The best casino outside of Las Vegas is in California, USA Today says. Here’s why
Do you want classic casino fun without stepping foot in Sin City? California has the best casino outside of Las Vegas, according to USA Today.
The publication recently released the top 10Best list of casinos outside of Las Vegas, with the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland winning best overall for gaming and dining.
The casinos were nominated by a panel of experts, then readers voted for their favorites, the publication said.
“The United States is home to more casinos than any other country on the planet, and many of them are beyond the borders of Las Vegas,” the publication said. “Alongside those casinos are a multitude of options for where to stay, where to eat, and ways to be entertained.”
Guests who stay and play at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino can expect all this and more.
What makes the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino the best one outside Vegas?
The resort is about an hour east of Los Angeles, and guests can “enjoy pool, city, or mountain views from modern, spacious guest rooms and one-to-two-bedroom suites,” the 10Best editors said.
“When it’s time to take a break from gaming, choose among 20-plus different dining venues ranging from a high-end steakhouse to quick casual eateries (some open 24/7), bars, and lounges,” the editors said. “Feeling lucky? You might catch one of your favorite acts performing at the Yaamava’ Theater or Pool Deck concert series.”
The casino itself was also ranked as the best for gaming outside of Sin City.
“With 7,400 slot machines and more than 150 table games, the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel focuses on high-stakes games without ignoring casual gamblers,” the editors wrote. “Dive into a unique top-tier gaming experience with signature cocktails from the bar, betting limits up to $25,000, and comfortable lounge seating. They also offer various promotions, including car giveaways, drawings, and table game tournaments.”
It also has the best casino restaurant outside of Vegas, the editors said.
“Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in California invites guests to enjoy an adults-only dining experience at The Pines Modern Steakhouse,” the editors said. “Their extensive menu showcases the finest, fresh seafood and cuts of meat in an exquisite setting. And their wine list has been recognized by Wine Spectator and The World of Fine Wine.”
The Sacramento Bee reached out to the resort and casino for a comment but didn’t hear back as of Sept. 18.
What are the top 10 casinos outside Sin City?
Yaamava’ isn’t the only California casino on the 10Best list. The Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park and Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula also made the list.
Here’s the list, according to USA Today:
1. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, California
2. Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut
3. Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut
4. Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, California. “Visitors rave about exceptional food, a beautiful spa, ultra-clean rooms, and exciting gaming at Graton Resort & Casino,” the 10Best editors wrote. “Gamers enjoy more than 3,000 state-of-the-art slot machines, 100-plus table games, a live poker room, a fully enclosed smoke-free gaming area, and elegant high-limit gaming rooms.”
5. Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. “Pechanga Resort Casino houses 5,500 slot machines and 150-plus table games including blackjack, pai gow, and poker — as well as an expansive and exclusive high-limit gaming area with a signature bar and table games for discerning guests,” the editors wrote. “Membership of The Club at Pechanga is a favorite for earning valuable perks at the casino.”
6. Ocean Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey
7. FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan
8. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi
9. Gila River Resorts & Casinos at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona
10. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey
This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "The best casino outside of Las Vegas is in California, USA Today says. Here’s why."
