California online casinos offer players the opportunity to enjoy a broad selection of high-quality casino games. While the state has no online casinos of its own, CA players can access top offshore online casinos.

You can find a list of the top California online casino sites right here. We also provide detailed reviews of these sites, which make it simpler to find the one that works best for you. We also offer insights into how these casinos work, how to sign up, and what games and promotions you can explore and enjoy.

Wild Casino Casino Offer logo

$5,000 Welcome Bonus + 125 Free Spins

5 Stars Play Now
Bovada Casino Offer logo

Get up to $3,750 in Welcome Bonuses

5 Stars Play Now
BetWhale Casino Offer logo

250% on top of your deposit

5 Stars Play Now
Lucky Creek Casino Offer logo

200% Bonus up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins

5 Stars Play Now
Black Lotus Casino Offer logo

200% Match Bonus up to $7,000 + 30 Free Spins

4.5 Stars Play Now
TG.Casino Casino Offer logo

200% up to 10 ETH + 50 Free Spins

4.5 Stars Play Now
Everygame Casino Offer logo

600% Welcome Bonus up to $6,000

4.5 Stars Play Now
BetUS Casino Offer logo

200% Match Bonus up to $5,000

4.5 Stars Play Now
Casino Extreme Casino Offer logo

500% Match Bonus + 500 Free Spins

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WSM Casino Casino Offer logo

200% Deposit Bonus up to $25,000 + 50 Free Spins

5 Stars Play Now
Ignition Casino Offer logo

Welcome Bonus up to $3,000

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BetOnline Casino Offer logo

100% Poker Bonus up to $1,000 + 100 Free Spins

5 Stars Play Now
Sportsbetting.ag Casino Offer logo

Welcome Bonus Package Up To $4,000

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Super Slots Casino Offer logo

$6,000 Welcome Package + 100 Free Spins

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MyBookie Casino Offer logo

150% Bonus up to $750

4.5 Stars Play Now
Raging Bull Casino Offer logo

$2,500 Welcome Package + 50 Free Spins

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Top 10 California Online Casinos for 2024

Our reviewers have tested all the top online casinos in CA and have narrowed the options to the list below.

  1. Wild Casino - Best Online Casino in California with Bitcoin Deposits up to $500,000
  2. Bovada - Offers High-Stakes Live Gaming with Max Bets of $50,000
  3. BetWhale - Premier California Casino for High-Payout Jackpot Games
  4. Lucky Creek - One of the Safest Online Casinos with SSL Encryption
  5. Black Lotus - Players Can Claim a Massive Welcome Bonus & Juicy Ongoing Promos
  6. TG.Casino - Innovative CA Casino on Telegram with Generous Welcome Offers
  7. Everygame - Delivers the Top Poker Suite with Several Game Variations
  8. BetUS - Enjoy Competitive Gambling with Weekly Table Game Tournaments
  9. Casino Extreme - Offers Provably Fair Games and Instant Payouts
  10. WSM Casino - Connect with a Vibrant Community and Enjoy Immersive Game Shows

The Best Real Money California Online Casinos Reviewed

Building on our experts’ list of the best online casinos in California, we have reviewed the top five. This allows you to see what they offer and why they rank as the top options in the state. While these are all offshore online casinos, they have licenses from reputable international regulatory bodies and are highly secure.

1. Wild Casino - Best Online Casino in California with Bitcoin Deposits of $500,000

Wild Casino - the best online casino in Texas

Established 2017
License Panama Gaming Control Board
Headquarters Panama
Number of Casino Games 600+
Payment Methods Credit cards, bank wire transfers, checks, e-wallets, cryptos
Customer Support Live chat: 24/7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-888-408-3818
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Our Verdict 9.7/10

One of the best casinos in California for online players is Wild Casino. The site, which launched in 2017, offers over 600 high-quality games from leading developers. These include Nucleus Gaming, Visionary iGaming, Fresh Deck Studios, and Betsoft. Among the options are 70+ live casino games, slots, table games, crash games, and video poker options.

The casino has a generous welcome promotion that covers your first five deposits and offers up to $5,000 in bonus funds. Repeat players also have several bonuses to enjoy. These include a 10% weekly rebate, several cryptocurrency promotions, referral bonuses, Wild Wednesdays, and various reload promos.

Wild Casino has a coveted gaming license from the Panama Gaming Control Board. The site also has added security by using SSL encryption and offering over 20 different payment options. Among these is Bitcoin, through which you can deposit up to $500,000, making it a top casino for high-stakes players.

Wild Casino casino bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry Period Cryptocurrency accepted?
Welcome Bonus 1st Deposit 250% up to $1,000 WILD250 40x $20 30 days
Sign-up Bonus Deposits 2-5 Next 4 Deposits 100% up to $1,000 WILD100 40x $20 10 days

What Wild Casino does well:

  • Offers over 600 games from top providers
  • You can deposit up to $500,000 using Bitcoin
  • Generous welcome package of up to $5,000

What Wild Casino could do better

  • Provide e-wallet payment methods like PayPal
  • Reduce the fiat transaction fees

2. Bovada - Offers High-Stakes Live Gaming with Max Bets of $50,000

Bovada Casino - one of the best casino sites for Texas players

Established 2011
License Curaçao eGaming
Headquarters Curaçao
Number of Casino Games 300+
Payment Methods Credit cards, cryptos
Customer Support Live chat: 24/7
Web contact form: Yes
Help Center: Yes
FAQ page
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Our Verdict 9.6/10

Bovada is a more established online casino for real money in California. The site offers over 300 games, which is small compared to Wild Casino. However, among the options, you'll find more than 150 slots and one of the best selections of table games around. This includes roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, craps, Teen Patti, sic bo, casino war, and bac bo.

Bovada also offers a live dealer suite. This is favored by high-rollers as some games offer maximum bets of up to $50,000. The casino only has a handful of promotions, but the welcome bonus is generous and has low 25x wagering requirements. Additionally, the platform provides a top VIP program with various perks and additional bonuses.

Several payment options are available at Bovada, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies. You can deposit as little as $10 using Litecoin. However, you must deposit at least $25 to claim the welcome bonus. Notably, Bovada doesn't provide the best customer support and the live chat option is challenging to locate.

Bovada casino bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry Period Cryptocurrency accepted?
Welcome Bonus 1st Deposit 100% match bonus up to $1,000 CAWELCOME100/BV2NDCWB 25x $20 180 days

What Bovada Casino does well:

  • Provides a top VIP program
  • Wager maximum bets of $50,000 on live games
  • Deposit as little as $10 using Litecoin
What Bovada could do better

  • Make support easy to access
  • Improve the slot selection

3. BetWhale - Premier California Casino for High-Payout Jackpot Games

betwhale top rated CA online casino

Established 2023
License Anjouan iGaming License
Headquarters Curacao
Number of Casino Games 1,300+
Payment Methods Credit/Debit Cards, e-Wallets, Cryptos, Neosurf, Flexepin
Customer Support Live Chat: 24/7
Phone: +1 855 921 6552Email: [email protected]
Mobile App Available No, but offers a mobile optimized site
Our Verdict 9.6/10

BetWhale, launched in 2023 and licensed by Anjouan, Union of Comoros, is a top choice for California online casino enthusiasts. Offering a secure environment with SSL encryption, BetWhale ensures a safe gaming experience.

The casino boasts an impressive library of 1,300 games, including 40+ jackpot titles such as Jackpot Ganesha Fortune, The Glam Life, Dragon Kings, and Angry Zeus Jackpot.

The platform features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate through a diverse selection of slots, specialty games like bingo, fish games, keno, and various table games, including multiple blackjack and video poker variants.

BetWhale supports various secure payment methods, including PayPal, credit/debit cards, cryptocurrencies, Neosurf, and Flexepin. Despite restrictive payout limits, this CA online casino provides an enjoyable and reliable gambling site, making it a premier choice for those seeking massive wins.

BetWhale Casino Bonus:

Bonus Name Bonus Amount Promo Code Rollover Minimum Deposit Valid For
Casino

Sign-up Offer

250% on top of your deposit N/A 30x $30 N/A

What BetWhale Casino does well:

  • Offers 1,300 diverse games
  • Features 40+ jackpot game options
  • Ensures secure and encrypted transactions
  • Provides a user-friendly interface

What BetWhale Casino could do better:

  • Increase payout transaction limits
  • Expand promotional offerings

4. Lucky Creek - One of the Safest Online Casinos with SSL Encryption

Lucky Creek Casino - on of the best TX online casinos

Established 2009
License Curaçao eGaming
Headquarters Curaçao
Number of Casino Games 300+
Payment Methods Credit Cards, Cryptos
Customer Support Live chat: 24/7
Toll-Free Line: 1 888 595 5835
Email: [email protected]
FAQ page
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Our Verdict 9.5/10

Lucky Creek isn't just one of the top California online casinos on our list, but also one of the safest casino sites around. As such, signing into the site is quick, straightforward, and highly secure. Lucky Creek also provides one of the top VIP programs in CA. This gives you the chance to earn points, climb tiers, and unlock exciting perks not available to regular players.

The casino's game selection is limited. However, it offers a top selection of slots and exciting table games, including several roulette variations. Lucky Creek also has a top assortment of live casino games.

While this top CA casino provides deposit options like credit cards and Bitcoin, it isn't very transparent with its withdrawal options or transaction fees.

Lucky Creek casino bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry Period Cryptocurrency accepted?
Welcome Bonus 200% Bonus up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins 200GETLUCKY 60x $20 N/A

What Lucky Creek Casino does well:

  • Provides one of the top VIP programs
  • Offers up to $7,500 in new player bonus funds
  • Sign in securely and enjoy safe play with SSL encryption
What Lucky Creek could do better

  • Offer more casino games
  • Lower its 60x rollover requirements

5. Black Lotus - Players Can Claim a Massive Welcome Bonus & Juicy Ongoing Promos

Black Lotus one of the best California online casinos

Established 2011
License Curacao eGaming
Headquarters Curacao
Number of Casino Games 300+
Payment Methods Credit cards, cryptos, wire transfers, money order
Customer Support Live chat: 24/7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1 866 403 6954
FAQ page
Mobile App Available No, but the site is mobile-optimized
Our Verdict 9.3/10

Black Lotus is another site that earns the title of one of the best casinos in California. It stands out for its top welcome bonus that provides up to $7,000 in bonus funds. This makes it easier to play more of the games on offer without dipping into your deposited funds too much. Repeat players also have fun rewards like weekly cashback and giveaways.

Like Bovada, the casino offers 300+ games, most of which are slots. However, several top titles, including Lucha Royale and The 7th Element, are also available. Other games include video poker, live dealer, and table games.

Black Lotus also provides an exceptional customer support center with several ways to get assistance. These include live chat, an email contact, and the option to schedule a call.

Black Lotus casino bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry Period Cryptocurrency accepted?
Welcome Bonus 200% Bonus up to $7,000 + 30 Spins 200BLACK 60x $20 Not stated

What Black Lotus does well

  • Unlock up to $7,000 in new player bonus rewards
  • Offers 12 video poker games
  • Schedule a call and the support team will call you

What Black Lotus could do better

  • Only 300 games available
  • No traditional poker games offered

Comparing the Best Online Casinos in California

The best online casinos in California differ in the number of games they offer and the welcome promotions they provide. The following table allows you to compare and contrast these to find your ideal casino.

Casino Welcome Bonus VIP Programs Number of Casino Games Instant Payouts Best For
Wild Casino 1st Deposit 250% up to $1,000 600+ Diverse game lobby + promotions
Bovada 1st Deposit 100% match bonus up to $1,000 300+ Hot Drop Jackpots + Poker tournaments
BetWhale 250% on top of your deposit 1,300+ Wide range of jackpot games
Lucky Creek 200% Bonus up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins 300+ Western themes platform + leaderboard prizes
Black Lotus 200% Bonus up to $7,000 + 30 Spins 300+ Unique live dealer bonuses + ongoing promotions
TG. Casino 200% up to 10 ETH + 50 Free Spins 2,000+ Mobile gaming
Everygame 1st Deposit 125% up to $1,000 bonus 300+ Three Casino Platforms + Comp points reward program
BetUS 200% up to $5,000 500+ Table games
Casino Extreme 200% Bonus up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins 200+ Jackpot Slots + Instant Payouts
WSM Casino 200% up to $25,000 + 50 Free Spins 5,000+ Biggest selection of games

How We Select the Best California Online Casinos and Casino Apps

For a safe and enjoyable gambling experience at an online casino, there are a few important things to look into. Below, we examine the criteria our experts use when selecting the top online casinos in California.

  • Game Selection - The best California online casinos offer a diverse selection of game styles and titles. When looking for a great casino, find one that provides slots, table games, live games, keno, poker, video poker, and bingo.
  • Software - The games an online casino in CA provides should be of the highest quality. Visiting real money online casinos that source their games from leading software developers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and RTG will ensure excellent online experience and fair play.
  • Betting Limits - Make sure the CA casino you have chosen offers betting limits that suit your budget. Having varying limits is often a huge plus. If you have a smaller budget, look for sites that have low minimum bets of $0.10 or $1. High-stakes players may prefer looking for casinos that offer minimum bets between $200 and $50,000.
  • Bonuses and Offers - Find casino sites that provide generous promotions that are also fair. The best California casinos online will offer exciting bonus funds with low rollover requirements and extended validity periods. These will ensure you get the most out of the promotion.
  • Mobile Site - A top casino in CA will allow you to play casino games on mobile by providing either a downloadable casino app or a mobile-optimized website. Whichever option is available, it should function seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices. It should also provide all the same features you enjoy on the desktop version.
  • Payment Options - Our experts recommend using an online casino that offers payment methods you recognize and feel safe to use. The best casinos will provide options like credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
  • Safety and Security - Only ever join an online casino that has a license. Sites with licenses from reputable international gaming authorities like the Curacao eGaming Authority provide a high standard of online gambling. They also need to offer exceptional player security to maintain these licenses. The sites you visit should also offer SSL encryption and two-factor authentication.
  • Customer Support - Sign up with California online casinos that offer immediate customer support. Options like live chat or a phone line are always best. You may also want to ensure that the casino provides support 24/7 so you have help when you need it.
  • Responsible Gambling Tools - Lastly, look for online casinos with a responsible gambling page that offers options like limits on spending as seen on the best non-Gamstop sites, losses, and time spent on the site. The top casinos will also provide self-exclusion options and links to external problem gambling resources.

Wild Casino Promotions

Popular Types of Bonuses at the Best Online Casinos in California

The best online casinos in California provide bonuses that encourage you to join and then return to the platform. These promotions come in several types. Here are the most popular:

  • Welcome Bonuses - Online casinos offer generous promotions to new players to encourage them to sign up and deposit funds. Usually, the most exciting offers in a casino’s arsenal come as deposit matches, cashbacks, and free spins.
  • Ongoing Promotions - Online gambling sites also offer ongoing promotions to keep players happy. While usually less generous than welcome promos, these do come in greater variety. Free spins, deposit matches, cashbacks, referral rewards, drops & wins, jackpots, and prize pools are all common.
  • Deposit Match Bonuses - California online casinos encourage players to fund their accounts by offering deposit match bonuses. Here, the casino offers to meet your deposit at a set rate up to a specific value. Often you can more than double your bankroll. For example, if you claim a 200% deposit match of up to $3,000 and fund your account with $1,500, the casino will give you an additional $3,000 in bonus funds.
  • No Deposit Bonuses - A real money online casino in California with a no deposit bonus is rare. However, some sites do still offer these promotions. To receive this bonus, all you need to do is create an account. No deposit is required. The casino then gives you free credits to play with and you can keep the winnings you make.
  • Free Spin Bonuses - Casinos specializing in online slots usually offer free spin bonuses. These allow you to spin the reels of certain slots a set number of times. Any winnings you make you get to keep.
  • Loyalty Bonuses/VIP Programs - You can sign up for a loyalty program at an online casino. This allows you to accumulate points each time you play. The more points you earn, the higher up the program you advance, unlocking bonuses and perks as you go.
  • Refer-a-Friend Bonuses - Casinos often encourage you to get everyone you know to sign up by offering referral bonuses. For each new player you recruit, the casino will give you a bonus, be it free spins or a deposit match.
  • Betting Competitions - Some online casinos offer competitions where you go head-to-head with other players to win a share of a prize pool. Here, you must play specific games to participate.
  • Cashback - Cashback is where a casino offers to pay back a portion of your losses over a specific period. There are often restrictions though, such as only selected games being eligible or bets over a certain value.
  • Risk-Free Days - This is where the casino allocates a day where specific games are considered risk-free. In other words, if you play these games on that day and lose, the casino will pay you back a percentage of your losses.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses at the Best CA Online Casinos

You can find a broad selection of promotions at our top 10 California online casinos, including generous welcome bonuses. Using the following table, you can compare and contrast the new player bonuses they provide.

Casino Sign-up bonus Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry Period
Wild Casino 1st Deposit 250% up to $1,000 WILD250 40x $20 30 days
Bovada 1st Deposit 100% match bonus up to $1,000 CAWELCOME100 25x $20 6 months
BetWhale 1st Deposit 250% N/A 30x $30 N/A
Lucky Creek 200% Match up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins 200GETLUCKY 60x $20 N/A
Black Lotus 200% Bonus + 30 Free spins 200BLACK 60x $20 30 days
TG.Casino 200% up to 10 ETH + 50 Free Spins N/A 6x $25 14 days
Everygame 1st Deposit 125% up to $1,000 bonus SIGNUP1000 30x $20 N/A
BetUS 200% up to $5,000 CAS200 30x $50 7 dys
Casino Extreme 500% Match Bonus up to $1,000 + 500 Free Spins BESTONE 10x $20 7 days
WSM Casino 200% up to $25,000 + 50 Free Spins N/A 6x $10 14 days

Online Casino Games You Can Play for Real Money in CA

California online casinos with real money gaming provide a diverse selection of games for you to enjoy. Here are the most popular games these casinos provide:

  • Slots - Since slot games come in so many varieties, they typically make up more than half of a casino’s games library. Among the options are progressive jackpots, three-reel classics, five-reel video slots, 3D slots, and Megaways. The appeal of slots is that they are simple to play. They require you to spin the reels to see if you can line up several matching icons along the paylines.
  • Poker - Poker is a social card game that you play against other players. It comes in several variations, including Texas Hold’em, Stud, Five-Card-Draw, and Omaha. The aim is to convince the other players that you hold the highest-value hand.
  • Video Poker - This electronic game has several variants including Deuces Wild, Aces and Eights, Joker Poker, and others. Each version has a selection of card combinations which offer unique payouts. You must decide to hold or discard the cards you’re dealt to try and create these winning combos.
  • Blackjack - In this card game, you play against the dealer. Your aim is to get your hand as close to 21 (blackjack) as possible without going over this value. The player with the closest value wins the round.
  • Roulette - This game involves a roulette wheel with numbered pockets along its edge that alternate in colors of black and red. The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and introduces a small ball in the opposite direction. You must place your bets on the corresponding roulette table, where you put money on the number you think the ball will land on.
  • Baccarat - Another card game that is played against the dealer. You both receive two cards face down. Before the cards are revealed, you must bet whether you think your hand has a higher value than the dealer, or whether it will be a tie.
  • Keno - This game emulates a lottery by allowing you to pick several numbers within a specific range. The computer then draws several numbers at random. If they match those you have chosen, you win a payout of a predetermined value.
  • Craps - Craps is a dice game that is played on a craps table. The aim is to establish the ‘point’ number and then roll this number again before you roll a 7. Note that you automatically win if you initially roll a 7 or 11, while you automatically lose if you initially roll a 2, 3, or 12.
  • Live Casino - These games are typically table games and game show games. The casino employs an actual croupier, with the games streamed live on its website. You can watch these games and participate by placing your bets over live chat.
  • Bingo - When playing this game, you receive a grid of numbers. The computer spits out random numbers and if these appear on your board, you cross them off. If you cross off all your numbers within a set time, you win bingo.
  • Scratch-offs and Instants - These emulate the scratch cards you can purchase at a grocery store and involve matching several particular symbols.
  • Other Games - California online casinos offer several other exciting games. These include Andar Bahar, Rummy, Casino War, Sic Bo, Bac Bo, and Dragon Tiger.

Wild Casino Slots

Online Gambling for Real Money vs Free Games

Online casinos in California typically provide two forms of online gambling: playing for real money and playing for free.

When you play for free, you experience the games in demo mode and place bets using virtual site credits. However, these have no value, and while they allow you to try out the games, you cannot withdraw any winnings.

Conversely, you can deposit funds and play these same games for real money. As you’re playing with money you’ve deposited, you can claim real money winnings and payouts.

Popular Payment Methods at California Online Casinos

Sites offering online gambling in California provide several payment options. You can use these to fund and withdraw money from your casino account. Here are some of the most frequently provided options:

  • Cryptocurrencies - Digital assets like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are all decentralized and operate independently of banks. This means they provide transactions that are instant, fee-free, and private. Additionally, because they are digital, they are highly encrypted and the most secure payment method.
  • Traditional Payment Methods - An online casino in CA may offer payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, checks, and bank transfers. Although more recognizable, these options usually come with high transaction fees and take days or weeks to pay out.
  • eWallets - Options like Neteller, Skrill, EcoPayz, Mifinity, and AstroPay are all eWallets. These act as a bridge between your casino and bank account. This option provides quicker payments and more security since you won’t need to share your bank details online.

Wild Casino Payout Methods

California Casino Apps & Mobile Gambling

California online gambling platforms allow you to play your favorite casino games on the go using your mobile device. While some online casinos offer downloadable casino apps, most offshore casinos provide mobile-optimized websites instead.

Mobile-optimized sites allow you to visit the casino website using your device’s web browser. The site then reformats to fit the smaller screen better, offering effortless mobile gaming. These platforms are more convenient, too. They give you access to all the top games and features, and they function on both iOS and Android devices.

Wild Casino Mobile

Pros & Cons of California Mobile Casinos over Desktop

There are several pros and cons to mobile gambling, which we cover below:

Pros

  • Play anywhere, any time in CA
  • Use Google Pay and Apple Pay to deposit quickly
  • Often provide mobile-specific bonuses
  • User-friendly gaming on smaller screens

Cons

  • Not all games may be available on mobile
  • Can use up your device battery quickly
  • May be harder to see some games

Are Online Casinos Legal in California?

California only offers a handful of regulated gambling options. These include horse racing betting, card rooms, and land-based casinos operated by the state's tribes. So, is gambling legal in California? Yes, according to the California gambling laws and current regulations.

Can you gamble online in California? The answer here is more complex. The state currently does not offer any regulated online casinos or sportsbooks.

However, players still have access to online gambling in California. You can either visit sweepstakes or social casinos, which allow you to play casino games online but not for real money, or you can use offshore casinos like those on our list. These casino sites allow you to play for real money. They exist in a legal gray area that makes them neither prohibited nor formally authorized. As a result, you can visit them without legal implications.

Other Forms of Gambling in California

The gambling options in CA are limited, with the state only offering several regulated options. Here is a detailed breakdown:

  • California Online Sports Gambling - Online betting in California is prohibited. However, bettors in California can use top offshore sports betting sites to get around this.
  • Online Poker in California - There are no regulated platforms in California for online poker. In fact, very few US states provide this option. However, you can enjoy online poker at top offshore casinos like those on our list.
  • DFS - Although Daily Fantasy Sports is not regulated in California, the state still allows residents to play DFS.
  • California Horse Racing - Pari-mutuel betting became legal in California in 1933. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) oversees all betting on the sport.
  • Sweepstakes Casinos in California - In California, online gambling at sweepstakes and social casinos is legal. The state does not view these platforms as “casinos” since they don’t offer gambling for real money.
  • Land-Based Gambling in California - You have two ways to play at California casinos in person. You can visit a card room or head to one of the state’s tribal casinos.

California Senate Online Casino Bills and Motions

There has been some action in California regarding online gambling in the past few decades:

  • 2024 - Representatives for the California online gambling initiative are seeking signatures in a renewed push for the introduction of online sports betting. However, it is unlikely it will succeed, with experts predicting legalized sports betting won’t come to the state until 2028 at the earliest.
  • 2023 - The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria sign a pact with Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. This allows them to increase the number of slot machines at Graton Resort and Casino to 6,000 units, effectively doubling their inventory. Meanwhile, Thunder Valley Casino Resort inaugurates The Venue.
  • 2022 - California voters move against two ballot measures, Proposition 26 and Proposition 27. These sought to introduce regulated in-person and online/mobile sports betting in California respectively. The next chance to legalize online sports betting is currently unknown, but 2026 is mooted.
  • 1998 - The state approves the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts Initiative. As a result, Tribal casinos may now offer slots and banked casino games.
  • 1997 - The introduction of the Gambling Control Act in California sees the establishment of The California Gambling Control Commission. This was put in place to regulate card rooms with non-banked casino games like baccarat, poker, and pai gow.
  • 1988 - The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passes, paving the way for Native American tribes to open land-based casinos.
  • 1984 - California introduces its state lottery.
  • 1933 - The California Horse Racing Board launches as legal pari-mutuel betting is legalized in the state.

Who Can Gamble in California?

The California gambling age is 18 years or older. However, as most card rooms and tribal casinos serve alcohol, they prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering. Since offshore California online casinos set their own age limits, you must be 18 or older to play at these sites.

Do Gambling Winnings in California Incur Taxes?

In the absence of regulated California casinos, the state has no outline for the tax on casino winnings. However, you must pay a 24% federal tax on casino winnings above a particular bracket, which these casinos must withhold. Since offshore casinos are not based in the US, they are not at liberty to tax your winnings. They also don't report them to the IRS.

Who Regulates Online Gambling in California?

Since there are no regulated California online casinos, there is no established regulatory body. However, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) oversees all card rooms and tribal casinos.

When Will Online Gambling Be Legal in California?

The future for regulated California online casinos is bleak, with no clear way forward for sports betting or casino gaming in California. It is therefore hard to put an estimate on when the state will introduce regulated online casinos.

Regulated Online Gambling vs Offshore California Gambling Sites

While some players feel safer using regulated online casinos and sportsbooks, offshore California online gambling sites provide the same security and much greater benefits and features. Here we look at the top advantages of the best offshore casinos in CA:

Generous Promotions - A real money online casino in California based offshore is not required to follow state guidelines on the bonuses it offers. As such, offshore casinos provide far more generous and exciting bonuses.

Greater Privacy and Convenience - Visiting a land-based casino in California means you need to physically go to an establishment. You may also need to wait for a turn at a table or particular slot machine. However, California online casinos based offshore offer thousands of games. You can play these in the comfort of your own home, with no traveling or waiting necessary.

Extensive Gaming Options - The best CA online casinos based offshore have casino games created by the industry’s top software developers. This allows them to build their collection of games continually. As such, you have access to thousands of the latest high-quality games.

How to Sign Up with Real Money Gambling Sites in California

Joining the best online casinos in California is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose an Online Gambling Site

Use the list above to find the online casino in California you want to join. Then launch the casino’s website. We are using our top CA casino, Wild Casino, as an example, but the process is similar across all of our recommended casinos.

Step 1 Choose Your Site - Wild Casino specialty games page with registration buttons

Step 2: Create a Betting Account

Click the “Register/Join/Sign Up” button. When the registration form has loaded, fill in the required details.

Wild Casino Step 2 Register an Account

Step 3: Verification

Once you have created your account, the casino will send you a verification link in an email. Click the link to verify your new profile.

Step 4: Fund Your Account & Enter a Promo Code

Sign in to your casino account and head to the “Banking/Cashier” page. Choose your deposit method and input the amount you wish to deposit. Type your casino bonus code into the relevant box and click “Deposit”.

Wild Casino registration Step 4 Deposit Funds

Step 5: Start Playing

Visit the casino’s games library and pick a game you want to play. Click the game to launch it and input your bet value. Then hit “Spin/Deal” depending on the game you have chosen.

Wild Casino - Live Casino Games Page

Pros and Cons of Gambling at Online Casinos in California

Gambling at an online casino for real money in California comes with several advantages. However, there are a few downfalls, too.

Pros

  • Offer higher bonuses and promotions
  • Extensive selection of casino games
  • No player pool restrictions
  • Pay in USD or cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • May not offer your preferred payment method
  • Not licensed in-state
  • Fewer options to resolve online disputes

How California Online Gambling Compares to Neighboring US States

California isn’t the most progressive state when it comes to online gambling with some neighboring states offering a stark contrast.

Arizona

There are no state-regulated online casinos in Arizona. However, you have access to a state lottery, online and in-person sports betting, and several tribal casinos.

Nevada

The casino capital of the US, Nevada is home to the Las Vegas Strip. Many of the world’s top land-based casinos are located here. Nevada also offers regulated mobile, online, and retail sports betting, as well as online poker. However, there are no regulated Nevada online casinos.

Oregon

Like Arizona, there are no regulated online casinos in OR. However, you will find regulated sports betting (online and in-person) and a state lottery.

Land-Based Casinos in California

While there may not be any regulated California online casinos, the state offers a great selection of land-based establishments. There are over 80 card rooms and 85 tribal casinos. You can learn more information on the top five establishments in CA below:

1. Yaamava Resort and Casino

The Yaamava Resort and Casino is one of the top casinos in the state. It offers 7,500+ casino games, including slots and table games.

2. Pechanga Resort and Casino

This is one of the USA’s largest land-based casinos. The Pechanga Resort Casino has over 5,500 slot games, 152 table games, and a high-stakes room. There are also 15 restaurants to enjoy.

3. Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa

One of the most favored casinos in Los Angeles, the Morongo Resort and Casino has a 150,000 sq ft casino floor. You can find 80 table games, 4,000 slots, and a luxury hotel with 272 guest suites.

4. Thunder Valley Casino Resort

Thunder Valley’s 170,000 sq ft casino floor is home to 125 table games, 3,000 slots, and a 160 seater poker room. You can also visit the hotel and conference venue.

5. Red Hawk Casino

Although a smaller tribal casino, Red Hawk still offers prime gaming with over 2,500 games including slots and table games. There is also a fine-dining restaurant on site.

Casino Address Phone Number of Casino Games Website
Yaamava Resort and Casino 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346 1-800-359-2464 7,500+ https://www.yaamava.com/
Pechanga Resort and Casino 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592 1-877-711-2946 and 1-888-732-4264 5,700+ https://www.pechanga.com/
Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa 49500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230 1-800-252-4499 and (951) 849-3080 4080+ https://www.morongocasinoresort.com/
Thunder Valley Casino Resort 1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648 1-877-468-8777 and (916) 408-7777 3130+ https://thundervalleyresort.com/
Red Hawk Casino 1 Red Hawk Pkwy, Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 677-7000 2,500+ https://www.redhawkcasino.com/

Advantages of California Online Casinos Over Land-Based Casinos

Playing at a land-based CA or Los Angeles casino has perks like instant payouts and a great atmosphere. However, California online casinos have far more advantages to them, including:

  • Instant, fee-free transactions using cryptocurrencies
  • Play in your own time and at your own pace
  • No waiting for a machine or table to free up
  • Join a top VIP or Loyalty program
  • Experience the latest gaming innovations
  • Practice playing games online for free

Responsible Gambling in California

It is very important to gamble responsibly. If you’re struggling with problem gambling, please contact one of the resources listed below:

The Best Online Casino in California

Californians don’t have access to state-regulated online casinos. However, they can access a wealth of top offshore online casino sites. These provide safe and exciting online gambling options.

Any of the California online casinos on our list make a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to join. However, our top recommendation is Wild Casino, which features several impressive features, functions, games, and promotions.

Key Features ✅ Claim a welcome package offering up to $5,000
✅ Provides over 20 payment methods
✅ Deposit up to $500,000 using Bitcoin
✅ 600+ high-quality games available

California Online Gambling FAQs

Is gambling legal in California?

Is online gambling legal in California?

Are online casinos legal in California?

Is it safe to gamble online in California?

What is the gambling age in California?

What are the best California online casinos?

Can I play online poker legally in California?

What is a sweepstakes casino?

What is a social casino?

Can I play online casino games for free?

Are online casinos safe to play at?

Author photo
Aneeca Younas
Sports Editor
Author photo
Aneeca Younas Sports Editor