Online Casinos for California Players 2025

Introduction

Although gambling has been in the picture for over a millennium, the 20th century represents the period when we witnessed the rapid development of gambling and casinos.

This also refers to the evolution of gaming in the USA, including California, which started blooming thanks to Indian casinos in the 1970s.

What we find quite interesting about California, though, is the fact that even though gambling had been banned in this state for a long time, the first floating casino in the world appeared precisely here!

Since the government could not find ways to develop Indian reserves for many decades, they decided to turn to tourism and gambling to solve this burning matter!

Nowadays, with total revenues of $9 billion annually, California is the USA's largest Indian gaming state, with over 70 Indian casinos that operate more than 70,000 slot machines and 2,000 table games!

According to a 2018 report from the American Gaming Association, California has the largest tribal gaming sector of any state!

When it comes to gambling regulations, players have various options...

…from card rooms, lotteries, bingo, race tracks, and charitable gaming to gambling at tribal casinos is absolutely legal!

However, we find the case with commercial casino-style gaming and gambling on sports to be quite complex, and we will discuss it in detail in one of the following sections!

Tribal casinos, as sovereign territories, are allowed to host casinos. So, while their special laws and rules regulate them, the California Gambling Law does not apply to them.

2021 was a record-breaking year for tribal casinos, which came roaring back after the global health situation had shrunk commercial gaming revenue by over 25% over a two-year period.

When it comes to unauthorized sports betting, there have been many attempts, the most recent happening in 2022, to approve this type of betting via referendum; however, all of them failed!

According to many Californian attorneys specializing in this field, these prohibitions are shocking since California is losing considerable tax revenue annually by not legalizing sports betting.

Still, a poll conducted in 2021 showed that a quarter of Americans over 21 had bet on sports, while 18% stated they were betting on sports at least once a month.

History of Gambling and Current Gambling Regulations

Back in the 70s, one of the leaders of the Oneida tribe decided to organize a bungo club, which marked the beginning of Indian casinos in California.

Since the Indians weren't bothered by the restrictions because they, as Indigenous people, obeyed only their own laws related only to them, other native American tribes began to organize.

More than a decade later, many district attorneys tried to ban gambling on the reservations, but the Indians reacted by suing them.

Since these disputes continued for several years, President Ronald Reagan signed the Tribal Casinos Act in 1988, which became part of California law.

Tribes can only use gaming proceeds for the welfare of tribe members, government operations, economic development, charitable causes, and local government programs.

The American Gaming Association reports that tribal casinos in California supported 124,274 jobs and sold over $19.96 billion in goods and services in 2016.

But what about the attempted legalizations and gambling regulations in recent years?

California gambling regulations seem lenient compared to the majority of other states; however, if you break them, you will face tough penalties.

However, we must admit that some regulations are quite complicated and confusing. If you even try to read through the laws concerning Illegal Gambling, you will find that there are no penalties for mere players of online gambling games, but there are a number of penalties for operators that vary based on the games being played.

Besides, California is an intriguing state because its laws allow Municipalities and Counties to expressly pass laws making online gambling illegal for players and operators.

The Never-Ending Online Sports Betting Problem

California belongs to the group of final twelve states that have not yet introduced any form of sports betting legislation.

Nevertheless, Californians are allowed to place wagers online if they head offshore, but not with licensed US sportsbooks!

We cannot help but wonder why online gambling is still not allowed in California and what it will take for that to change.

According to many experts, the lack of support from California's powerful Native American tribes, which have the exclusive right to operate gaming, is the main reason behind a continued losing streak.

Namely, when, in 2018, the US Supreme Court passed a law that states could legalize betting on sports, which 36 of them and the District of Columbia did, California did not participate.

Two years later, California lawmakers tried to negotiate a deal on sports betting, which also failed.

The last known attempt was in 2022 when two propositions - Prop 26. - failed to pass.

The voters missed the chance to legalize sports betting only at tribal casinos and the state’s four private horse race tracks while also allowing tribal casinos to begin offering roulette and dice games, including craps, with Prop 26.

Prop 27 aimed to legalize mobile and online sports betting outside of Native American tribal lands.

Although many believe that California should continue to hold the line against sports betting, we think that California is a highly liberal state that should favor allowing people to do as they desire with their own money.

Popular Types of Gambling

Regarding gambling in California, players are not left without options...

...but, they should not count on dice games!

Still, classical card games like baccarat, blackjack, and several types of poker, as well as slot machines and California roulette, should be more than enough for an average player!

California's legal gambling options include tribal casinos, commercial cardrooms, state lotteries, parimutuel betting, and charitable gaming. California doesn't regulate daily fantasy sports, but it allows the games to be offered.

• Tribal Casinos - These licensed casinos offer lottery games, card games, as well as games like slots, blackjack, baccarat, and poker.
• Card Rooms - These small casinos offer games such as poker and pai-gow and some non-card game options, like drawings.
• Lottery - People can buy scratchers and fill out tickets at more than 20,000 retailers, including gas stations and convenience stores.
• Horse Racing - Legalized in 1933, horse racing is one of the longest-running gambling options in California. Four racetracks accept bets, and several off-track locations and legal online horse race betting apps are also available.
• Charitable Gaming - Nonprofit organizations can host card nights for charity, while counties and cities have the option to allow bingo for the same purposes.

Note that California laws prohibit games that fit a Banking Game or Percentage Game category. This means banks cannot collect money from the losers to pay out the winners, nor can they collect a percentage from the bets placed as a fee for hosting the games.

Sweepstakes Casinos

In California, sweepstakes casinos have long been popular, but their legality came under scrutiny in 2025 when a lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court accused Pulsz.com, a popular sweepstakes casino, of operating illegal gambling activities. The plaintiff argued that despite presenting itself as a free-to-play platform, Pulsz.com allows players to purchase virtual coins that can be used to play games and potentially win cash prizes, which they claim constitutes unlawful gambling. 

Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in California?

Regarding the legal landscape, California has specific laws governing sweepstakes. Legitimate sweepstakes must be free to enter and based purely on chance. It's illegal to require participants to make a purchase or pay a fee to enter or improve their chances of winning. Additionally, any representation that a person has been specially selected or is a winner must be truthful and not misleading.

Since traditional online gambling isn't legal in the state, many people turn to these platforms as a fun alternative. They offer a variety of games, especially slots, which are a big hit among players. The convenience of playing from home and the chance to win prizes without spending real money add to their appeal. Plus, with California's large population and tech-savvy culture, it's no surprise that these online sweepstakes casinos have found a strong following here.

Real Value Prizes at Sweepstakes Casinos

Online sweepstakes casinos are casino-style gaming sites where you can play slots, poker, blackjack, and other games—but with a twist. Instead of using real money to bet, you play with virtual currencies called Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.

Gold Coins are used to play for fun, they can be purchased or obtained as promotions and gifts, but you can’t cash them out, however, Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased but only obtained through promotions for free and can sometimes be redeemed for real money if you win enough.

The gist is that you don’t have to pay to get Sweeps Coins because sweepstakes laws require a free entry option (like giveaways). However, most people get them as a bonus when they buy Gold Coins.

Find Best Sweepstakes Casinos in California

We’ve compiled a list of online sweepstakes casinos you can play in California. Browse through the sites below and find the best one for you by reading our reviews to learn about the available games, payment options, and bonuses. Be sure to check ratings from other players as well. This will give you the insight you need to make an informed choice and pick the best platform to suit your needs.

• Look for platforms offering a variety of games that interest you, whether it's slots, table games, or live dealer options.
• A user-friendly interface enhances your gaming experience. Check if the site or app is easy to navigate and responsive.
• Consider the welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. Some sweepstakes offer daily login rewards, leaderboards, and social media contests for more chances to get coins.
• Understand the process for redeeming prizes. Look for platforms with reasonable playthrough requirements and low minimum redemption limits.
• Ensure the platform complies with local sweepstakes regulations and is fair and transparent for a secure experience.

Depositing and Withdrawing when in CA

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

Conclusion

What’s the takeaway - can you gamble online and on-land in California? Yes! California has a fascinating history with gambling, stretching from its early days to the vibrant scene it boasts today. Despite a long period where gambling was banned, the 1970s saw a dramatic shift with the rise of Indian casinos, and California has become a powerhouse in the world of tribal gaming. With over 70 Indian casinos generating around $9 billion annually, it’s clear that California is a major player in the gambling industry.

Even thoughonline casinos aren’t on the table yet, California offers a wide range of gambling options. From state-regulated options - tribal casinos and card rooms to state lotteries and horse racing - to reputable offshore gambling sites, there’s no shortage of ways to try your luck. The state’s complex regulations around commercial casino-style gaming and sports betting have made for a bumpy ride, with several attempts to legalize sports betting falling short in recent years.

Tribal casinos, which operate under their own set of rules, continue to thrive, and while sports betting is still a contentious issue, California’s gambling landscape remains rich and diverse. The legal environment might be tricky to navigate, but the variety of legal and offshore options ensures that players have plenty of choices for their gambling entertainment. Just be sure to follow the advice on this page and choose the best-rated casinos, recommended payment methods, and best games to play safely and responsibly. Avoiding rogue and blacklisted casinos is crucial. 

As California continues to debate the future of sports betting and other gambling regulations, it’s an exciting time for enthusiasts to stay informed and adapt to any changes. Whether you’re spinning the reels at a casino or placing a bet on a horse race, California has something for every gambler. So, dive into the state's gambling scene and enjoy the wealth of opportunities it offers!

Sources:

worldcasinodirectory.com - get your daily updates and information on casinos and gambling laws in the United States and California. 

California Gambling Control Commission - the state’s official regulatory and licensing body overseeing all legal gambling in California. 

Written by: Michael Shackleford