California Online Casinos – Best CA Casino Sites & Apps in 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide for California online casinos! Whether you’re an experienced player or brand new to the world of online gaming, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about gambling in the Golden State, including the legal landscape, top platforms, latest news, and much more. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies needed to get the most out of your California gaming experience. Now, let’s dive right in!

Are Online Casinos Legal in California?

Online casino gambling is not currently legal in California. The state does not issue online casino licenses and does not yet regulate these types of platforms. In fact, traditional online casinos are currently legal in only seven U.S. states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. As a result, the online casinos offered by BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and other major players in the U.S. iGaming industry are not available to California residents.

Most forms of online gambling are prohibited in the Golden State, including sports betting, casino games, and virtual poker. Horse racing betting sites (TwinSpires, AmWager, FanDuel Racing, etc.) are the only platforms currently authorized to accept online wagers in the state of California.

However, California casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck. The state is home to 70 tribal casinos, 66 of which offer Class III gaming (i.e., traditional casino games such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and poker) and four of which offer Class II gaming (i.e., bingo and certain non-banking card games).

In addition, California offers nearly 90 cardrooms, licensed by the California Gambling Control Commission and permitted to offer legalized gambling primarily based on card games, where players compete against each other rather than the house. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, the California State Lottery, and charitable gaming are the other legal forms of gambling available in the state.

Different Types of California Casinos

California casinos can be broken down into four distinct categories: online casinos, social casinos, tribal casinos, and cardrooms. Each option is explained in further detail below!

Online & Mobile Casinos

Online casinos refer to gambling platforms that allow players to access casino games through their computers or mobile devices. These casinos operate similarly to traditional land-based casinos, offering a wide range of games such as slots, table games, poker, and more. Players can wager real money on these platforms and have the opportunity to win big at any time. As previously mentioned, traditional online casinos are not yet legal in California.

Social & Sweepstakes Casinos

Social casinos, also commonly referred to as sweepstakes casinos, provide an alternative way to enjoy casino games without involving real money gambling. These platforms operate under a sweepstakes model, where players use virtual currencies or tokens to participate in games and have a chance to win real cash prizes, digital gift cards, and other incredible rewards.

Instead of directly betting with real money, players enter sweepstakes contests for a chance to win prizes. Social casinos are completely legal in California, as they do not violate state laws on online gambling. These platforms offer a wide variety of games and provide an interactive and entertaining experience for players, all without the financial risk associated with traditional online casinos.

Tribal Casinos

Tribal casinos in California provide an exciting and diverse gambling experience for casino enthusiasts. Operated by Native American tribes, these casinos offer a wide range of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker. They often feature luxurious amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

These types of establishments are regulated by tribal gaming authorities and operate under compacts with the state government. They provide a unique blend of cultural ambiance, exceptional customer service, and the opportunity to support tribal communities through gaming revenue.

Cardrooms

In California, cardrooms refer to establishments that offer legalized gambling primarily based on card games. Also known as card clubs or poker rooms, these venues provide a variety of card games such as poker, blackjack, baccarat, and other similar games. Unlike traditional casinos, cardrooms do not have slot machines or house-banked games.

Instead, players compete against each other, and the house generates revenue by charging a fee or taking a percentage from each pot. Cardrooms are regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission and provide a popular gaming option for residents and visitors in the state. California cardrooms can be found in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and many other cities across the state.

What Are the Best California Sweepstakes Casinos?

All of the most popular U.S. social and sweepstakes casinos are available in the state of California. Here are a few of the top options to consider:

Chumba Casino

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: 24/7 Customer Support
• Full Review: Chumba Casino Review

Owned and operated by Virtual Gaming World (VGW) Holdings, Chumba Casino is one of North America’s fastest-growing social casinos and offers an experience like no other. The platform offers well over 100 exciting casino-style games, including slots, progressive jackpots, table games, bingo, slingo, and much more. Players will also enjoy 24/7 customer service, ensuring their questions and concerns will always be addressed in a timely manner.

Fortune Coins

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: Fantastic Welcome Offer
• Full Review: Fortune Coins Review

Fortune Coins Casino, owned by Blazesoft Ltd. and partnered with Let Us Entertain You Inc., is one of California’s premier sweepstakes casinos and a first-rate platform for online gaming enthusiasts all over the United States. Users will enjoy an extensive collection of virtual slot machines and fish games, and all new players will receive a generous sign-up bonus to help them get off to a great start on the site.

Golden Hearts Games

• Available States: All U.S. States & Territories
• Best Feature: Charitable Component Involved
• Full Review: Golden Hearts Games Review

Golden Hearts Games is another great option for Californians. The social casino launched in August 2020 and offers bingo games 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, players can choose from a variety of different slots, table games, scratch cards, and video poker options. Although Golden Hearts Games is a free-to-play platform, users have the option to make purchases for extra sweepstakes entries, and a portion of all payments will go directly to the IRS-recognized U.S. public charity of your choice.

MyJackpot.com

• Available States: All U.S. States
• Best Feature: Frequent Bonuses & Promotions
• Full Review: MyJackpot.com Casino Review

MyJackpot.com is a leading social casino and product of Whow Games, a leading developer and publisher of online social games based in Hamburg, Germany. The platform offers an impressive selection of casino-style games developed in-house or licensed from some of the industry’s top software developers (Play’n GO, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.). MyJackpot.com also offers a top-tier customer loyalty program and frequent bonuses to enhance your overall gaming experience.

WOW Vegas

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
• Best Feature: User-Friendly Website
• Full Review: WOW Vegas Casino Review

Last but not least, WOW Vegas launched in 2021 and features an exhaustive collection of slots and other casino games that can be played without any risk involved or purchases required. The platform is highly regarded for its user-friendly website, excellent customer rewards program, and fantastic customer service. In addition, WOW Vegas offers six WOWZER Jackpot Games, which give players a chance to win up to 2,500 Sweepstakes Coins (which translates to $2,500) all day, every day.

California Land-Based Casinos

California is home to 70 tribal casinos located all over the state. A few of the most popular California casinos are discussed in further detail below.

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

• Address: 777 San Manuel Blvd S, Highland, CA 92346
• Phone Number: (909) 864-5050

Owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is located east of Los Angeles in Highland, California. The facility features nearly 7,000 slot machines, by far the most of any casino in the Western United States. In addition, the casino offers five restaurants (including George Lopez’s Chingon Kitchen), four bars, and a food court.

Pechanga Resort Casino

• Address: 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
• Phone Number: (877) 711-2946

Pechanga Resort Casino, located in Temecula, California in southwest Riverside County, is another one of the largest resort/casinos in the United States. Its massive casino floor spans 200,000 square feet, and visitors will have access to 5,400 slot machines, 152 table games, a non-smoking poker room with 38 tables, and an ultra-modern, 700-seat bingo facility.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

• Address: 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
• Phone Number: (951) 849-3080

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa offers premier Las Vegas-style gaming, including 195,000 square feet of floor space with over 80 table games and nearly 4,000 slot machines. The casino is located less than 90 miles from Los Angeles in Cabazon, California and serves as a fantastic destination for a summer vacation or weekend getaway. Visitors will also enjoy a world-class spa, lively nightclub, and one of the best golf courses in the state.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort

• Address: 1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648
• Phone Number: (916) 408-7777

Thunder Valley Casino Resort was opened by the United Auburn Indian Community in June 2003 and is located 30 miles northeast of Sacramento in Lincoln, California. The casino offers Northern California’s best selection of slots with over 3,400 options varying in theme and denomination.

Along with the extensive slot selection, Thunder Valley Casino Resort features table games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, as well as a dedicated poker room. Guests can also enjoy luxurious amenities, including a hotel, spa, multiple dining options, and live entertainment, making it a premier destination for gaming and entertainment in Northern California.

Other Forms of Legal Gambling in California

In addition to tribal casinos and cardrooms, there are several other legal forms of gambling currently allowed to take place in California. A general overview of the different opportunities available in the state is provided below.

Sports Betting

California sports betting is not yet available, despite considerable efforts from state legislators, tribal gaming operators, and leaders in the online sports betting industry (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, etc.). In the 2022 general election, California residents had the opportunity to vote on two pieces of sports betting legislation: Proposition 26 and Proposition 27.

Prop 26 intended to allow retail sports betting at tribal casinos and race tracks but prohibited online sports betting in California, while Prop 27 sought to legalize both retail sportsbooks and mobile betting apps in the state. Unfortunately, both ballot measures were rejected by California voters by a significant margin, and sports betting will remain unavailable in the Golden State for the foreseeable future.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is legal in California and has a rich history in the state. The California Horse Racing Board oversees and regulates horse racing activities. The state offers various horse racing tracks, including prominent venues like Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, and Golden Gate Fields. California residents can enjoy both live racing events and off-track betting options. Additionally, advance deposit wagering platforms (e.g., FanDuel Racing and TwinSpires) allow individuals to bet on horse races online.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Like many other U.S. states, California permits daily fantasy sports (DFS) to exist in a legal gray area. Although there is no state law explicitly legalizing paid DFS contests, California currently allows daily fantasy sports sites and apps to operate within the state’s borders.

As a result, anyone who is 18 years or older can sign up and enter a wide range of contests with DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, OwnersBox, and many other popular DFS platforms to show off their sports expertise and compete for a chance to win their share of enormous prize pools.

California State Lottery

The California State Lottery offers a legal and regulated gambling option for residents of California. It provides various games, including scratch-off tickets and draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball. Players have the chance to win substantial cash prizes and jackpots through the lottery.

Proceeds from the California State Lottery support public education and other beneficiary programs in the state. Overall, it is a convenient and accessible form of gambling widely available at authorized retailers throughout California.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming in California refers to gambling activities organized by nonprofit organizations for charitable purposes. These organizations may host events such as bingo games, raffles, and poker tournaments to raise funds for charitable causes. However, it’s important to note that charitable gaming in California is subject to strict regulations and licensing requirements.

The funds generated from these events must be used for charitable purposes, and certain restrictions and limitations are in place to ensure transparency and prevent abuse. Charitable gaming provides an avenue for nonprofits to raise funds while also offering participants an opportunity to support worthy causes through their participation in these gambling activities.

How To Sign Up & Start Playing Casino Games in California

Strategies & Tips for California Casino Players

Are you looking for a way to increase your chances of success and make the most out of your online gaming experience? You’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best strategies and tips for California casino players:

• Learn Games Rules & Basic Strategies: Take the time to understand the rules and strategies of the games you want to play. Whether it’s blackjack, poker, or slots, having a solid understanding of the game mechanics and strategies can improve your chances of winning.
• Practice With Free Games: Many online casinos and some land-based casinos offer free versions of popular games. Take advantage of these opportunities to practice and familiarize yourself with the game rules and strategies before playing with real money.
• Take Advantage of Promotions: Many casinos offer promotions and bonuses to attract players. Keep an eye out for these offers and take advantage of them. They can provide additional value and opportunities to enhance your gameplay.
• Practice Bankroll Management: Divide your gambling budget into sessions and set limits for each session. This way, you can pace yourself and avoid spending more than you intended. Also, consider setting win goals and know when to walk away if you reach them.
• Understand the House Edge: Different casino games have varying house edges. Educate yourself about the house edge for the games you play, as this percentage represents the average amount you can expect to lose over time. Choose games with lower house edges for better odds.
• Take Breaks Every Now & Then: Gambling can be an immersive experience, and it’s easy to lose track of time. Remember to take regular breaks to rest, refresh, and reevaluate your gameplay. This helps you maintain focus and make better decisions.

California Online Casino FAQ