California casinos are legal, but only in brick-and-mortar venues on certain tribal lands. But did you know that it’s still possible to play slots and table games online due to a legal loophole?
This guide explains the legal situation in full and we’ll even help you to pick the best California online casinos where you can play for real money.
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The best online casinos in California are based offshore. Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of their key features.
Brand | No. Of Games | Sportsbook | Live Casino | Crypto |
Wild Casino | 1,200+ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bovada | 450+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Raging Bull | 250+ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Lucky Creek | 400+ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
CoinCasino | 4000+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Black Lotus | 300+ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
BetWhale | 1,200+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Lucky Red | 300+ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
BetOnline | 900+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
BetUS | 550+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The rules surrounding California online casinos are somewhat gray. Generally speaking, though, gambling laws in the Golden State are fairly strict. Few activities are allowed, all of which are land-based.
However, there’s a distinct lack of online gambling legislation in place. This creates a loophole, as there are no laws that expressly state the use of online casinos for real money is illegal. That opens the door for overseas operators to step in.
Plenty of Californians have been playing at offshore casinos for many years, with no repercussions.
One of the major perks of playing at offshore sites is that casino bonuses are much larger than those at US-regulated casinos. Let’s take a look at the types of promotion available.
Linked directly to a real money deposit, this type of bonus is expressed as a percentage. Most signup offers at no verification online casino sites take this form. But many California casinos online also hand out smaller deposit match bonuses when you top up your account.
A new player welcome offer might be something like 250% up to $2,500. In this example, if your first real money deposit was for $50, you’d receive an additional $125 in bonus credits.
In contrast to a deposit match bonus, this type of promotion is completely risk-free. There’s no need to even link a payment method, let alone deposit any of your hard-earned money. Simply register an account, log in and the bonus funds are waiting for you.
A no deposit bonus may be a free casino chip, allowing you to play any game, or it could be a fixed number of free spins on slots. Either way, such promos are increasingly hard to find, and even the best online casino in California doesn’t offer one at the moment.
Slots consistently prove to be the most popular casino games, so it’s no surprise to see sites running promotions on selected titles. Whether it’s a loyalty reward or part of a welcome package, a free spins bonus lets you play – and win – without risking a cent.
Some California online casinos include hundreds of free spins in their welcome bonuses, usually requiring a deposit in order to claim them. No deposit free spins bonuses tend to be smaller, with a maximum of 50 up for grabs.
California gambling sites, similar to NY or WY online casinos, are always trying to find new ways to retain players. A structured loyalty program is the most obvious starting point.
The more you play, the more points you’ll rack up. These can be exchanged for gifts, including casino bonuses. But they also contribute towards your VIP status. Climb through the levels to receive bigger and better perks.
Losing is never fun, and the best casinos know it. That’s why many now offer cashback rebates to help soften the blow after an unlucky streak. Here, you’ll receive a portion of your losses back, either as real money or bonus funds.
Most cashback deals are standalone bonuses, usually in the region of 10%, but some are linked to your loyalty status. The promotional period is normally a week, and most games are eligible, though some limit cashback to live casino games.
This type of bonus went out of fashion for a while, but more and more online casinos in California are now issuing referral bonuses. The idea is simple – recruit your buddies using your special URL or code, and there’s a bonus in it for you.
Most friend referral rewards require the new recruit to deposit and play a specified amount before you qualify for the bonus. However, it’s usually worth it, with hundreds, if not thousands of dollars up for grabs.
What can you actually play at California online casinos? Let’s find out.
The most popular games at California casinos – whether online or land-based – are always slots.
Their random nature, coupled with the lack of complex rules or skill requirements, makes them a favorite of all demographics. Not to mention the ability to turn small stakes into potentially huge sums.
For many, there’s a glamorous, almost romantic element to playing classic games like blackjack. Immortalized in many movies, books and television shows, it’s a simple and extremely appealing game.
Some enjoy the skill-based nature, which makes it possible to beat the game while playing at the best online casinos for blackjack – in theory, at least. While others simply love the relatively low house edge.
Another iconic game, you won’t find many casinos – online or otherwise – that don’t offer some form of roulette.
The rules are simple, the action comes thick and fast, and it’s possible to win big sums thanks to a maximum 35 to 1 payout. However, all kinds of low-variance bets are also available, giving everyone the chance to get involved.
Whether it’s 3-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud or Ultimate Texas Hold’em, there are plenty of ways for poker lovers to take on the house.
These relatively new games don’t just appeal to poker players, though. With a fair house edge and elements of skill, there’s a lot for anyone to love.
It’s difficult to imagine a casino without table games like craps and baccarat. But in recent years, all kinds of innovative new products have popped up at online casinos in California and beyond.
Fan Tan and Sic Bo from the Far East. Andar Bahar and Teen Patti from the Asian subcontinent. There are so many interesting games to help keep your casino experience fresh.
An old-school classic, this is one of the few games in the casino that it’s possible to beat. Some pay tables return more than 100% in theory, though it depends on the specific game rules.
Either way, video poker is easy to understand and great fun to play, which explains its enduring appeal.
If you’re seeking an immersive, authentic experience, but don’t have time to actually visit any of California’s casinos, live dealer games are the answer.
It’s not just about convenience, though. Live casino games are more sociable than their traditional counterparts, while also removing any lingering doubts about their fairness.
Some players visit the casino to gamble. They’re less interested in the entertainment aspect, and they just want to play.
That’s why you’ll find many instant win games at online casinos today, which are usually modeled on scratchcards. Simply uncover the squares to match symbols and win prizes.
A relatively new development at CA online casino sites, crash games are a test of a player’s nerve. Everyone starts with a prize that steadily increases. It’s up to you when to cash out, before you lose it all.
The most well-known is Aviator by Spribe, but dozens of titles now exist, covering all kinds of themes.
You can’t play casino games for cash without the ability to move funds in and out of your account.
Here are the most common payment methods you can expect to find at a real money online casino in California.
Debit and credit cards remain popular with players at California casinos due to their familiarity. The vast majority of the population owns one, plus brands like American Express, Visa and Mastercard are extremely well-established and reputable.
Although they’re reliable and secure, it can take up to a week to process transactions at some credit card casino sites.
✅ Trustworthy and convenient option
❌ Slow to process gambling payouts
Digital tokens like Bitcoin are increasingly popular, especially at crypto casinos USA. Why? Because they offer everything a traditional payment option does, only there’s no paper trail. That’s great if you’re worried about your credit report, or just value anonymity and freedom.
In addition, cryptocurrency is almost always the quickest payout option at a casino. Often, you’ll receive the funds in less than a day.
✅ Fastest way to receive casino withdrawals
❌ Requires a special cryptocurrency wallet
Online wallets, such as Neteller, Skrill and PayPal, are extremely experienced at processing gambling payments – they’ve been in the business for over two decades. They’re also useful for keeping your bankroll apart from your daily funds.
What’s more, they’re quick, with near-instant deposits, and withdrawals commonly wrapped up in less than 48 hours. Beware though, as fees are usually involved when transferring from card to eWallet.
✅ Great responsible gambling option
❌ Transactions fees sometimes apply
Traditional bank wires are slow and costly, but pretty much all California online casino brands still offer them. After all, some customers don’t want to use third party processors, preferring to deal directly with their bank account. However, if you are aiming at fast payout casinos with no ID checks, then bank wires might not be a good choice.
Fintech developments mean that it’s now possible, in some cases at least, to complete online bank transfers in less than a day. However, most casinos don’t offer this.
✅ No need to work with third parties
❌ Can take over a week to complete payouts
With unclear legislation around real money casinos in CA, sweepstakes sites are another option for casino-style games. These are just like any other online casino, only you don’t play with real money.
Instead, you’ll receive a number of free tokens with which to enjoy all of your favorite slots and table games. Win enough of them, and it’s possible to trade them for real money prizes, including gift cards, as well as cash.
Very few states restrict sweepstakes casino gaming. Washington and Mississippi are major exceptions, but CA online casino sites of this kind are perfectly legal. So, it’s completely legal to browse through any list of sweepstakes casinos and join the one you like the most.
While real-money online gambling is a bit limited right now, there are still plenty of ways to try your luck in California!
California has agreements in place with 67 Tribes through Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compacts, which are currently active.
Right now, 65 casinos are run by 62 Tribes – 50 of them have Tribal-State Compacts, while 12 use Secretarial Procedures. The California Gambling Control Commission oversees these tribal casinos.
Here’s a look at some of the top casinos in the California State, along with their locations, contact details, and ownership.
Casino Name | Address | Phone Number | Owner |
---|---|---|---|
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino | 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346 | (800) 359-2464 | San Manuel Band of Mission Indians |
Pechanga Resort & Casino | 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA | (877) 711-2946 | Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians |
Thunder Valley Casino Resort | 1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648 | (916) 408-7777 | United Auburn Indian Community |
Harrah’s Resort Southern California | 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, CA 92082 | (760) 751-3100 | Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians |
Red Hawk Casino | 1 Red Hawk Parkway, Placerville, CA 95667 | (888) 573-3495 | Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians |
Cache Creek Casino Resort | 14455 CA-16, Brooks, CA 95606 | (800) 992-8686 | Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation |
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa | 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230 | (800) 252-4499 | Morongo Band of Mission Indians |
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino | 711 Lucky Ln, Coarsegold, CA 93614 | (866) 794-6946 | Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians |
Even though there’s no specific regulation for online casinos in California just yet, there are a few different bodies that oversee different forms of real money gambling:
At the end of the day, we only recommend safe casino sites, that are also fun, and worth your time. If they don’t meet our standards, they don’t make the cut. Here’s what we look for when picking the best California online casinos.
Even though California doesn’t have state-licensed online casinos, that doesn’t mean safety isn’t a priority. We make sure the platforms we recommend use strong encryption to protect your data and work with reputable third-party testers like eCOGRA. If a casino lets you purchase coins, we also check that their payment system is secure and trustworthy.
A massive game library is great, but variety is even better. Since real-money online gambling isn’t legal in California, we focus on social and sweepstakes casinos with fun slot-style games, table classics, and even bingo variations. The goal? A mix that keeps things exciting.
Even if you’re playing for free, getting a solid bonus is a must. The best California casinos offer generous welcome packages—think 100,000+ gold coins plus extra sweeps coins to get you started. We check for ongoing promos, too, because the fun shouldn’t stop after sign-up.
If you want to buy extra coins, the process should be smooth. We look for casinos that accept at least 10 payment options, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, e-wallets, and even crypto. And if a casino offers cash prizes, fast withdrawals (under 24 hours) are a big plus.
Most people play on their phones, so mobile performance is key. Whether it’s a dedicated app or a smooth mobile website, we make sure you can enjoy 90% or more of the desktop games on the go. No lag, no hassle—just easy gameplay from anywhere.
Ever had a question and struggled to get an answer? We don’t let casinos get away with that. The best ones offer 24/7 live chat, quick email responses, and active social media support. A solid FAQ section is a must, and player forums add extra value by letting users help each other out.
Although California doesn’t tax lottery winnings, all other gambling profits fall under the state’s income tax laws. The amount you need to pay depends entirely on your annual income.
On top of that, there’s also the federal gambling tax of 24% to take into account. Regulated offshore casino sites don’t pass any documentation to the IRS, though. This means that you’ll need to take care of your own taxes on any gambling winnings. If you’re playing at Ohio online casinos, for example, the same applies, so be sure to keep track of your wins and report them accordingly.
It’s important to gamble responsibly, even when enjoying free-to-play games. Set limits on your time and spending, and never chase losses.
The best online casinos in California offer tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion to help players stay in control. Always know when to take a break and reach out if you need support.
Despite the lack of a legal framework, it’s still possible to play at a casino online in California. There are literally hundreds of offshore sites that accept players from all over the United States, including CA.
Naturally, when using one of these options, you’ll need to pick the most trustworthy. But as long as the site is licensed by a reputable international regulator, your funds will be secure and the games will be honest.
All of the brands highlighted in this guide are safe and reliable, offering hundreds of the latest slots and table games. But TG.Casino is the one that stands out with its library of more than 5,000 games.
That’s partly down to all those games and the rewarding welcome offer. But it’s mostly because of the super quick cryptocurrency withdrawals making it one of the quickest withdrawal online casinos in the US.
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