With California mulling over the possibility of legalizing online gambling, we’ve put together a guide to the best CA online gambling sites. On this page, you’ll find details of the types of sites you can gamble online in California, as well as some top tip and tricks to stay safe when playing online.
Gambling in California has always been progressive, with card rooms leading the way back in the 19th century. The state was also one of the first to embrace online lotto sales–and therein lies the key to California online gambling.
Our California online gambling guide will explain why online lottery sales are the key to regulated online gaming in the state. We’ll also make recommendations on the best online gambling sites for California in 2023.
Before we get started, we should talk about safety and security. Although there is no legal California online gambling industry to speak of right now, there are many off limits online casinos that use the state to target customers. However, playing at unlicensed online gambling sites is against local law and could land you in trouble. This goes for players in other states too.
To avoid any issues or potential sanctions, we advise you to play at licensed sites that accept players from California. Our experts have spent years reviewing online betting sites. We know what it takes to offer a fair service and provide a secure platform.
Casinos in West Virginia - Our List of WV CasinosSo, before we look at the different types of CA online gambling sites, here are our recommended international sites that pass all of our security checks and accept players from California.
Overview of California Online Gambling
Online gambling in California is not currently legal. There has been little appetite among politicians or tribal leaders to push a bill through the state legislature. There are exceptions to this, most notably the California Online Lotto which went live in 020.
This may change, especially as neighboring states such as Nevada, Oregon, and Washington go live with iGaming. For now, we can only speculate as to what type of regulatory system would govern an online gambling industry in California.
We do know that any form of real money online gaming requires a license. This means paying a fee to the state and agreeing to comply with all of the laws and regulations governing the industry.
Any operator found to be taking bets from residents without a license risks heavy fines and being barred from applying for a license in the future. As such, there are no legit California gambling websites operating right now.
California Online Casino Gambling
CA online casino gambling is not legal. You cannot use any website to play slots, table games, or any other casino game for real money and be within the parameters of the law. That doesn’t stop hundreds of sites from accepting customers from California.
But as noted above, this is against the law and you could face prosecution under current statutes. We don’t recommend breaking the law, so we don’t list any online casino sites up top. Instead, you can check out our guide to the best online casinos in CA.
California Online Sports Betting
The Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, giving each state the autonomy to govern sports betting rules. California politicians have yet to introduce a bill that would govern local sports betting markets. Without a bill, there can be no licensing regime and no legal California sports gambling websites.
It’s worth noting that the Native American tribes that own the land-based casinos in California would likely want a slice of the action. It remains to be seen if they will work with operators to introduce a bill or go it alone.
Offshore sportsbooks often target California sports bettors. Doing so is against the law and anyone involved with these sites could face charges. We strongly suggest you wait for a bill to be introduced before you start placing single streak wheel bets online.
California Online Poker Sites
The exception to the rule regarding the lack of California online gambling laws is poker. State statutes govern online poker. This stipulates that players are free to access offshore sites and play online poker for free or real money.
As such, there is something of a gray area when it comes to California online poker sites. Locally, there have been attempts to establish an intrastate network of cash games and tournaments.
casinos in the state of floridaWorld Poker Tour (WPT) and PokerStars both lobbied politicians to pass a bill that would see them become the sole providers of legal CA online poker. However, the debate became bogged down in negotiations over who would get what and the entire thing collapsed.
What this means for players is that there are no regulated poker sites in California. It does mean you can use various services, such as Venmo to fund your account and play for real money online.
Finally, just because state laws govern online poker, that doesn’t mean every site is legit. We recommend you stick to our expert picks of the best California poker sites.
California Online Lottery
California was one of the first states to introduce online lotto sales. You can buy tickets for draw games and scratchcards from within a secure app. This app can be used on desktop and mobile devices, making it super convenient to play.
The CA online lottery site is secure and all payments are processed safely. What’s more, a portion of all ticket sales is given to various charities and community projects across the state.
Horse Racing and Other Forms of CA Gambling Online
Horse racing is another sport that falls into a gray area when it comes to online gambling in California. There are various horse racing betting sites you can use to wager on races from around the world. These sites are based offshore, which means they are not subject to state gambling laws.
State laws do govern ADWs – or “accounts” as they are known in California. An ADW allows you to set up an account, deposit funds, and place bets over the course of several days, weeks, or months. There are various accounts that have been granted licenses by the state, along with racetracks and licensed card rooms that offer ADWs to residents.
Other forms of online gambling in California are prohibited. This includes all fantasy sports sites operating within the state. We await news on whether politicians will move to legalize iGaming and sports betting, but until then, all locally operating sites are illegal.
California Gambling Laws Explained
State laws that cover all forms of local gambling can be found in the California Penal Code (PCC). Various chapters of the PPC cover different aspects of gambling in the state. Below, you can find a summary of the key points covered within the PCC.
- Chapter 6.5 Section 330 – 336.7: Covers skill-based gaming machines and how they must display a sign indicating how much of the game is based on skill and chance.
- Chapter 7 Section 330 – 330.9: Defines gambling and the different elements of a gambling offense.
- Chapter 7 Section 337: Makes it clear that individuals cannot make gambling equipment or parts thereof with the intent to sell or distribute said items.
- Chapter 7 Section 337.1: Prohibits the manufacture, sale, transportation, and possession with intent to sell or distribute promotional gambling materials.
- Chapter 7 Section 340: States that people cannot run a common gambling house or gamble in such an establishment.
- Chapter 7 Section 345: Explains that people cannot loiter in places commonly used for gambling purposes.
- Chapter 7 Section 346: Focuses on mobile gambling and states that people cannot gamble in public places, parks after dark, or within 1,000ft of schools or 500ft of other areas where gambling is prohibited.
It is worth noting that Chapter 7 sections 330 to 346.1 cover in-person gambling offenses. Sections 337.5 and 337.6 relate to online offenses. These sections state that it is illegal to:
- Make available to the public – this covers setting up a gambling site or facility that members of the public can access and use.
- Cause to be made available – this point relates to people who use websites or facilities that others have set up.
- Play – simply putting money down and taking a risk on an outcome is classified as gambling under state law.
- Run – this point relates to administrators, managers, and anyone else who plays an active role in running a gambling operation.
- Solicit – people cannot encourage others to gamble, whether that’s advertising a site or encouraging someone to place a specific bet.
- Advertise – state law stipulates that it is illegal to advertise a gambling site or service within California.
- Bankroll – this point covers people who knowfully finance a gambling operation or help to fund someone’s gambling habits.
The final two points cover exemptions. State lawmakers have explicitly exempted the California Online Lotto from local gambling prohibitions. Furthermore, the PCC states that skill-based contests are exempt from the state’s gambling laws providing prize values are less than 600. Anything above that threshold is deemed an illegal gambling operation unless the relevant authority grants an exemption.
What this means for players is that participating in almost any real money activity on an unlicensed California real money online game site is against the law. Even rubbing shoulders with any part of such an operation is technically illegal. This is why it’s important to only play at state approved sites where possible.
trustworthy online casinoAdvice for Responsible Gambling
Now we’ve looked at California gambling laws and the different types of CA online gambling sites, it’s time to discuss the importance of responsible gambling. The California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) - a political advocacy organization representing California Indian tribes - has called for measures to be put in place that limit and protect players using online gambling sites.
If and when California lawmakers introduce a bill that governs iGaming and sports betting, it's likely that various player protection tools will be integrated into local legislation. Until then, and as a general precaution, we have compiled a list of tips that will help keep you safe online and ensure you enjoy a positive experience at .
WV Casinos with No Deposit Bonuses in 2023- Budget & Time Management – Before you start playing online, set yourself a budget and think about how much time you can realistically afford to spend playing games. Treat these limits as you would any other financial or temporal constraint. Do not exceed your budget or allocate more time than you have available.
- No Exceptions – It’s easy to earn more money than you spend on games and end up reinvesting your winnings. It can be tempting to take out a loan or mortgage in order to continue playing when you run low on funds, but this is never a good idea. If you’ve reached your limit, stop playing and come back another day.
- Never Chase Losses – Much like taking out loans, chasing losses can quickly spiral out of control. Even if you feel lucky, there is no guarantee you’ll win back what you have lost. So, to avoid losing more money than you can afford, walk away once you’ve hit your limit.
- Don’t Play When Under the Influence – Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, consuming mind-altering substances and then playing online games is a bad idea. Such substances can impair your judgment and lead to irrational decisions, such as exceeding your budget or playing for longer than planned. Always remain sober when playing online games.
- Use Deposit & Wager Limits – Most reputable will offer various deposit and wager limits. Deposit limits control how much you can deposit into your account during a specified period. Wager limits determine the maximum value of any single bet you can place. You can use these tools to complement the budget and time management strategies discussed earlier.
- Self-Exclusion Tools – All licensed operators will offer self-exclusion tools that enable you to ban yourself from the site for a fixed period. Some sites will even let you exclude yourself from placing bets on specific events or games. Self-exclusion can give you the space you need to address any compulsive behavior problems you may be experiencing.
- Take Breaks – If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, the best thing to do is take a break. You can use time outs to step away from the action for anywhere between 24 hours and several weeks. Timeouts allow you to maintain any winnings or funds in your account while you take a breather and reflect on your behavior.
- Seek Professional Help – If you feel that your behavior has crossed over into addiction, seek professional help. Problem gambling is treatable and there are countless organizations that specialize in addressing the root causes of this condition. Your chosen operator will be able to provide a list of accredited professionals.
- Talk to the Operator – If you feel you are developing a problem with online gambling, talk to customer support at the site you play on. All licensed operators must provide contact details for organizations that specialize in problem gambling. They are also required to listen to anything you have to say and offer advice and support where possible.
By following these simple but effective tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your favorite California online gambling sites and activities without crossing the line between fun and problematic behavior.
Can I Go to Jail for Online Gambling in California?
What is the Punishment for Gambling in California?
Is it Illegal to Gamble Online in California?
Will I Get in Trouble Using an Online Gambling Site in California?
Answer: Yes, it is illegal to host, run, or participate in a gambling operation unless it falls under one of the exemptions outlined in California gambling laws. Hosting, soliciting, banking roll, and playing are all criminal offenses under state law.
The punishment for committing any of these offenses depends on various mitigating and aggravating factors. Generally speaking, offenders will face misdemeanor charges and a fine of $1,000 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can result in a year behind bars and/or a $2,500 fine per offense.
It is very rare for judges to hand down jail sentences to individual players, particularly first-time offenders. But repeat offenders or those that break the law while attempting to defraud a gambling site will face harsher penalties, including incarceration.
Recommended Guideour Books
If you want to learn more about California gambling laws and the industry as a whole, the following books are highly recommended:
- Gold Rush Days by Frederick Jackson is an excellent introduction to California’s rich history of gambling. From saloons to riverboats, this book examines the games people played and the personalities that helped shape the Golden State.
- Poker Nation by Nolan Dalla explores the rise and rise of poker in America. The game has been popular in California since the Gold Rush and this book charts its evolution from saloons to televised tournaments. There are plenty of insights into famous players, major events, and the politics that govern the industry today.
- One of a Kind, Volume One: The Early Works of Oliver Hardy may not seem relevant to California gambling laws, but it contains several scripts that mention cards, dice, and other games. Born in Georgia, Hardy moved to Blue Ridge, California, with his mother and father when he was young. Many of the scripts in this collection were written between 1914 to 1920, when Hardy lived in California.
There are plenty of other books on California casinos, lotteries, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports. The titles above provide a broad overview of the industry and are ideal for anyone looking to learn more about gambling in the state.
Conclusion
California online gambling laws are somewhat confusing. The California Online Lotto is legal, but playing any other game online is technically illegal. Until state politicians introduce a bill that establishes a framework for iGaming and sports betting, it is advisable to steer clear of offshore betting sites.
The exception to this rule is poker. State laws prohibit using offshore sites if you reside in Washington. But for everyone else, you are free to use offshore sites. Just be sure to exercise caution when playing online and follow our tips for safe, responsible gambling.
Our experts will continue to monitor California gambling laws and update this page accordingly. If state officials introduce a bill that makes California online gambling legal, we will integrate the relevant information into this guide.