California Online Casinos for Real Money
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 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 605 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4.3 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 565 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
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
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.
- Online casinos can’t operate within California borders because of a lack of regulation.
- Offshore sites accept players from the Golden State.
- There haven’t been any documented cases of players or offshore sites being prosecuted by state authorities.
How We Pick Online Casinos that Accept California Players
We’re dedicated to helping players find the best online casinos by providing detailed reviews based on rigorous testing and research.
Here’s how we evaluate casinos for California players:
Online Reputation
An online casino site’s reputation must be upheld and have solid player feedback. We focus on providing our readers with reputable sites so you know your personal and financial information is protected.
Availability
We confirm that each casino accepts California players and operates with licensing that ensures compliance with international standards for offshore sites.
Safety & Security
The best online casino sites utilize data encryption and additional security methods to protect players. Our reviews focus on discovering more about casino security and safety measures.
Payment Options
We value online casinos that offer California players multiple payment options, including crypto, credit cards, and e-wallets, with fast deposits and withdrawals.
Game Variety
You want access to a variety of games, so we look for sites with large collections of titles and good variety when it comes to game categories.
Customer Support
24/7 support is non-negotiable. We only endorse casinos with responsive teams available via live chat, email, or phone.
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 casinos are not legalized or regulated in California, so residents must rely on offshore operators to play games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. These sites are located and licensed outside the US, and California does not prosecute players for accessing them. Reputable offshore casinos have served Californians for years, offering thousands of games and secure casinos. |
| Land-based casinos | California is home to 66 Class III tribal casinos, authorized through compacts negotiated under Proposition 1A and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. These casinos offer slots, poker, blackjack, and bingo but cannot legally provide craps or roulette. Additionally, cardrooms operate across the state and may offer non-banked table games, though they cannot conflict with tribal exclusivity agreements. |
| Poker | Legal poker is widely available in California through tribal casinos and numerous cardrooms like the Commerce Casino and Hollywood Park. Online poker remains unregulated despite legislative attempts to legalize it. Social poker games are allowed as long as no rake is collected, and no one profits from hosting the event. |
| Social Gambling | Home-based social gaming, including poker, is legal if no profit is taken from hosting or selling goods. Sweepstakes casinos are also permitted, offering slot-style games using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. These sites provide a legal alternative to traditional online casino gaming. |
| Taxes on Casino Winnings | Casino winnings in California are treated as taxable income and must be reported to both the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board. State income tax on winnings ranges from 1% to 13.3%, depending on total income. Players should maintain records of wins and losses for accurate reporting. |
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.
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 has a long history with casino gaming, dating back to the 19th century. While early regulations were restrictive, major milestones in the 2000s allowed the state to become a hub for tribal casinos.
Explore the key developments in casino and online casino gaming in California below.
1872
California’s first gambling legislation establishes strict limits on gaming activities, offering minimal legal options for patrons.
1984
The Lottery Act is passed, creating the California State Lottery but leaving casino-style activities unaddressed.
1999
Proposition 1A allows tribes to negotiate compacts with the state under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, leading to the establishment of Class III tribal casinos.
2000
Tribal casinos expand statewide following Proposition 1A’s formal approval, offering slots, table games, and poker. Commercial cardrooms remain operational under separate regulations.
2014
Regulatory changes streamline the cardroom industry, reducing the number of licensed cardrooms from 150 in 1999 to 89.
Present day
California does not regulate online casino gambling, leaving players to access games via offshore sites. Tribal casinos and cardrooms remain the primary regulated venues for casino gaming.
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
The state has yet to embrace iGaming, leaving players to rely on offshore sites for online casino access.
Despite its size and influence, California has made no significant legislative progress toward regulating online casinos or sports betting.
A major obstacle lies in the conflicting interests among key stakeholders—tribal casinos, cardrooms, and horse racing operators—who have yet to agree on how iGaming should be structured and who should be involved.
These divisions have stalled legislative efforts repeatedly, with proposed bills failing to gain sufficient support in recent years.
Unless these groups reach a consensus, it’s unlikely California will see major changes in online casino regulation, leaving offshore providers as the primary option for players seeking online casino gaming.
Game Reviews and Poker Strategy
Sadonna Price Expert in Online Casinos and Poker
Sadonna is a casino content creator and former professional poker player that loves using her creativity to provide insight into the most interesting aspects of the casino world.