California Online Casinos for Real Money
This page is purely Informational, not intended as legal advice. Laws evolve quickly. Always verify details with official state sources or a qualified attorney.
California online casinos provide a convenient and fun way to enjoy real money casino games from the comfort of your home. However, it’s important to understand the legal landscape.
Considered one of the more liberal states in the US, California takes a conservative approach to online gaming. While the state has dozens of land-based casinos, online casinos still have a long way to go.
While California has not regulated online casinos, playing at offshore sites remains a popular option as a legal gray area with no penalties for players. On this page, you will find the top online casinos for California players and a summary of their features. Based on extensive research and knowledge of the industry, we picked the most secure, reliable, and trustworthy sites on the Internet for players from the Golden State.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 751 | SLOTS 646 | OUR RATING 4.3 / 5 | Visit Site |
| 2 |
Wild Casino |
BONUS 100% up to $5,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 1012 | SLOTS 802 | OUR RATING 4.1 / 5 | Visit Site |
| 3 |
Ignition Casino |
BONUS 150% up to $1,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 2-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 588 | SLOTS 491 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Visit Site |
| 4 |
Super Slots |
BONUS 250% up to $6,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 1015 | SLOTS 835 | OUR RATING 3.8 / 5 | Visit Site |
| 5 |
The Online Casino |
BONUS 100% up to $1,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 10 Minutes | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 347 | SLOTS 279 | OUR RATING 3.1 / 5 | Visit Site |
California Gambling Highlights
The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in California.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18 – 21
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
No
Land-Based Sports Betting
No
Online Sportsbooks
No
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Start playing at trusted online casinos that accept California players
Best Real Money Online Casinos for California Players
Our team at OUSC has reviewed all the available options for online casino gaming in California. Our list below provides our top picks from licensed and regulated operators in other jurisdictions.
We consider aspects like credibility, safety, real money game selection, payment options, and bonus offerings.
DuckyLuck: Top CA Online Casino for Slots and Table Games
DuckyLuck Casino is the top gaming option for online casino players in California. The site players seeking reliable online casinos will find DuckyLuck Casino an excellent option.
This online casino is licensed in Costa Rica and it offers secure gaming with a broad range of deposit methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrency.
During our test, Bitcoin deposits were processed instantly, and withdrawals were completed quickly after the standard 72-hour review.
DuckyLuck’s library includes hundreds of slots, table games, and video poker titles, complemented by a welcome bonus of 500% up to $7,500 and 150 free spins. One bonus of playing slots at this online casino is that they offer demo mode. You can practice a game using demo mode before you play for real money. This option allows you to avoid games you don’t like and only play with real money when you find a game you like.
This combination of speed, variety, and value makes DuckyLuck a great choice for California players.
Top Features
- Quality Live Dealer Games by Fresh Deck Studios
- Demo Mode for Some Table Games
- 95% – 98% average RTP
- Low to High Buy-ins for Every Player
Bovada: Versatile Online Casino
California players will find Bovada Casino to be a reliable and dynamic online casino, offering a broad selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
Hot Drop Jackpots provide a unique twist for those seeking extra thrills. In testing, our team made a $21.50 cryptocurrency deposit, which was credited instantly, along with $27.50 in bonus funds.
Crypto withdrawals were processed within 24 hours, while Tether’s $5 minimum deposit keeps the site accessible, with a $20 minimum needed to claim bonuses.
Bovada’s 125% crypto bonus up to $1,250 with a 30x wagering requirement makes it an excellent choice.
Top Features
- Fast payouts – one of the fastest in the industry
- Good welcome bonus with a low rollover
Important note for California players: These are offshore casino sites licensed and regulated in their own jurisdictions, not by California regulators. Always read the Terms and Conditions, confirm which banking methods are available, and play only if you’re over 21.
Are Online Casinos Legal in California?
Online casinos and sports betting platforms are nonexistent. Efforts have been made over the past few years to launch an online gaming industry in the state but have yet to gain any legislative support.
To access iGaming, players must utilize the services of reputable offshore providers. Several online operators provide gaming to residents or visitors to the state, with options for slots and table games, live dealer gaming, and more.
Key Highlights:
- Online casinos can’t operate within California borders because of a lack of regulation.
- Offshore sites accept players from the Golden State.
How We Pick Online Casinos that Accept California Players
California doesn’t license or regulate real money online casinos, so we evaluate reputable offshore sites that accept Californians and deliver consistent, verifiable payouts. Every recommendation is hands-on: we sign up, deposit, play, and complete a real withdrawal before it makes the list.
Here’s how we evaluate casinos for California players:
- Availability
We confirm the site explicitly allows California customers under its Terms and that play works without VPNs or hacks. - Online reputation
We weigh operator track record, complaint trends, dispute resolution, independent certifications, and time in market—substance over splashy promos. - Safety & security
Required: modern encryption, transparent offshore licensing, and clear KYC/AML. - Payments that actually pay
We favor fast, predictable withdrawals (often crypto), fair limits/fees, clear timelines, and smooth verification.
- Game quality & variety
Strong game libraries from recognized studios and stable performance on mobile and desktop. - Bonuses that add value
Clear, fair terms: reasonable wagering and contribution rates, transparent max wins/cashouts, and no hidden “gotchas.” - Support that shows up
24/7 live chat and responsive email, with agents who can solve problems, not just read scripts. - Responsible play
We prefer sites with easy limit tools, cool-offs, and self-exclusion. For free, confidential help in California, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the state program.
California Online Poker & Casino Games
Online casinos that accept California players offer a wide variety of casino games, offering everything from slots and blackjack to video poker, roulette, and more. With several reputable sites catering to Golden State players, there’s no shortage of options for reliable and enjoyable online gaming.
Below, I’ll walk you through the most popular real money casino game categories among California players.
Online Poker
You can enjoy diverse online poker options, including popular formats like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Online sites stand out for their accessibility, offering games at all stakes, round-the-clock tournaments, and features like multi-tabling, making the experience both convenient and engaging.
Compared to physical poker rooms, online poker eliminates travel and wait times, often provides lower-stakes options, and allows players to adopt a more clinical approach.
With access to monitors displaying critical data like hand histories and player stats, and the ability to play in a calm, private setting, online poker encourages clear, strategic thinking that’s harder to achieve in the high-energy environment of a live poker room.
Online Slots
California players can enjoy a vast selection of online slots, ranging from classic three-reel games to modern video slots with dynamic themes and bonus features.
Unlike physical machines, online slots often feature higher payout percentages, diverse betting options, and immersive graphics, providing a more engaging and rewarding experience from the comfort of home.
Blackjack
Blackjack is widely available to via offshore sites.
Where you can find multiple game variations, such as classic, multi-hand, and live dealer formats, with flexible betting options.
Online blackjack often features better odds and more accessible stakes, making it ideal for both casual and experienced players.
Roulette
Roulette is easy to enjoy online as offshore providers host roulette games in classic formats like European and French.
With features like customizable bets and quick game speeds, online roulette delivers a flexible and immersive experience while maintaining the privacy and convenience of playing from home.
California Casino Apps
Online casino sites offering services to California players often include casino apps for seamless gaming experiences. Use an Android or iOS device to play slots, table games, and more from anywhere in the state.
When an online casino does not include an app, you can usually play via a mobile web browser on a smartphone or tablet. All you have to do is log in via your favorite mobile browser to begin.
Online casino operators know that players prefer to have a mobile option so they can play from anywhere. Offering a mobile app or browser gaming is the best way to satisfy customers and maintain player loyalty.
California Casino Legislation
California has yet to regulate online casinos, so residents rely on offshore sites to play slots, table games, and poker online.
While online gaming remains in a legal gray area, land-based casinos and poker rooms thrive, with over 60 tribal casinos and numerous cardrooms offering poker and table games.
Despite the state’s progressive stance on gaming, online casino regulation remains absent. For a deeper dive into California’s laws and options, see below.
| Category | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Online Casinos | Online gambling is not a legalized activity in the state. Players only have access to offshore operators. |
| Land-based casinos | Tribal groups operate 66 Class III casinos in California. Some cardrooms can offer particular table games but must not conflict with tribal gaming services. |
| Sports Betting | Despite multiple attempts to join the industry, lawmakers have been unable to pass sports betting legislation. Sports betting remains illegal in California. |
| State Lottery | The lottery is a retail service only, with options for Mega Millions, Super Lotto Plus, and other games. |
| Charitable Gambling | Charitable organizations are only allowed to offer bingo, raffles, or poker nights to raise funds in the state. |
| Poker | Poker is legal in California and available via cardrooms. |
| Social Gambling | Sweepstakes casinos are allowed in California, with players enjoying slots and other games via Gold and Sweeps Coins. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse racing is legal in California, with several pari-mutuel tracks located in the state. |
| Fantasy Sports | The state tolerates daily fantasy sports, though the activity is not regulated. Local authorities do not interfere with operations. |
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Sweepstakes casinos are also permitted, offering slot-style games using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Players use Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins for a chance to win cash or prizes. |
| Taxes on Casino Winnings | Profits from gambling are treated as ordinary income and should be added to the overall earnings of the individual and filed accordingly. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
California Gaming Laws: A Deep Dive
Generally speaking, gambling is allowed in California, but the options are limited. Players have access to traditional gaming via Tribal casinos and cardrooms.
The lottery is also an option, but you won’t find any regulated online casino sites or sports betting. Online poker is also noticeably missing, but players do have access to poker gaming in retail format.
Legislators have tried to integrate the state into the iGaming sector for quite some time, but shareholders seem to be split on who should be involved, so any legislation tends to fall flat and fail to move forward.
Below are the examples of gaming options and more details on how each is offered in California.
Land-Based Casinos
California is home to over six dozen tribal casinos, with services offered based on a constitutional amendment in 2000 that permitted Indian casino gaming.
Proposition 1A led the way for tribes to negotiate casino compacts with the state based on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Since the 2000s, the tribes of California have been the only operators of fully-functioning casinos.
Tribes can offer Class II and Class III gaming. This includes slots, card games, poker, and bingo. It is important to note that the state does not allow craps or roulette gaming, so you won’t find these options when visiting a physical casino.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Several poker clubs are offered in California, including the Bicycle at Bell Gardens, the Hollywood Park Casino, and Commerce Casino.
Online poker has yet to be established in the state despite efforts by lawmakers, including Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer. In 2015, the Assemblyman gained traction with legislation, but it fell flat, just like other attempts.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is limited in California. Charities can only use gambling games, such as those that are allowed in card rooms. This includes non-banked table games.
Any non-profit organization that wants to register to offer charity gambling must do so with the Bureau of Gambling Control. A $100 fee is required, and 100% of the proceeds must go to charity.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse racing is a successful business in California, with several major race tracks located in the state.
Bettors can experience live races at Golden Gate Fields, Del Mar, Santa Anita, and Los Alamitos. Popular races hosted in the state include the Santa Anita Derby and the Breeders’ Cup.
Social Gaming at Home
State laws allow individuals to host social gaming at home. However, there should be no cut of the stakes taken by anyone for hosting.
It is also illegal for anyone to profit from selling food, drink, or other items in a social setting. Home poker games are considered a legal option based on social gaming standards. No rake can be collected.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is illegal in California. CA Penal Code 337a bans sportsbooks from offering services in the state. The legislation does not include online sports betting, so many players access services via offshore sportsbooks.
Comparing Casino Options for California Players
California offers three main ways to enjoy casino gaming: offshore online casinos, tribal casinos, and social casinos. Each option caters to different types of players, with varying levels of convenience, gameplay, and rewards.
Here’s how they compare:
| Key Factors | Online Casinos | Land-Based Casinos | Online Social Casinos |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Regulated | ⓧ | ✓ | ⓧ |
| Real Money Play | ✓ | ✓ | ⓧ |
| Free Play | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
| Bonuses & Promos | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
| Play from Anywhere | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
| Licensed | ✓ | ✓ | ⓧ |
| Private | ✓ | ⓧ | ✓ |
What’s the Best Type of Casino for California Players?
Offshore online casinos remain the most convenient option for Californians seeking play for real money with flexibility. These online sites provide large game libraries, generous bonuses, and the freedom to play from home or on mobile devices.
Tribal casinos, on the other hand, offer an immersive experience with a mix of slots, poker, and table games, but they require travel and cannot legally offer games like craps or roulette.
Social casinos focus on free entertainment, perfect for casual players but unsuitable for those seeking real winnings.
For a combination of variety, accessibility, and real money play, offshore casinos offer a practical solution while the state lacks regulation for iGaming.
A Brief History of California Gambling
California’s legislation regarding gambling dates back to 1872, with limited options for patrons. Not until the early 2000s were changes made to allow tribal casinos to spread throughout the state.
Most gambling legislative changes over the years were completed via constitutional amendments rather than new legislation.
Card rooms date back before the introduction of tribal casinos, with 150 operating in 1999. By 2014, changes were made that lowered the number of card rooms to 89 commercial operations.
The state lottery developed even earlier, in 1984. The Lottery Act paved the way for the lottery to begin and set up supplemental funding for the public education system.
Horse racing is even older, having started in 1933. The Horse Racing Law established pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, and the industry has thrived ever since.
Based on current laws, California’s gambling regulation is overseen by various groups, including the California Horse Racing Board, State Lottery, California Gambling Control Commission, and the Bureau of Gambling Control of the Department of Justice.
Responsible Gaming Initiatives
California online casino operators take responsible gaming seriously, offering players a wide range of resources for assistance.
The Bureau of Gambling Control works with cardrooms and other operators to encourage responsible practices.
The Office of Problem Gambling is available to promote awareness of responsible practices and assist victims and their families.
Players can reach out to several offices to receive guidance on treatment plans, including:
- Self-Exclusion and Self-Restriction programs
- Office of Problem Gambling
- California Department of Justice Gambling Control
Tribal casinos are not obligated to offer self-exclusion or responsible gaming programs as they are self-governed. Despite this, many offer self-exclusion programs and resources for problem gambling treatment as needed.
The Future of Online Casinos in California
California offers a more traditional stance on gambling, providing visitors and residents with lottery gaming, tribal casinos, and cardrooms. Slots, table games, video poker, and many other options are available.
For iGaming, players must access sites via offshore providers. The state has yet to institute any laws about online casinos or sports betting services. Efforts have been made within the past five years to bring either industry to life, but bills still need to gain support.
It’s interesting to note that tribal casinos, cardrooms, and horse racing operators cannot seem to agree on who should be involved in iGaming. As shareholders, their input is required, and it has caused conflict whenever online gambling legislation is introduced.
California will most likely not make any major legal gambling changes unless those who are offering services currently can agree on how everyone should be involved in iGaming.