Can You Gamble Online 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. Yes, it's legal to gamble online in the U.S. Provided you're 18-or-older. Check out our recommended online casinos to verify that they are safe and secure. While it's legal for U.S. Players to gamble at our top-rated sites, it is illegal to operate a casino online. 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. If you set up an online sports betting account in California, you can only use it to make bets inside the state boundaries. Online gambling is regulated at the state level, not the federal level, so California law no longer applies when you leave the state.
With such a large population, legal online gambling for California residents represents an enormous market share. California is one of the more progressive states when it comes to online gambling, with locals partaking in all types of popular gambling. In terms of regulation, California has taken greater strides than just about any other state. Several bills have gone through the State Assembly, but none have actually emerged. The Tribal entities in the state, as well as opponents to gambling on a whole, have blocked most attempts at actually regulating gambling.
In spite of their efforts to stop a regulatory body from being created, there are still a handful of gambling sites that accept residents of California. Our primary objective here is to show you some insight about the legalities of online gambling in California, as we want to clear the air of any misconceptions you may have.
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Online Gambling Age For California Residents
As with many states, gambling in California is subject to a variety of different gambling age limitations. California is somewhat more confusing than some other states due to the fact that the state has set the bar lower than what some casinos will follow. What this means is that the state only requires residents to be 18 before they can engage in most forms of gambling, though the gambling business itself may have a higher requirement. In the event that this higher requirement is in place, it actually supersedes the state law. For land-based casinos and poker rooms, the age can be either 18 or 21. The same goes for online casinos and poker rooms. Playing bingo, the lottery and dog/horse races also requires you to be only 18. Online sports betting has a firm 21 year limit on the age requirement. Remember to check the minimum age required by your preferred gambling location, as this could be higher than your state's requirements.
California Online Gambling Laws
The online gambling laws in California are, as of now, nonexistent. There has yet to be a law written specifically covering online gambling. The state statutes reflect no ban on online gambling as far as we can tell, which is why it is generally understood that there are no penalties for online gambling. That having been said, PASPA has recently been repealed and it is possible that online sports betting could come to California in the upcoming years. If it continues in the footsteps of other states, California will likely regulate land-based, mobile, and online gambling. If you want to take a look for yourself at the current general laws, browse through Title 9, Chapter 10, of the California Penal Code
California Gambling Taxes
Unfortunately, you are supposed to pay taxes on all income that comes in, and that includes paying taxes from online gambling revenue in California. With that being said, right now there is no regulation for online gambling in California, so they really have no way of knowing that you brought the money in. The best thing you can do if you want to follow the law (which we suggest) is to pay taxes on all profits that you earn for the year.
Gambling Sites That Accept California Residents
When we started looking into the industry of legal USA online gambling, we had looked into quite a few different online gambling sites that accept residents from California. With such a large population, indeed a fairly wide reach of gamblers, it would be silly to overlook such an extensive market. We have only brought the best sites available into our list, as player protection is one of our primary purposes.
Bovada: Bet On All California Teams
One of the best online gambling sites is Bovada. One reason why is because of the variety of stuff that you can place your wagers on and win money. Along with sports, there is also an online casino available as well. With those options is a live dealer for those who want to play and experience the live feeling of being at a casino online. This is a great option for those who don’t want to leave home but do want to participate in betting options. Still have slots and blackjack games that open up many other winning chances as well. Signing up for Bovada also rewards its players with many promotions so make sure to take advantage of that while you have the chance to. It doesn’t take that long to sign up so just make sure you are 18 and older and you will be making money in no time.Go To Bovada!
BetOnline: NFL In Game Betting On Your Phone
The golden state is the most populated state in the union, and you can bet that a large subsection of the folks use BetOnline, the best overall gambling site for California residents. Since there are no sportsbooks in California, people need to either take a trip to Nevada or go online to a legal sports betting site. BetOnline is not only the best online sportsbook; it’s also the best poker site and virtual casino. The developers know what they are doing, having been at it for over ten years strong.
One of the many reasons to join BetOnline today is that they are offering a 100% poker signup bonus that will reward you just for joining the family. Make a first deposit of $50 or more, and you will be eligible to receive a 100% match bonus. Email freeplay@betonline.ag with “NEWBOL” in the subject line to let them know that you are interested. This is a prime time to join BetOnline and start throwing bones. Go To BetOnline!
| Betting Sites | Bonuses | Features | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% - $250 | Poker / Casino Games | ||
| 50% - $1,000 | Poker / Casino Games | ||
| 50% - $1,000 | Poker / Casino Games | ||
| 50% - $520 | Live Dealer Casino |
| US Casinos | Bonuses | Bonus Codes | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400% - $4K | LUCKYRED400 | ||
| 100% - $777 | BIGSLOT | ||
| 200% - $500 | SLOTS500 | ||
| 100% - $500 | HELLOSLOTS | ||
| 200% - $2K | No Code Needed | ||
| 200% - $1K | USA1000 |
| Poker Sites | Bonuses | Features | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% - $1,000 | Sports Betting / Casino | ||
| 100% - $1,000 | Sports Betting / Casino |
Latest Legal USA Gambling News for California
Online Casinos That Accept California Residents
While you could probably drive up the block and find a casino, there are also many online casinos in the state, casinos that offer all of the same games - generally with different themes (in the case of slots) and definitely with higher pay rates. These casinos offer players safe and fun ways to entertain themselves. See all online casinos that accept USA players.
Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept California Residents
Unless you live close enough to the Nevada border, it is generally impossible to bet on sports. This is no longer true due to online sports betting, where you can wager on sports with no real complications. We expect our readers to be able to bet without any trouble, as all of the sites we share are trustworthy and safe. See all sports betting sites accepting USA players.
Online Poker Sites That Accept California Residents
Though the number of legal online poker is somewhat limited at this point, there are still a few viable options out there. Even if the industry of online poker has taken a few hits over the past few years, it has continued to thrive. We are going to share with you only the best poker rooms for Californian residents, so you should not have too much trouble getting at the felts if you follow our advice.
Online Bingo Sites That Accept California Players
Bingo players can pull up their computer chair and hit the cards with no trouble, as we have secured a list of online bingo sites where real money play is not only accepted but also encouraged. Though these are not the most popular of the California gambling sites, they are still available for those who want to participate.
Is Online Gambling Legal In California?
Online gambling is legal in California when you use reputable online gambling sites. We have thoroughly explored both the California Constitution and the California Penal Code and there are no laws that mention using the internet to gamble. CA is similar to most states that have opted to rely on federal stipulations when it comes to certain types of gambling, though none of these laws make gambling on the internet illegal for bettors. Any statute regarding online gambling applies to operators and/or other US businesses.
California residents do not have to be fearful of laws that do not exist and therefore cannot effect how you gamble. Our only caveat is that you should never use a local bookie to bet on anything. The law does strictly prohibit gambling with land-based bookmakers that are not licensed. Stick to the legal offshore gambling sites featured on our page when you are ready to start wagering.
Can California Residents Safely Gamble Online?
Regardless of any online gambling laws in California lead you to believe, it is safe for any resident of California to gamble online for real money. You will have a problem if you decide that you want to start your own online or offline gambling business, however. We do not recommend this to anyone especially if you plan on basing your operation inside the state. So, as long as you are just a consumer and you stick the recommendations we have on this page (all are safe and trusted), you will not need to worry about any consequences from gambling online in California.
Are Online Casinos Legal In California?
With no blanket ban on online gambling, it is fair to assume that there are legal online casinos in California. These online casinos will provide you with a way to participate in a handful of games, providing you with just about everything you would find in a live casino – and more. You will not run into any issues of legality when using reputable casino gaming sites that are based offshore.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In California?
The industry of sports betting is more scrutinized by the government, but the California government has done nothing to specifically make it illegal for players to bet on sports in California. Since federal laws like the Wire Act effectively make it so those 'in the business of bookmaking' are held liable, you as a player can generally safely make wagers. Also keep in mind that numerous states have started to regulate the industry, which means legal California sports gambling sites could be licensed by the state sooner than later.
Is Online Poker Legal In California?
California residents are one of the largest groups of online poker players. While the state has not passed any online poker laws as of late, there are still a wide range of options for legal online poker gambling in California. Numerous sites accept local residents every day for real money poker games and tournaments. BetOnline has one of the most popular online poker rooms, but California residents may also like the poker room at SportsBetting.
Can I Bet On Horse Racing In California?
California has a booming horse racing industry where residents are free to bet on the ponies as often as they’d like. The state offers regulated pari-mutuel and simulcast horse wagering opportunities to horseplayers at various locations. While you can visit Santa Anita and spend the day at the races, it is not feasible to make this trip every single day. That is where online racebooks come in to provide you with 24/7 horse racing betting action. You can bet on tracks in California or those scattered all throughout the nation.
Funding Your Legal Online Gambling Account
Once you have registered at a site, you can move on to funding your legal online gambling account. There are several convenient deposit methods that you can choose from, through the specific banking limits will vary from site to site. The best funding method across the board is bitcoin. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is extremely fast and equally as reliable. You make deposits of anywhere between $10 and $50,000 almost instantly. All you have to do is transfer your BTC to the bitcoin wallet address provided by the cashier at the site, and your funds will be available for wagering.
For high roller betting, we suggest using bank wire transfers. Bank wires take money from your checking or savings account and send it directly to the online cashier. While there are bank-dependent fees for using this method, there is no maximum limit when it comes to making a deposit. Your cash should be reflected in your account within 72 hours.
Aside from these methods, you can also use money orders, checks, and credit cards for deposits. Check with your preferred online gambling site for processing speeds and other details.
California Gambling FAQS
How Much Does The Membership Cost?
Online gambling sites do not charge any membership fees for new customers. Hard to believe considering how valuable their gambling products and exclusive promotions are, but there is no reason to ever pay to join a site. Operators want you to spend your money on gambling rather than having to pay exorbitant miscellaneous fees. The best online gambling sites value their players and show this by offering their services at no charge.
Do I have to submit a new Credit Card Authorization Form every time I use my credit card?
No, you only have to submit a credit card authorization the first time you use your credit card. Safety is extremely important at the top online gambling sites. Cashiers ask for verification forms as a way to protect your account and to ensure that your card is not being used fraudulently. Once the operator has your authorization on file, you can use the same credit card to make instant deposits.
Do Bitcoin Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Betting?
Bitcoin sportsbooks offer mobile betting for players that want to bet on the go. These apps are completely free, and many times do not require any additional download. For example, you can just visit 5Dimes.eu from your handheld device to be redirected to the mobile site. You can still bet on Golden State, make a fast BTC deposit, or request a payout with just a few swipes. Mobile sports betting is compatible with most devices, including iPhones, BlackBerrys, Android, and Windows devices.
Will I go to jail for online gambling in California?
No, it is extremely unlikely that a casual bettor would ever fo to jail for online gambling in CA. There is no precedent that we can cite that would make us believe that online gambling has ever gotten someone arrested in the state of California. No, you have nothing to worry about.
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Last Updated January 6, 2021
Too many players, California – not Nevada – is the center of the poker universe. The state has earned that reputation thanks largely to the card clubs that host high-stakes cash and tournament action year-round. When it comes to online poker, and gambling in general, players are likely to have a number of questions and concerns. That’s why we’ve assembled this guide to online poker in California that encompasses legal issues, history, the very latest regarding poker news from the Golden State and which sites accept CA players.
California’s appearance in gambling headlines is generally a result of some new delay or disagreement regarding the state’s efforts to legalize online poker California. The state has been going back and forth on the issue for approximately ten years now, and recent attempts to rally support for a revised approach also fell flat. While progress was made in the last few years to garner the quell the opposition of the horse racing industry, the bad actor clause remains the final sticking point on which there is no compromise.
| Type/Code | Summary |
|---|---|
| State Code Section(s) | PEN.1.9.10330-337; BPC.4-5 |
| Definition of Gambling | Gambling: To deal, operate, carry on, conduct, maintain, or expose for play any controlled game. |
| Definition of Banking Game or Banked Game | Banking game or banked game: Does not include a controlled game if the published rules of the game feature a player-dealer position and provide that this position must be continuously and systematically rotated amongst each of the participants during the play of the game, ensure that the player-dealer is able to win or lose only a fixed and limited wager during the play of the game, and preclude the house, another entity, a player, or an observer from maintaining or operating as a bank during the course of the game. |
| Online Poker/Gambling | For 10 years (2006-2016), lawmakers considered variations of online poker legislation but failed to pass one through both houses. Some special interests were placated through the years, but the tribes and card rooms could not find agreement on “bad actor” language. Lawmakers finally gave up after finding no compromises in 2016 and have yet to revisit the issue. |
| Live Poker | Live cash games and tournaments are permitted in more than 100 licensed card rooms throughout the state and casinos on Indian reservations. There are special rules pertaining to draw poker, which must be approved by voters in counties with large populations. |
| Casinos | In addition to card rooms that offer non-house-banked games like poker and California blackjack, casinos are located throughout the state on various Indian reservations. Most of those casinos are complete with table games, slot machines, and other games like keno and bingo. |
| Sports Betting | A bill introduced in 2017 to legalize sports betting was still in action in 2018 but had yet to pass as of the summer session. |
| DFS | California considered daily fantasy sports in 2016, but no bill passed, and there have been no proposals since. |
| Other Forms of Gambling | Lottery, pari-mutuel horse wagering, charitable gambling. |
Recent California Headlines for 2019
While progress was made in the last few years to garner the quell the opposition of the horse racing industry, the bad actor clause remains the final sticking point on which there is no compromise. The most recent attempt at a bill in 2017 by longtime online poker supporter Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer was met with such resistance to compromise on the bad actor debate that the bill was considered dead by mid-April. Jones-Sawyer noted that it might be best to start from the beginning, which looks like won’t happen until 2018 at the soonest.
One interesting development in 2017 was the withdrawal of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians from the PokerStars coalition. The move came about due to the exhaustion of funds over many years pertaining to this issue with no clear resolution in sight, but it leaves the PokerStars group weakened, now boasting of the Morongo tribe as the only Native American faction on board with the removal of the bad actor clause. Future developments regarding this coalition may make way for a new round of talks.
There was little news regarding online poker in 2018. Jones-Sawyer had been so disenchanted with the breakdown of talks in 2017 – after ten years of efforts – that he chose not to introduced online poker legislation in 2018. He suggested that the possibility of legalized sports betting might bring all of the stakeholders back the to the table with more open minds, and online poker might find an avenue via a joint bill. But despite the US Supreme Court ruling in May 2018 that allowed states to regulate sports betting as they chose, California wasn’t one of the states that considered any proposals.
Meanwhile, tribal casino operators’ longstanding frustrations with California card room operators took a new turn. It started many years ago when tribal leaders complained to the California Gambling Control Commission and Bureau of Gambling Control about card rooms that refuse to adhere to the letter of the law regarding banked and percentage-based table games. Tribes asserted that card rooms worked around the law by using third-party proposition players to fill open spots at tables and act as the bank, but the rotations do not take place per the law. After years of inaction by the state’s gambling regulators, the tribes took matters into their own hands. In November, the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians filed a lawsuit against numerous casinosin the state, including Bicycle Casino, Commerce Casino, Oceans 11, Hollywood Park, Hawaiian Gardens, Hustler, 25 unnamed proposition players, and unnamed third-party prop player providers.
California Sports Betting Laws 2021
Frustrated lawmakers, frustrated tribal leaders, and scrutinized card rooms may find it difficult to come together on sports betting, online poker, or any other gambling-related matter in 2021
All Poker and Gambling Laws by State
Legal Online Gambling In California
They said they would do it, and they did it. And this may only be the beginning. The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians and Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians joined together to file a lawsuit in the County of San Diego in the Superior Court of California.
Read FullCalifornia may not have made any recent progress regarding the legalization of online poker, but the state remains one of the most popular for poker players. There are currently more than 150 card rooms in the state, ranging from small rooms to large facilities dedicated primarily to poker, as well
Read Full- September 25th, 2018
A successful poker player must have confidence. Gordon Vayo has displayed that quality on numerous occasions at the poker tables, whether playing live or online, but none more than in the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event. On the biggest stage in poker, playing for one of the largest
Read Full - February 14th, 2018
That was quick. Not even two full months into 2018 and news emerges that California will not pursue online poker legislation this year. Even the future in California is unclear and seems dependent upon the upcoming US Supreme Court decision regarding sports betting. According to one legislator who has been
Read Full - November 25th, 2017
California has 88 cardrooms currently operating throughout the state, not including those inside many of the 62 tribal casino operations. The vast majority of cardrooms run smoothly and legitimately, staying well within the guidelines of the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) and federal gambling statutes. However, the number of incidents
Read Full - November 21st, 2017
California is a haven for cardrooms. Currently, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) shows 88 active cardrooms throughout the state with 1,997 total tables in operation. This is in addition to the tribal gambling operations in California, which currently total 62 casinos. While state legislators have yet to find agreement
Read Full
California Online Poker Legislation
California Online Gaming
The path to legalized online poker in California has been full of disappointments. Assemblyman Mike Gatto once claimedthat California’s legislature has seen two to six online gambling bills every year since 2008, with none of them being remotely successful. After significant progress in 2016 that resulted in yet another failure, and a total of ten years of attempts to legalize and regulate California real-money online poker, the issue was put on indefinite hold in 2017 due to a stalemate that has caused many lawmakers and interested parties to leave the discussions in frustration.
The Basics of Playing Online Poker in California
You don’t need to know much about California to know that poker is massively popular in the state. Whether it’s the constant action at the state’s card rooms, the regular presence of California-based players on poker’s world stage, or the steady stream of online poker news coming from the state, everything points to one conclusion: Californians are playing Internet poker in numbers that far outstrip any other state in the US (and probably quite a few countries as well).
Like most, poker players want to know that they’re playing at a reputable site which will offer a fair game. We suggest only sites that are properly licensed and regulated in their jurisdiction, ensuring that Californians play only at legal poker rooms online. You can view this page to get a list of the best sites for your state.