Is there really a Casino on Catalina Island?
Catalina Island: Is There Really a Casino?
If someone tells you they're headed to the Catalina Casino, don't pack your lucky poker chips just yet.
Despite the name, there has never been a slot machine, blackjack table, roulette wheel, or poker game inside the Catalina Casino. In fact, if you show up looking for a jackpot, the only thing you'll hit is one of the best views on the island.
So...why is it called a Casino?
Catalina Island Casino circa 1930s
A Casino Without Gambling?
When the Catalina Casino opened in 1929, the word Casino simply meant a place for social gatherings: for entertainment, dancing, music, movies. Long before Las Vegas became famous, Casinos were where people came to celebrate, laugh, dance, and enjoy life.
That's exactly what chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. had in mind.
He wasn't building a gambling hall.
He was building the crown jewel of Catalina Island.
Catalina Island Casino during construction 1928
Built at Record Speed
Here's the part that's hard to believe...
The Catalina Casino was built in just over one year.
Construction crews worked around the clock—24 hours a day, seven days a week—to complete Wrigley's ambitious vision in time to celebrate his 10th anniversary as owner of Catalina Island.
Imagine trying to build one of California's most iconic landmarks today in just over a year. You'd probably still be waiting for the permits.
When Opening Day finally arrived on May 29, 1929, excitement filled Avalon. Thousands gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the island's spectacular new landmark.
Even better?
Admission was free.
Visitors poured inside to admire the magnificent ballroom, elegant theater, and breathtaking views overlooking Avalon Bay. It wasn't just the opening of a building—it was the social event of the year.
Catalina Island Casino and Avalon Harbor
The Building Everyone Recognizes
Stretching nearly 12 stories high at the entrance to Avalon Harbor, the Catalina Casino has welcomed visitors arriving by boat for almost a century.
Its circular design, Art Deco architecture, and waterfront location make it one of the most photographed buildings in California.
It's also surprisingly practical.
From the rooftop ballroom, guests enjoyed cool ocean breezes before air conditioning existed. Wrigley wasn't just building something beautiful—he was building it to be enjoyed.
Catalina Island Casino Ballroom, circa 1930s
The Ballroom Upstairs
The entire top floor is occupied by the spectacular Casino Ballroom.
With its enormous hardwood dance floor, soaring ceiling, and panoramic windows overlooking the Pacific, it quickly became one of the premier dance venues in America.
Big bands performed while thousands of couples danced the night away.
Talk about getting your steps in before fitness watches made it cool.
Today the ballroom is still used for weddings, concerts, galas, and special events, allowing visitors to experience the same room that welcomed guests nearly 100 years ago.
Avalon Theater, Catalina Casino Building
Don't Miss the Theater
Downstairs is another hidden treasure.
The Avalon Theatre was among the first designed specifically for talking motion pictures and remains one of the most beautiful Art Deco theaters you'll ever step inside.
The murals, architecture, and original details transport you back to Hollywood's Golden Age.
And yes—you can still catch a movie there today.
Discover the Stories Behind the Landmarks
Planning a trip to Catalina Island? Download the Catalina Compass app before you arrive so you'll be ready to explore Avalon with our GPS-guided Avalon Bay Discovery Walk. The Catalina Casino—and its fascinating history—is just one of the many stops along the way. Created by long-time island locals, our tour shares the stories, hidden gems, local legends, and surprising facts that most visitors never discover, helping you experience Catalina instead of simply seeing it.