California is among the top U.S. gambling destination states with 58 Indian casinos housing almost 64,000 slot machines as of early 2010. Charter bus companies service many of the properties in the more populous areas. But gambling houses on some remote reservations run their own shuttle buses to help attract customers.
Thunder Valley Casino
Thunder Valley Casino makes eight round-trip bus runs daily to southern Sacramento between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. The free shuttle picks up and drops off passengers near Florin Mall and then near Sacramento Executive Airport on each run. Passengers generally are on the bus for about an hour on each one-way trip, which covers about 37 miles. The 85,000-square-foot casino operated by the United Auburn Indian Community features about 2,400 electronic gaming machines and 100 tables of card games.
Thunder Valley Casino
1200 Athens Ave.
Lincoln, CA 95648
(877) 468-8777
thundervalleyresort.com
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino makes several daily round-trip bus runs to Fresno and one round trip each day to 18 other cities. Passengers must pay for shuttle service, but receive coupons for food and match play when they arrive at the casino. A bus picks up passengers near Blackstone and Ashlan avenues in Fresno, about 30 miles from the casino, four times Mondays through Saturdays and three times on Sundays. The casino also offers group charters and overnight tours that includes trips to Yosemite National Park and other nearby attractions. The casino houses nearly 2,000 electronic games and 50 tables. Its poker room offers free poker lessons weekly. The property included a 400-room hotel as well as several restaurants.
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
711 Lucky Lane
Coarsegold, CA 93614
(866) 794-6946
chukchansigold.com
Bear River Casino
Bear River Casino, a 13,056-square-foot facility near Humboldt Bay in the state's northwest corner, offers free shuttle service to several communities. Passengers must call the casino to arrange shuttle pickup. The casino will pick up a minimum of two passengers from nearby Loleta and Fernbridge, and will travel as far as 55 miles to Garberville to pick up 10 or more riders. The property houses 320 slot machines, nine table games and a four-table poker room. The on-site Thirsty Bear Sports Bar and Grill hosts live entertainment on weekend nights.
Bear River Casino
11 Bear Paws Way
Loleta, CA 95551
(800) 761-2327
bearrivercasino.com
Tags: Bear River, Bear River Casino, Chukchansi Gold, Chukchansi Gold Resort, Gold Resort