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Palm Springs area casinos offer the finest in gaming, dining and entertainment

Who needs Las Vegas when we have a coterie of casinos right here in our own backyard? Here's a look:

Table games on the casino floor at Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs.(Desert Sun file photo)

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

Where: 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage

The highlights: Twelve hundred slot machines, from pennies to multi-dollar machines on the main floor and the high-roller Primrose Room. There are high-limit video poker and blackjack machines and a poker room. Table games include blackjack, Let it Ride or mini-Baccarat, Spanish 21 and Hot Water Craps, plus Pai Gow and three-card poker.

Where to eat: During the day, grab a coffee and snack at Java Caliente. The Waters Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

The Grand Palms Buffet has something to suit just about any craving. For fine dining, it's The Steakhouse. The bar is great for a quick meal and a perfectly mixed martini or linger in the dining room.

Grab a quick sandwich in the Poker Deli.

Entertainment: The Show at Agua Caliente Casino is the valley's newest showroom with 2,002 comfy seats and not a bad sight line in the house for music and comedy concerts.

The Lounge offers live music for dancing. Relax in the fresh air at the Water Bar by the pool with a cool drink and good food.

Players Club: Yes

Information: (888) 999-1995; hotwatercasino.com

Slot machines from pennies to dollars are a popular casino attraction.(Desert Sun file photo)

Augustine Casino

Where: 84001 Avenue 54, Coachella

The highlights: There are nearly 1,000 slots at this casino. Table games include blackjack, Spanish 21, Crazy 4, Ultimate Texas Hold'em and three-card poker games.

Dining: Cafe 54 offers a buffet and menu dining. The Menyikish Bar and Grill, off the main gaming floor, is great for a quick meal or drink at the bar.

Entertainment: There's usually a live band on weekends to entertain guests.

Players Club: Yes

Information: (760) 391-9500; augustinecasino.com

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Where: 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio

Highlights: Plenty of slots, including the new Playboy machines, video poker, roulette and horse racing, too.

Dining: There are two signature restaurants on property: The Players Club off the casino floor is the steakhouse and The Bistro, in the hotel, offers Continental and American cuisine. There's also the Fresh Grill Buffet, offering foods from around the world and the elegant POM restaurant.

Entertainment: Nightlife at the casino includes Velvet Palm nightclub on the top floor. The Rock Yard moves from the pool to the Fantasy Lounge for the winter. Special Events Center hosts big-name concerts and events. Fantasy Lanes is a state-of-the-art bowling center.

Players Club: Yes

Information: (760) 342-5000; fantasyspringsresort.com

Slots at Morongo Casino Resort Spa.(Desert Sun file photo)

Morongo Casino Resort Spa

Where: 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon

Highlights: There's a water park at the hotel that's open to the public for a fee. More than 2,000 slots, 22 poker tables and 22 other table games.

Dining: Cielo is the resort's fine dining restaurant with a commanding view of the Banning Pass, great for watching the sun set.

Serrano offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the Potrero Canyon Buffet offers lunch buffets for $10.95 or dinner for $14.95 most nights.

Entertainment: Concerts are held in the show tent behind the hotel pool. The old casino building has been turned into a state-of-the-art 24-lane bowling center.

Players Club: Yes

Information: (800) 252-4499; morongocasinoresort.com

Spa Resort Casino

Where: 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs

Gaming: The only casino located in heart of a city. There are 900 slots and 32 table games, including blackjack, Baccarat, craps, three-card poker, four-card poker and Pai Gow poker.

Dining: Grab a quick snack at the Corner Deli or dive into the buffet at the Oasis Buffet. The Steakhouse has been recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for its variety and selections. Noodle Bar offers quick bowl meals or complete dinners.

The Sundance Tequila Bar offers a wide selection of tequilas and a Mexican grill menu.

Entertainment: Live bands play weekends in the Cascades Lounge.

Players Club: Yes

Information: (888) 999-1995; sparesortcasino.com

Spotlight 29 Casino

Where: 42600 Harrison Place, Coachella

Gaming: Two-thousand slots and 30 table games include blackjack, Pai-Gow, 3 card poker and mini-Baccarat.

Dining: JEM Steakhouse is the casino's prime dining establishment. Cafe Capitala offers both buffet and menu dining.

Entertainment: The Spotlight Show is a 2,200 seat room that hosts some of the hottest acts on tour. Blue Bar has popular DJs spinning dance music on weekends.

Players Club: Yes

Information: (760) 775-5566; spotlight29.com