohol and welcomes 18 year old players.



Viejas in San Diego serves alcohol everywhere in the casino and their age requirement is 18 also.

Sycuan only serves alcohol in the bar which is 21+. Barona sells alcohol in their restaurants and you have to order a meal. Here's a tip: popcorn shrimp is free and it's considered a meal so ask for the free popcorn shrimp and order a drink.

As a side note I was talking to someone that words there that happens to be a member of the tribe and someone asked him why, as a sovereign nation, they couldn't sell alcohol past 2am. He said they could but if they did then California would fine their suppliers heavily and possibly prevent their suppliers from delivering to the casino. I thought that was interesting. We decided they should just brew their own beer and make their own rules!

I'm used to playing craps with cards but I would like to see the California constitution changed to allow "real" craps and roulette. As it is now it's just silly rules that don't prevent gambling or cheating or anything. A useless law.
AlanMendelson
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November 3rd, 2013 at 6:20:45 AM permalink
Quote: PBguy


I'm used to playing craps with cards but I would like to see the California constitution changed to allow "real" craps and roulette. As it is now it's just silly rules that don't prevent gambling or cheating or anything. A useless law.



About a year ago I tried to start up a campaign to amend the state constitution to do this. I mentioned it on Facebook and on my website and Twitter just to see if there was any "grassroots" support for the idea. There was none.

Then I approached some of the casino operators that have card craps and they told me they weren't interested. The biggest card club casino in Calif (I don't think I have to mention the name) even had its attorney contact me to say they were not interested in any attempt to change the law.

Remember that about ten years ago there was a ballot initiative to change the law in Calfiornia that would also have expanded slot machines and added real craps and real roulette and it lost at the polls. Vegas interests poured a lot of money into defeating it. I think the Calif casinos have no interest in doing battle with Nevada casinos again. I think they made their "peace" and the Calif casinos are happy developing the Calif market and Nevada appears to be happy with the status quo.
AcesAndEights
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November 3rd, 2013 at 2:23:28 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I thought I was an obnoxious nonsmoker, blowing smoke away from me or turning into a human windmill when a smoker shows up, but I truly met my match that night at the Fantasy Springs. I had been sitting at second base with what seemed to be an outgoing couple in the last two spots. After about 20 minutes of this arrangement, a tattooed biker-looking couple sat down right between us, and the guy was already smoking. I could see the smoke was blowing directly in the face of the couple already sitting there. The gal stood up in a huff and asked to color up her chips. Her man followed her lead. While waiting for the dealer to count the chips, she flipped him off right in his face. It wasn't the usual cowardly parting f/u; rather, she gave him every opportunity to react while she was standing there waiting on the dealer. The smoker looked like he lifted heavy objects all day long and rode with a motorcycle gang in his spare time. Of course, a gentleman can't retaliate against a woman, so she pretty much could do as she pleased with immunity. He seemed to have a Buddha-like calmness through the whole thing, only remarking after they left, "They allow smoking here."


I found this story amusing. I fully understand not wanting to get smoke blown in your face, but I can just imagine the big burly biker guy sitting there, getting flipped off, and just remaining calm. "They allow smoking here." Cracks me up :p
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
smoothgrh
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February 12th, 2020 at 11:26:24 AM permalink
I'm going to Palm Springs next week!

Anything I should know about the casinos? I've been to California casinos from Blue Lake to Harrah's Rincon, so I'm guessing Palm Springs casinos are par for the course, so to speak?

Oh, and it looks as if Spa Casino took the Wizard's advice and changed its name to Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Which might still have naming issues because there's also Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage? And their website is also confusing because the two casinos share the website design, and the way you can tell the difference is: the site you're on has a light yellow mustard-color icon, instead of an olive green-color icon. The big difference in casinos seems to be Rancho Mirage has a poker room (and Palm Springs does not).

Oh, do any not allow kids to walk through to get to restaurants? I know one in SoCal does not. I'm guessing Morongo is OK with this because they have a bowling center?
Last edited by: smoothgrh on Feb 12, 2020
bobbartop
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February 12th, 2020 at 1:05:59 PM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh

I'm going to Palm Springs next week!

Anything I should know about the casinos? I've been to California casinos from Blue Lake to Harrah's Rincon, so I'm guessing Palm Springs casinos are par for the course, so to speak?

Oh, and it looks as if Spa Casino took the Wizard's advice and changed its name to Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Which might still have naming issues because there's also Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage? And their website is also confusing because the two casinos share the website design, and the way you can tell the difference is the site you're on has a light yellow mustard-color icon, instead of an olive green-color icon. The big difference in casinos seems to be Rancho Mirage has a poker room (and Palm Springs does not).

Oh, do any not allow kids to walk through to get to restaurants? I know one in SoCal does not. I'm guessing Morongo is OK with this because they have a bowling center?




Looking forward to your trip report. I haven't been in the area for years. Better hurry up, by the looks of today in Fresno it is practically Spring already. It will be hot before you know it. I read they're going to do a 3rd "Caliente" in Cathedral City. It's gonna be casino Mecca. There is actually a town called Mecca.

Two suggestions for you, from when I was a kid. 1. Lord Fletcher's in Rancho Mirage. 2. Shield's Date Shakes. If you go past Palm Desert, there's a place called Shield's. On a hot day, a nice cold Date Milk Shake, omg they were good.

When I was a kid, there was nothing down there. From Palm Springs to Palm Desert, just sand and cactus. I guess it's all built up now.

Have a good trip. Enjoy yourself.
'Emergencies' have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.
Doc
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February 12th, 2020 at 9:17:32 PM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh

Oh, and it looks as if Spa Casino took the Wizard's advice and changed its name to Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Which might still have naming issues because there's also Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage?

Aha! This makes it look at least a tiny bit as if there is another collecting opportunity!

When I collected my souvenir chips from the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage and the Spa Casino in Palm Springs, both establishments used chips that said Spa Casino on one side and Agua Caliente Casino on the other -- with the different locations also listed on the different sides. The chips in play at the two places were rather similar but not identical. I suspected that they might be accepted at both places.

I posted both chips in the Casino Chip of the Day thread, here and here. I posted the Spa Casino side of each chip with a discussion about that casino and the opposite side of each chip with discussion of the other casino.

If the Spa Casino has genuinely been renamed and if they are now using chips that say "Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs", then that would meet my personal criteria for declaring this to be a "new" casino from which to collect a chip and to add it to the CCotD thread.

Unfortunately, the MoGH Chip Guide does not (yet) show such a chip, so I don't know whether they exist and are in play.

So smoothgrh, could you check this out for the collectors here at WoV? If they do exist and you would care to pick up a souvenir for yourself, then you can have the honor of making the official CCotD post and telling the story in that thread. If you don't want to do that yourself, then please check it out and let us know whether such chips are really in play, and I will pick one up the next time I can make it to Palm Springs. Don't know whether I can do that as part of my Spring Fling trip or not.
smoothgrh
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February 12th, 2020 at 10:04:45 PM permalink
Quote: bobbartop

Looking forward to your trip report. I haven't been in the area for years. Better hurry up, by the looks of today in Fresno it is practically Spring already. It will be hot before you know it. I read they're going to do a 3rd "Caliente" in Cathedral City. It's gonna be casino Mecca. There is actually a town called Mecca.

Two suggestions for you, from when I was a kid. 1. Lord Fletcher's in Rancho Mirage. 2. Shield's Date Shakes. If you go past Palm Desert, there's a place called Shield's. On a hot day, a nice cold Date Milk Shake, omg they were good.

When I was a kid, there was nothing down there. From Palm Springs to Palm Desert, just sand and cactus. I guess it's all built up now.

Have a good trip. Enjoy yourself.



Thanks for the tips!

Lord Fletcher's is probably out of my price range for this trip, but the date shakes at Shield's is on my to-do list!

Looks like temperatures in the low-to-mid '70s all week—perfect hiking weather!
smoothgrh
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February 12th, 2020 at 10:13:37 PM permalink
Quote: Doc

Aha! This makes it look at least a tiny bit as if there is another collecting opportunity!



Ah, working that chip-collecting angle!

I can envision visiting the Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage for poker, and maybe the Morongo for bowling/dining/a few hands of video poker.

I'll try to pop in to the former "Spa Casino" and get a chip if I'm walking around downtown!
bobbartop
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smoothgrh
February 12th, 2020 at 10:30:33 PM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh


Looks like temperatures in the low-to-mid '70s all week—perfect hiking weather!




Wear your rattlesnake boots.
'Emergencies' have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.
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