The East Valley is certainly no Las Vegas, but it has its share of casinos. And you may even win big. Just ask 59-year-old Linda O'Connor, of Scottsdale, who scored $3,600 off a dollar slot machine at Casino Arizona in February.

“It's my favorite because I win the most money there,’’ O'Connor says of the casino. “I like to play the dollar slot machines. The most I've ever won in one evening is $6,500.’’

O'Connor says she prefers Valley casinos to their Vegas counterparts because the people are friendlier.

“The casinos are quieter and more low-key,’’ she adds. “(There's) not as much glitz, but they seem to pay more than the ones in Vegas.’’

The next time you find yourself dreaming of jackpots, check out these four East Valley gaming destinations:

Casino Arizona at Salt River
Where: Loop 101 and McKellips Road, Scottsdale Gaming: The casino features blackjack tables, a bingo hall and more than 900 slot machines (from nickel to $5 slots).

Dining: The Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge, The Eagle's Buffet, The Willows Restaurant (sandwiches, burgers, salads) and The Salt River Cafe (American Indian cuisine).

Entertainment: Showstoppers Live, a tribute to pop artists such as Tina Turner, The Temptations, Elvis and Gloria Estefan, begins 7 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays and 7 and 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The casino also offers a piano lounge (the Arizona Room) for a more relaxed
atmosphere.

FYI: The casino has a second location, Casino Arizona at Indian Bend, located at 9700 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, .

Info: and www.casino az.com.

Fort McDowell Casino
Where: Arizona Highway 87 and Fort McDowell Road, Fountain Hills
Gaming: Fort McDowell offers everything from slots to roulette to poker to keno.

Dining: There is a food court, Cafe 87 (American cuisine), Casino Deli (open 24 hours), Lucky 7 Saloon, Verde River Buffet, The Peaks (steaks and seafood) and Fort McDowell Adventures (mesquite grilling).

Entertainment: Todd Luxton hosts a Tribute to Elvis at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays in the Lucky 7 Saloon. There is no cover.

FYI: The casino's 1,200-seat bingo hall offers smoking and nonsmoking areas.

Info: and www.fmcasino.com

Gila River Casino
Where: Wild Horse Pass, 5550 W. Wildhorse Pass, Chandler
Gaming: Video keno, poker, bingo and 750 slot machines.

Dining: Wind Dance Restaurant (serves a la carte and a buffet). The restaurant also offers a shellfish bar Fridays.

Entertainment: The casino features karaoke at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and local bands at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturdays.

FYI: The casino has two additional locations: Gila River Casino at Lone Butte (1200 S. 56th St., Chandler) and Gila River Casino at Vee Quiva
(6443 N. Komatke Lane, Laveen).

Info: and www.win gilariver.com

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Resort
Where: 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa

Gaming: Slots, poker, blackjack, bingo and keno.

Dining: The Harvest Buffet, The Range Steakhouse, Agave's Southwest Restaurant and Munchies Snack Bar (deli).

Entertainment: The Oasis Lounge features live entertainment, from country to variety to jazz and blues.

FYI: If you want to stay overnight, the resort has 146 rooms, a pool and a swim-up bar.

Info: and www. harrahs.com