Best Legal CA Online Casinos (Accepting California Players in 2024)
California is a strange state because there do not seem to be any laws concerning unlawful gambling that could even pertain to online gambling as a player. Obviously, there are a number of laws concerning acting as an operator in terms of online gambling.
Relaxed Standpoint
California has had a loose stance towards gambling, in general, than some other states, but has not gone all the way with it. California, “Card rooms,” are popular, but even those have a wide variety of laws such that only cards may be used as a physical implement in gambling. It is for that reason that games such as, “Card Craps,” have come to be...because California cannot use dice.
In terms of restrictiveness, as you can see here, we consider California one of the least restrictive states for online gambling.
As Far Back as 2015
The state was one of the major contenders to make a big push towards online gambling, at least in a limited way, with as many as four bills being drafted to legalize and regulate online poker rooms. Those bills, one and all, died a Legislative death (which means they weren’t voted upon by the full Legislature) and what few pushes there have been since, if any, have stalled out pretty early in the process.
Restrictions
Any laws pertaining to actual restrictions for, “Unlawful gambling,” which would include online, have had to do with operators. Strangely, California is one of the few states that enables its Counties or other Municipalities to enact laws that would make acting as a mere player unlawful. We obviously have neither the time nor inclination to research each individual Municipality, (though it is unlikely any of them avail themselves of this ability, and even more unlikely that they actually enforce it even if they do).
Therefore, we will leave that for if there are any concerns about more localized restrictiveness.
Perhaps the most interesting case in California...
...though unrelated to online gambling, is this one in which a legitimate cardroom acted as a front for unlawful sports wagering, among other things.
California is obviously inclined to take Unlawful Gambling seriously on the operators’ side of things, and it is for that reason that (as with almost every other state) nobody is going to want to operate an online casino out of the state of California.
However...
Neither the state nor the Federal Government has any legal reach to punish offshore operators, so the majority of those operators offer their services to California residents.
Casinos found: 219
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To save you time, we are only displaying casinos that are accepting players from United States, you can play in US Dollars and the interface is in English.
If we have jumped the gun, you can remove all those filters by clicking here or fine-tune the results by using the filters section.
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Can I Visit Offshore Online Casinos in California?
While California residents can access offshore online casinos, it's important to understand the legal landscape and potential risks involved.
Here's a detailed look at the situation:
Legal Landscape
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U.S. Federal Law: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 prohibits financial transactions involving online gambling services. However, it does not explicitly make it illegal for individuals to participate in online gambling. This means that while banks and payment processors are restricted, individuals can still technically access offshore casinos. The push to legalize sports betting following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision has added momentum to the broader effort for online gambling legalization in California. However, regulatory concerns and the need for a unified approach have prevented successful legislation. The future remains uncertain, but the potential for significant tax revenue and consumer demand suggests that efforts to legalize online gambling will continue.
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California State Law: California has not yet legalized online casinos. The state permits certain forms of gambling, such as horse racing, the state lottery, and card rooms, but online casino gambling remains unregulated. This lack of regulation means that there is no legal framework protecting players using offshore sites. Key proposals, such as Assembly Bill 9 and Senate Bill 678 in 2015, aimed to legalize online poker and establish a regulatory framework but faced substantial opposition. The primary challenge has been reconciling the diverse interests of stakeholders, including Native American tribes, card rooms, horse racing tracks, and online gambling operators. Native American tribes, in particular, have significant influence and concerns over potential revenue impacts, leading to difficulties in reaching a consensus.
Access and Usage
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Offshore Casinos: Many offshore online casinos accept players from California. These casinos operate outside U.S. jurisdiction, typically in countries with more lenient gambling regulations. Popular jurisdictions include Malta, Gibraltar, and Curacao .
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Player Risks: Using offshore casinos comes with significant risks. These sites are not subject to U.S. laws or regulations, which means that issues such as unfair gaming practices, non-payment of winnings, and lack of recourse for disputes can occur. Players have limited legal protections if something goes wrong.
Regulatory Efforts
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Trends in Legalization: Several U.S. states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, have legalized online casinos.
These states provide a regulated environment with consumer protections and state oversight. California has seen multiple attempts to pass online gambling legislation, but none have succeeded so far. The push for legalization continues, driven by the potential for significant tax revenue and consumer demand .
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Advocacy and Opposition: Various groups advocate for and against the legalization of online gambling in California. Proponents argue that regulation would provide consumer protections, generate tax revenue, and create jobs. Opponents often cite concerns about gambling addiction and the impact on existing brick-and-mortar casinos and card rooms.
Timeline of California Online Gambling Legalization Efforts
2001-2006: Initial Discussions and Proposals
- 2001: Initial discussions on online gambling begin in California, but no formal legislation is proposed.
- 2006: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is passed at the federal level, which indirectly impacts state-level efforts by prohibiting financial transactions for online gambling.
2008-2012: Early Legislative Efforts
- 2008: Senator Roderick Wright introduces SB 1485, aiming to legalize and regulate online poker. The bill does not pass.
- 2010: SB 1485 is reintroduced with amendments but again fails to pass.
- 2012: Senator Wright introduces SB 1463, another attempt to legalize online poker. The bill faces opposition and does not progress.
2013-2016: Heightened Legislative Activity
- 2013: Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer introduces AB 2291 to legalize online poker, while Senator Lou Correa introduces SB 678. Both bills fail to advance.
- 2014: Continued efforts with new bills AB 2291 and SB 1366, focusing on online poker, but neither passes.
- 2015: Multiple bills are introduced:
- AB 9 (Assemblyman Mike Gatto): Legalizes online poker with strict regulations.
- AB 167 (Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer): Proposes a broader regulatory framework for online gambling.
- SB 278 (Senator Isadore Hall): Focuses on online poker.
- None of these bills advance due to opposition from various stakeholders.
- 2016: Assemblyman Adam Gray introduces AB 2863, proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework for online poker. The bill gains traction but ultimately fails due to unresolved disputes among stakeholders.
2017-2019: Focus on Sports Betting
- 2017: Efforts shift towards sports betting following the anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on PASPA.
- 2018: The Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting. California lawmakers introduce proposals to legalize sports betting, but no consensus is reached.
- 2019: Continued focus on sports betting legalization with several proposals, including a potential ballot initiative, but no legislation passes.
2020-Present: Ongoing Efforts and Future Prospects
- 2020: Assemblyman Adam Gray and Senator Bill Dodd propose ACA 16 and SCA 6, respectively, to place sports betting legalization on the 2020 ballot. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts legislative efforts, and the initiatives do not make it to the ballot.
- 2021-2022: Renewed efforts to legalize sports betting and online gambling, with discussions on potential ballot initiatives and legislative proposals. However, no concrete progress is made.
- 2023-Present: Ongoing discussions and proposals continue, with stakeholders still divided on the specifics of regulation and revenue distribution. The future remains uncertain, but the potential for significant tax revenue keeps the issue alive in the legislative agenda.
Conclusion
The journey to legalize online gambling in California has been marked by numerous attempts, shifting focus from online poker to broader online gambling and sports betting. Despite the lack of success so far, the persistent efforts and evolving landscape suggest that the issue will continue to be a significant topic in California's legislative discussions.
While it is possible for California residents to visit offshore online casinos, they should be aware of the legal ambiguities and risks involved. The absence of state regulation means that players are not protected, and disputes can be difficult to resolve. As the landscape of online gambling continues to evolve, Californians may see changes in the coming years, potentially leading to a safer and regulated environment for online casino gaming.
Land Based Casinos in California
What is the Largest Casino in California?
The largest casino in California is Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Located in Temecula, it boasts a gaming floor of 200,000 square feet, making it not only the largest in the state but also one of the largest in the United States. The casino features over 5,000 slot machines, 152 table games, a 700-seat bingo hall, and a 43-table poker room .
Do California Casinos Have Hotels?
Yes, many California casinos have hotels. These casino resorts often include a range of amenities such as luxury accommodations, spas, pools, golf courses, and entertainment venues. Some prominent examples include:
- Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, which has a 1,090-room hotel.
- Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, which features a 310-room hotel.
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, offering a hotel with over 400 rooms .
What Casinos are in Los Angeles?
The city of Los Angeles itself does not have casinos due to local regulations, but there are several card rooms and casinos in the greater Los Angeles area, including:
- Commerce Casino: Known for its extensive poker room, it is located in Commerce.
- The Bicycle Hotel & Casino: Located in Bell Gardens, it offers poker and table games.
- Hustler Casino: Situated in Gardena, it offers a variety of card games and poker .
What Casinos are in San Diego?
San Diego is home to several casinos, including:
- Sycuan Casino Resort: Located in El Cajon, it features a casino, hotel, and golf course.
- Barona Resort & Casino: Known for its excellent customer service and golf course.
- Viejas Casino & Resort: Located in Alpine, it offers a casino, hotel, and outlet center.
- Harrah's Resort Southern California: Located in Valley Center, it is a popular casino resort with various amenities .
What Casinos are in San Francisco?
San Francisco does not have any casinos within the city limits due to local regulations. However, nearby options include:
- Graton Resort & Casino: Located in Rohnert Park, about 50 miles north of San Francisco.
- River Rock Casino: Located in Geyserville, about 75 miles north of San Francisco.
- Cache Creek Casino Resort: Located in Brooks, about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco .
What Casinos are in Sacramento?
The Sacramento area has several casinos, including:
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort: Located in Lincoln, it is one of the largest in Northern California.
- Red Hawk Casino: Situated in Placerville, offering a range of gaming options.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Enter a Casino in California?
In California, the legal age to enter and gamble in a casino is 18 years old. However, some casinos that serve alcohol may require patrons to be at least 21 years old. It is always best to check with the specific casino for their age policies .
Sources:
- California Gambling Control Commission, "Efforts to Legalize Online Gambling"
- American Gaming Association, "State of Play: California"
- Reuters, "California Tribes Split Over Online Poker Bills"
- ESPN, "California's Push for Sports Betting"
- Congressional Research Service, "The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA)"
- American Gaming Association, "Understanding UIGEA"
- California Legislative Information, "California Gambling Laws"
- Curacao eGaming, "Licensing and Regulation"
- BBC News, "Offshore Gambling Sites: A Risky Bet"
- Forbes, "The Risks of Playing at Offshore Online Casinos"
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, "Online Gaming Regulation"
- Michigan Gaming Control Board, "Legal Online Gaming"
- National Council on Problem Gambling, "Concerns about Online Gambling"
- California Gambling Control Commission, "Efforts to Legalize Online Gambling in California"
- Pechanga Resort & Casino
- Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort
- Commerce Casino
- Sycuan Casino Resort
- Graton Resort & Casino
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort
- Cache Creek Casino Resort
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