Online Casinos in California – Legal in 2024?
- Martin Green
- November 8, 2024
As of 2024, the Golden State still does not allow locally-regulated companies to offer casino gambling online after constituents voted against the two initiatives on the ballot in the November midterms of 2022. That doesn’t mean residents can’t play at the best online casinos in California.
Offshore casino sites operate outside the jurisdiction of the United States and offer players exciting opportunities to play games like poker, blackjack or other types of games for real money prizes. This guide reviews the best real-money online casino options for California players.
SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
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9.6
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2001
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100% Free Play
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9.8
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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9.3
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2014
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50% Free Play
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9.6
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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9.8
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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9.9
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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9.5
|
1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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Best Online Casinos in California
These are the top 10 California online casino sites our experts identified after reviewing more than 100 contenders:
- BookMaker – Best online casino in California
- Heritage Sports – Leading California casino for VIP customer service
- Bovada – Best California casino welcome bonus
- BetOnline – Top online casino in California for game variety
- BetAnySports – Excellent online casino and sportsbook
- BetUS – Huge promotions for Golden State bettors
- WagerWeb – Trusted CA casino site with secure payouts
- JustBet – Elite California casino with exciting tournaments
- Everygame – Large volume of quality online casino games
- SportsBetting.ag – High betting limits and generous promotions
Each of these top-rated sportsbooks can provide players in California with generous bonuses, competitive betting odds and much more.
Are online casinos legal in California?
In California, online casino gaming is still a long way from becoming legal. While the state’s legislative framework allows for various forms of gambling, including card rooms, tribal casinos and horse race wagering, online gaming remains a gray area. Californians are not entirely out of luck, though.
In the absence of state-regulated online casinos, players have found that reputable offshore sites provide a legal and accessible platform for their gaming. While we wait for the potential legalization of online gambling, no matter how distant in the future it may be, these offshore sites remain a viable option for Californians to enjoy their favorite casino games and win real money online.
Real-Money Online Casinos in California: Reviewed
The best offshore casinos for California players have different strengths, weaknesses and specialties. While these gambling sites are most known for online sports betting, the reviews below will go into more detail about the casino gaming options to help you find the best choice.
1. Best Online Casino in California: BookMaker
Key Features
- Best overall online casino California players can use
- Large selection of slots with high payout rates
Bookmaker.eu earned the strongest overall rating during our rigorous online casino review process. It offers the best selection of high RTP slots and table games on the market, and that is a very valuable trait in an online casino. You will also be able to choose from two generous welcome bonuses, and the loyalty program is excellent.
Bookmaker.eu is the best online casino California players can access for high payout rates. This site has an exceptionally large number of high RTP online casino games. Popular slot games are available, like:
- Railway Riches (98.47%)
- Frosty Christmas (98.33%)
- Mistress of the Sea (98.16)
- Horoscope (97.44%)
- City Animals (97.43%)
BookMaker also offers to reimburse you for Bitcoin network fees if you make a deposit using the world’s largest cryptocurrency. The user experience is also very strong, with an orderly layout and games that run smoothly via a mobile device or desktop.
2. Beginner-Friendly Casino with VIP Service: Heritage Sports
Key Features
- Most beginner-friendly online casino
- Great selection of games from reputable suppliers
Heritage Sports is the best option for any newcomers to the exciting world of online casino gaming in California. It offers VIP service for all customers, from high rollers to casual bettors, so you will receive strong support whenever you need it. The interface is also very easy to use, so players can find games quickly and easily, and there is a lot of supporting information on display.
This site has a cult following among sports bettors in California. However, it also has an online casino to match, with an impressive selection of games from reputable software providers. The live dealer section is one of the best, offering a realistic casino experience from any device. Special promotions like free deposits and a monthly casino rebate are also available for loyal customers.
3. Best Sign-Up Bonus for Casino Players: Bovada
Key Features
- Most impressive sign-up bonus
- Best live dealer casino for Golden State players
- Market-leading online poker room
Bovada is one of the most famous gambling brands in the United States. It offers the most comprehensive sportsbook in California, along with the country’s busiest poker room, an esports betting section and a racebook. The Bovada casino leads the way in terms of live dealer games, with a vast array of tables to choose from 24 hours a day, and it also has plenty of slots and virtual table games.
The Bovada casino leads the way in terms of live dealer games, with a vast array of tables to choose from 24 hours a day offering real-time gaming. It also has plenty of options for online slots and virtual table games.
Bovada offers new customers a 125% bonus of up to $1,250 on each of their first three deposits. That means $3,750 is up for grabs in total bonus funds if you use the Bovada promo code CAWELCOME100. It has a fantastic rewards program too, and you can also enjoy very quick crypto payouts, while the lobby is very neat and well-designed.
4. Strongest Range of Casino Games: BetOnline
Key Features
- Wide variety of slots and table games
- Earn 100 free spins in deposit bonuses after signing up
- Loads of recurring promos
BetOnline runs an elite online casino. It has more games than rival online betting sites, and they are generally quality titles from talented studios. The gaming lobby looks more polished and stylish than its competitors, and it has a great mobile-optimized site too.
Alongside its online casino, it has a poker room, sportsbook, racebook and esports hub. If you want to play a cash poker game or tournament, you will find a wide array of skill levels, although the poker rooms at some rivals, including Bovada, are busier.
New users receive a bonus of 100 free spins after making an initial deposit. There are great options for returning customers too including reload bonuses and loads of promos. The BetOnline promo codes can be used to get exclusive offers.
5. Excellent Casino and Sportsbook Site: BetAnySports
Key Features
- Seven online casino platforms rolled into one
- Excellent cash-back program for casino players
BetAnySports surged ahead of some impressive rivals to seal a top-five spot in our list of the best online casinos California players can access. It has a sportsbook, which is famous for reduced juice lines, a racebook and seven different casino platforms – 3D Casino, Classic Casino, Diamond Casino, Fortune Casino, Horizon Casino, Star Casino and Vegas Live – all rolled into one elegant online casino site.
You may have to root around in the various online casino areas at first to find your favorite games, but you will soon grow accustomed to the layout. There are lots of excellent titles within the varied overall portfolio, and it has a generous rebate program for casino customers too, so we were impressed with the casino gaming experience at BetAnySports.
Comparing the Best California Online Casinos
These are the traits we looked out for when reviewing online casinos in California:
- Wide selection of quality casino games
- High-end online casino software
- User-friendly betting experience
- Betting limits to suit all players
- Appealing casino bonuses and promotions
- Flawless security record
- 24/7 customer service
BookMaker, Heritage Sports, Bovada, BetOnline and BetAnySports stood out by performing well in each category.
What games are available with online casino apps?
These are the main types of games you will find at California mobile casinos:
- Online Slots: Video slots, 3D slots, progressive jackpot games
- Poker: Video poker and virtual table poker
- Table Games: Blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps
- Live Dealer Games: Table games, game shows with real money prizes
- Specialty Games: Keno, bingo, scratchcards
- Virtual Sports
Bonuses for California Online Casinos
You can benefit from a variety of bonuses at online casinos in California:
- Deposit Match Bonus: A sign-up bonus whereby the casino matches a percentage of your initial deposit.
- Free Spins: A bonus for new or existing customers, allowing you to spin a slot for free in a bid to earn a profit.
- Reload Bonus: An existing customer bonus is available when you top up your account balance.
- Promotions: Ongoing offers aimed at existing customers.
- Loyalty Program: Earn points when you play casino games and trade them in for site credit or other rewards.
- Rebate: Receive a rebate at certain intervals on any casino losses you incur.
Land-Based Casinos in California
California has more than just a handful of casinos and active cardrooms available for gambling enthusiasts. You can find slot machines, poker and a variety of card games depending on where you go. Many of these casinos are located inside four- and five-star luxury hotels, which provide a great experience for guests as well as offer a good selection of games.
Here are some of the most popular casinos in CA:
- Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City: Located in the Coachella Valley, this casino features over 500 slot machines and 8 table games, including blackjack and roulette. Poker fans will find a well-equipped room with various games and regular tournaments.
- Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage: This luxury casino spans over 71,000 square feet, offering over 1,300 slots and 40 table games. It also includes upscale dining options and a concert theater for live entertainment.
- Agua Caliente Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs: Situated in downtown Palm Springs, this casino offers 450 slot machines, 16 table games and a stylish poker room with regular tournaments. The resort also features a dance floor and dining options.
- Augustine Casino: Located in Cabazon, this smaller casino has 800 slot machines and a range of table games like blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Its cozy poker room offers regular Omaha Hi-Lo tournaments.
- Barona Valley Ranch Casino: This non-smoking casino in Lakeside has over 2,000 games, a golf course, and scenic views, making it a unique spot for relaxation and gaming.
- Bicycle Hotel & Casino: Known as a major poker destination, the Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens has a 100,000-square-foot gaming area with 185 tables and 2,000 slot machines, plus a luxury hotel and spa.
- Casino Pauma: This smaller casino in the San Diego area offers slots and table games with low betting limits, making it a great choice for budget-friendly gambling.
- Commerce Casino and Hotel: The largest poker casino in California, Commerce offers over 200 poker tables, as well as games like blackjack and pai gow poker. It’s located just 21 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
- Crystal Casino & Hotel: Located in Compton, this casino has a 100,000-square-foot floor with slot machines, table games, and a poker room with 37 tables.
- Fantasy Springs Resort Casino: This Indio Springs casino features over 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games and a spacious poker room. It also offers live entertainment and fine dining options.
- Golden Acorn Casino: Known for its smaller size, this casino near San Diego offers 750 slot machines, 50 video poker options and a selection of table games.
- Harrah’s Resort Southern California: A luxurious getaway in Valley Center with 7,500 slot machines and dozens of table games. This resort also offers numerous entertainment and dining options.
- Hollywood Park Casino: Located in Inglewood, this casino has a large gaming area featuring poker, blackjack, and slot machines. It’s known for a variety of poker tournaments and dining options.
- Hustler Casino: This Los Angeles casino offers 55,000 square feet of gaming space with popular table games and an extensive poker room featuring daily tournaments.
- Jamul Casino: Located close to San Diego, Jamul offers the latest slots, popular poker games and multiple lounges for relaxation.
- Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino: This Gardena casino has a large gaming floor and a poker room with regular tournaments, creating a lively atmosphere for players.
- Morongo Casino Resort & Spa: Situated in Cabazon, this large resort offers over 4,000 slot machines, 85 table games, and a well-appointed poker room. The casino is also known for its luxury amenities.
- Pala Casino Spa Resort: This casino in Pala provides over 2,000 slot machines and more than 100 table games. It’s a full Vegas-style resort in Southern California.
- Pechanga Resort & Casino: Located in Temecula, Pechanga is one of the largest casinos in the U.S., with a 200,000-square-foot floor, thousands of slot and table games as well as a non-smoking poker room.
- Soboba Casino: Found in San Jacinto, this casino has a dedicated poker room with 14 tables and a wide range of gaming options, along with dining and hotel amenities.
- Sycuan Casino: A short drive from San Diego, Sycuan offers 2,000 slot machines, including exclusive games, as well as classic and video reel options.
- Valley View Casino: This casino in Valley Center is popular for its “loosest slots” and has dozens of gaming tables and live entertainment.
- Viejas Casino: Located on the Viejas Reservation, this casino features 2,200 slot machines, a bingo hall, and off-track horse betting, along with a shopping outlet nearby.
- Yaamava’ Resort & Casino: Formerly known as San Manuel Casino, Yaamava’ in Highland has over 4,900 slot machines and various table games, along with a dedicated poker room and luxury accommodations.
There are currently 66 active casinos across the state of California that are operated by 63 different Native American tribes. They offer blackjack tables, roulette games and slot machines; many have a poker room onsite.
Offshore sites can offer the same experience as these tribal casinos (including dealer games) but with the added benefit of offering sports betting in California as well as other forms of gambling.
Best California Online Casino
Bookmaker.eu is the best online casino in California. It provides a broad range of exciting games with high RTP rates, and the lobby is very smooth, offering simple navigation for easy online gambling. Sign up today and you will receive a 100% slots bonus worth up to $500 or a 100% blackjack and video poker bonus of up to $250.
FAQs – Real Money Online Casinos in California
Can I play at online casinos in California?
California residents have access to a wide range of popular games including classic options like slot games and live dealer games but they must use offshore sites. The gambling laws prevent locally-regulated companies from operating.
How many casinos are there in California?
There are 66 land-based casinos spread across 27 counties in California. California also has various card rooms, plus the California Lottery and horse racing tracks like Santa Anita Park.
What online gambling is legal in California?
In California, the only online wagering that local gambling companies are allowed to offer is wagering on horse races. For online casino gambling, residents can use offshore sites.
What is the largest casino in California?
The Yaamava Resort Casino is the largest land-based casino in California, with a large volume of slot machines, roulette, poker tables and card games. This gambling location features a 17,100-square-foot gaming floor.
Can you play FanDuel casino in California?
No, you can only use FanDuel for daily fantasy sports in California. For real money gambling, residents can turn to any of the top-rated online casinos in our list above.