Guest Senior Gambler Art McT., Encino CA: My first casino experience was in 1954, just after coming home from the Korean War. For more than 60 years I enjoyed Nevada casinos, particularly Las Vegas.

Then, since retiring to Los Angeles, I now prefer Native American casinos. My favorite is the Morongo Casino Resort, about a 90-minute drive west on Highway 10. Today’s Indian casino resorts in Southern California compete with Las Vegas in terms of gaming, facilities and luxury.

At Morongo, they have excellent rooms, fine dining, resort pool, name entertainers, all at half the distance from Las Vegas. For me, it's perfect as I'm no longer able (or willing) to handle the physical requirements of a five-hour car drive or the hassles of airports and flights. Most comfortably, for around $150 each way, less than what airfare and taxis cost, my wife and I can travel to Indian casinos by private limo. It includes door-to-door pick-up from my home and comfortable trips. Here are my five favorite Southern California Indian casinos:

Morongo: I frequent this casino most often, operated by the Morongo Native American tribe. It's a ten-story, luxury resort with all the features. Ten minutes away in Palm Springs are many shopping outlets. 49500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon CA 92230, morongocasinoresort.com

Pechanga: Going south, it’s the same distance from Los Angeles as Morongo, and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula CA 92592, pechanga.casinocity.com

Suboba: Going southwest, this casino is also operated by the Luiseno Tribe and same distance from Los Angeles. Compared to other nearby casinos, it’s smaller and less crowded, especially on weekends. 23333 Soboba Rd. San Jacinto, CA 92583, soboba.net

Chumash: Operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and on the California coast about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. 3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez CA, chumashcasino.com

Pala Casino: The casino, operated by the Pala Tribe, is nearly a three-hour drive south from Los Angeles, and just an hour north of San Diego. However, I've been there several times and found it to be an enjoyable experience. 11154 Highway SR 76, Pala CA 92059, palacasino.com