California Casinos

California Gambling History

It is important to understand California gambling roots to get a good picture of where the state stands:

• 1933 – The earliest form of gambling in California was horse racing which was legalized in the year. Players would walk into the off-track establishment and bet on the six tracks built for real money.
• 1984 – The need for gambling was high by this year, forcing the California legislature to enact the ‘Gambling Registration Act’ that required the office of the Attorney General to provide uniformity and minimum regulation on all card rooms in Cal. However, the office of the Attorney General was limited on its funding and was also limited on authority. This prompted the legislature to enact another act, the Gambling Control Act, that would see a broader oversight of the gambling activities in California (see 1997). 
• 1988 – The Indian tribes were recognized under federal law and given the right to have limited and regulated gaming on specified tribal lands. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) legislation focused on sustaining a federal Indian policy that would achieve three main aspects. One was to ensure the Indian tribes had a strong tribal government developed. Secondly, the policy would ensure self-sufficiency, and lastly, help advance tribal economic standings.

The next years under IGRA were successful. However, there was a state-level threat to the achievement of the tribes’ self-reliance. The tribal government gaming operations were stifled by out-of-state gaming interests leading to the support and funding of regulations limiting Indian gaming operations.

• 1997 – The legislature adopted the Gambling Control Act that later birthed the California Gambling Control Commission to regulate all gambling activities in Cali.
• 1998 – Came the first political and regulation dispute where the Supreme Court of California declared that the constitutional ban on Nevada and New Jersey gaming-type was violated through the slot machines and house-banked card games. To solve it, the Supreme Court suggested that the legislature amend the constitution via The Tribal Government Gaming and Economic Self-Sufficiency Act (Proposition 5) and have the CA people approve or disapprove such gaming on tribal lands. This would be done through voting.

The amendment was approved by the voters, allowing Indian gaming to continue on the tribal lands. 

• 2000 – California voters approved Proposition 1A to see the California constitution amended to permit Class III gaming on the tribal lands. The passing of two amendments (Proposition 5 and 1A) saw the support of Indian gaming growing exponentially. 

Years later, California is home to 76 Indian casinos and five (5) mini-casinos that generate $8 billion in revenues annually. The Indian gaming industry in California has seen a wide range of games operated, including 70,000+ slots and 2,000+ table games.

There have been various unsuccessful attempts of regulating online gambling, most notably in 2010, 2012, and 2014 on regulating online poker. 

Is it Legal to Gamble Online in California?

Questions such as can I gamble online in CA have long dominated, and there is every right to ask, considering several states allow online gambling on casinos, poker, and sports. So, is online gambling legal in California? The simple answer is no. All online gambling activities are illegal and prohibited in California. Whether one wishes to wager online on sportsbooks, poker, or casino, Cal gambling regulation laws do not legalize any activity.

However, there is a reprieve on some forms of online gambling in the state. As stated, Cal players can wager online on social casinos with no real money deposits. In addition, they can bet on daily fantasy sports, with bookies such as FanDuel and DraftKings providing their DFS services in California. Many of the states categorize DFS as games of skill, an aspect that sees them not restricted. Also available for online wagering are the horse racing events. This will involve players depositing at any licensed pari-mutuel betting platform to bet. The California Horse Racing Board regulates all racing betting operations.

Online Casino

California state has not legalized or licensed any online casino to operate in its jurisdiction. However, players can access offshore online casinos that are not owned or licensed in CA. The drawback is that without regulation, should any dispute arise, the gambling control commission cannot come to the rescue.

Online Poker

This is one of the products that has received a lot of push and support from several legislators, including Roderick Wright, Lou Correa, and Reggie Jones-Sawyer, since the year 2010. While all the push to make online poker legal has been unsuccessful so far, there is more light to legalize it in the future.

Online Sports Betting

Currently, online sports betting operators are not licensed or legalized in California. The same case applies to offline/land-based sportsbooks. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 saw all forms of sports betting illegalized in the US.

However, the US Supreme Court in 2018 made a landmark ruling that allowed the states to legalize sports betting. The decision saw several states launch online sportsbooks that went live since then. Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are among the states that have since legalized sports betting and reap big from the tax revenue generated. This is a product that is likely to be considered for Cali players.

Online Lottery

Online lottery is also not legalized in California. CA players can only play the lottery offline by purchasing tickets on the different kiosks and shops across the state. The only online aspect introduced on the lottery is a downloadable app for players to view if their tickets are won. 

Online Bingo

Like the lottery, California is home to 150+ Bingo halls that award physical prizes and cash prizes, in some instances. However, online bingo is not legalized in California. But, the positive highlight is that no direct law criminalizes online bingo betting on licensed offshore platforms.

Online Horse Race Betting

Horse racing is highly appreciated in California, and while Cali doesn’t legalize sports betting, players can bet on several race tracks either offline or online. In addition, they can take advantage of the loyalty program, among other attractive bonuses and promotions, while playing at their comfort.

Besides that, online horse race betting provides more betting options compared to off-track betting facilities. For example, players can bet live as the events proceed or access exotics such as quinella, exacta, trifecta, among others.

Online Sweepstakes

Online sweepstakes are allowed in California, where players can win prizes and gift cards from online casino games and poker. However, Cali players should keep in mind that they do not require any real money to enter or win any prize at any sweepstakes. All legitimate sweepstakes in CA are free.

Daily Fantasy Sports

As stated earlier, daily fantasy sports are not illegalized in California as they are viewed as games of chance. This has seen top DFS providers such as DraftKings and FanDuel accepting Cali players. While the legislators looked to regulate DFS in 2016, the bill did not get to the voting stage at the California Senate.

Gambling Age Law

The legal gambling age in California stands at 18+ for bingo, lottery, and pari-mutuel. Additionally, the same requirement is also placed on patrons accessing the land-based and cardrooms. However, there is a requirement on several land-based casinos that place the age requirement at 21+ to serve the players with alcohol legally.

California gambling laws allow each casino to set its policies, including age requirements as they wish. This explains why some casinos will only admit patrons who are 21+ in their premises. In addition, most offshore online casinos operating in California also require an age limit of 18+.

Most Reputable 18+ Online Casinos for California Players

Remember, the official gambling regulatory body in CA doesn’t legalize or license any online casino. Efforts to see any progress in this regard have been thwarted by the lack of a middle ground between the Indian tribes and the online operators.

However, the state doesn’t place any law on the restriction of online betting on any legally regulated and licensed offshore online casino. This is good news to Cali players who wish to play online slots, table games, video poker games, scratch card games, keno, among other online casino games for real money. The online casinos we have listed on our guide are among the most reputable online casinos to create an account with and play.

Can You Play Slots Online in California?

The simple answer is it depends on the end game. There is no real money online casino legalized in California. Instead, California only legalizes social casinos and sweepstakes to play online slots for entertainment purposes or win prizes. Social casinos make it easier to pass the time and socialize, and in some cases, may allow players to gift each other. Sweepstakes will not require any money to enter and will be by chance. 

However, since the Gambling Control Commission in CA does not regulate any activity or get involved in any dispute, the player needs to ensure they play on licensed online casinos.

Among the top software providers powering the online slots CA include:

• NetEnt – The provider is one of the top industry-leading software providers, having existed for over 20 years. Its games are beautifully designed and come in in high-quality graphics and soundtracks. Some of the top names include Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
• Microgaming – Microgaming is another provider with a stellar reputation in the gaming industry. Majoring in all types of slots, including classics, video slots, and progressive jackpots, Microgaming also offers favorable payout percentages. Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, and Immortal Romance are among the top titles.
• Playtech – Playtech is another long-serving software provider with a good ranking in the industry. While the provider also offers other game types, its slots have stood out for the generous features they come with, including bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots.
• Pragmatic Play – Armed with close to 200 slots, Pragmatic Play is another software provider available in the online slots CA portfolio. Known for high-quality products that feature the latest technology, Pragmatic Play slots are also available on mobile. Wolf Gold and The Dog House are some of its slots.

The Future of Online Gambling in California

The odds of CA online gambling tend to favor online sports betting and online poker more than they favor online casino gambling. After the 2018 US Supreme Court ruling on legalizing sports betting, 26+ states have allowed sports bets to be taken in their jurisdictions. In California, the residents will vote in 2022 whether to allow sports betting. It is estimated that if online sports betting was legalized in California, the state would earn some $3 billion in gross revenue. 

Keep in mind that California is home to among the top popular teams in the country. They include three (3) NHL teams, five (5) MLB teams, three (3) NFL franchises, and four (4) NBA franchises. In addition, CA is home to top college teams in UCLA and USC.

Online poker has also received a lot of push by several legislators since 2010, and while it hasn’t been successful yet, there is every pointer that the odds are slightly favorable. However, the future of CA online casino gambling is difficult to envision as it stands.

Land-Based Casinos in California

California is the biggest Indian gaming state with 76 Indian casinos and five (5) mini-casinos owned by 73 of 109 state’s tribes. While the state doesn’t legalize online casinos, players wishing to try out slot machines (70,000+) and table games (2,000+) can walk into any of the casinos to play, provided they meet the age requirements. The land-based casinos are divided as follows:

• Northern and Central California – 47 Casinos
• Southern California – 29 Casinos
• In development – 5 more casinos

All Indian gaming is recognized under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) that allows all Indian tribes to conduct gambling, provided it is on Indian land and the gambling type is authorized for non-Indians. 

So, what is Indian land? According to IGRA, Indian land is referred to as land that is:

1. Held in trust by the federal government for a tribe;
2. Part of an Indian reservation recognized by the federal government.

Gaming is then divided into three (3) classes according to the IGRA. The classes are:

• Class I – Involves traditional and social gaming. The tribal governments control the class, and players can expect minimal prizes here.
• Class II – Involves players gambling against each other. Here, CA players will come across non-banked card games, among other games such as Keno, Poker, Punchboards, Bingo, and Pull-tabs.
• Class III – Involves gambling against the house. Also referred to as Vegas-style gambling and incorporates games such as slot machines, roulette, craps, blackjack, and other forms of gaming not in the other two classes.

Some of the biggest Cali land-based casinos include:

Casino Games for Real Money in CA

Users can walk in and play for real money on the slots, table games, poker, bingo, among other games offered on any tribal casino in California. However, despite the state not legalizing any online casino gambling in the state, CA players can still enjoy the best selection of online casino games from the various licensed offshore online casinos operating in the state. This allows them to create accounts with the casinos, deposit, and wager for real money. In addition, some also allow demo mode for players to try the games and understand all the basics, including the stakes, before proceeding to play for real money. 

However, the major highlight is how the casinos make it convenient for every player to access their accounts. Mobile gaming is one of the options that has also birthed online casino apps. So, punters can now download the CA online casino apps and play from anywhere, provided they fund their accounts. Mobile gaming is not different from normal gaming with all products, features, and services. Here are some of the products to play for real money on the casinos:

Poker

Besides playing in a poker room at one of the offline casinos, the offshore online casinos in CA provide several video poker titles. Powered by providers such as Play’n Go, Playtech, and Microgaming, CA bettors can play games, including Aces & Faces, Deuces Wild, Tens or Better, and Bonus Poker. 

Roulette

Roulette is arguably the most popular card game in the casinos. Most software providers have provided different Roulette variations, allowing players to wager on European, American, and French Roulette. The best highlight is that both low-stake and high-stake CA bettors can try the different games available.

Lottery

Lottery has also shifted online, with every activity carried online. Cali players can join offshore online casinos with lottery games and participate easily by buying online tickets and waiting on the draw to win cash prizes or ultimate jackpots if lucky.

Other Online Casino Games

More is still at stake to play online, including bingo that provides different online rooms to win prizes, popular online slots across the gaming sphere, online blackjack and baccarat allowing users to play different variants, and scratch card games providing instant wins.