Can You Gamble Online In California

Posted on
California

California is one of the largest states in the country for professional sports, so it’s no surprise to hear that people have been searching for legal California online sportsbooks with which to wager.

Yes, you now have unfettered access to the best California online casinos and California gambling apps. No matter the games you want to play, the stakes you desire, or what you do to tap into lady luck, you’re covered, thanks to these awesome real money California casinos online. Las Atlantis Is Our Top Pick for the Best California Online Casino. There are a number of other states that are currently in the process of reviewing their online gambling laws. California, New York and Connecticut are likely to be the next states that will offer.

There are five MLB teams, four NBA teams, three NFL teams, three NHL teams, three MLS teams, and over two dozen NCAA Division 1 clubs – with 11 FBS college football programs – within the state.

With so many options, CA residents have almost endless local options for teams and players to bet on year-round. Needless to say, sports-related betting is a huge component of the legal California online gambling market.

The repeal of PASPA in 2018 means that the Golden State now has the option to install state-regulated online and physical sports betting venues if they so choose. A 2020 bill to put sports betting on the November ballot was shelved, which means that online gambling sites operating offshore are currently the only legal options for CA sports bettors.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In California?

Placing bets online in California is not illegal in any way as long as you are doing so through offshore sites that are legally regulated through the proper licensing channels overseas. There are no California gambling laws or federal laws in place to stop CA players from accessing these services or sites.

While offshore bookmakers have been providing their services to CA for decades, Golden State residents might one day see an extended range of options that includes domestic betting destinations. It would just require some changes to California’s online gambling laws.

However, while attempts have been made to do just that, as of late 2020, there has been no real movement in the legislature to get the market off the ground. A ballot measure for 2020 was shelved in the state assembly, and it won’t be revisited until 2022 at the earliest.

Legally Licensed Online California Sportsbooks

Below, you will find a listing of the best California sports betting operators that we recommend for players searching for legal and reputable gambling services. These websites have been vetted for legality, security, stability, quality, and overall reputation. Additionally, each is legitimately licensed in its home country to provide gambling services to CA players.

Best Betting Sites for California in 2021

Site NameBonusRatingTypeUSAVisit Site
$250SportsbookVisit Site
$1000SportsbookVisit Site
$1000SportsbookVisit Site
$1000SportsbookVisit Site

Other California Gambling Pages

What Sports Can I Bet On Online?

The sportsbooks that we have recommended include a vast range of sports to choose from. They feature all the professional domestic sports organizations you expect, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and the MLS.

In addition, you’ll have betting access to all the major fights in the world of boxing and MMA. And, of course, college football betting is always available. Other popular markets include:

  • Premier League Soccer
  • Bundesliga Soccer
  • La Liga Soccer
  • World Cup Soccer
  • International Rugby
  • International Cricket
  • International Hockey
  • Professional Tennis
  • Professional Golf
  • Canadian Football
  • Australian Rules Football
  • Summer Olympics
  • Winter Olympics
  • eSports
  • Sports Sims
  • +More!

Bettors will find that licensed offshore CA online gambling sites are able to harness the flexibility afforded by the Internet to offer an extended range of options across all betting venues, including California online poker rooms, casinos and bingo halls.

Can I Bet on the Super Bowl Online if I live in California?

You absolutely can! All of the reputable online sportsbooks listed on this page welcome Super Bowl betting enthusiasts from California.

In fact, the Super Bowl is the most bet-on event in CA – and the rest of America – every year, and all the best online betting sites serving the state offer hundreds upon hundreds of bets for the big game.

Super Bowl futures are available year-round, and leading up to the big game, you’ll get more Super Bowl props than you can handle.

Are There Sports Betting Bonuses Available For CA Players?

The online sportsbook bonuses that are available to CA bettors are lucrative. At these top-tier providers, bettors will find valuable welcome bonuses and reload bonuses that can increase their deposits by 50-100% or more, especially when they fund their bets with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and other supported altcoins.

Online sports betting bonuses provide plenty of extra betting power but do come with wagering requirements attached, which are easy to meet.

All of the bonus offers provided by the books on this page have been vetted to include reasonable and attainable rollovers, so we recommend always accepting such betting promotions when they’re offered.

Can I Bet On Sports From My Mobile Phone?

You sure can! The most popular California sports betting sites are all fully mobile-optimized without any app downloads required.

With responsive web design that fits any size of screen or make/model of device, it doesn’t matter if you prefer iPhone sports betting or Android sports betting. As long as you have a reasonably current smartphone or tablet and an Internet connection, you can bet on the go from anywhere in the state.

Online betting california

Just log in to your betting service of choice, and you will have access to all of your account details, the ability to make mobile deposits and request mobile payouts, and the full menu of sports betting odds that you’d get via your site’s desktop portal.

Are There Live Betting Options Online?

Coupled naturally with the mobile platforms, the live-betting options are stunning and widely available. Right from the homepage of any top CA sports betting website, you will be confronted with the option to place those intense in-game bets.

Each of our listed brands offers multiple sports categories for live betting and live in-play betting, giving gamblers the chance to recover bad pre-game bets, double down on blowouts, and a financial incentive to play until the final whistle.

How Do Deposits And Withdrawals Work?

Every reputable online California sportsbook has their own wallet systems built into the member accounts that are protected by SSL data encryption and monitored by digital security firms around the clock. All the deposit options are US-friendly and typically include a selection of the following:

  • Bitcoin
  • Altcoins (Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, Bitcoin Cash, etc.)
  • Zelle-To-Bitcoin
  • Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • Debit Cards
  • International Gift Cards
  • Bank Wires
  • Cashier’s Checks
  • Money Orders
  • QB Direct
  • Quickbit
  • Casino Vouchers
  • Player Transfers

Keep in mind that major credit and debit cards may not always successfully process due to federal banking laws such as the UIGEA, which prevents banks from knowingly processing transactions to and from gambling-related entities.

You can check our guide to USA online gambling deposits and withdrawals for more information as well as great alternatives for CA residents to use to fund their gambling accounts.

By far, the bet funding method we recommend above all others is crypto. When you deposit with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you’ll get guaranteed instant transfers, the best deposit limits, no added fees of any kind, access to the best possible bonus enhancements, and the ability to claim same-day withdrawals.

Crypto is the only banking method that allows for same-day payouts at legal offshore CA sports betting sites.

California Professional Sports Teams To Bet On

NFL

  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Los Angeles Rams
  • San Francisco 49ers

NBA

  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Sacramento Kings

MLB

  • Los Angeles Angels
  • Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Oakland Athletics
  • San Diego Padres
  • San Francisco Giants

NHL

  • Anaheim Ducks
  • Los Angeles Kings
  • San Jose Sharks

MLS

  • LA Galaxy
  • Los Angeles FC
  • San Jose Earthquakes

California College Football Teams To Bet On

  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – Mustangs
  • Fresno State – Bulldogs
  • Sacramento State – Hornets
  • San Diego State University – Aztecs
  • San Jose State University – Spartans
  • Stanford University – Cardinal
  • UC Berkeley – Golden Bears
  • UC Davis – Aggies
  • UCLA – Bruins
  • University of San Diego – Toreros
  • University of Southern California – Trojans

California is the most populous state in America, with almost 40 million people living there.

California is sometimes portrayed as having a vacation lifestyle and being carefree. Because of this, it’s hard to believe that any casinos other than tribal ones are prohibited. They also have strict laws regarding race betting, slot machines and other forms of gambling.

One type of gambling that’s completely legal in California, though, is online gambling.

You can learn everything you need to know about California gambling sites on this page.

RankDE Gambling SiteDeposit BonusProductsGet Started
#1280% Up To $14,000
  • Casino
Visit Site
#2
Super Slots
300% Up To $6,000
  • Casino
Visit Site
#3125% Up To $3,125
  • Sports
  • Casino
Visit Site
#4
MyBookie
50% Up To $1,000
  • Sports
  • Casino
Visit Site
#5100% Up To $1,000
  • Sports
  • Casino
Visit Site

Online Gambling and California Law

Is Online Gambling Legal in California?

Yes, online gambling is legal in California.

In fact, California laws don’t prohibit, regulate, or ban any type of online gambling. You can feel free to play on any online casino and enjoy your favorite casino or card games that you can’t find in the state.

The only law regarding online gambling in California is the age limit. You must be 21 years or older to legally gamble online.

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in California?

No, but starting an online casino or gambling business in California is illegal – you can definitely get arrested for that.

You can also be arrested if you don’t pay taxes on revenue earned from any online gambling you do.

If you’re just a player and not an owner, and if you pay your taxes, you’re in the clear.

Also On This Page

More Gambling Laws in California
Gambling Venues in California
The History of Gaming Laws in California
The Furture of Gambling in California

More Gambling Laws in California

  • Casino Games (Legal)
  • Slot Machines (Illegal)
  • Sports Betting (Legal)
  • Racing Betting (Parimutuel Only)
  • Lottry (Legal)
  • Bingo (Legal With Restrictions)
  • Draw Poker (Legal With Restrictions)
  • Social Gambling (Illegal)

Section 19801 of The Gambling Control Act says:

“(a)State law prohibits commercially operated lotteries, banked or percentage games, and gambling machines, and strictly regulates parimutuel wagering on horse racing. To the extent that state law categorically prohibits certain forms of gambling and prohibits gambling devices, nothing herein shall be construed, in any manner, to reflect a legislative intent to relax those prohibitions.

(b)The State of California has permitted the operation of gambling establishments for more than 100 years. Gambling establishments were first regulated by the State of California pursuant to legislation which was enacted in 1984. Gambling establishments currently employ more than 20,000 people in the State of California, and contribute more than one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in taxes and fees to California’s government. Gambling establishments are lawful enterprises in the State of California, and are entitled to full protection of the laws of this state.”

Casino games: Legal

California only allows tribal casinos. The tribal casinos usually offer poker, blackjack, bingo, keno, video poker and slot machines.

Card rooms are allowed in California. These are different from casinos because players bet against each other and not the house. These establishments make their money by charging players a fee to play. This often takes the form of a 5% contribution from each pot, which is called the rake.

Card rooms are state regulated, and offer games like poker and pai gow.

Here’s what the State of California Department of Justice says about card rooms:

“All controlled games (pai-gow, poker, etc.) and gaming activities (jackpots, bonuses, tournaments, etc.) must be approved by the Bureau and must comply with local gaming ordinances prior to their play at a licensed gambling establishment within California.”

Slot Machines: Illegal

Slot machines are illegal to own unless they’re antiques. Antique slot machines must be over 25 years old, and must not be used for real money gambling.

Here’s what section 330.7 of the California Law, Regulations, Resource Information says about antique slot machines:

“(a) It shall be a defense to any prosecution under this chapter relating to slot machines, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 330b, if the defendant shows that the slot machine is an antique slot machine and was not operated for gambling purposes while in the defendant’s possession. For the purposes of this section, the term “antique slot machine” means a slot machine that is over 25 years of age.”

Sports betting: Legal

Betting on sports in California is legal, but accepting bets on sports or bookmaking is illegal.

Here’s what section 337a of the Penal Code says about bookmaking:

“Except as provided in Section 336.9, every person who engages in one of the following offenses, shall be punished for a first offense by imprisonment in a county jail for a period of not more than one year or in the state prison, or by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both imprisonment and fine:

(1)Pool selling or bookmaking, with or without writing, at any time or place.”

Online sports betting is legal in California. No legal sports book in the United States takes bets online because of the Federal Wire Act. But you can find plenty of online sports books who would be happy to take your action from California. We suggest several trustworthy offshore California gambling sites. You can play at any of them with confidence.

Racing betting: Parimutuel Only

What is parimutuel betting?

It’s when player’s bets are put together in a pool, the taxes and track fees are deducted and the pool is then divided among the winning players.

Here’s what section 19590 of the Business and Professions Code says about wagering on horse racing:

“The board shall adopt rules governing, permitting, and regulating parimutuel wagering on horse races under the system known as the parimutuel method of wagering. Parimutuel wagering shall be conducted only by a person or persons licensed under this chapter to conduct a horse racing meeting or authorized by the board to conduct advance deposit wagering.”

Gamble

Dog racing is illegal in the state of California.

Lottery: Legal

California has a state regulated lottery that provides a variety of games. A few of these games include SuperLotto Plus and Mega Millions.

Here’s what section 8880.1 of the California Government Code says about the lottery:

“The People of the State of California declare that the purpose of this Act is support for preservation of the rights, liberties and welfare of the people by providing additional monies to benefit education without the imposition of additional or increased taxes. The People of the State of California further declare that it is their intent that the net revenues of the California State Lottery shall not be used as substitute funds but rather shall supplement the total amount of money allocated for public education in California.”

Bingo: Tribal Casinos and Charitable Games Only

You can find regular gambling bingo in approved tribal casinos.

You won’t find regular bingo halls in California–the only approved bingo is when played for charity. Charitable bingo games can only be held once per year, and no cash prizes can be given out.

Here’s what section 19985 of The Gambling Control Act says about nonprofit organization fundraisers:

“(a)Nonprofit organizations provide important and necessary services to the people of the State of California with respect to educational and social services and there is a need to provide methods of fundraising to nonprofit organizations so as to enable them to meet their stated purposes.

(b)The playing of controlled games for the purpose of raising funds by nonprofit organizations is in the public interest.

(c)Uniform regulation for the conduct of controlled games is in the best interests of nonprofit organizations and the people of this state.”

Social Gambling: Illegal

Illegal forms of gambling in California include:

  • Faro
  • Monte
  • Roulette
  • Lansquenet
  • Rouge et noire
  • Rondo
  • Tan
  • Fan-tan
  • Seven-and-a-half
  • Twenty-one
  • Hokey-pokey

If you’re caught betting in any of these games you can end up paying $1,000 in fines and spending six months in jail.

Here’s what section 330 of the California Gambling Law, Regulations, and Resource Information says about illegal forms of gambling and the punishment for it:

“Every person who deals, plays, or carries on, opens, or causes to be opened, or who conducts, either as owner or employee, whether for hire or not, any game of faro, monte, roulette, lansquenet, rouge et noire, rondo, tan, fan-tan, seven-and a-half, twenty-one, hokey-pokey, or any banking or percentage game played with cards, dice, or any device, for money, checks, credit, or other representative of value, and every person who plays or bets at or against any of those prohibited games, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable by a fine not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment.”

Draw Poker: Legal With Restrictions

California counties that have more than 4 million residents prohibit draw poker.

Here’s what section 337 of the California Law, Regulations, and Resource Information says about it:

“(a) This section applies only in counties with a population exceeding 4,000,000. (b) Every person who deals, plays, or carries on, opens, or causes to be opened, or who conducts, either as owner or employee, whether for hire or not, any game of draw poker, including lowball poker, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(e) The Legislature finds that in counties with a large, concentrated population, problems incident to the playing of draw poker are, in part, qualitatively, as well as quantitatively, different from the problems in smaller counties. The Legislature finds that counties with a population exceeding 4,000,000 constitute a special problem, and it is reasonable classification to adopt prohibitory legislation applicable only to such counties.”

Gambling Venues in California

65 active tribal casinos and 94 gaming establishments or card rooms operate in California.

Here are some of the current tribal casinos in the state:

    1) Win-River Casino

    2100 Redding Rancheria Road

    Redding, California 96001-5530

    2) Winnedumah Winn’s Casino

    135 South Highway 395

    Independence, California 93526

    3) Table Mountain Casino

    8184 Table Mountain Road

    Friant, California 93626 800-541-3637

    4) Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino

    17225 Jersey Avenue

    Lemoore, California 93245-9760

    5) San Pablo Lytton Casino

    13255 San Pablo Ave

    San Pablo, CA 94806

    6) Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino

    25575 Highway 79 PO Box 600

    Santa Ysabel, California 92070

    7) Red Fox Casino & Bingo

    200 Cahto Drive

    Laytonville, California 95454

    8) Red Hawk Casino

    1 Red Hawk Boulevard

    Placerville, CA 95667

    9) Paiute Palace Casino

    2742 North Sierra Highway

    Bishop, California 93514

    10) Pala Casino Spa Resort

    11154 Highway 76

    Pala, California 92059

History of Gambling in California

1933

Horse race betting becomes legal at six tracks and many offtrack betting establishments.

1988

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act helps bring casino gambling business to California by forming compacts with over 50 tribes. The tribes start their casinos with bingo-style games.

2000

Casino gambling is fully legalized on tribal land. Individual compacts are formed with each tribe to agree on the type and number of games the casinos can run.

2010

Horse race betting online is officially legalized for California residents.

2012

Attempts to regulate online poker are put before the California Senate. They fail.

2014

Can You Legally Bet Online In California

Another attempt to regulate online poker is put before the California Senate. They fail again.

Additional Resources

California’s Gambling Future

California Online Gambling Real Money

Brick and mortar establishments are pushing heavily for state regulated online gambling. Because of the large population, having state regulated gambling would allow huge online tournaments and promotions at California gambling sites.

One setback of the state regulated online gambling is the tribal casinos. The tribal casinos have run casino gambling in California for years, so they want to be responsible for online gambling too.

California Online Gaming

Aside from regulating online gambling, we don’t foresee much change in the California gambling law. You can find plenty of casinos and card rooms throughout the state. The state lottery and horse racing venues aren’t going anywhere soon, either.