Popular comedian Franco Escamilla is bringing his R.P.M. tour to Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Friday, Nov. 16. His stand-up special “Franco Escamilla: Por la anécdota” was released in June. The popular comic has 2.9 million followers on Facebook and recently a sold-out show at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. $55-$125. 888-999-1995, hotwatercasino.com.

Legendary crooner Johnny Mathis returns to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa for an evening of hits. Mathis has recorded more than 80 albums and his iconic hits include “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say” and “Misty.”

8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. $90-$120.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Fresh off her concert at Pechanga Resort & Casino on last week,  “Straight Up” singer Paula Abdul is heading to another Southern California casino on Saturday, Nov. 17. In addition to her former life as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, Abdul also choreographed many things including Janet Jackson’s “Nasty” and “When I Think of You” videos and the wedding scene in the comedy, “Coming To America,” starring Eddie Murphy.

8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,  84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. $39-$69. 760-342-5000, fantasyspringsresort.com.

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

Marijuana-loving duo Cheech and Chong will light up the Grand Ballroom at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa on Friday, Nov. 16. The comedy pair is known for movies with a cannabis influence, including “Up In Smoke,” “Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie” and “Things Are Tough All Over.”

9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. $59. 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com.  

Sure, there are throngs of people that love to try their hand with Lady Luck, but there are also large numbers of folks that head to casinos to take advantage of luxury pools, big name entertainers and a wide variety of dining spots ranging from casual cafes to high-end steakhouses.

“A casino can be an anchor but that’s not the exclusive draw,” Christopher Thornberg, director of UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development said in a phone interview. “In Las Vegas it’s really about pools, nice hotels and entertainment and I think California is following that model.”

There’s been a boom in Southern California casino expansions and resort construction in the Inland region over the last few years as properties added hotel towers, luxury pool complexes, more dining options and elevated entertainment venues featuring a wide variety of A-list acts.

“For us, it wasn’t the gaming experience that we needed to expand,” Jared Munoa, Pechanga Development Corporation’s president said. “We saw a greater need for a complete resort experience because we are not just a casino.”

In the last year Pechanga Resort & Casino completed a $300 million expansion; San Manuel Casino broke ground on a $550 million expansion and Soboba Casino’s new property is under construction and on track to be open by the first quarter of 2019. Just last month, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa announced plans to undergo renovations and expansions due to be completed in 2020.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa announced plans for a major expansion in January but in the meantime is undergoing changes in the current casino with new gaming rooms, restaurants and updates to the casino floor.

“The economy is part of the equation,” Saverio Scheri, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s chief operating officer said about the rise in casino expansions in the region. “There is a comfort level and people are using disposable income for entertainment.”

Pala Casino Spa & Resort debuted its new pool complex in May and the casino floor decor has been updated. A new parking garage is open and restaurants have been re-vamped along with the addition of a new bar and improved smoke-free area. However, Pala also put construction of a new hotel tower and plans to remodel hotel rooms on hold. Casino officials have said they will announce what they plan to do with the new and existing hotel rooms at the end of this year.

“We want to see how the market is going to absorb the inventory,” Bill Bembenek, Pala’s chief operating officer said, referring to the other Southern California casinos adding lodging. “We are not in a situation where we feel we’re behind in the market, we’re in a position to see where we stand.”

But officials at properties such as San Manuel Casino in Highland see an opportunity to grow beyond gaming and restaurants.

“We saw a great need for a hotel and guests were asking why we don’t have a hotel,”  Loren Gill, general manager of San Manuel Casino said in a phone interview. “We want to build a full-fledged entertainment destination.”

Take a look inside our 2018 Southern California Casinos Guide to find out where to eat, what to do, how to relax and get some insight on what’s coming to the area in the latest construction boom:

• Hotels, more slots and restaurants: What’s new and what’s coming to Southern California casinos
• Where to eat at Southern California casinos: A guide to restaurants and dining
• Casino buffets in Southern California and what they serve
• Southern California casinos: Where to see concerts, comedy shows, MMA and more
• 5 unique spa treatments at Southern California casinos

Here’s a look at five resorts that up the relaxation factor with full-service spas:

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-202-2121, hotwatercasino.com.

The Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage is full of amenities that include a hair and nail salon, dry sauna, fitness center, massage chairs, a whirlpool and private outdoor swimming pool.

Unique treatment: The Pumpkin Deep Cleansing Facial has fall written all over it. This treatment purifies and detoxifies the skin with a blend of pumpkin, yogurt and bentonite clay. Skin is left soft and hydrated and the facial helps reduce fine lines. $135 for 50 minutes.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California

777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, 760-751-7709, harrahssocal.com.

The Spa at Harrah’s is 11,000 square feet and features 15 treatment rooms, saltwater baths, saunas and steam rooms along with a full-service salon and barbershop.

Unique treatment:  The Honey Chai Steeped Milk and Honey Heel Glaze treatment includes a full body massage using honey chai-steeped milk lotion aimed at revitalizing dehydrated skin. The treatment is topped off with a honey heel glaze to soften and smooth heels and toes. $150 for 50 minutes.

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com.

The Sage Spa features 14 treatment rooms and amenities such as sauna and steam rooms and a cold plunge along with a full-service salon.

Unique treatment: Phytomer Citylife Anti-Pollution Facial is designed to counteract the effects of pollution and detoxifies and oxygenates the skin with a heating mask. The mask absorbs impurities and pollutants from below the skin’s surface while clients experience a relaxing double brush massage prior to pore extraction. A detox-oxygen mask further neutralizes damage while moisturizing the skin. This treatment is topped off with a bubbling sea kelp spinal mud mask.  $175 for 50 minutes.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort

11154 Highway 76, Pala, 877-946-7252, palacasino.com.

The Pala Spa features 17 treatment rooms with several outdoor options, a fitness center, outdoor showers, eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna and indoor whirlpools. The outdoor area includes a plunge pool and a co-ed retreat featuring cabanas and whirlpools that opened when the Tourmaline Pools opened in May. The spa also features a hair and nail salon, retail boutique and private showers.

Unique treatment: If you love lavender, try the 100-minute Lavender Renewal Body Treatment. This Thai-inspired treatment begins with a body scrub followed by a relaxing soak in sage-infused water. A massage using Himalayan salt crystals and lavender buds round out this lavender experience. $260 for 100 minutes.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. 951-770-8501, pechanga.com.

Spa Pechanga features a variety of steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, a fitness facility and outdoor patios. There is also a private pool for guests to lounge at, a fitness center and a hair and nail salon. The new spa is part of the $300 million expansion that opened in December 2017.

Unique treatment: The Waves of Sound treatment begins with guests relaxing in a zero-gravity chair while sound waves and music are utilized to help clients experience deep relaxation. After spending 20 minutes in the chair a full body massage awaits. Guests can choose a signature essential oil blend to enhance the massage. 80 minutes: $200 Monday-Friday; $220 Saturday and Sunday. 100 minutes: $260 Monday-Friday; $280 Saturday and Sunday.

But less than two weeks after those shows, Paisley played an intimate gig at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s 2,101-capacity theater The Show in Rancho Mirage.

When Pechanga Resort & Casino opened its new events center Pechanga Summit earlier this year, the resort booked celebs such as comedian Adam Sandler and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler to perform.

Push away the idea of casino entertainment as aging B-listers playing a smoke-filled cabaret room. Southern California casinos have multiple venues that attract big-name performers — like the Police frontman Sting and country heavy hitters Paisley and Toby Keith — as well as televised boxing and MMA events and global superstars whose audiences fly from around the world to see them.

All genres of music and entertainment fill the theaters, ballrooms and event centers at Southern California casinos. Here’s a sampling of what each complex offers and has on the schedule for ticketed events:

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

Venue: The Show

Capacity: 2,101

Of note: In this theater, no seat is more than 125 feet from the stage. It has also been nominated for multiple concert industry awards from concert industry publisher Pollstar and the International Entertainment Buyers Association.

Past performers: Iconic songwriter/pianist Billy Joel opened the venue in 2009. It has also hosted Brad Paisley, Duran Duran and comedian Brian Regan.

Coming up:

• Nov. 2, Don Henley
• Nov. 9, Aaron Lewis
• Nov. 10, Foreigner
• Nov. 17, Johnny Mathis
• Dec. 6, José Feliciano
• Dec. 7, Penn and Teller
• Dec. 8, Human Nature, “Jukebox”
• Dec. 14, “The Price Is Right” Live with Jerry Springer
• Dec. 15-16, Barry Manilow “A Very Barry Christmas!”

Casino Pauma

Venue: Pauma Pavilion

Capacity: 1,160

Of note: The original Pauma Pavilion opened in 2008 and was replaced by a bigger version in February. The new one features new lighting and sound systems along with a bigger stage. Attendees must be at least 18 years old.

Past performers: Las Vegas legend Wayne Newton, comedian Ron White, Southern rock group .38 Special and Latin singer Ana Bárbara featuring Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar have performed at Casino Pauma. 

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 

Venue: Special Events Center

Capacity: 3,700

Of note: The Special Events Center, which is set up like a gymnasium with seats on bleachers for concerts, is also home to boxing matches, including some that have been televised on ESPN. The center is next to the Rock Yard, an outdoor area where a free concert series featuring tribute acts is held.

Past performers: Art Garfunkel, Alanis Morissette, Scorpions, Adam Lambert, Sammy Hagar and Kenny Loggins.

Coming up:

• Nov. 2, Rascal Flatts
• Nov. 3, Diana Krall
• Nov. 9, J Balvin
• Nov. 10, B.A.P.
• Nov. 17, Paula Abdul
• Dec. 1, Tony Orlando and Dawn: A Christmas Reunion
• Dec. 7, Tony Bennett
• Dec. 15, Paulina Rubio
• Dec. 21, Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks! Tour

Venue: Improv

Capacity: 150

Of note: The resort also features an annual Improv comedy club series that typically starts in January and runs for several months.

Past performers: Theo Von, Bob Zany and TV news personality and weatherman Fritz Coleman have all appeared as part of the popular series.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California

Venue: Events Center

Capacity: 2,200

Of note: The indoor venue opened in April 2014 when the resort added a second hotel tower. Comedian Joan Rivers was the first performer at the venue.

Past performers: Comedians Bill Burr and Amy Schumer, crooner Tony Bennett and shock rocker Alice Cooper have all performed at the Events Center.

Coming up:

• Dec. 8, The Original Blues Brothers Band

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

Venue: The Ballroom

Capacity: 1,100

Of note: Although it seats 1,100, the ballroom has a unique intimate vibe and is where most of the casino’s shows are held.

Past performers: Rock icons Joan Jett and Melissa Etheridge have performed here and boxer Mike Tyson brought his one-man show to the venue.

Venue: Vibe

Capacity: 700

Of note: A live broadcast of the popular 95.5 KLOS FM’s  “Breakfast With The Beatles” hosted by Chris Carter is featured at Vibe one Sunday per month through November. The venue is occasionally used as a nightclub as well.

Past performers: Florida Georgia Line, Sugar Ray and Salt-N-Pepa have all performed at this intimate venue.

Venue: Morongo Outdoor Pavilion

Capacity: 2,600

Of note: This outdoor venue is used for occasional concerts and special events such as the Sleigh Ride, Taco Fest and Oktoberfest.

Past performers: Kiss and Irish rockers Flogging Molly have performed in the outdoor tent.

Coming up at the resort:

• Nov. 1, Jewel
• Nov. 2, Dennis Miller
• Nov. 3, Teresa Giudice
• Nov. 16, Cheech and Chong
• Dec. 8, Sleigh Ride Toy Run
• Dec. 14, Gabriel Iglesias

Pala Casino Spa & Resort

Venue: Starlight Theater

Capacity: 2,451

Of note: The permanent Starlight Theater stage opened in May 2015 and gives audiences a chance to see their favorite acts under the stars.

Past performers: Billy Ocean, comedian Jo Koy and Sammy Hagar & The Circle have all performed at the Starlight Theater this year.

Venue: Events Center

Capacity: 2,037

Of note: In addition to concerts, the indoor venue also hosts boxing and Muay Thai fights.

Past performers: Tony Bennett, Bonnie Raitt and Jim Jefferies have appeared at the Events Center.

Coming up:

• Nov. 24, Ta On Em

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Venue: Pechanga Theater

Capacity: 1,200

Of note: In addition to notable musical acts, the theater is also host to Broadway musicals and theatrical performances such as “Les Misérables” and “Beauty and The Beast.”

Past performers: Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Tears for Fears, Bob Dylan, Billy Idol and Def Leppard have played Pechanga’s primary venue.

Venue: Pechanga Summit

Capacity: 3,100

Of note: Popular Asian group Grasshopper Passion performed the first show at Pechanga Summit in January. Casino officials said people flew to town see this show.

Past performers: Adam Sandler, Steven Tyler and Cole Swindell have appeared at the new venue.

Venue: The Comedy Club

Capacity: 252

Of note: The Comedy Club recently moved locations from a lower level to above Kelsey’s sports bar and has shows Thursday-Sunday. You must be 21 or older to enter shows and there is also a two-drink minimum.

Past performers: Former “Saturday Night Live” cast members Kevin Nealon and Tim Meadows, “Last Comic Standing” winners Dat Phan and Jon Reep have all taken the stage.

Coming up at the resort:

• Nov. 4, Aaron Lewis
• Nov. 9, Paula Abdul
• Nov. 16 and 17, Jung Don Ha & Ben
• Nov. 18, Paul Anka
• Nov. 23, Patti LaBelle
• Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Concert
• Nov. 30, Tom Segura
• Dec. 9, Tony Bennett
• Dec. 14, Trevor Noah
• Dec. 15, Back to the ’80s with A Flock of Seagulls, Bow Wow Wow, Missing Persons and more
• Dec. 16, Wynonna
• Dec. 21-23, “White Christmas”
• Dec. 28, The Village People
• Jan. 11-12 The Fab Four
• Jan 19, “The Price Is Right” Live
• Feb. 8, A Bowie Celebration: The David Bowie Alumni Tour

San Manuel Casino

Venue: Rock & Brews

Capacity: 300

Of note: San Manuel formerly hosted concerts in its bingo hall, which was converted into the Rockin’ Casino in 2017. Rock & Brews is a restaurant and bar inside the Rockin’ Casino. Due to the smaller space, audiences are treated to a uniquely intimate experience. Guests must be 21 or older and artists typically perform two shows in a night.

Past performers: In keeping with the rock theme, ’80s rockers Warrant, Lita Ford and Slaughter have all appeared at the venue.

Coming up:

• Nov. 2, Stryper

Spa Resort Casino

Spa’s outdoor concert series, Concerts Under the Palms, is held in a parking lot adjacent to the casino. As of press time the 2019 season has not yet been confirmed. The space is also where Spa has hosted New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Past performers: ’80s rockers Loverboy and Night Ranger and alt rock band Gin Blossoms performed in the downtown Palm Springs concert series.

Spotlight 29 Casino

Venue: The Showroom

Capacity: 2,437

Of note: This indoor theater features everything from country stars, classic rockers, comedians and Latin acts. Attendees must be at least 21 years old.

Past performers: Arsenio Hall, Joe Walsh and Andrew Dice Clay have all performed at the Showroom.

Venue: En Vivo

Capacity: 300

Of note: Formerly known as the Blue Bar, the venue was overhauled in June and features a lineup of Latin performers.

Past performers: Banda Sin Nombre, Los Torres and Banda La Reyna Del Valle have appeared at the renovated venue.

Coming up at the casino:

• Nov. 3, Gran Baile con Voz de Mando y Kanales
• Nov. 17, Easton Corbin
• Dec. 1, Bill Engvall

Here’s an update on what’s happening at Southern California casinos:

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

The Rancho Mirage property, which expanded with a hotel and top-notch showroom about a decade ago is making changes inside the casino.

Several changes underway inside the casino include a re-vamp of the Grand Palms Buffet, which will feature a slightly pared-down buffet and add three new individual eateries inside the area where the buffet is that will operate separately. These are expected to be open later this year.

A new high-limit game room — which used to be The Lounge — and a high-limit table game room are also in the works while the carpet and ceiling inside the casino are getting a makeover.

The resort is also going to be opening a sports bar and restaurant at the end of 2018.

“It’s going to feel like the biggest and best sports bar in Las Vegas,” Saverio Scheri, Agua Caliente’s chief operating officer said. “Should sports wagering become legal in California, we will have a fantastic facility.”

Pivat, an upscale cigar lounge near the resort’s high-end restaurant The Steakhouse, is scheduled to open at the end of October and will feature a humidor, specialty cocktails and guests who are in the mood for food can order select dishes from The Steakhouse.

In July, Agua Caliente opened Club Mezz, a nightclub on the third floor mezzanine inside The Show, the property’s performance theater.  The club, which takes over three adjoining suites, is open every Saturday night from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. whether or not there is a concert. Admission is free, but guests must be at least 21.

More changes are coming. In January, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians commissioned an environmental impact report to study a proposed addition of 310 new hotel rooms as well as an additional 58,000 square feet of gaming space, 25,000 square feet of food, beverage and retail space and 120,000 square feet of commercial space. Construction has not yet started.

Scheri said once the dust settles from the current changes officials will revisit and review the bigger expansion plan.

Casino Pauma

Although the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians’ property is smaller than other Southern California casinos, the casino’s entertainment game reached new heights with the replacement of the old Pauma Pavilion — a tent-like structure where concerts are held — with a bigger version.

In addition to a larger stage, new lighting and sound upgrades, the venue expanded its capacity from 815 people to 1,160.

The first show in the new space was Engelbert Humperdinck in February, followed by acts including Southern rockers .38 Special in March, country star Trace Adkins in July and glam metal group Steel Panther in September.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Twelve, a lounge and bar high atop the Indio resort, got a makeover in June and now features swanky new furniture and decor. Currently Lit Lounge is closed while it undergoes a face-lift which will include a larger bar and updated decor and furnishings. The renovated lounge is expected to open by Thanksgiving.

In September, the former high-limit room, which was home to table games and slot machines, was overhauled and now features just table games while the high-limit slot machines were moved to their own room near the old non-smoking area. The new non-smoking gaming area was relocated near the bowling alley.

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

In September, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians announced plans to expand its gaming space, build a new bar and lounge and update existing amenities at the resort by 2020. The new space will add 65,000 square feet to the existing 150,000 square feet of gaming space and about 800 new machines and table games.

A new parking garage will also be constructed and will add 750 free valet parking spaces.

While the renovations are taking place, several gaming machines will be temporarily located across the parking lot from the resort at the original Casino Morongo, which is home to the Canyon Lanes Bowling Alley and the Morongo Bingo Hall.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort

Pala Casino Spa & Resort broke ground on its expansion in October 2017 with the pool complex, coined Tourmaline Pools, being first on the list. The area, which opened in May are for guests 21 and older, features five pools and two hot tubs as well as outdoor lounge areas with fire pits and a poolside bar.

“The feedback and success of the pool at the end of our first summer season went beyond our expectations,” Bill Bemebenek, Pala’s chief executive officer said. “We really want to build on that momentum ahead of next summer.”

He said many guests have said they feel like they don’t need to journey to Las Vegas as often because of the attention to detail at Pala’s pool complex.

The Pala Band of Mission Indians’ original expansion plans included a hotel tower which would add 348 rooms to the property bringing the total to 853 rooms. That part of the project was put on hold, but Bembenek said they are simply waiting to see what the market will do in consideration of the other Southern California casino expansions.

“At the beginning of next year, we will assess the hotel and announce what we intend to do,”  Bembenek said. “We will probably downsize the number of rooms we were originally going to add.”

It was previously reported that plans were in place to remodel all of the hotel rooms beginning in October, including changing four rooms into luxury suites with balconies overlooking the pool complex and Starlight Theater. However, Bembenek said in a recent email statement that any decisions regarding those changes will be made at the end of 2018.

Elsewhere on the property, a new parking garage opened in May, bringing the total parking spaces at the resort to 3,600.

In June, the resort revealed the overhaul of popular Mexican eatery Luis Rey’s, which nearly doubled its size and now includes an indoor/outdoor bar and a larger stage and dance floor adjacent to the dining room. The Asian restaurant Noodles was also expanded to include a bigger kitchen and more seating.

And the casino’s smoke-free area was upgraded and the new Marquise Bar also opened in the location which was previously the Infinity Room, which is now closed.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

The Temecula resort completed the final component of its $300 million expansion in March with the opening of the new 4.5-acre pool complex, The Cove, which features four pools, three hot tubs, a beach entry family pool with two twisty waterslides, an outdoor restaurant, a swim-up bar and poolside cabanas.

“The pool was busier this summer than we anticipated,” said Jared Munoa, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation, the business arm of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians’ tribal government. “There was definitely a buzz in the community, the (Temecula) Valley and in the industry when we opened The Cove.”

In December 2017, the 14-story hotel tower, the new events center, Lobby Bar & Grill and a renovated Spa Pechanga debuted. The hotel added 568 more rooms, while the event center building is 68,000 square feet and includes a 40,000-square-foot ballroom called Pechanga Summit where concerts and special events take place. The new 25,000-square foot spa features numerous treatment rooms, a fitness center, a full-service nail and hair salon and a private pool area.

The Comedy Club moved from a downstairs location to an elevated space above Kelsey’s restaurant and bar in mid-September.

Other changes that recently took place at the resort include an overhaul of the Rewards Club and the theater box office, which are next to each other near Kelsey’s bar and restaurant.

And the gift shop that was located near the theater box office is relocating to a nearby spot and a new bar is going into the former retail space. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

San Manuel Casino

The Highland casino is undergoing a $550 million expansion and construction is already underway on the property’s new six-story parking garage. It is expected to be completed by late 2019.

The expansion — which will add 750,000 additional square feet to the property — will include a 3,000-seat indoor entertainment venue that is scheduled to be finished by 2021. More intimate concerts currently take place in Rock & Brews inside the Rockin’ Casino, which was formerly a bingo hall and opened in 2017.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have not yet released a completion date for the 14-17 story hotel with approximately 450 rooms, pool complex, fitness center, restaurants and retail shops.

Soboba Casino

Soboba Casino is upgrading from a tent structure to a resort. The new property is under construction about a mile away from the current location in San Jacinto. When it’s complete, the property will feature a six-story hotel with 200 hotel rooms, a pool complex, conference center, fitness center and new restaurants.

The new resort will have about 474,000 square feet of interior space and sit on 37.5 acres, including 22,000 square feet of food service space with a food court, 24-hour cafe and a noodle restaurant.

As of mid-September, the pool had been dug out and was halfway through the curing process.

Casino officials stated the new property is expected to open in the first quarter of 2019.

“We are proud to bring such a world-class hospitality and entertainment venue to the community,” Scott Cozart, tribal chairman of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians said in a statement. “This exciting new complex will provide tremendous opportunities for our tribe and our neighbors.”

Spa Resort Casino

Across the street from the downtown Palm Springs casino, a cultural center and spa are under construction by the casino’s owners, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and are expected to be completed sometime in 2020.

Inside the casino, the new Center Bar opened earlier this year and the Oasis Buffet is undergoing renovations that will allow for more space on the casino floor and feature updated decor. A completion date has not been announced.

Spotlight 29 Casino

In July, the Coachella property turned the Blue Bar into En Vivo, adding an $80,000 sound system and new decor. It now has a nightclub vibe featuring Latin bands every Friday and Saturday nights.

The food game at Spotlight 29 also saw some changes with the re-imagining of its food court in August. The beach-themed area includes three walk-up eateries: Mr. Weiner, a gourmet hot dog outpost; Sharkey’s Pizza; and Easy Rita’s Margaritas where frozen drinks are the star. The casino also has a new sit-down eatery, La Diabla Maria, which features Mexican fare.

After touring around on the stand-up comedy circuit for several years, Miller landed the coveted spot anchoring Weekend Update on “Saturday Night Live” in 1985, a post he held until 1991.

A jack-of-all comedy trades, he garnered five Emmy Awards for “Dennis Miller Live” on HBO, co-anchored Monday Night Football and starred in stand-up specials. His twice-weekly podcast, “The Dennis Miller Option” airs on Podcastone and his new comedy special “Dennis Miller: Fake News – Real Jokes” premieres on, wait for it, election day, Nov. 6.

We talked with Miller ahead of his Friday, Nov. 2 performance at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a stand-up comic?

A: I had jumped up on stage, just as kids do, almost on a dare during open mic night in Pittsburgh and it seemed like a game of chicken. I noticed a couple of jokes, as much as I butchered them, got a little bit of laughter. They hired me to be the emcee and comedians would come through from Los Angeles and New York and one time a comedian offered me $25 a joke for two jokes. I saw that comedian on the “Tonight Show” and he did those two jokes and one of the jokes made Johnny Carson laugh. I was sitting in my $60 per month apartment and my $400 Fiat was sitting out front and I thought, “I’m not much of an entertainer, but I’m not built to lay around in this sad apartment and watch Johnny Carson laugh with a joke I wrote.”

Q: Do think social media is a necessary evil?

A: I don’t think it’s evil, it’s what you make of it. I took two years off from Twitter,  but I’m back on and I think you should appreciate how dangerous it can be. To me it’s the equivalent to a huge worldwide small town speed trap where there’s always a cop idling behind a billboard. If you’re five miles over, they’ve gotta make ticket money to pave the roads so you’re gonna get whacked. That’s Twitter, basically. There’s always somebody idling and you don’t realize you’ve stepped in it until you’ve stepped in it and then you hear the sirens and look in your rearview mirror and there’s the troll squad.

Q: How do you avoid the negativity on Twitter or social media?

A: I will say people talk about mindfulness and meditation, and I think there is a contemporary meditation one can do, and I’m hardly a mystical guy. Take the old aphorism, if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear does it make a sound? Now, I would take that and extrapolate it out and apply it to social media when you post something. You can do that with no damage done to you.  The only time you accrue damage is when you go in and start looking at what people think about it. I think that’s a mistake, and when people say, “How do I practice mindfulness?” I would say put up what you want to say and be as principled, ethical, funny or angry as you want to be and leave it.

Q: Any chance you would bring one of your live shows back?

A: Maybe there will be one in the future, I mean I’m 64 years old and I’m not chasing it as hard as I used to.  I started when I was 28 and then for 35 years you’re like a lab rat on a wheel just chasing it. I really like doing the podcast because I get to do it out of my home and I go out on the road and do some shows, although I don’t do as many as I used to by choice.

Q: Do you miss being on the road more often?

A: By and large I don’t miss chasing it as much as I used to. Once you get halfway through in your 60s you should start being more reflective about some other things, you might want to see the pyramids or the Taj Mahal.

Q: What are your thoughts on political correctness and comedy?

A: There’s certain things that you can’t talk about. I think these things are cyclical and I think in the next decade or two there’ll be a guy who says “Screw this” and starts saying whatever he wants and it will come back around the other way. But I would say, right now at this time in history it’s almost impossible to do any sort of joke that has any sort of wallop to it without being hated by at least 50 percent of the country.

Q: How do you handle haters and how do you decide if a joke is too risky?

A: If I say it, I don’t mind being excoriated but I do think about certain things and I get up to the brink and I say, “This is a good joke, but is it good enough to risk that ire?” And I just make a business decision, it’s not an emotional decision. I’ll get up to a point and say, “That’s a valid joke,” and if I get up and a joke doesn’t feel quite tight enough or funny enough, I’ll say, “Not right now, man.”

Q: Are you really that cranky?

A: No! That curmudgeon pose is a good coat rack to hang funny, sardonic, snarky jokes on. I am a happy man. I married the girl of my dreams, I have two healthy sons and I’ve been blessed to make some money off of telling jokes for a living, for God sakes and I get up and I am a happy man, but cranky sort of works better for me than the smiling Cheshire Cat.

Dennis Miller

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

Where: Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon

Tickets: $69-$89

Information: 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com.

Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a good time country concert when Toby Keith brings his “Should’ve Been a Cowboy XXV” tour to Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, Oct. 27. The tour’s name pays homage to Keith’s No. 1 hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which debuted in 1993. Following the success of that song, more chart toppers followed, including “As Good As I Once Was,” “How Do You Like Me Now?” and “Red Solo Cup.”

8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. $165-$195. 888-999-1995, hotwatercasino.com.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Michael Flatley is bringing his popular “Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games” to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, Oct. 26. The action-packed show features a cast of dancers, acrobats, special effects, music and yes, dancing robots. Since the show premiered in 2014, it has toured Mexico, Ireland, Germany and elsewhere around the globe.

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. $29-$59. 760-342-5000, fantasyspringsresort.com.

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

If you are looking to peer into the life of a medium and possibly receive a message from a loved one who has died, head to Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa to see Tyler Henry on Friday, Oct. 26. Henry, who stars in “Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry,” on E!, conducts psychic readings and delivers messages from the departed to his celebrity clientele. He’s done readings for celebrities such as Margaret Cho, Tom Arnold and Eva Longoria.

9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. $65. 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com.

Fans of singer/songwriter Jewel have a chance to see her perform in an intimate setting at Vibe inside Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa on Thursday, Nov. 1. Known for her pop/folksy sound, Jewel hit it big with her breakthrough multi-platinum album “Pieces of You” which was released in 1995 and featured hits “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “You Were Meant For Me” and the ballad “Foolish Games.”

8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1. $35.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

This year it’s an all women line-up at the California American Indian and Indigenous Film Festival at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The thee day festival — in its 6th year — takes place Nov. 1-3 and features full-length films, shorts and documentaries starring female Native American and indigenous actors and are directed and produced by Native American and indigenous women.

Nov. 1-3, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula.  $10 per day; free for youth program on Saturday. 877-711-2946, pechanga.com.

Spotlight 29 Casino

Take it on the run out to Coachella and catch ’70s rockers REO Speedwagon at Spotlight 29 Casino on Friday, Oct. 26. The group is known for power ballads such as “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It On The Run” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and recently brought the hits to Sammy Hagar’s High Tide Beach Party & Car Show in Huntington Beach.

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. $75-$85. 760-775-5566, spotlight29.com.

Here’s a look at all the spooky-fun happenings at Southern California casinos:

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995, hotwatercasino.com.

Two special cocktails will be offered to whet your whistle at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. The Sweet Poison is $7 and mixes light rum, Malibu rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice while the Risen From The Grave martini features Citron vodka, Cointreau, and strawberry puree and comes topped with a lemon wedge and cherry ($9). Both will be offered on Oct. 31 only throughout the resort, including the casino floor, casino bars and Waters Café Bar.

Casino Pauma

777 Pauma Reservation Road, Pauma Valley. 877-687-2863, casinopauma.com.

Here’s a chance for people who love Halloween to dress up and win cash at Casino Pauma’s costume contest. And there are four categories to win: Scariest; funniest; best couple; most creative. First place wins $500, second takes home $250 and third place winners will pocket $100. Registration is from 5 p.m. through 8:15 p.m., judging starts at 8:30 p.m. Masks are allowed but are only permitted to be worn during contest. No simulated weapons are allowed and any props must be cleared through casino security and ID must be shown for those wearing face paint. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 18 and older.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California

777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center. 760-751-3100, harrahssocal.com.

Get into the Halloween spirit and sip on a festive cocktail at Spiked and ‘Ritas Cantina at Harrah’s Resort Southern California through the end of October. The Ghostarita is made with Ghost Tequila, Triple Sec, blood orange syrup, lime juice and finished with a black salt rim ($8).  

Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com.

Vibe nightclub at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa is the place to be for all you ghouls and goblins looking to party. In addition to a night of dancing, at midnight a costume contest will reward winners handsomely. First place will receive $500, one night hotel stay, buffet for two and a $100 spa treatment. Second place is $300 and third place will get $200 — both will also receive one night hotel stay and a $100 spa treatment. Sandals, flip-flops or backless shoes are not allowed. 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26. $10 admission; $5 with Morongo Rewards Card; free for guests wearing a costume, 21 and older.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. 951-693-1819, pechanga.com.

Eagle’s Nest: High atop Pechanga Resort & Casino, the club will be transformed into two rooms featuring DJs spinning dance tunes and $1,000 in contest prizes will be given out for the best costumes. No masks, heavy face paint, real or simulated weapons and no real or simulated nudity are permitted. 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, free for costumed guests before 10 p.m.; $10 after 10 p.m. with Rewards Card; $20 for general admission, 21 and older.

Kelsey’s: If dancing to tracks from the ’80s is up your alley, don your best costume and head over for a Halloween dance party. Like the party at the Eagle’s Nest, $1,000 in prizes will be handed out for the best costumes. No masks, heavy face paint, real or simulated weapons and no real or simulated nudity allowed. 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, free, 21 and older.

San Manuel Casino

777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland. 909-864-5050, sanmanuel.com.

Rock & Brews: Shock rocker Alice Cooper will come to life at Rock & Brews for two Halloween shows when tribute act House of Alice performs on Halloween. 7 and 9 p.m, Wednesday, Oct. 31, free, 21 and older.

Tukut Lounge: A mash-up of country music and Halloween happenings will fill the lounge. Line dancing lessons are from 8-9 p.m., and will be followed by a Garth Brooks tribute act at 9 p.m. and the costume contest at 10:30 p.m. $500 in cash prizes will be handed out. Guests must sign in for costume contest between 7 and 10 p.m. and entries are limited to the first 25 people. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, $10 for Club Serrano members; $20 for non-members, 21 and older.

Spa Resort Casino

401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs, sparesortcasino.com.

Spa Resort Casino is offering a creepy cocktail, the Zombie for $7, on Halloween only. The concoction is made with vodka, Apple Pucker, Midori, Triple Sec, pineapple juice and Sprite with a slice of lemon and is available throughout the resort, including the casino floor and at Center Bar.

It doesn’t matter what level of wine knowledge you have to enjoy Pala Casino Spa & Resort’s latest wine pairing dinner. The dinner on Thursday, Oct. 25, features Trinitas Cellars out of Napa Valley. While in the wine cave, indulge in a five-course meal where the main event is a pistachio-crusted lamb loin with brussels sprouts hash paired with petite syrah. Dessert is a trio of chocolates served with a late harvest sauvignon blanc.

7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, 11154 Highway 76, Pala. $85 per person plus 18 percent gratuity. 877-946-7252, palacasino.com.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Even if there isn’t a bad moon rising over Pechanga Resort & Casino, Creedence Clearwater Revisited will likely bring that tune anyway on Friday, Oct. 19. The group is helmed by Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford, the rhythm section from Creedence Clearwater Revival, and continues to keep beloved hits such as “Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou” and “Down on the Corner” alive.

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. Sold out, but tickets may become available or can be purchased on the secondary market. 951-693-1819, pechanga.com.

San Manuel Casino

Take a trip back to the ’80s when Berlin featuring Terri Nunn takes the stage for two intimate shows at Rock & Brews at San Manuel Casino on Friday, Oct. 19. Berlin’s most famous song, the ballad “Take My Breath Away” from the movie “Top Gun,” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1987.

8 and 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, San Manuel Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland. $35, 21 and older only. 800-359-2464, sanmanuel.com.

Although she didn’t win, her path to fame was set in motion. A few years later, in 1993, she landed a role on the “Mickey Mouse Club” reboot alongside other future stars, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Keri Russell, JC Chasez and Ryan Gosling. The variety show featured comedy skits, music videos and celebrity guests.

Her multi-platinum self-titled debut album followed in 1999, cementing the former Mousketeer into the entertainment spotlight.

The Grammy Award-winning singer will bring her “Liberation” tour to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Wednesday, Oct. 24, and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 26. The album of the same name was released in June and features the single “Accelerate” featuring Ty Dolla Sign and 2 Chainz.

Aguilera recently tweeted that per doctor’s orders she had to postpone concerts in Canada and Detroit. As of press time, Aguilera is on the mend and scheduled to perform in Indio and Los Angeles.

These are four things about Aguilera that make her one of the biggest acts to hit Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio this year.

1. The music

Aguilera’s first hit, “Genie in a Bottle,” went multi-platinum and the young singer won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2000.

Her hugely successful self-titled debut, released in 1999, also spawned the hits “What a Girl Wants” and “Come On Over Baby (All I Want is You).”

The Latin album “Mi Reflejo” followed in 2000 as did a Latin Grammy Award and then the chart-topping remake of LaBelle’s sexy hit “Lady Marmalade” with Pink, Mya and Lil’ Kim from the “Moulin Rouge!” soundtrack.

Aguilera’s next album, “Stripped,” came along in 2002 with an edgier look and another round of hits, including “Dirrty” featuring Redman, the ballad “Beautiful” and the empowerment anthem “Fighter.”

She has released several more albums including her latest offering, “Liberation,” which was released in June.

2. The videos

Aguilera became a fixture on MTV showcasing her dance skills in several videos, including “Genie In a Bottle” which featured her dancing at a beach party, and with 107 million views on YouTube, it’s clear the video is a fan favorite. With “Lady Marmalade” the colorful production leaned heavily on lingerie and “Dirrty” continued on that path with Aguilera donning leather chaps and a bikini top while dancing in a boxing ring. The video for “Beautiful” took a more visually simplistic approach in black and white.

3. “The Voice”

With several massive hits under her belt, coupled with an incredible voice, it was a no-brainer to choose Aguilera to be a coach on NBC’s hit singing competition “The Voice.” Sitting in the swiveling chair, Aguilera helped up-and-coming singers during several seasons of the popular show.

4. The fashion

When she started out, Aguilera sported a trendy look mixed with midriff baring tops which morphed into a sexier look featuring risque outfits, multi-hued cornrows and several body piercings. A more glamorous style emerged with the singer venturing out to events wearing fancy flapper inspired dresses. Her love of body hugging attire has continued through the years with patterned fabric and hats thrown in the fashion mix.

Christina Aguilera

Indio: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway. Indio. $89-$199. 760-342-5000, fantasyspringsresort.com.

Los Angeles: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. $59.50-$279.50. 844-524-7335, lagreektheatre.com.