California Gambling Casinos
Cal Neva Resort & Casino, previously known as the Calneva Resort and Cal-Neva Lodge, is a resort and casino straddling the border between Nevada and California on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The original building was constructed in 1926, and became famous when the national media picked up a story about actress Clara Bow cancelling checks she owed. Anza Cahuilla Casino Resort Cahuilla Casino is a Native American Casino in Anza, California, and is open daily 24 hours. The casino's 14,000 square foot vast gaming space features 349 gaming machine 0 reviews. Casinos in California; California Gambling Control Commission list of cardrooms Last edited on 22 May 2020, at 21:50. Content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0.
California Gambling Highlights
Legal Age Online
18+
Online Casinos
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Legal Sports Betting
No
Gambling in California
Everything You Need to Start Playing
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.
Are offshore casinos safe for California residents?
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.
Do you need to pay taxes on gambling winnings in California?
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.
| RANK | ONLINE CASINO | WELCOME BONUS | BEST FOR | START |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Atlantis | WELCOME BONUS280% up to $14,000 | BEST FOR Online Casino | |
| 2 | El Royale Casino | WELCOME BONUS250% up to $12,500 | BEST FOR Real Money | |
| 3 | Super Slots | WELCOME BONUS300% up to $6,000 | BEST FOR Online Slots | |
| 4 | Wild Casino | WELCOME BONUS100% up to $5,000 | BEST FOR Bonuses | |
| 5 | Red Dog Casino | WELCOME BONUS225% up to $12,250 | BEST FOR Mobile Games |
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.
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
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.
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.
California Gambling Casinos Locations
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.
Southern California Gambling Casinos
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.
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.
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.
Feel like you’re in Vegas without ever leaving town in our world-class gaming casino conveniently located in the heart of San Diego. If you’re on the search for casinos in Southern California, look no further than Sycuan Casino Resort.
With 2,400 gaming machines along with casino table games, Asian casino games, bingo, blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps, we have something for everybody. On top of our modern casino games, our guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options, pool amenities, weekly entertainment, casino concerts, and of course our relaxing spa and salon. You can even take a break from the gambling and enjoy a workout in the fitness center to keep healthy during your stay.
Take a quick break from the action to satisfy your hunger with a wide variety of delicious dining options, like the casino buffet which has food from every cuisine you’re hungry for. With so many different restaurants to choose from, you’ll have no problem satisfying everyone’s cravings.
At Sycuan Casino Resort, you have the opportunity to win big with our generous casino promotions and discounts. Plus, join Club Sycuan – our exclusive membership program, for additional perks and casino rewards. Must be 21 or older to enter and play in the casino.
As one of the top casinos in Southern California, Sycuan offers a variety of world-class gaming, amenities and restaurants for days of unlimited entertainment.
With over 35 years in the industry, Sycuan Resort and Casino has become one of the largest and most popular gaming facilities within all of Southern California. Whether you come for our spa & salon, casino gaming, or entertainment, we promise you’ll have an excellent time when visiting our resort!