California Online Casinos 2025: Legal Guide & Best CA Gambling Sites

Looking for the best California online casinos? Then, you’ve come to the right place. California hasn’t legalized online casino gambling just yet, but there’s a chance this may change in the not-so-distant future—especially with the recent efforts to legalize sports betting across the state.

In the meantime, California players still have a 100% safe and legal way to play: social and sweepstakes casinos. Keep reading as we introduce you to the top-ranked sites and apps for online casino gaming, break down California’s current gambling laws, and provide the latest industry news and updates.

Best California Online Casinos – 2025

Right now, social casinos are the only legal way to play online casino games in California.

But don’t be disappointed. These sites offer all the same games you’d find at traditional gambling sites and give you a chance to win real cash prizes using a promotional sweepstakes model.

Check out the table below to find five of the best California online casinos available today:

1. Stake.us

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0

Stake.us takes the top spot on our list of California online casinos. It’s the U.S. sweepstakes casino version of Stake.com, one of the world’s most popular crypto gambling sites—perhaps best known for its partnership with Grammy-winning rapper Drake. And there’s plenty to like about this platform.

For starters, you’ll have access to over 1,500 casino-style games from some of the industry’s leading providers: Pragmatic Play, Novomatic, OneTouch, and Fantasma, to name a few. Plus, Stake.us offers nearly two dozen “Stake Originals” (like Plinko, Crash, and Mines) and pays out prizes in the form of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Want all the details? Check out our full Stake.us Casino review for a complete breakdown.

2. Pulsz

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 2.3 Sweepstakes Coins at Sign Up
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.2/5.0

Pulsz Casino is another great option for California players.

The site offers over a thousand different games, including a wide variety of slots like Megaways, Tumbling Reels, Play the Feature, and Immortal Ways Games. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, there’s also a pretty good selection of table games and arcade options to check out.

Plus, you’ll get daily free coins just for logging into your Pulsz account, and there’s a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android devices, so you can play anytime, anywhere. Interested in learning more? Our in-depth Pulsz Casino review provides all the information you need to decide if it’s a good fit for you.

3. WOW Vegas

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE SC
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0

If you’re a fan of online slot games, then WOW Vegas is the perfect option for you.

Launched in 2021, this California casino site already has over 2 million active U.S. players and provides a massive selection of 1,000+ slots and jackpot games. I’m talking Megaways, Hold & Win, Classic Slots, and so much more. Plus, new games are added just about every week to keep things fresh and exciting.

WOW Vegas Casino also has plenty of ongoing promotions that provide extra value on a regular basis. This includes daily login rewards, free bingo games, “Happy Hour” specials, daily races, and email competitions. Get the full picture by reading our latest WOW Vegas review.

4. McLuck

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 57.5K Gold Coins + 30 FREE SC
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0

Coming in at No. 4 on our list is McLuck. This free-to-play California casino offers over a thousand different slots and immersive live dealer games like 7 Seats Blackjack, Gravity Roulette, and Crash Live.

And you’re sure to enjoy the special “McJackpot” feature, which turns every game into a progressive jackpot with four tiers—Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand—and gives you a chance to win big at any given moment.

Have some questions? Find all the answers in our comprehensive McLuck Casino review.

5. Sportzino

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.3/5.0

Last but not least, there’s Sportzino. While it may be one of the newer online casinos in California, it definitely has a lot to offer.

What sets Sportzino apart is that it’s both a social sportsbook and a sweepstakes casino. You can enjoy over 1,100 online casino games (including slots, fishing games, arcade games, and more) and place virtual bets on your favorite sports, all on one platform.

Learn more by checking out our Sportzino Casino review, which is full of helpful information and honest feedback from our time on the site.

Are Online Casinos Legal in California?

No, online casinos are illegal in California. While there have been recent efforts to legalize online gambling (sports betting, in particular), the state hasn’t passed any laws to make real-money casino sites/apps legal just yet.

A big reason for this is the opposition from California’s Native American tribes, which operate the state’s land-based casinos. These tribes are, for the most part, strongly against the legalization of online gambling, as they believe it could hurt the revenue generated from their brick-and-mortar gaming facilities.

For now, Californians can still play online casino games legally at social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. Check out the table below for a quick summary of the state’s current legal landscape for casino gambling:

Regulation & Oversight for California Online Casinos

If online casinos are ever legalized in California, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) would likely be the agency responsible for overseeing the industry. The CGCC already regulates all forms of legal gambling in the state, including tribal casinos and cardrooms.

Their job would be to create a safe and trustworthy environment for Californians who choose to gamble online. This would involve licensing operators, verifying the fairness of games, and monitoring for issues like fraud or problem gambling.

Latest California Gambling News: A Timeline of Events

How To Play Online Casino Games in California Today

Ready to start playing games at some of the best online casinos in California? Just follow the five quick steps outlined below:

1. Choose an Online Casino: First, you’ll need to pick an online casino that has what you’re looking for in terms of games, bonuses, payout times, etc. Remember, traditional gambling sites aren’t yet legal in California, so you’ll need to choose a sweepstakes casino like Stake.us, McLuck, or WOW Vegas.
2. Create an Account: Once you’ve made a choice, visit the casino’s website (or download their app, if possible). Then, complete the sign-up process by entering some basic information about yourself, choosing a password, and agreeing to the platform’s Terms of Use.
3. Claim Your Sign Up Bonus: After you finish creating an account, you’ll receive a no-deposit bonus from the casino. It will usually include free Gold Coins (used to play for fun) and free Sweeps Coins (which give you a chance to win real cash prizes).
4. Make Your First Deposit: You can make a deposit (or “purchase,” as it’s called at sweepstakes casinos), but it’s 100% optional. If you do decide to deposit, you’ll typically get a 100% match bonus, which means you’ll get extra credits to play with right away.
5. Start Playing & Winning: And off you go. Start playing slots, blackjack, roulette, and all your other favorite games online. Once you’ve won enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real cash prizes at a rate of 1.00 SC = $1.00. Have fun and good luck.

California Online Casinos Expected to Launch Soon

Real money online casinos may not be legal in California right now, but there’s a good chance this will change at some point.

Just look at online sports betting, for example. There was a federal ban on sports betting until 2018, and today, nearly two-thirds of U.S. states allow sports betting via mobile apps and websites. See how quickly things can change?

Only seven states have legalized online casino gambling so far (CT, DE, MI, NJ, PA, RI, & WV), but you can expect this list to grow in the coming years. With California’s huge market potential and the growing interest in expanding gambling options, it’s only a matter of time before lawmakers move to legalize online casinos.

And when this happens, you can expect all of the top brands in the online gambling industry to fight for a spot in the Golden State. Let’s take a quick look at some of the online casinos that are likely to launch in California at some point in the future:

DraftKings Casino

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: Get 350 Spins + 24-Hour Lossback Up to $1,000 Casino Credits
• 🌎 Legal States: CT, MI, NJ, PA, WV
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.6/5.0

DraftKings is perhaps best known as an online sportsbook and daily fantasy sports (DFS) app, but their online casino is starting to gain a lot of attention too.

If DraftKings Casino were to launch in California, it would definitely bring a lot to the table. Their Dynasty Rewards program does a great job of rewarding loyal players, and players would get to try out dozens of exclusive slots and table games.

Want more details? Check out our full DraftKings Casino review.

FanDuel Casino

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: Play $1 Get $100 in Casino Bonus
• 🌎 Legal States: MI, NJ, PA, & WV
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.3/5.0

FanDuel is another attractive option for online casino players in California. Like DraftKings, it already has a great reputation among sports fans, and its online casino offers a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Plus, FanDuel Casino has a low 1x playthrough requirement on all bonuses, and they provide reliable customer support via live chat to help with any issues. Get a full breakdown of the app in our in-depth FanDuel Casino review.

BetMGM Casino

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: $25 No Deposit + 100% Deposit Match Up To $1000.
• 🌎 Legal States: MI, NJ, PA, WV
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.6/5.0

BetMGM is owned by MGM Resorts International, one of the biggest names in the gaming and hospitality industry. So, it should be no surprise that their online casino is very high-quality and has plenty to offer.

If it launches in California, players can look forward to a well-designed mobile app and plenty of ongoing promotions like daily bonus spins, leaderboard competitions, and random bonus drops.

Plus, BetMGM has one of the best loyalty rewards programs in the iGaming industry, which lets you earn points while you play and then redeem them for luxurious hotel stays, fine dining experiences, exclusive events, and so much more. Check out our honest BetMGM Casino review for more information.

Best California Casino Bonuses & Promotions for May

Welcome bonuses are the best part about signing up at a new online casino…whether that’s in California or any other U.S. state. Most of the time, gambling sites will try to outdo one another by offering bigger and better deals to attract new players.

While real-money online casinos aren’t yet legal in the Golden State, sweepstakes casinos are a great alternative, and they’re competing for your business with some really great no-deposit bonuses and first-purchase matches.

In the table below, you’ll find 10 of the best California online casino bonuses on the market today:

Plus, once California online gambling becomes legal, you’ll gain access to some pretty great welcome offers at licensed platforms. Here are a few of the most common types of bonuses provided to new players:

No Deposit Bonuses

California no-deposit bonuses let you start playing at an online casino without having to put any money down. You just sign up, and the casino gives you a little bonus cash or some free spins to get started.

Deposit Matches

Another popular bonus is the deposit match, where the casino will match a percentage of your first deposit. For example, if a site offers a 100% deposit match up to $200, and you deposit $200, you’ll get an additional $200 in bonus funds to play with.

Free Spins

It’s also pretty common for online casinos to offer free spins on certain slot games. For example, you might get 20 free spins on a popular slot like Starburst. Winnings from those spins will usually come with some wagering requirements before you can cash out, but it’s still a fun way to start playing without risking any of your own money.

Losses Back Promotions

With these, a casino refunds a percentage of your losses within a set timeframe, typically as bonus money. For example, a site might offer a 100% losses-back promotion for your first 24 hours of play. If you had a net loss of $50 during that period, you’d receive $50 in casino credits as a refund.

Play & Get Offers

“Play and Get” offers are one of the newest ways that online casinos are welcoming new players. Here’s how they work: You just sign up and wager a certain amount of money. Then, you receive a bonus right away. For example, with a Play $5 Get $50 promotion, you’d wager $5 on eligible games and receive $50 in casino credits instantly.

Are Offshore Casinos Legal in California?

If you live in California (or are planning a trip there), you might be considering offshore casinos like Bovada, BetUS, BetOnline, and countless others.

These gambling sites are based outside of the U.S., meaning they aren’t subject to California state laws. While it’s technically not illegal for Californians to use these sites, since state laws primarily target operators and not individual users, it’s important to understand the risks involved.

For starters, without a license from the California Gambling Control Commission, these offshore casinos aren’t held to the same high standards as licensed platforms.

This means you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong (they refuse to pay out winnings, for example), and the security measures they use could be less reliable. Also, your personal and financial information might not be as safe, and there’s no guarantee that the games you play are fair.

As a result, we strongly recommend that you don’t play at offshore casinos. Instead, we think you’ll be much safer and better off with legitimate sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us, McLuck, and Pulsz.

Other Legal Forms of California Online Gambling

So, is there any way to legally gamble online in California? The answer is yes, but your options are somewhat limited. Take a look at the table below to find a full breakdown of what online gambling options are available in the state right now:

If you’re interested in sports gambling, I’d encourage you to take a look at our guide to the best California sportsbooks.

You’ll learn that even though online sports betting hasn’t been legalized in the state, there are still plenty of legal ways to get in on the action, such as daily fantasy sports apps, social sportsbooks, and horse race betting sites.

Online Casino Gambling in Nearby States

• Alaska Online Casinos
• Arizona Online Casinos
• Hawaii Online Casinos
• Idaho Online Casinos
• Nevada Online Casinos
• New Mexico Online Casinos
• Oregon Online Casinos
• Utah Online Casinos
• Washington Online Casinos

California Land-Based Casinos: A Quick Overview

California is home to more than 70 tribal casinos and nearly 100 licensed cardrooms scattered throughout the state, from San Diego to Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and many other cities.

The tribal casinos in California typically offer a full range of games, including slot machines, roulette, craps, and other house-banked games, where the casino acts as the house, meaning players are betting against the casino itself.

California cardrooms, on the other hand, aren’t allowed to offer house-banked games due to state regulations. Instead, they let you play poker and other card games, such as blackjack and baccarat, with players betting against each other and the casino simply facilitating the game.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular brick-and-mortar casinos in California right now:

Responsible Gambling: Tips & Resources for CA Players

Gambling can be a fun way to pass the time, but it’s important to keep things under control. Here are a few tips to help California gamblers stay on track:

1. Set a Budget: Decide on an amount you’re comfortable spending and stick to it. Don’t chase your losses; if you lose, accept it, and move on.
2. Play for Entertainment: Enjoy the game for what it is: a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed way to make money.
3. Take Breaks: If you’re ever feeling stressed or overwhelmed, step away and take a breather.

If you ever feel like your gambling habits are becoming a problem, it’s okay. Help is always available:

• California Council on Problem Gambling: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for confidential support. You can also speak with a counselor by texting “support” to 53342 or using the chat icon on their website.
• Gamblers Anonymous: Find meetings online or in person on their website.

The Future of California Online Casinos: What’s Next?

And that’s it! We’ve officially covered everything you need to know about online casino gambling in California. In case you skipped to the end, here’s a very quick recap: real-money online casinos aren’t yet legal, but sweepstakes casinos stand out as a great (and 100% legal) alternative.

But can we expect California online casinos to be legalized anytime soon? Unfortunately, the answer is probably not. Right now, the main focus is on online sports betting (among state legislators, at least), and even that faces some major hurdles and could still be years away.

One of the biggest roadblocks is the influence of tribal casinos and cardrooms, which generate billions in revenue each year. There’s concern that online casinos would cut into a major share of that business, so these groups have pushed back hard against all online gambling legalization efforts.

Until a compromise is reached (such as letting the tribes apply for iGaming licenses and either operate their own platforms or partner with established brands), real-money online casinos in California are unlikely to move forward.

However, I do honestly believe that it will happen eventually. California is simply too big of a market for online casinos to be ignored forever. That said, with the ongoing resistance and the slow pace of gambling legislation in the state, it’s more likely a change won’t come until the 2030s.

California Online Casino FAQs