Best Online Gambling Sites California

Serhii Bielyi Publication byS. Bielyi

Given that California is the most populous state in the United States, online gambling would undoubtedly be a huge hit for people there. However, it still has a way to go when compared to other states in terms of online gambling options and its limits because of its laws.

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, United States
  • BetRivers.net
    #1 Rank
    BetRivers.net
    Bonus
    $1,000 Spin to Win Virtual Credits Everyday
    8.9
    Read review
    About BetRivers.net
    BetRivers.net

    Since 2016, BetRivers.NET has been a powerhouse in the US social casino scene, offering top-quality games from NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others. With over 700 slots, live casino games, and ongoing tournaments, it’s a must-visit. All players enjoy automatic enrollment in the loyalty scheme and receive free virtual credits every four hours.

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    Overview
    • Website us.betrivers.net
    • Established 2016
    • Min deposit $1.99
    • No Deposit Bonus $20 virtual credits
    Rating
    8.7 / 10
    Bonuses
    8/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    8/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    10/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • GoldSlips Casino
    #2 Rank
    GoldSlips Casino
    Bonus
    5S Coins and 100K Gold Coins
    8.8
    Read review
    About GoldSlips Casino
    GoldSlips Casino

    GoldSlips Casino, launched in 2023 and available in most states, is quickly gaining traction as a promising social casino. With a straightforward yet engaging platform, we’re eager to see its expansion in bonuses and promotions. Check out our comprehensive review for insights on gameplay, ratings, and more at GoldSlips.

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    Overview
    Rating
    7.1 / 10
    Bonuses
    6/10
    Payment Options
    7/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    8/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    7/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • ACH
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Modo Casino
    #3 Rank
    Modo Casino
    Bonus
    20,000 Gold Coins (GC) + Sweepstakes Coins (SC)
    8.7
    Read review
    About Modo Casino
    Modo Casino

    Modo.us sweepstakes casino combines social gaming with the chance to redeem cash prizes in a secure and legal environment.

    Using Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC), players can enjoy the site’s hundreds of slots and compete for leaderboard positions, while SC can be redeemed for cash prizes. New players receive 20,000 GC and 1 SC just for signing up, no promo code needed.

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    Overview
    • Website modo.us
    • Established 2023
    • Min deposit $0.99
    Rating
    7.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    7/10
    Payment Options
    6/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    9/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • Apple Pay
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Chanced.com
    #4 Rank
    Chanced.com
    Bonus
    10,000 FREE Coins
    + 2 SC
    8.6
    Read review
    About Chanced.com
    Chanced.com

    Chanced emerges as a significant player in the social gaming arena, distinguishing itself with a vast array of about 700 premium slots, live dealer games, and exclusive Chance Originals. Explore daily offers of FREE SC and GC at this casino, and discover how to convert your SC to USD. Our comprehensive review delves into the welcome bonus and verifies the authenticity of Chanced sweepstakes casino.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    8.5/10
    Payment Options
    7/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    10/10
    User reviews
    8.5/10

    Payment methods

    • Mastercard
    • Visa
    • Discover
    • American Express
    • BTC
    • LTC
    • +1
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply

Reviews of Our Choise 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.

Wind Creek Social Casino
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Wind Creek Social Casino
#1 Rank
Wind Creek Social Casino
8.4

Wind Creek Social Casino is among the most popular social platforms in the United States. It boasts an interesting selection of games and treats its players with bonuses, including a Daily Bonus Wheel Spin that greets players once they open the website.

Pros of Wind Creek Social Casino
  • Available in all US states
  • Several bonuses including a daily bonus wheel spin
  • Efficient customer support via live chat and email
  • Mobile app for Android and iOS users
Cons of Wind Creek Social Casino
  • Somewhat outdated website design
  • Not many table games
  • Not many bonus options
Hello Millions
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Hello Millions
#2 Rank
Hello Millions
8.5

Hello Millions is an entertaining social casino packing an impressive gaming selection, and an array of free bonuses rewarding Sweep Coins and Gold Coins. The site hosts hundreds of top-quality slots, lets you redeem SC via gift cards, and is partnered with leading software suppliers such as NetEnt, Habanero, BGaming, and Pragmatic Play. Our review contains all the details!

  • Website www.hellomillions.com
  • Bonus 5,000 Gold Coins
  • Established 2023
  • Games 750
  • Legal in States All except AL, GA, ID, KY, NV, MI, WA
Pros of Hello Millions Casino
  • Fantastic slot selection
  • Global running jackpot
  • Live chat support
  • Generous bonuses and promotions
  • Daily Free Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins
Cons of Hello Millions Casino
  • Live chat locked behind real money purchase
  • Limited table game selection
Vegas Gems
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Vegas Gems
#3 Rank
Vegas Gems
8.6

Vegas Gems social casino is one of the newest and most trusted free gaming platforms on the market today. Big-name slot games, tons of ways to earn Shards and Gems, and unique casino-style games make this sweepstakes casino a fan favorite. Check out what our team thinks about this new social casino in our Vegas Gems review.

  • Website vegasgems.com
  • Bonus Up to 1,000 Gems and Get 50% Extra Gems on First Shards Purchase
  • Established 2023
  • Games 690
  • Legal in States Legal in all states except WA, ID, NV
Pros:
  • Massive selection of slots from top providers
  • Unique currency system with Gems and Shards
  • Good customer support options, including live chat
  • Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
Cons:
  • Limited banking methods (only credit/debit cards accepted)
  • No mobile app available
  • Low social media presence (no official Facebook page)
Pulsz casino
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Pulsz casino
#4 Rank
Pulsz casino
7.4

Exclusive slots, fun bonuses, and an engaging social media community are just a few of the key elements of Pulsz online social casino so popular. Their user interface is simplified, as are their payment methods, so you can get straight to business and start playing your favorite games. How does Pulsz Casino stack up to the competition? Pulsz casino reviews are a dime a dozen, but ours at Lucky Gambler gives you an inside look at what sets this online casino apart from the rest and gives insight into what areas can also be improved.

  • Website www.pulsz.com
  • Bonus 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 FREE Sweepstakes
  • Established 2020
  • Games 966
  • Legal in States All states except WA, ID, MI, NV, MT
Pros of Pulsz Casino
  • A wide range of games available
  • User-friendly website design
  • Multiple payment credit cards accepted
  • Variety of big-name gaming developers
Cons of Pulsz Casino
  • Slow customer support
  • Limited bonuses and promotions
Gambino Slots
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Gambino Slots
#5 Rank
Gambino Slots
8.4

For those who love old-school style slots, there’s something charming and thrilling about Gambino. This Gambino Slots review brings you the latest information on what types of bonuses and perks this social casino offers, how to activate more slot games, and how to maximize fun on this older-style platform! We’ll give you everything from its customer service level to the newest slots, fun deals, and more in this review.

  • Website www.gambinoslot.com
  • Bonus 200 Free Spins & 100k G-Coins
  • Established 2015
  • Games 135
  • Legal in States All 50 states
Pros
  • Multiple daily G-Coins promotions
  • High-quality bespoke games
  • Loyalty program available
  • Unique and immersive variety of slot games
  • Great VIP program
  • Gambino Slots app available on iOS and Android
  • Playable through Facebook
  • Generous bonuses and promotions
  • 24/7 customer support availability
  • Legal in all 50 states
Cons
  • Limited game selection (only slots from one developer are available)
  • Limited payment options compared to other online casinos
  • No table games
  • Old-fashioned site design
  • Confusing interface
Global Poker
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Global Poker
#6 Rank
Global Poker
8.3

Global Poker Casino offers a revolutionary concept in the world of social casinos and gaming. With an extensive poker portfolio spreading across Omaha, Texas Hold’em, and Caribbean Stud, as well as slots and table games, it makes a perfect all-around option. It’s powered by VGW software and approved by the MGA, but is it as good as it sounds? Let our LuckyGambler experts share a few thoughts in this all-in guide.

  • Website globalpoker.com
  • Bonus 50 million FREE Sweeps Coins
  • Established 2016
  • Games 100+
  • Legal in States Global Poker legally operates in all US states except for ID, WA, MT, and MI.
Pros of Global Poker Casino
  • Allows you to play casino games and online poker for free
  • The best sweepstakes online poker site in terms of poker variations offered
  • Has great sign-up and reload bonuses
  • Chance to redeem SC winnings for real prizes
  • Offers private poker tables
Cons of Global Poker Casino
  • Doesn't have a dedicated mobile app besides the tournament clock app
  • Lacks proper support options
Luckybird
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Luckybird
#7 Rank
Luckybird
9.3

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 luckybird.io
  • Bonus 1,000 Gold Coins + 0.21 Sweeps Cash
  • Established 2022
  • Games 131
  • Legal in States All except WA, KY, NV, MI, ID
Pros:
  • Infinite crypto Faucet
  • Daily free Sweepstake Coins
  • Massive generous bonuses
  • Provably Fair games
  • First Buy Bonus
  • Redeem SC to crypto
  • Live Chat customer service
Cons:
  • Lack of a live casino lobby
  • No support with native mobile apps
NoLimitCoins
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NoLimitCoins
#8 Rank
NoLimitCoins
8.5

Small but mighty, NolimitCoins casino is quickly becoming one of the most reputable, fun, and simple social casino platforms on the market. It’s easy to find a slot that satisfies your need for a Vegas-style game, purchase gold coin packages to extend the fun, and win daily bonuses! Find out more about this new sweepstakes casino in our NolimitCoins review.

  • Website nolimitcoins.com
  • Bonus 100k Free Gold Coins
  • Established 2021
  • Games 111
  • Legal in States All except WA, NV, ID
  • Live Dealer No
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Limited game selection compared to other online casinos
  • No mobile app
  • Limited depositing options
Zula
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Zula
#9 Rank
Zula
8.7

In just over a year, Zula Casino took over the US social casino market by storm with lucrative features like the progressive SC jackpot and a free welcome bonus. We took a sneak peek and tried on-site slots and casino games to see what it’s all about. There’s a lot of action going on, starting with 700+ games from renowned providers, an exclusive VIP program, and fish games, but is it all so great? Let LuckyGambler experts share a few thoughts.

  • Website www.zulacasino.com
  • Bonus 100,000 GC + 10 SC
  • Established 2023
  • Games 581
  • Legal in States Zula Casino legally operates in all US states except GA, ID, WA
Pros
  • One of the best welcome bonuses on sweepstakes casinos
  • More than 700 slot games from reputable providers
  • Site-specific progressives
  • Free gold coins on registration
  • Daily and weekly reload bonuses
  • Exclusive VIP program
Cons
  • No mobile app
  • Lacks live chat support
  • Only has a few table games on offer
LuckyLand
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LuckyLand
#10 Rank
LuckyLand
8.4

LuckyLand Slots is one of the most intriguing social casino sites in the US, and it’s not just because of the immersive experience that Virtual Gaming Worlds software offers. Everything about it stands out from other social casinos, starting with the Lucky Duck daily promo, jackpot game selection, and instant win games.

  • Website luckylandslots.com
  • Bonus 7,777 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins for FREE
  • Established 2015
  • Games 114
  • Legal in States Legal in all US states except for WA, ID, MI
Pros of Luckyland Slots Casino
  • Features one of the best welcome bonuses on social casinos
  • Chance of redeeming SC for cash prizes
  • Convenient redemption processing methods
  • More than 100 unique slots and instant win games
  • Easy-to-use mobile interface
Cons of High 5 Casino
  • We'd like to see a few more table and video poker games
  • The lack of an iOS mobile app downgrades the site's optimization score

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.

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.

Californian Online Poker

California has a long history as one of America’s most popular poker states, but it does not offer legal online poker for real money. Lawmakers in California have tried to legalize online poker, but unsuccessfully. Currently, the only online poker available for Californians are social and sweepstake casinos that offer pai gow poker and other social casino games.

Californian Daily Fantasy Sports

The state of California does not regulate daily fantasy sports, however, it is tolerated in the Golden State. The state law does not address fantasy sports directly within its legislation, with all the top DFS brands operating in California accepting customers aged 18 and over.

Californian Sports Betting

Retail sports betting is not currently legal in the state of California, nor is online sports betting. Two propositions to legalize sports betting were rejected in the November ballots of 2022. Should an agreement be reached during 2023 to legalize online sports betting, then the earliest it could be implemented would be 2024.

Californian Online Horse Betting

Since 1933, wagering on horses has been legal in the state of California and is regulated by the California Horse Racing Board. Due to its popularity, California is also one of only a few states to offer legal online horse betting. Players must be the legal gambling age of 18 and older to participate.

Californian Lottery

The California State Lottery was first approved back in 1984, allowing Californians to participate in Powerball Games and the Mega Millions. Additionally, there are draw games and scratch cards available, regulated by the Lottery Commission. Players must be aged 18 and above to take part in any of the state’s lottery games.

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.

History of Gambling Legislation in California

California Bans Card and Dice Banked Games

California bans banked and percentage games with cards or dice due to the enactments of the California Penal Code.

Legalization of Pari-Mutuel Horse Race Betting

On June 27, 1933, Proposition 5 was ratified by voters, authorizing pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. Following the enactment of this law in September 1933, Fairplex Park became the inaugural track in Southern California to introduce pari-mutuel wagering.

Bingo Legalized for Charitable Purposes

Bingo was legalized for non-profit charitable purposes. It is a misdemeanor for any person to receive or pay a profit, wage, or salary from any bingo game authorized by Section 19 of Article IV of the State Constitution.

State Lottery Authorized by Voters

The initiation of the California State Lottery occurred through Proposition 37, a ballot measure that received voter approval on November 6, 1984. Known as the California State Lottery Act of 1984, this legislation permits the Lottery to enhance funding for public education in California by responsibly selling lottery products.

Supreme Court Rules on Native American Gaming Rights

The Supreme Court ruled that neither local governments nor states could regulate gambling on any land belonging to Native American tribes.

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Passed

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed, requiring Native American tribes and states to enter into an agreement allowing Native American tribes to offer specific forms of gambling.

Establishment of CGCC

CGCC was created. And The Governor of California negotiated gambling compacts with 57 recognized Native American tribes.

Expansion of Class III Gaming

Hosting of slot machines, lottery, and banked casino games allowed under the Class III Gaming Act.

Vote to Increase Slot Machines for Tribes

Residents voted in favor of allowing four tribes to increase the amount of slot machines by 17,000 units with the Class III Gaming Act.

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.

Serhii Bielyi Written by Serhii Bielyi

Serhii is an Data Scientist and SEO expert with over 11 years of experience. Since 2018, he has been the SEO Team Lead at an international marketing agency. He is also a professional poker player, specifically Texas No-Limit Hold’em, since 2019.

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