Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez
Last Update: Fri Apr 03, 2026, 9:09 am ET
Read Time: 23 minutes
California, the nation's most populous state and one of the largest gaming markets in the U.S., maintains a complex and often restrictive legal framework when it comes to gambling.
With such a confusing situation one might feel lost when it comes to the legality of gambling online or where they can do so. To help clarify this situation and help you find out where and how you can gamble in California, we have created this guide that will provide the full picture.
Our findings can be summarized as follow: people in California can gamble online at offshore casinos and sportsbooks, there are no laws prohibiting players from doing so. We have recommended sites for you below.
Players can also play slots and casino games at online casinos. Recommended options are listed below as well.
Aside from online options, people in California can gamble in person at multiple racetracks, Indian casinos and cardrooms and we present the most popular ones in this page.
Until clarity and sound policy emerges, the best options for online gambling in California thus remain the offshore sportsbooks and casinos. You can find our tested and recommended list in the table below.
These sites all accept players in California and have a long track-record and good reputation. As such players can feel confident playing there, depiste these sites not being regulated for Online Gambling by the State of California.
To ensure that the sites we recommend uphold their reputation and offer a great experience for Betting News readers, we also conduct frequent in person testing and monitoring of these online casinos and online sportsbooks. If we recommend them and they earn our seal of approval, it is because we have personally reviewed their history, and present, to make sure that they will be a great place for our readers to gamble at.
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As of 2025, residents enjoy access to a wide range of land-based options, including tribal casinos, licensed cardrooms, and pari-mutuel wagering at racetracks. However, the picture becomes far more complicated when it shifts online.
Online casinos and online poker are available only from offshore providers, despite years of debate and multiple failed legislative attempts to establish local options. Likewise, sports betting is only available through offshore sportsbooks following the overwhelming rejection of Propositions 26 and 27 in 2022 that would have regulated sportsbetting online and retail.
Some forms of betting are locally licensed both online and land-based. Horse racing wagers, both at the track and through licensed online advance deposit wagering platforms, are fully legal and regulated. The California State Lottery also continues to operate as a major legal form of gambling, offering draw games and scratch-offs.
In addition to offshore casino and sportsbook options, sweepstakes-style casinos exist in a legal gray area but face growing scrutiny as lawmakers push to close loopholes. This patchwork landscape reflects California's ongoing tension between its thriving gambling culture and a cautious regulatory approach. You can read in full details the latest news about Gambling Laws in California, recent gambling industry news, as well as an exhaustive review of the landscape for gamblers in the state.
California's Native American tribes are the backbone of the state's legal gambling industry. Through tribal-state compacts, more than 60 federally recognized tribes operate casinos, providing slots, table games, and poker across the state. For this reason, they hold a lot of power when it comes to the regulation of gambling in the state of California. Many of the casinos that we have listed above belong to Californian Tribes and because of their economic importance, the Tribes tend to push back against the legalization of online gambling.
These tribal casinos not only generate billions in annual revenue but also heavily influence the legislative and regulatory landscape of betting in California a s we have demonstrated above.
Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians – Operates Pechanga Resort Casino, the largest casino in California.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians – Runs Morongo Casino Resort & Spa near Palm Springs.
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians – Operates Yaamava' Resort & Casino, a major gaming hub in Highland.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians – Runs Agua Caliente Casinos in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City.
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation – Operates Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon.
Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians – Runs Viejas Casino & Resort, one of the first tribal casinos in California.
Barona Band of Mission Indians – Operates Barona Resort & Casino in Lakeside.
Cache Creek Indian Community (Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation) – Operates Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks.
Graton Rancheria (Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria) – Runs Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park.
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians – Operates Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto.
These tribes dominate California's gambling industry and oppose commercial online sportsbooks to protect their sovereignty and gaming exclusivity.
They continue shaping sports betting debates to maintain control over any future digital wagering expansion.
With so many moving pieces and conflicting interests, the legislative landscape shifts very quickly in California. In this section we track the latest developments such as the proposed bills relating to gambling, regulatory shifts, and the tribal negotiations that shape California's future in casinos, sports betting, poker, and lotteries. Stay informed on the legal developments that continue to define one of the nation's most complex gambling markets.
California Senator Adam Schiff co-sponsored the "Prediction Markets are Gambling Act" in March 2026.
This federal legislation seeks to strip prediction markets of their "financial exchange" status and reclassify them as gambling, which would effectively allow California to ban them entirely.
Sponsored by Avelino Valencia, this bill aims to ban online sweepstakes casinos, particularly those using dual-currency models (e.g., "Gold Coins" and "Sweeps Coins") that simulate real gambling. It proposes fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 and/or jail time for operators and facilitators like payment processors or affiliates. It has passed key Senate committees and is backed by tribal authorities.
Authored by Senator Archuleta, this bill seeks to strengthen enforcement under the Gambling Control Act. It expands the Department of Justice's authority to investigate and prosecute illegal gambling, mandates public reporting on enforcement efforts, and includes provisions to refer cases to local district attorneys or the Attorney General.
Clarifies that providing communication services within California to support lottery transactions in other states is not illegal, as long as participants are physically present where bets are placed. It also prohibits lottery advertising within the state.
Adjusts tribal gaming employee fingerprinting rules, exempting employees from rolling specific fingerprints if they meet certain training and background checks.
Amendments to streamline gambling work permit suspensions by reducing the required hearing period from 30 to 27 days.
Increases the membership of the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee and mandates it meet at least twice annually.
Increases permissible imported out-of-state thoroughbred races from 50 to 75 per day, subject to conditions on wagering and audiovisual distribution.
Tightens restrictions for mini-satellite wagering sites, focusing on licensing, location, and operator agreements.
Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, AB 831 bans the operation or promotion of online sweepstakes casinos in California. The new law targets digital platforms that use "dual-currency" systems to imitate real casino wagering under a sweepstakes model.
Land-Based Sports betting in California remains prohibited as of 2025, despite the state's strong gambling culture and market potential.
Voters decisively rejected both Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 in 2022, halting immediate legalization efforts of sports betting in casino or racetracks.
Proposition 26 would have allowed in-person betting at tribal casinos and racetracks, while Proposition 27 aimed to open online wagering. Their failure highlighted deep divisions between powerful tribal interests and major commercial operators.
Since then, lawmakers and stakeholders have struggled to find common ground on a unified sports betting framework. Tribes remain cautious, protecting their casino exclusivity while evaluating potential online opportunities.
Commercial operators, meanwhile, continue lobbying for access to California's massive sports betting market. As a result, new ballot measures are unlikely before 2026, with some experts predicting tribal-driven proposals closer to 2028.
Until then, Californians cannot legally bet on sports at casinos or racetracks, keeping one of America's largest states on the sidelines.
Online sports betting in California remains unlicensed as of 2025, leaving international offshore online sportsbooks as the only option for players in the state.
Despite high demand, lawmakers and voters have not reached consensus on how to regulate and launch the market locally. The defeat of Propositions 26 and 27 in 2022 stalled progress and exposed sharp conflicts between tribes and operators.
Tribal leaders, who dominate California's gambling industry, continue to resist commercial control over online sportsbooks. They prefer a slower, more cautious approach to protect their exclusive rights even if this means leaving the market to foreign sportsbooks.
Commercial operators, however, argue that Californians already engage with unregulated offshore platforms, creating lost tax revenue opportunities. This divide makes new legislation challenging and delays meaningful progress.
Although talks continue, experts predict the earliest chance for legal online sports betting could come in 2026 or later. Until then, Californians remain restricted, relying only on horse racing platforms and the state lottery for local betting options.
So where does that leave gamblers today? Well, various sportsbooks licensed in offshore jurisdictions have been accepting wagers from California for two decades.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for California Residents
Betting sites situated offshore and welcoming US players serve as the optimal venue for Californian bettors to engage in online gambling. Even though these sites are not locally licensed, they all have long track records of fairness and reliability. They often offer larger bonuses and better odds so players looking for value might find these international sportsbooks to be good options for them.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) occupy a legally uncertain space in California. Unlike traditional sports betting, DFS contests have not been explicitly legalized or banned by state law.
Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel continue to serve California players, citing the contests as games of skill rather than chance. However, the state's Attorney General has never issued a definitive ruling, leaving the industry in a regulatory gray area.
California lawmakers have introduced bills over the years to formally regulate DFS, but none have advanced to law. This lack of legislative clarity means players can legally access DFS platforms, though no consumer protections or state oversight exist.
Additionally, tribes and other stakeholders in California's gambling industry continue to debate whether DFS should be classified alongside sports betting. Until lawmakers act, Daily Fantasy Sports remain available to Californians, but their legal status remains unsettled and subject to future changes.
Land-based casinos in California continue to thrive in 2025, offering players a wide variety of gaming and entertainment options.
Tribal casinos dominate the landscape, operating under compacts that grant them exclusive rights to slots and house-banked table games. These venues attract millions of visitors each year, making them vital to California's gaming industry and local economies.
In addition to tribal casinos, licensed cardrooms play a major role by focusing on player-banked card games, especially poker. Cardrooms cannot legally offer slots or traditional table games with a casino dealer but many cardrooms still offer games like 3-card poker or other form of casino games through the use of third-party proposition player services.
This dual system creates a unique market where tribal and non-tribal operators serve different segments of gamblers.
Furthermore, California's casinos are more than gaming destinations. They feature restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues that enhance their appeal. Some of them offer Bingo rooms as well for their older patrons.
As legislation stalls on online gaming, land-based casinos remain the core of California's regulated gambling environment and continue to grow steadily.
Rebranded from San Manuel Casino, it's the largest in California—and the West Coast—with approximately 7,000 slot machines, 150 table games, and around 290,000 sq ft of gaming space. It features a 17-story hotel, numerous dining venues, and an entertainment venue seating 2,800 guests.
Located in Temecula, this resort includes over 5,400 slots, 153 table games, and a sizable non-smoking poker room. It spans 200,000 sq ft and includes a massive hotel (over 1,000 rooms), spa, bingo hall, and diverse dining and entertainment options.
Situated in Cabazon, this resort offers around 4,000 slot machines, 80 table games, and a 20-table poker room across 150,000 sq ft. It also includes a 310-room hotel and multiple eateries.
Northern California's largest casino, located in Lincoln, it features about 3,400 slot machines, 110 table games, and a 50-table poker room. The resort includes a 400-room hotel and a large amphitheater.
Near Santa Rosa, it features around 3,000 slots, 100 table games, and a 20-table poker room, spread over 317,750 sq ft of gaming space. It includes a 200-room hotel and multiple dining and lounge options.
Online casinos legislation is still not in place in California as of 2025, leaving residents without access to any locally regulated real money online casino platforms.
Although the state hosts one of the largest gambling markets in the country, lawmakers have resisted efforts to authorize online casinos. Tribal operators, who control land-based casinos, remain protective of their exclusivity and cautious about opening the online market.
As a result, Californians often turn to social casinos or sweepstakes platforms that mimic online casinos through virtual currency systems. These sites do not qualify as a legal real money online casino and operate in a gray legal area.
Lawmakers recently introduced measures like Assembly Bill 831 to ban sweepstakes-style operations entirely, closing this loophole.
Until lawmakers and tribal leaders agree on a framework, online casinos will remain prohibited. Consequently, players must visit tribal casinos or cardrooms in person for local gambling options involving slots, table games, or poker. For online play, Californians are able to access many offshore online casinos, such as those listed below.
Offshore Online Casinos for California Residents
Online casinos situated offshore and welcoming US players serve as the optimal venue for Californian bettors to engage in online gambling. Even though these sites are not locally licensed, they all have long track records of fairness and reliability. They often offer larger bonuses and casino promotions so players looking for value might find these international gambling sites to be good options for them.
Poker in California continues to thrive through its well-established network of licensed cardrooms. These venues operate legally under state law.
Players can access a variety of live games, including Texas Hold'em and Omaha, in regulated facilities. Additionally, poker rooms often host tournaments that attract both local players and traveling enthusiasts.
Overall, California's poker market stays strong in its land-based form, but online legalization remains uncertain. Discussions continue, yet no major breakthroughs are expected soon.
Tables: Approximately 374 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Privately owned; specific corporate ownership details are not publicly disclosed.
Commerce Casino, located in Los Angeles County, stands as the world's largest cardroom with over 370 poker tables. Known as the "Poker Capital of the World," it offers nonstop cash games and tournaments.
The property also includes a hotel and various dining options, making it a full-service poker destination. Commerce has hosted prestigious events, including World Poker Tour stops, solidifying its global reputation.
Tables: Approximately 374 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned by Irving Moskowitz, with operations managed as The Gardens Casino, Inc.; David Moskowitz serves as CEO.
The Gardens Casino, based in Hawaiian Gardens, operates one of California's biggest poker rooms, featuring hundreds of tables.
Owned by the late Irving Moskowitz's family and led by David Moskowitz, the property blends poker, table games, and luxury amenities. It underwent a $90 million renovation in 2016, transforming it into a modern casino hub.
The Gardens remains a major stop for professional players and tournament series.
Tables: Approximately 200 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned and operated by Parkwest Casinos, which acquired the property in 2022.
The Bicycle Hotel & Casino, famously known as "The Bike," is a landmark poker venue in Bell Gardens.
Operated by Parkwest Casinos, it features around 200 tables and a luxury hotel. The Bike is synonymous with televised poker, having hosted popular shows like "Live at the Bike!" and major tournament series.
Its mix of high-stakes action and casual games appeals to every level of poker player.
Tables: Around 91 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned by El Dorado LF, LLC, the company continuing operations after Larry Flynt's passing.
Hustler Casino in Gardena is closely tied to its late founder, Larry Flynt, who launched it as a premier poker destination.
Today, it is owned and operated by El Dorado LF, LLC. The casino features nearly 100 tables and regularly hosts major poker tournaments. Known for upscale décor and big prize pools, Hustler Casino blends entertainment with competitive poker, making it a favorite in Southern California.
Tables: Approximately 75 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned by Stockbridge Capital Group, a San Francisco–based developer
Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood sits next to SoFi Stadium and is operated by Stockbridge Capital Group. With about 75 tables, it offers a mix of poker and California card games.
The property underwent redevelopment in 2016, modernizing its facilities and expanding its poker offerings. Hollywood Park continues to attract both casual players and tournament grinders, benefiting from its prime Los Angeles location.
Online poker in California remains unregulated locally, despite the state's long history with cardrooms and live poker venues. Lawmakers have debated legalization for years. Meanwhile, proposals to regulate online poker surface in nearly every legislative session. Yet disagreements over revenue distribution and tribal sovereignty stall progress. California's large player base continues to drive interest, but legalization remains elusive.
However, conflicts between tribal casinos, cardrooms, and commercial operators have prevented meaningful progress. Consequently, no real money online poker sites are legally licensed in California.
Instead, some players often turn to sweepstakes-based poker platforms, such as Global Poker. These sites operate under sweepstakes contest rules, which allow virtual currency play.
Unlike real money online poker, these platforms provide an alternative that complies with state law. Players can still enjoy cash-out opportunities through sweepstakes winnings.
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for California players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators maintain headquarters outside the United States, they inhabit a legal 'grey zone.' The main advantage of playing offshore is that these online poker sites have larger pool of players and therefore more action at the tables and bigger tournaments. So even though offshore poker sites might not be regulated locally, they have long track records of honesty, bigger tournaments and table offerings and therefore offer a better experience than local sites for most players.Offshore Poker for California Residents
Horse betting continues to be one of the most established and regulated forms of gambling in California. Bettors can legally wager at major national racetracks such as Santa Anita Park and Del Mar.
In addition, seasonal county fair meets provide further opportunities for fans to place wagers on live races. Pari-mutuel betting has long been authorized, making California a central hub for American horse racing.
The State used to have many more racetracks such as the famous Golden Gate Fields but in recent years many have shuttered with the declining popularity of the sport
Nonetheless, horse betting persists and is not limited to in-person wagering. Californians can also use advance deposit wagering platforms to place legal bets online.
Licensed operators like TVG, TwinSpires, and Xpressbet allow mobile and desktop betting within state rules. This makes horse racing one of the few gambling activities legally accessible both on-site and online.
Overall, horse betting remains a key part of California's gambling industry. It continues to attract strong interest while contributing tax revenue and supporting the state's long racing tradition.
If you want to get picks and news about the world of horse racing in Californa, please remember to visit the Horse Racing Picks section of bettingnews.com
Santa Anita stands as California's crown jewel in horse racing. Known for its iconic Art Deco grandstand and scenic San Gabriel Mountain backdrop, the track hosts prestigious events like the Santa Anita Derby and the Breeders' Cup. It operates both dirt and turf tracks and continues to lead in betting volume and racing prominence.
Often described as "Where the turf meets the surf," Del Mar offers a vibrant coastal racing experience. It hosts major stakes races such as the Pacific Classic and Del Mar Oaks, drawing large crowds and substantial betting activity.
Los Alamitos excels in Quarter Horse racing and also runs Thoroughbred meets. It features high-purse stakes like the Champion of Champions and Million Futurity races, making it a dominant wagering hub for speed-focused racing.
Online horse betting remains one of the few fully legal forms of online gambling in California. Residents can place wagers through licensed advance deposit wagering platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, and Xpressbet.
These platforms allow users to fund accounts, place bets, and withdraw winnings while staying compliant with state regulations. Consequently, online horse betting offers a safe and regulated option for Californians interested in wagering remotely.
Furthermore, the system operates under long-established pari-mutuel wagering laws, ensuring that pools and payouts remain transparent and regulated. Bettors can access live streams, racing data, and handicapping tools directly through licensed platforms.
This convenience has helped online horse betting thrive, even as other online gambling sectors remain illegal.
Overall, online horse betting continues to grow in popularity, providing a legal and accessible alternative to unregulated gambling sites.
It highlights California's willingness to embrace digital betting within carefully defined boundaries while resisting broader online casino expansion.
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for California players seeking online gambling. Even though these sites are not locally licensed, they all have long track records of fairness and reliability. They often offer larger bonuses and better odds so players looking for value might find these international racebooks to be good options for them.Offshore Online Horse Betting for California Residents
The California State Lottery remains one of the most widely available forms of legal gambling in the state. Since its launch in 1985, the lottery has provided billions of dollars in funding for public education.
Players can participate in a range of games, including daily draws, instant scratch cards, and multi-state jackpots. Popular options like Powerball and Mega Millions attract significant attention when jackpots climb to record levels.
The lottery continues to expand its offerings to meet consumer demand. Retail sales remain the primary channel, with thousands of authorized retailers across California.
However, online lottery sales remain limited, and players cannot yet purchase all tickets digitally. Despite this, mobile apps and digital tools provide convenient access to results and second-chance promotions.
Overall, the California State Lottery plays a central role in the state's gambling environment, offering accessible entertainment while contributing substantial revenue to education programs and community initiatives statewide.
SuperLotto Plus
Operator: California State Lottery
California's flagship draw game with jackpots starting at $7 million.
Powerball
Operator: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) – California participates through the CA Lottery.
A multi-state game with jackpots often exceeding $500 million.
Mega Millions
Operator: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and consortium of state lotteries – offered in CA via CA Lottery.
Another massive multi-state jackpot game, often rivaling Powerball.
Scratchers (Instant Games)
Operator: California State Lottery
Covers a wide variety of instant-win tickets ranging from $1 to $30, very popular across retail outlets.
Daily 3 / Daily 4 (grouped daily draw games)
Operator: California State Lottery
Simple number draw games played multiple times a day with smaller but frequent payouts.
Sweepstakes remain part of California's gambling environment, but the law clearly separates promotional sweepstakes from sweepstakes casinos.
Traditional sweepstakes, often run by retailers or brands, remain legal in California as long as they follow state rules. These promotions must offer a free entry option and cannot require a purchase to participate. Companies use them for marketing campaigns, and they continue to attract strong consumer interest across the state.
Following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Assembly Bill 831, online sweepstakes casinos are now banned in California. These platforms had operated in a legal gray area, mimicking online casinos with virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Players could redeem winnings for cash, making them resemble real gambling. Lawmakers argued that this model exploited loopholes in existing sweepstakes laws and blurred the line with regulated gaming.
The new law targets both operators and suppliers, strengthening oversight and closing the loophole entirely.
For California players looking for other options, they can check out our online sweepstakes casinos list here.
As of early 2026, prediction markets in California exist in a state of "permitted uncertainty." While popular platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are accessible to Californians, their operations are currently the subject of intense federal and state-level legal maneuvering.
Technically, prediction markets are legal but aggressively contested. Because platforms like Kalshi are registered with the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as "Designated Contract Markets," they argue that federal law preempts California's strict anti-gambling statutes.
This means that while California does not officially license these platforms (unlike traditional sportsbooks), residents can generally access them because they are classified as financial "event derivatives" rather than traditional gambling.
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