Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs Guide and Review
Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs presents a paradox of experiences, often praised for its aesthetic appeal and convenient parking, yet frequently criticized for its pervasive smoking policy, perceived poor gambling payouts, and, most notably, highly inconsistent and at times hostile customer service.
The Good: Ambiance, Parking, and Entertainment 🎶
Upon entering, many visitors find the casino itself to be beautiful, nice, and clean. While some describe it as "fairly small in size," this can contribute to a more intimate atmosphere. The casino often hosts exciting promotions, such as "breath taking" car giveaways, which can add to the allure for first-time visitors who might even receive a welcome bonus, like $20 in free play.
One aspect consistently praised is the ample and easily accessible parking lot, making arrival and departure hassle-free. Beyond the gaming floor, the casino also serves as a venue for entertainment. Guests have enjoyed shows, with one reviewer specifically mentioning a "wonderful big band style music" performance, indicating that the entertainment side of the casino can be a significant draw.
The Divisive Point: Smoking Policy 🚬
A recurring and highly polarizing topic among reviewers is the casino's smoking policy. Agua Caliente Casino allows smoking throughout the entire facility. For smokers, this is often seen as a significant advantage and a reason to visit, with one reviewer explicitly stating, "Love this casino... Very friendly, smoking casino, lots of slots I love."
However, for non-smokers or those sensitive to smoke, this policy is a major deterrent and "big turn off." Descriptions like "smelling like a dirty ash ray" and experiencing "burning lungs" within minutes highlight the severe impact of the smoke on the air quality and overall comfort for many guests. This aspect alone can significantly shape a visitor's experience.
The Not-So-Good: Gambling Payouts and Staff Conduct 😠
For a casino, the core experience revolves around gaming, and here, Agua Caliente Casino receives considerable negative feedback. Several reviewers express deep dissatisfaction with the perceived low payouts and aggressive "money grab" strategy. One frustrated visitor stated it's a place "looking to loose all your money quickly without even a tease of fun," noting that even significant monthly losses might not yield a "$5 free play." This sentiment suggests that the casino's reward system for loyal patrons is perceived as inadequate or non-existent, making it "the worst payout of any casino in the Coachella Valley" according to one experienced gambler.
Perhaps the most alarming and consistent criticism revolves around the staff's attitude and customer service. While one review mentioned "very friendly" staff, this is heavily outweighed by numerous accounts of highly negative interactions. Patrons describe employees as "shockingly rude, in-your-face, and downright arrogant." There are reports of guests feeling "made to feel like I didn’t belong" if they weren't constantly engaged in gambling. A particularly disturbing account details an aggressive encounter where staff "literally cornered me... demanded my ID, and ripped it out of my hand," holding it for an extended period without explanation, leaving the guest feeling "demeaning and extremely uncomfortable" and intimidated. Another reviewer noted staff being "shorthanded" at the music venue, leading to guests needing to fetch their own drinks.
Dining Experience: A Disappointment at The Steakhouse 🍽️
The "salty steak house" (presumably The Steakhouse) within the casino also garners severe criticism. Reviewers describe it as "overpriced," "over salted (on everything)," offering "small portions," and generally failing to deliver a "fine dining experience." Specific examples include a "$100.00 fillet mignon with no sides" that tasted unappealing. This suggests that the culinary offerings, particularly at its higher-end establishment, do not meet expectations for quality or value.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution 🛑
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs offers an appealing physical space, convenient parking, and occasional enjoyable entertainment. However, these positives are frequently overshadowed by significant drawbacks, most notably the pervasive smoking environment, widely perceived poor gambling payouts, and concerning reports of rude and aggressive staff behavior. The dining options, particularly at The Steakhouse, also appear to be a point of disappointment.
If you are a smoker looking for a casino with a relaxed attitude towards indoor smoking, and your primary goal isn't necessarily winning big, you might find aspects to enjoy. However, for non-smokers, those seeking fair gambling odds, or anyone who values respectful and welcoming customer service, many reviewers advise caution or suggest exploring other options in the area.
I visited this casino for the first time and I enjoyed myself. It was fairly small in size but it was beautiful. The car they were giving away was breath taking as well. Overall I had a good experience and I got $20 for my first time in free play ⏯️ I must add you are able to smoke in the entire casino. Best of luck to all!
This place is great if you are looking to loose all your money quickly without even a tease of fun. This place is strickly in the business of money grab then get u out. If you have lost $2500.00 to $4000.00 a month- you wont even qualify for 5 dollar free play. If you think i am joking- just ask any of the overpaid- bad attitude- low class female hosts at this downtown location. Its the worst in coachella valley. They honestly have no shame(just take a look at the typical payouts for bonus rounds at this place- and they were takin on same day. Pay attention to the spend for spin and what u win after the bonus round. If this is your idea of fun ,then you are going to love this casino. Check out the photos- they are not doctored up-! Embarass yourself and take your out of town guest to the over priced dinner at the "salty steak house." Honestly, you would be way happier with a jr high schooler making their first attempt at a meal in a home economics class then from the so called master chefs at this over salted( on everything)small portion, incredibly over priced restaurant trying to pose as a fine dining experience- (at least the Jr. Student had a recipe to followz i have no idea what this place was doing - fillet mineon no sides-$100.00 and made it taste like u know what). Not sure who they paid to say its award winning but you can sure bet it wont be you! Just bring your heart mediction (drink the cool- aid) and throw more money away. Oh and if u are into smellng like a dirty ashray -this place is a dream!! You can lose lots of money really fast and choke on the stinch from cigarettes and walk out with burning lungs n the first 10 mins being there- they dont mess around!( a lung cancer screening after 1st visit wouldn't be a bad idea). I know how this review sounds -so dont take my word for it- find out for yourself! Worst payout of any casino in the coachella valley and i have played them all for several years now-. if u are a real gambler u will know right away what i am talking about.....thumbs down- i will not be going back. - You will see this ia no joke. ..lol- actually its not lol at all.
Nicer than I expected to be honest. Relatively unassuming outside but inside was very nice. A few bars with drinks and food, lots of video slots, and the usual table games. Not overly smoky, comfortable temperature. Pretty close to a Vegas experience in Palm Springs.
We came to the agua caliente casino to see a show on a Thursday night. The casino was nice and clean, but they went back to allowing smoking on the inside and that was a big turn off. The parking lot is huge and it was very easy to park. They also were a bit shorthanded on staff inside the music venue, so we had to go get our own drinks at the bar. But that's okay.We saw the grant orchestra and they played wonderful big band style music from the '30s and '40s.. The casino was great and we definitely will come back..
Amazing place with lots of things to do. Massage I had was amazing and the mineral bath also felt great