California Online Casinos – Discover the best gambling games

Unfortunately, the legalization of Online casinos in California is still pending. As a result, online gambling remains illegal in the state at present. While the prospect of having online casinos in California might seem challenging, there is always a glimmer of hope that lawmakers and other stakeholders can come together to find common ground and resolve this matter.

Residents of California who enjoy playing their favorite slots or table games can now indulge in the excitement of online casinos. While these platforms offer the opportunity to play for amusement or prizes, it is essential to note that online gambling options in California are currently limited. Unfortunately, the state has no legal provisions for real-money online casino gambling, online poker, or online betting.

Currently, residents of California have the opportunity to enjoy online casino games through sweepstakes and social casinos. Let us delve into what the future might hold for online casinos in California and discover the legal avenues where you can place bets and indulge in slot games. Stay tuned for an enlightening journey through the world of California online casinos.

Is online gambling legal in California?

Online gambling, including casino games, sports betting, and poker, is illegal in California. However, social casinos like WinStar, LuckyLand, and Chumba have emerged to bridge this gap. While these platforms do not involve real money, they offer a wide range of free slots and table games accessible through their websites or Facebook apps. Some even host sweepstakes with exciting prizes.

Which legislature regulates gambling in California?

California regulates gambling through the California Gambling Control Commission. Collaborating with the CGCC, the Bureau of Gambling Control upholds the mission of safeguarding the integrity of gambling in the state.

What is the legal age to gamble in California?

Gambling establishments in California have varying age requirements. Card rooms strictly enforce a minimum age of 21 for all players, without any exceptions. On the other hand, casinos, racetracks, and lottery games in the state only mandate players to be at least 18 years old.

However, please note that some casinos in California still have a minimum age requirement of 21 due to the presence of alcohol on their premises. Therefore, if you are between 18 and 21 and planning to visit a gambling facility, you should call ahead and confirm whether you will be allowed entry. Unfortunately, if you are under 21, you cannot go. On the other hand, if you are over 21, it should not be an issue, but it is always wise to carry your ID just in case.

Essential Points You Need to Know

• In California, the realm of legal online gambling is somewhat restricted. While online pari-mutuel betting and DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) have obtained legal status, the same cannot be said for online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms.
• Offshore online casinos that welcome US players provide an excellent platform for California bettors to enjoy online casino games. These operators are based outside the USA and exist in a legal “gray area.” It is worth noting that no individuals have ever faced prosecution for engaging in gameplay on these sites.
• California players can enjoy the finest offshore casinos, boasting generous casino bonuses, a wide array of real-money games, and reliable payment methods. These reputable establishments, like Curacao, are duly licensed in foreign jurisdictions, ensuring a secure and enjoyable gambling experience.
• Given that offshore casinos are not regulated in the USA, fraudulent websites are present. It is crucial always to verify the legitimacy of the operator or opt for one of our expert-vetted sites to ensure online safety.
• The future of legalizing and regulating online gambling in California remains uncertain. While some lawmakers advocate for legal sports betting this year, the journey toward establishing real-money online casinos still needs to be completed.

California gambling landscape

When it comes to gambling laws, California is an intriguing state. Despite being the most populous state in the US, card rooms are permitted to operate legally but are prohibited from having gambling machines. However, if you are interested in playing machines, you can visit one of the tribal casinos in California.

California offers a variety of gambling options for its residents. Charitable gambling, live and simulcast racing wagering, card rooms, and lottery are all available for those seeking excitement. If you are into slots or video poker, tribal casinos are the place to be. The good news is that there might soon be legalized sports betting in CA, pending approval from state voters in the November ballot. These are just a few of the many forms of gambling allowed in the Golden State.

• Charitable
• Lottery
• Pari-Mutuel
• Race tracks
• Tribal

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts, multiple legislative efforts have been made to regulate online gambling, including online poker, in California. However, there may be a glimmer of hope for legal online sports betting as it awaits approval from state voters on the upcoming November ballot. Notably, two ballot initiatives have garnered enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot. The residents will have the opportunity to make their choice from the following options:

• Retail sports betting, limited at tribal venues
• Statewide mobile wagering through partnerships between commercial operators and state tribes.

Sweepstakes and social casinos in California

Californians who want to participate in online casino games have alternatives through sweepstakes and social casinos. These platforms utilize virtual currencies instead of real money, ensuring their legality for Californian residents. Furthermore, sweepstakes casinos allow players to compete for cash prizes.

These sites prioritize slots as their main attraction, although some offer table games, video poker, and other options. However, live dealer games are not available on these platforms. Among the most popular online sweepstakes and social casinos for California players are Pulsz, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Funzpoints, all of which provide the opportunity to play slots online.

Charity games

Like in many other states, non-profit organizations in California can host charitable gaming events following specific guidelines. These events typically involve popular games like bingo and raffles. Charitable gambling in California is not subject to taxes, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to give back to their communities. 

Additionally, the state permits live and simulcast pari-mutuel betting, regulated by the California Horse Racing Board. With nearly 10 race tracks scattered throughout the state, individuals can enjoy the excitement of live racing or participate in simulcast wagering all year round.

California State Lottery

The California Lottery, overseen by the state, operates under the jurisdiction of the California Gambling Control Commission. This regulatory body also oversees card rooms, which are a form of commercial gambling, within the state.

The California State Lottery provides various games, including draw games, scratch-offs, and multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. In November 2022, a lucky Californian secured an astounding $2 billion prize, setting a new record for the Powerball Lottery. Education receives nearly 34% of all lottery revenues, while players receive only 50%. In comparison, most state lotteries offer players a higher return, exceeding 50% on instant games.

In 2010, the state lawmakers amended the law, which mandated the lottery to allocate a minimum of 87% of its revenues to the public through prizes and educational contributions. The remaining 13% of the revenues were designated for covering operating expenses.

Card Rooms

In California, numerous licensed cardrooms provide poker and other card games for enthusiasts. It is important to note that cardrooms are restricted from offering slot machines or other casino gaming options, a privilege exclusive to tribal casinos.

The card rooms in the state are unique because they operate without a house edge. Instead, they charge players a flat fee per hand in compliance with legal regulations. In this setup, players can take turns as the “banker” of the game. The card room collects per-hand fees from all participants, including players assuming the banking role. This system ensures fairness and equal participation while adhering to legal requirements. In live poker, players act as the bank, resulting in card rooms in California taking a rake from the poker pots, similar to poker rooms across the country.

In California, there are tribal establishments that operate under agreements with the state. These establishments differ from card rooms because they offer various gambling options, including machines and electronic devices, while card rooms are restricted to table games and poker. One intriguing aspect about card rooms, which can also be perplexing, is their choice to label themselves “casinos.” Take, for example, the Bicycle Hotel & Casino.

Cardroom	Number of tables	City
Commerce	270	Commerce
Hawaiian Gardens	225	Hawaiian Gardens
Bicycle	185	Bell Gardens
Hollywood Park	105	Inglewood
Hustler	91	Gardena
Lucky Chances	60	Colma
Artichoke Joe’s	51	San Bruno
Club One	51	Fresno
Ocean’s Eleven	50	Oceanside
Bay 101	49	San Jose

What is the difference between casinos and card rooms?

The primary distinction between a card room and a casino lies in the role of the house as the bank. In a card room, it is the players themselves who assume this role. The operational framework of a card room prohibits any self-proclaimed casino from having a vested interest in the outcome of poker games. California boasts 66 card rooms, including Commerce Casino, one of the state’s most prominent establishments.

California casinos

If online casinos are ever legalized in California, there will likely be a strong demand for them. The state boasts nearly 70 retail casinos, with only Nevada and Oklahoma surpassing the casino count among US states. It is important to note that tribes own all retail casinos in California. Additionally, California is home to nearly 60 card rooms, some of which resemble casinos in size, although they technically differ in nature. (25 licensed card rooms are currently closed.).

Casino	City	Address	Phone	Hours of Operation	Website	Operator/Owner	Unique Games or Amenities
Pechanga Resort & Casino	Temecula (between San Diego and Los Angeles)	45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592	888-PECHANGA (888-732-4264)	Open 24 hours	www.pechanga.com	Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pechanga Reservation	Largest casino in California with 4,500 slots and video machines, 154 table games, bingo, poker room, off-track betting facility
San Manuel Casino	Highland (east of Los Angeles)	777 San Manuel Blvd. Highland, CA 92346	1-800-359-2464	Open 24 hours	www.sanmanuel.com	San Manuel Band of Mission Indians	Among the state’s larger casinos with 4,900 slot machines, 100 table games, poker room. Closest tribal casino to downtown Los Angeles (63 miles).
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa	Cabazon (near Palm Springs)	49020 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230	800-252-4499	Open 24 hours	www.morongocasinoresort.com	Morongo Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians	2,700 slot machines, 60 table games, poker room, bingo hall
Thunder Valley Casino Resort	Lincoln (northeast of Sacramento)	1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648	877-468-8777	Open 24 hours	www.thundervalleyresort.com	United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California	3,400 slots, 114 gaming tables, bingo hall, poker room. Located 28 miles from downtown Sacramento
Cache Creek Casino Resort	Brooks (west of Sacramento)	14455 CA-16, Brooks, CA 95606	800-992-8686	Open 24 hours	www.cachecreek.com	Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation	Huge casino with 2,400 slots, 122 table games, poker room, golf club

Horse racing in California

California boasts a rich horse racing legacy that would make any state envious. In addition to Kentucky, Maryland, and New York, the Golden State is home to some of the nation’s finest racetracks. Three of the four permanent racing venues have recently hosted or continue hosting Grade I thoroughbred races. Notably, Santa Anita Park, one of these esteemed venues, proudly presents the Santa Anita Handicap, consistently recognized among the top ten prestigious horse races in the United States. Allow me to introduce you to these four remarkable racing facilities:

• Del Mar Racetrack
• Golden Gate Fields
• Los Alamitos
• Santa Anita Park

Responsible Gambling in California online casino

California offers a wealth of resources for individuals facing problem gambling. Those experiencing issues can turn to the Office for Problem Gambling at the California Department of Public Health, where they will find various support services to address addiction. Additionally, specialized programs are designed to assist players who have suffered financial losses and require assistance rebuilding their lives. The California Council on Problem Gambling is another valuable resource, providing a 24/7 helpline (1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537)). Their website is accessible in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all.

Other additional resources available:

• UCLA Gambling Studies Program
• UPAC Problem Gambling Treatment

Gambling Self-Exclusion Options in California

In certain situations, there comes a time when we must resort to drastic measures to resolve a problem. When dealing with problem gambling, the nuclear option is the self-exclusion list. Self-exclusion is a voluntary measure that prohibits individuals from entering any gambling establishment that falls under the jurisdiction of the list. The same self-exclusion rules apply if California legalizes online casinos and poker sites.

The self-exclusion list in California allows problem gamblers to temporarily (1 year) or permanently deny entry and service to casinos, cardrooms, racetracks, and other gambling establishments. It is feasible to request removal from the list after a certain period. Self-exclusion is only possible if initiated by the individual struggling with gambling addiction. Irrespective of their good intentions, family members and friends do not have the authority to enroll someone in the self-exclusion program.

California also offers a self-restriction program as a more targeted alternative to self-exclusion. With this option, players can ban themselves from specific gambling establishments instead of all facilities statewide. This can be especially useful if you find it challenging to resist the allure of the Casino conveniently located next to your home. Remember, it is about finding the right solution tailored to your needs.

State-maintained self-exclusion lists carry legal consequences, making it a necessity. Anyone on the list who enters a gambling facility can be charged with criminal trespassing, resulting in arrest, fines, and potential jail time. Furthermore, California law mandates that each venue takes precautionary measures to prevent access to their gaming floors. Therefore, all parties involved in self-exclusion are motivated to ensure your compliance and deter you from gambling.

Will all California casinos offer online services?

The prospect of California enacting online gambling legislation is poised to capture the attention of prominent online operators. Harrah’s Casino, affiliated with Caesar’s Entertainment, is already successfully overseeing the operation of two tribal casinos within California. Furthermore, they have extensive experience managing online platforms in various states, including a highly regarded online casino application in New Jersey.

However, any form of California online gambling legislation seems still in the works. In the meantime, California gamblers may want to explore alternative options such as social and sweepstakes casinos. These platforms offer a variety of online slots and table games that are played purely for amusement or the chance to win prizes rather than real money. Players can quickly create an account on the social Casino’s website or even sign up through their Facebook account.

Will online casinos in California be app-based?

All operators will likely provide casino apps when casino gambling is permitted in California. These apps will enable bettors to wager on their favorite casino sites using their mobile devices, no matter where they are within the state. Casino mobile apps are typically available for Android and iOS and can be downloaded for free from the casino operator’s website or the App Store. In addition, social casinos offer apps that allow you to play online slots and other table games using virtual currency, earning points, credits, and prizes.

History of casinos in California

In the 19th century, California emerged as a prominent gambling hub during the era of the Old West. The iconic California gold rush in the late 1840s triggered a massive influx of people to the northern part of the future state and gave birth to numerous gambling establishments. These establishments became a playground for prosperous prospectors, allowing them to indulge in games of chance with their newfound wealth. According to estimates, California boasted several hundred, if not thousands, gambling houses during this time.

These establishments were not traditional casinos and often operated without legal authorization. 1872, California prohibited house-banked gambling games but allowed player-to-player games like poker. A few years later, in 1879, the state amended its constitution to outlaw all forms of gambling. Interestingly, it specifically mentioned stud poker as illegal but not draw poker.

Continuing changes to the law made an exception for draw poker, paving the way for the emergence of Gardena card clubs in the mid-1900s. However, legal casinos would take many more years to find their place in California. Interestingly, a Californian named Thomas Hull played a pivotal role in constructing the first comprehensive casino resort in Nevada and the entire United States. Known as the El Rancho Vegas, this iconic establishment opened its doors in 1941.

The landmark 1987 lawsuit involving a California tribe of Native Americans paved the way for the modern tribal gambling industry. This legal battle, known as California vs. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, directly resulted in the enactment of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. This federal law granted tribes the authority to enter into agreements with states, allowing them to establish gambling facilities and casinos on their tribal lands. Thanks to this historic case, the landscape of tribal gambling was forever changed.

Despite California’s role in enabling the IGRA, it would take another decade before tribes gained the right to operate full-fledged casinos. In 1998, voters supported the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts Initiative (Prop 5), which allowed tribes to offer slots and banked casino games on their lands. Although this proposition was later overturned on a technicality, a second one was successfully passed in 2000. In April 2001, the Pala Casino near San Diego became the first tribal Casino to open its doors.

Currently, nearly 70 tribal casinos within the state provide Class III gaming. Additionally, a few more tribal-owned establishments solely offer Class II gambling.

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