Gambling or gaming activity is regulated by several different agencies in California. The list below will direct you to the responsible entity. Illegal gambling activity, cardroom activities, background checks, game rules, and self-exclusion at cardrooms Bureau of Gambling Control. All forms of California gambling laws must be approved by voters through a constitutional amendment. Every form of legal gambling in California went through this process that includes a statewide referendum. Most forms of illegal gambling are guilty of a misdemeanor. Horseracing was the first form of betting permitted in California.

1. Gambling Illegal In California
2. Is Gambling Illegal In California
3. Illegal Gambling Machines In California
4. Illegal Gambling Charges In California
5. Is Online Gambling Illegal In California

• Casino Gambling: Legal
• Poker: Legal
• Horse Racing Betting: Legal
• Lottery: Legal
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal
• Charitable Gaming: Legal
• Social Gambling: Legal
• Online Gambling: Unspecified

California gambling law is among the most liberal in the country, outside of New Jersey and Nevada. As a frontier state, California has a long history with gambling, both regulated and unregulated. Because California’s population swelled during the 20th century, it’s now one of the most influential states in America. What happens in California tends to start a national conversation. That’s why it’s good news for gamblers that the state is headed increasingly in the direction of full legalization.

It wouldn’t be off the mark to suggest that California’s size (both in area and population) was instrumental in its becoming a generally-liberal state. Californians can place legal wagers across a variety of markets, are allowed to host private games, and are among the most loyal purchasers of state and national lottery games.

Not only do people in the Golden State enjoy a relaxed atmosphere toward gambling law, the California criminal code hands out pretty light penalties for offenses related to gambling. A person’s first offense is almost always a low-grade misdemeanor charge, similar to a traffic ticket. The entire attitude of law enforcement towards gambling in the state has an air of “decriminalization” about it. A combination of wide legalization of gaming and softened penalties for betting infractions means the state is pretty “hands-off” about gambling.

When you take a look at the key gambling states for the state of California, you get an idea of just how big the state is. Lots of people, lots of money exchanging hands, and lots of interest in the gambling industry. Though some of the state’s existing restrictions have kept gambling from becoming the mega-business it might be in the Golden State, namely laws against certain table games and certain ways of gambling, the state still does brisk business in terms of gaming tax revenue.

If you’re a little confused by some of those stats, you’re in good company. California isn’t home to any proper commercial casinos, but it’s saturated with card rooms and tribal venues. It’s an unusual setup for a US state outside of the south. California’s gambling law is pretty liberal, but that lack of commercial casinos should be a clue – it’s also very complicated.

California Gambling Highlights

Legal Age Online

18+

Online Casinos

Yes

Legal State Lottery

Yes

Legal Sports Betting

No

Summary of California Gambling Laws

California’s Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) covers the current state of gambling on native reservations. Below are answers to the most common questions about California betting.

Yes, gambling is legal in California. You can partake in tribal casinos, fantasy leagues, horse race betting, and state lotteries. While sports betting and online gaming are not regulated at the state level, you can play at offshore sites.

18 is the minimum age to gamble in California. However, many casinos don’t allow players under 21 years old on-site because of strict alcohol and zoning guidelines. If you are over 18, you can join offshore online sites and enter a few native gaming sites.

California does not have regulated online gambling. The state’s gaming is currently controlled by the tribes in the region, which can cause friction between the state and tribes. Fantasy leagues, poker, sports betting, and offshore casinos are available to players online.

Yes, California has land-based casinos. There are plenty of brick-and-mortar options and resorts in the region where you can visit and gamble in-person. These are all operated by the native tribes in the area, and you won’t find commercial establishments.

Yes, offshore casinos are safe for California residents. All our recommended sites have the necessary licensing to operate and have been investigated by a third party.

Yes, you need to pay taxes on gambling winnings in California. We suggest taking a look at our exclusive article on everything you need to know about gaming taxes. It includes detailed information from a certified public accountant.

Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information. Readers should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.

Online Gambling in California

There are no state-regulated online casinos in California.The laws can be confusing to players as it’s not always clear what games are prohibited and allowed. However, the offshore gambling sites that OUSC recommends are available for everyone over 18 to enjoy.

Don’t get put off by the term “offshore.” We review and verify our recommendations to ensure they have the proper licensing. Therefore, offshore online casinos are an excellent option for Californian residents who wish to gamble safely online.

You can also bet on sports and play poker at our recommended casinos. It is only illegal for Californians to play online games at sites run in the US.

The Best Online Casinos for California Players

The table below has the best offshore casinos for players in California. You can trust the banking options and site security, plus the software and game selection are unmatched.

California Casinos

Native American tribes run the 65+ brick-and-mortar casinos in California. Many are enormous resorts on reservations a short drive outside of the cities.

You’ll have no problem finding your favorite game in Californian casinos. Across the massive state, you can enjoy over 70,000 slot machines and 2,000 table games.

Gambling Illegal In California

Poker Rooms

California also has poker rooms available to those that enjoy playing games like Texas Hold’em and Five Card Draw. The scene is bustling in California, and you’ll always find a seat with over 85 poker rooms in the state. You can play live hands with real money, and might even see some professional players!

Map of California Casinos & Poker Rooms

Is Gambling Illegal In California

This interactive map shows you the location of California’s land-based casinos and poker rooms.

Top California Casinos

• Total Casinos: 65+
• Poker Rooms: 85+
• Tribal Casinos: 65+

Other California Gambling Options

Casino games are fun, but you have more gambling options in California. Below we look at the other types of legal betting in the state.

Sports Betting

Sportsbooks in California must be at an offshore online casino. However, fantasy leagues like DraftKings are permitted.

State Lottery

California’s state lottery offers massive prize pools. You’ll find scratch offs, Mega Millions, Fantasy 5, Powerball, and more.

Illegal Gambling Machines In California

Race Betting

Dog and horse race betting is entirely legal in California. You can wager on races at tribal casinos and race tracks.

Charitable Gaming

Some organizations are allowed to host bingo games for charitable efforts after obtaining the proper permits.

California passed its first piece of gambling regulation in 1933 when betting on horses was legalized.

Following an extended period, California passed a law in 1984 to meet the rising demand for gambling establishments.

Also, in 1984, the state created the California Lottery, taking control of something that had been controversial in the Golden State since the 1800s. The new rules let individuals buy scratch cards and participate in drawings.

In 2000, the federal government allowed Native American tribes to control gambling in select states. That led to a boom in casinos in California, and ultimately the gaming industry becoming a multibillion-dollar market.

Today, California has more than 65 land-based casinos across the state that also act as entertainment resorts and hotels.

Illegal Gambling Charges In California

Recent Legal Updates & News

Throughout the 2000s, California is undergoing a tough legal battle regarding online gambling. Tribal casinos are fighting to retain executive control over the state’s industry and lobbying against statewide regulation.

Many experts predict that any bill about online gambling is dead in California until at least 2022. Still, the discussion is always ongoing since it would provide a substantial economic boost to the area.

Is Online Gambling Illegal In California

Additionally, since there is no specific law prohibiting fantasy sports betting, sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are currently seizing the opportunity to establish dominance in the market.

Enjoy Gambling in California Today

There are a few legal restrictions for Californian gamblers keep in mind, but that still leaves you plenty of options to place your bets. Feel free to sign up at one of our safe and legit offshore online casinos. Create an account to place sports bets, play all your favorite games, and join internet poker tournaments!

Alternatively, at brick-and-mortar locations, you can enjoy the community, beverages, and the atmosphere. Travel to a tribal casino while you are in Cali, play at real money tables, and spin the reels on slot machines.