Best Online Gambling Sites in California

Jeremy Olson
Author:
Jeremy Olson
Updated:
11 min read

LuckyGambler is a review platform, that provides personalized casino offers through affiliate links, earning a commission at no extra cost to you when depositing. It doesn’t affect how our team rates and ranks the casino brands, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino offers.

Online gambling is yet to be legalized in California, including online sportsbooks, online casino games, and online poker. Until it is, online gamblers must look elsewhere, meaning that their only options are social and sweepstakes casinos. Users who want to play their favorite table games, casino games, or online slot machines can do so at their own leisure at the increasingly popular social casinos until the state makes online gambling legal.

The Best California Casino Sites

United States
California
California, United States
  • 1
    Best Games Choice
    9.3
    Bonus
    120000 Gold Coins + 10 Swepstakes Coins
    • Payout speed:
      1-5 days
    • Number of games:
      2000+
    Read review
    Benefits
    • More than 2000 games from reputable providers
    • Site-specific progressives
    • Free gold coins on registration
    • Daily and weekly reload bonuses
    • Exclusive VIP program
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2023
    • Min deposit $0.99
    Rating
    9.3 / 10
    Safety & Security
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Games & Software
    9/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    10/10
    Players experience
    9/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    9/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    9/10
    Casino Reputation
    10/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Skrill
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 2
    Highly Recommended
    9.2
    Bonus
    1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
    • Number of games:
      1200+
    • Min. deposit:
      $9.99
    Read review
    Benefits
    • Over 1200+ slots games
    • Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
    • Bingo and Live Casino
    • Daily login bonuses
    • Redemption available
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2021
    • Min deposit $0.49
    Rating
    9.2 / 10
    Safety & Security
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Games & Software
    10/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    9/10
    Players experience
    9/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    8/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    9/10
    Casino Reputation
    10/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Google Pay
    • Skrill
    • Apple Pay
    • American Express
    • Trustly
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 3
    Best New Casino
    8.8
    Bonus
    1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
    • Payout speed:
      2-3 days
    • Number of games:
      650+
    Read review
    Benefits
    • Impressive sign up bonus
    • Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
    • Games updated monthly with new drops
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2024
    • Min deposit no
    Rating
    8.8 / 10
    Safety & Security
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Games & Software
    9/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    9/10
    Players experience
    9/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    8/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    8/10
    Casino Reputation
    9/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 4
    8.2
    Bonus
    1,2 Million Coins + 6000 SC for $24.99
    • Payout speed:
      2-3 days
    • Min. deposit:
      $4.99
    • Number of games:
      150+
    Read review
    Benefits
    • High-quality games by top developers
    • Mobile app available
    • Excellent bonuses and promotions
    • User-friendly interface and mobile app
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2022
    • Min deposit $4.99
    • No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
    Rating
    8.2 / 10
    Safety & Security
    9/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Games & Software
    7/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    9/10
    Players experience
    8/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    8/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    8/10
    Casino Reputation
    8/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 5
    8
    Bonus
    125,000 GC + FREE 600000 GC + 30 FC for $19.99
    • Payout speed:
      1-3 days
    • Number of games:
      100+
    Read review
    Benefits
    • Over 100 slot games plus more regularly added
    • Quick registration in minutes and access to games about fishing, wildlife, and much more
    • Progressive VIP Club ("Rookie" players can earn 150,000 Fun Coins and 400 City Coins per spin)
    • Clear, user-friendly interface and fast loading times
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2024
    • Min deposit $6.99
    • No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
    Rating
    8 / 10
    Safety & Security
    9/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Games & Software
    7/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    8/10
    Players experience
    8/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    7/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    8/10
    Casino Reputation
    8/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • Apple Pay
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 6
    8.1
    Bonus
    1,2 Million Coins + 6000 SC for $24.99
    • Payout speed:
      2-3 days
    • Min. deposit:
      $1.99
    • Number of games:
      140+
    Read review
    Benefits
    • High-quality selection of games
    • Daily bonuses and tournaments available
    • User-friendly website design
    • 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
    • Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2021
    • Min deposit $1.99
    • No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
    Rating
    8.1 / 10
    Safety & Security
    9/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Games & Software
    8/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    8/10
    Players experience
    8/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    8/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    7/10
    Casino Reputation
    8/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Apple Pay
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 7
    7
    Bonus
    10,000 Gold Coins + 5 Sweepstakes Coins
    Read review
    Benefits
    • Unique game types include scratchers and arcade games
    • Use of cryptocurrency for banking
    • Good amount of bonuses
    • Expansive VIP Rewards
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2023
    • Min deposit $9,99
    • No Deposit Bonus 10 Free Spins
    Rating
    7 / 10
    Safety & Security
    9/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Games & Software
    7/10
    Customer Support
    6/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    7/10
    Players experience
    6/10
    Payment options
    6/10
    Payout speed
    7/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    7/10
    Casino Reputation
    7/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Bitcoin
    • Ethereum
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 8
    Best Games Choice
    8.9
    Bonus
    170,000 Gold Coins + 7 free Sweeps Coins
    • Payout speed:
      1-5 days
    • Number of games:
      1000+
    Read review
    Benefits
    • All-in-one social sportsbook and casino
    • 24/7 customer support service
    • Fast redemptions
    • Amazing bonuses for new and existing players
    • Over 40 progressive slots with SC jackpots
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2023
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Safety & Security
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Games & Software
    10/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    9/10
    Players experience
    8/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    8/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    8/10
    Casino Reputation
    9/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+
  • 9
    6.9
    Bonus
    5S Coins + 100K Gold Coins
    Read review
    Benefits
    • Intuitive, user-focused interface
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Opportunity to redeem real money prizes
    Overview
    • Website
    • Established 2023
    Rating
    6.9 / 10
    Safety & Security
    10/10
    User experience
    6/10
    Games & Software
    5/10
    Customer Support
    8/10
    Bonuses & promotions
    7/10
    Players experience
    6/10
    Payment options
    8/10
    Payout speed
    6/10
    Mobile Compatibility
    6/10
    Casino Reputation
    7/10
    Payment methods
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    Terms and conditions apply, 21+

Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Gambling Sites CA

Our dedicated team has assembled an exclusive list of the top platforms available to Californian players. These sweepstakes and social casinos excel in offering a wide variety of games, lucrative bonus offers, secure payment methods, and exceptional customer support. Discover the ultimate online gaming experiences tailored for players in California today.

Legendz Casino
Read review
Legendz Casino

Legendz Casino

7.9

Legendz online casino took the US sweepstakes market by storm. It’s now among the very few sweepstakes sites offering 380+ slots, seven live dealer games, and dozens of sports betting options. This Legendz Casino review will cover all the game types and focus on key aspects like providers, markets, and bonuses. Legendz social casino was established in 2024 and has already impressed players with its easy-to-navigate website and array of gaming options.

    Pros
    • Over 400 slots, bingo, and live dealer games from providers like Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw, and 3Oaks
    • Live casino games powered by Live88 for a genuine live dealer experience
    • Impressive sign-up boost of 500 gold coins, three free SC, and a 50% off on first purchase
    • Daily races with a possibility to win FS
    • Exclusive gifts and rewards through a 5-tier VIP system
    • Includes a sportsbook with localized US markets
    Cons
    • No software fairness accreditation by third-party organizations like eCOGRA or iTechLabs
    • Doesn’t have a license from major regulators
    • VIP points expire within 60 days if not used
    Read review
    Kickr Casino

    Kickr Casino

    7.3

    Kickr Casino is a US-based social sweepstakes platform launched in 2023 by Kickr Games Pty Ltd. Players can expect an easy sign-up process, a generous welcome bonus of 150,000 Bits and 4 free Bucks, and hundreds of fun social casino-style games. I played at this online gambling platform over the past few weeks to bring you an honest, up-to-date Kickr casino review. The current game library only offers around 400 titles, backed by reputable provider

      Pros
      • Play free games without making a purchase
      • Enjoy the generous Kickr casino sign up bonus of 150,000 Bits and 4 free Bucks
      • Explore around 400 exciting Kickr games, including 25+ jackpot titles
      • Have fun lag-free on mobile browsers
      Cons
      • Not available in ID, MT, MI, WA
      • No live dealer games
      Luckybird
      Read review
      Luckybird

      Luckybird

      7

      LuckyBird is a crypto social casino with an infinite Faucet, daily free Sweep Coins and Gold Coins, and a host of Provably Fair games. The site is also backed by BGaming and Belatra and hosts daily giveaways, tournaments, and various promotions. New players can claim no-deposit money, and there’s a valuable First Buy bonus lying in wait. All SC can be redeemed in crypto, learn about the exchange rates, how to redeem, and all the details in our LuckyBird review.

      • Website
      • Bonus 1,000 Gold Coins + 0.21 Sweeps Cash
      • Established 2022
      • Games 131
      • Legal in States All except WA, KY, NV, MI, ID
      • Live Dealer No
      Pros
      • Infinite crypto Faucet
      • Daily free Sweepstake Coins
      • Massive generous bonuses
      • Redeem SC to crypto
      • Live Chat customer service
      Cons
      • Lack of a live casino lobby
      • No support with native mobile apps

      California Online Gambling Laws

      Currently, the only types of gambling permitted in California are tribal casinos, the lottery, Indian bingo, pari-mutuel horse race wagering, and charitable forms such as raffles.

      California does not permit real money online gambling, meaning that it is only legal for players to play at a social casino site. Such sites are predominantly for playing for fun, however, some of them award their users in the form of Sweepstakes Coins, which can be redeemed for cash prizes and gifts.

      Social casinos are also popular for people who want to play online slots and other casino-style games, with some of them offering generous bonuses to their players.

      Recently, bills have been introduced to legalize online gambling in California, with some gaining attention from the state’s lawmakers. Back in the state’s November 2022 ballot, residents of California voted against two propositions that would legalize sports betting online.

      Retail sports betting is not legal at this time. For now, the legalization of sports betting in California is put on hold until at least 2024.

      How does California Regulate Gambling?

      While online gambling in California is prohibited, there are still legal forms of gambling:

      • tribal casinos
      • pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing
      • the California lottery
      • cardrooms
      • and gaming for non-profit organizations

      The California Gambling Control Commission works in collaboration with the Bureau of Gambling Control in order to regulate the Golden State’s gambling industry. The California Horse Racing Board is in charge of regulating pari-mutuel wagering for horses. These authorities will also regulate online gambling when it is legalized in California.

      Once online gambling in California becomes legal, players can assure their safety and security if they upkeep responsible gambling efforts and choose legal casino sites that are licensed and regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission.

      Legal online casinos will offer responsible gambling facilities to Californians, and all gaming sites will undergo thorough checks by the CGCC to ensure the security and integrity of the site and its players.

      Californian Land Based Casinos

      There are 85 land-based casinos across Northern and Southern California, with the state being the largest in Indian gaming. The 85 California Indian gaming casinos are owned by 73 of the state’s 109 tribes, these are otherwise known as tribal casinos.

      Some of the best California casinos include Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Viejas Casino & Resort, and the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. All are tribal casinos meaning no casino in California is operated by MGM Resorts International, which primarily operates casinos in Las Vegas.

      Online Casino Gambling in California

      There are a multitude of reasons that make it challenging to predict the future of online casinos in California. The Golden State’s tribal casinos, poker room operators, and lawmakers have varying agendas making it difficult to reach a consensus. And going off recent attempts, gambling legislation does not tend to gain much traction.

      However, the future of online sports betting looks a little more optimistic than the outlook for gambling legislation. Online sports betting has seen an overwhelming growth in popularity after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports betting.

      For the best online casino-style games in California, players look to social casinos due to online gambling in California is yet to be made legal. The best online casino for Californians is WOW Vegas, which offers gamers the opportunity to play slots online, blackjack, promotional sweepstakes, and deposit bonuses.

      Other social casinos in California also offer a generous deposit bonus, and casino games such as slot machines, and table games.

      FAQ

      What is the legal gambling age in California?

      The legal gambling age is 18 for bingo, state lottery, and pari-mutuel horse wagering. Wagering at a casino is legal from 18, however, casinos restrict any persons below the age of 21 from entering.

      Who regulates gambling in California?

      Legal land-based casinos in California are legal in tribal casinos on Indian reservations. The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) ensures each tribe remains compliant with the tribe-state compact. The California Lottery Commission and the California Horse Racing Board regulate lotteries and pari-mutuel wagering respectively.

      Are online casinos legal in California?

      Real money sites are yet to be legalized, however, social and sweepstakes casinos are a popular alternative in the state of California. Gamers are invited to play online slot machines and table games, without depositing a dime.

      Can I win real money at California online casinos?

      While real money gambling sites are not yet permitted in California, some social casinos do allow players to win cash prizes. Some sites use ‘Sweepstake’ coins that can also be redeemed to win real money prizes.

      Are gambling winnings taxable in California?

      The state of California taxes all gambling winnings. Gambling winnings could bump a player up to a higher tax bracket, which would increase the amount of state tax owed. All profit below $5,000 is subject to a flat tax rate of 24%. Anything above $5,000, or any gambling winnings over 300x the original wager must be reported on a W4 tax withholding form.

      Is it necessary for me to reside in California to play on online gambling sites once they become operational?

      Should a California online casino become legal, residents of the Golden State will be able to participate in online casino gambling on legal and licensed websites. A player living outside of California must adhere to their state laws.

      Jeremy Olson Written by Jeremy Olson

      Jeremy Olson runs team of writers and creates the overall content strategy. With years of experience in the gambling industry, Jeremy has honed his skills not only as a writer but also as a strategic thinker, making long-term content plans that align with the website’s goals.

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