The top online casinos in California offer unbeatable, award-winning titles, generous deposit bonuses, and exclusive VIP rewards. Whether you’re chasing thrilling games or luxurious perks, these casino sites deliver it all in spades.
This guide covers everything you need to know about gambling online in California, including which sites are truly worth considering, local laws you should be aware of, and much more.
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200BLACK
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Comparing the Best California Online Casinos
California online casinos cater to beginners and professionals through multiple features. You will find that each of these sites provides a different number of games, and some may offer live dealer gaming while others don’t. To make it easier to pick out the CA online casino that ticks all of your boxes, we have created the comparison table below:
Casino | Our Rating | Sign Up Bonus |
---|---|---|
BetWhale | 9.8/10 | 250% welcome bonus |
Raging Bull | 9.7/10 | $2,500 + 50 free spins |
Wild Casino | 9.6/10 | 250 free spins |
Black Lotus | 9.5/10 | $7,000 + 30 free spins |
Cafe Casino | 9.4/10 | 350% up to $2,500 |
Lucky Red | 9.3/10 | 400% up to $4,000 + $75 free chip |
BetUS | 9.3/10 | 250% bonus |
Decode Casino | 9.2/10 | $1,111 + $10 free |
Red Dog | 9.2/10 | Up to $8,000 |
Everygame | 9.1/10 | $5,555 package |
Details About Our Top 5 Online Casinos in California
If the CA casinos on our list have piqued your interest and you want to know more about what these sites have to offer, then keep reading. Below, we review the top five CA casinos on our list, offering insight into what they provide and what makes them stand out.
Games Lobby Filled With 800+ Options: BetWhale
Our top CA online casino to visit is BetWhale. Owned and operated by Wonder Play Company N.V. and headquartered in Curacao, this online casino has one of the biggest ranges of games from the sites we have reviewed, with 800+ to choose from.
They not only offer traditional slots and table games but also a great selection of specialty games, with nearly 60 on offer. These include popular titles like Plinko, Keno, and Scratchcards, but also up-and-coming games like Bingo, Crash, and Shooter games.
For players looking for a wide range of payment options, BetWhale has you covered with payment cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) Paypal for e-wallet users, and a great selection of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum.
One of the most secure and fair online casinos, and this includes using 256-bit secure encryption technology to protect and mask financial transactions, as well as using fully compliant RNG (Random Number Generator) technology for fair gaming. As well as the 250% matched deposit for casino fans, sports fans are also well looked after with a bonus offer of 125% up to $1,250.
Pros
- Low transaction fees on deposits
- Excellent site for specialty games
- Awesome selection of gaming slots with more than 1300+ to choose from
- Full choice of Plinko, Bingo, Keno, Scratchcards, & Crash specialty games
Cons
- A small number of ongoing promotions
Claim Insurance Pomos Weekly & Monthly: Raging Bull
Raging Bull is another top option for casino games in California. The 250+ games are delivered by Realtime Gaming. You can use credit cards and cryptocurrencies to fund real money bets on slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, and more.
Create an account and claim a welcome package worth up to $2,500 + 50 free spins. The bonus comes with 10x wagering requirements when you use a credit card. This is significantly more realistic than the terms and conditions on other sites. However, the rollover requirements rise to 40x if you use a cryptocurrency.
Ongoing promotions include weekly and monthly insurance, free chips, and a referral bonus. The Raging Bull website is easy to use, albeit outdated. The casino’s VIP program has five levels, ranging from Bronze to Raging. Up to 35% cashback, as well as other rewards, are available.
Pros
- Certified by SkinLogic
- Appreciation free chip promo
- Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other crypto options
- Best real money casino in California for video poker
Cons
- $2,500 maximum withdrawal
Enjoy a Wide Range of Vegas-Style Games: Wild Casino
You can’t beat Wild Casino when it comes to a superb all-round California online casino experience. It’s one of the oldest California casino sites currently running online. Over time, it has built up a reputation as big as its game collection.
You can enjoy 100s of top games, including games that are traditionally forbidden in CA, such as roulette. Plus, Wild Casino has some of the best new slots available in California right now.
Wild Casino is also one of our top-rated real-money online casinos for easy payments. You can make USD deposits from anywhere in California using your credit or debit card. The site also ranks as one of the best Bitcoin casinos, as it provides several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Let’s also mention the deposit bonus at Wild Casino. This real-money online casino offers a generous deposit match deal worth $9,000 to California players. It’s the perfect way to enjoy online gambling in California at one of the best casinos in town.
Pros
- 10+ Live Roulette games available
- More than 400 online gambling titles
- Huge $9,000 deposit bonus for new sign-ups
- Regular slot tournaments with big cash prizes
Cons
- Lack of live customer support
Crypto Users Enjoy Regular VIP Rewards: Black Lotus
The Black Lotus casino launched way back in 2011 and has built a solid reputation for continued high slot game RTP (Return to Player) returns in California. Many of its slot games feature an RTP of 96% and higher.
Headquartered out of Belize, with operations in Macau, one of the gambling destinations of the world, they offer a high $6,000 welcome bonus, plus new players get 35 free spins on the game “Great White Buffalo”
Apart from the cash and free spins welcome offer, Black Lotus always has some type of car promo available where every $30 deposited gets one entry ticket for the draw to win a supercar. Recent winners have walked away with a Ford Mustang, a Lincoln Corsair, a Dodge Ram, and many others.
If you are looking for a casino with a great range of payment methods, then Black Lotus might not be the best. However, they do offer both card and crypto deposits, so there is likely to be one that is suitable, and they have a low minimum deposit of $20.
Pros
- VIP Crypto Elite Club rewards
- Claim up to $6,000 in deposit bonus funds
- Bonus draws every week to win spot prizes of $1,000
- Win a rebate of your whole month’s deposits with Payday Payouts
Cons
- High 60x wagering and playthrough requirements
Play 30+ Jackpot Games & 60+ Specialty Titles: Cafe Casino
Cafe Casino is a real money casino in California that features over 250 games. The casino is partnered with Betsoft, Rival, Wingo, and other providers. You can also take advantage of over 30 exclusive games, including Aztec Gold Bonanza, European Roulette, and Starzle.
The 250% welcome bonus is worth up to $1,500. The 40x wagering requirements give players in CA a realistic chance of profiting from this promotion. There is also an exclusive crypto welcome bonus worth 350% up to $2,500. Hot drop jackpots, weekly mystery bonuses, and a referral bonus are among the ongoing promotions.
Deposits start at $20, with the daily, weekly, and monthly limits catering to beginners and high rollers. However, payouts can take up to 10 days, while fees of up to 5.9% may be incurred. Cafe Casino is mobile-friendly, with a desktop app making things even more convenient.
Pros
- Hot drop jackpots
- Exclusive welcome bonus for crypto users
- Download the desktop app for instant access
- Earn regular rewards through the 8-level VIP program
Cons
- Payouts can take up to 10 days
Top Bonuses to Claim in June
When visiting the best California casinos, you’ll see a dedicated promotions page listing all available bonuses. Start with a welcome bonus where you earn matched funds or free spins, then progress to a reload bonus or cashback deal. You can also join a VIP program and earn benefits whenever you deposit at California online gambling sites. We have delivered some examples of the bonuses available on our recommended sites.
Black Lotus’ $7,000 + 30 FS Welcome Package
After creating an account at Black Lotus Casino, you can claim a bonus of up to $7,000 + 30 free spins. Your opening deposit is 200% matched. The most important terms and conditions are outlined below:
- Use the promo code “200BLACK”.
- A minimum deposit of $20 is required.
- 60x wagering requirements apply.
- Eligible on slots, table games, and video poker.
- Free spins to be used on the Big Game slot.
Claim Up to 250 Free Spins at Wild Casino
Earn 25 free spins for the opening 10 days after creating an account at Wild Casino. Spins can be used on a different slot each day. Check out the key T&Cs below:
- Free spins are valid for 24 hours.
- The maximum winnings from free spins is $100.
- Free spins are awarded at the beginning of the day after your opening deposit.
Up to 35% Monthly Cashback at Raging Bull Casino
VIP members at Raging Bull Casino will receive monthly cashback. Cashback starts at 4% for Bronze level members. Reach the Raging level to claim the maximum 35% cashback. Read the T&Cs below before signing up.
- Raging Bull’s VIP program is invite-only.
- 9%, 15%, and 25% cashback for Silver, Gold, and Platinum members
Up to 65% Reload Bonuses at Lucky Red
Lucky Red Casino is home to multiple reload bonuses. The unlimited 65% bonus for slot players caught our eye. Available every Monday, the bonus increases to 70% when you use a cryptocurrency to deposit.
- 35x wagering requirements apply.
- Eligible for slots, keno, and scratchcards.
- No maximum cashout.
Overview of California Gambling
Legal online gambling in California has yet to be regulated. Before we take a closer look at how the gambling scene works in CA, the following table outlines some of the basics.
State | California |
---|---|
Gambling Age | 21 (18 for lottery and horse racing) |
Top CA Online Casinos | BetWhale, Raging Bull, Wild Casino |
Retail Casinos | 70+ tribal casinos |
Retail Sports Betting | No |
Lottery | Yes |
Are CA Online Casinos Legal in California?
Can you gamble online in California? The short answer is that California online gambling laws are pretty restrictive right now. Though there are plenty of California casinos spread around the Golden State, it’s harder to find action online.
There have been many bills to legalize California gambling online. However, resistance from the state’s powerful cardrooms and tribal casinos means there are no prospects to make online gambling legal in California. For now, you’ll have to play casino games at one of the many offshore gambling sites if you live in the Golden State.
The Latest California Online Gambling Laws
Searching for the answer to “Is it legal to gamble online in California?” Online gambling legislation has been a long, hard slog in recent years. There have been attempts to legalize casinos, Daily Fantasy Sports, and California sports betting sites, but all attempts have failed.
- 2025: California tribes sue card rooms at the Sacramento superior court.
- 2024 SB 549: Gaming: Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act: was signed into law allowing tribal gaming establishments to take legal action against card rooms in the state.
- 2023: California Assembly Bill 341 is signed into law, allowing for the expansion of existing brick-and-mortar cardrooms in the Golden State. New cardrooms will be built over the next 20 years.
- 2022: Two bills – Proposition 27 and Proposition 26 – are introduced to change the Constitution and allow regulated online gambling in California. The bills would have covered both sports betting and California online casino games. However, neither bill made it into the state legislature.
- 2020: Bill SCA-6 attempts to legalize online gambling without approval from tribal casinos.
- 2019: California’s tribal casinos attempt to force through legalized sports betting on casino property.
- 2014: The Iipay Nation launches an unlicensed online bingo site from its San Diego reservation. They are sued by the State of California.
- 2000: California allows tribal casinos to offer games of chance, such as slot machines and blackjack. Roulette and dice games are prohibited, however.
Who Can Legally Play at California Casinos Online?
You can play at California casinos online provided you are resident in a jurisdiction that’s accepted by the gambling site. Our top-rated online gambling sites in California are all registered offshore, so you won’t have to worry about being denied access.
Currently, there is no licensed or regulated online gambling in California. However, that shouldn’t prevent you from playing at some overseas registered casinos.
You must declare that you are of the right legal age when you open your account. A California online casino may ask for a copy of your photo ID and other personal documents before you can withdraw any winnings. We don’t recommend attempts at underage gambling, even at these offshore sites.
Gambling Legislation Opponents & Supporters
There are both opponents and supporters of legal online gambling in California. The opinions of key individuals are outlined below.
- Governor Gavin Newsom – Maintained a neutral stance on online gambling during proposals 26 and 27. This left the decision up to voters.
- Attorney General Rob Bonta – Has yet to give a public opinion on online gambling. His focus has been on enforcing laws in keeping with state regulations.
- James Siva – The Chair of the CA Nations Indian Gaming Association is strongly opposed to the regulation of online gambling.
- Nathan Click – A major advocate of proposition 27 because of its potential to generate large revenue.
- Tomiquai Moss – Also backed prop 27 because its potential to fund the homelessness crisis in California.
Pros and Cons of Playing at California Casinos
There are multiple benefits to playing California online casinos. However, our testing also uncovered a small number of limitations. We have outlined the main pros and cons to consider below.
Pros:
- A diverse selection of games
- Accessible on desktop and mobile devices
- Use cryptocurrencies to remain anonymous
- Potential to qualify for various bonuses and promotions
Cons:
- Lack of social interaction
- Withdrawals can take multiple days
How to Gamble Online in California
Joining an online casino in California is quick and easy to do, but the process involves a few steps.
Visit the Casino
We’ll use BetWhale to show you how easy it is to join a California online casino. Visit the casino site on desktop or mobile, before spending some time familiarizing yourself with the layout.Complete the Quick Sign Up Form
BetWhale doesn’t require new players to verify their accounts straight away. Select “SIGN UP” and provide some personal details, such as your name, address, and password.Deposit Funds
Login to your new account and access the cashier page. Select your preferred payment method and add your details. Confirm the deposit amount and your payment. Wait for funds to reach your BetWhale account.Play Games
Browse available casino games and launch your favorite. Set your stake and confirm your bet. Meet the welcome bonus wagering requirements by playing eligible games.
Payment Methods at the Best California Casinos Online
The best way to enjoy online gambling is by playing for real money. The best online casinos in California offer easy payment options, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies. Oftentimes, you’ll avoid hefty fees if you transfer crypto directly from your wallet.
It’s important to note that not all legal online California casinos accept the same payment methods. Accepted banking options may vary, and deposit/withdrawal limits will differ. Always check the online banking page at the casino before you start online gambling in California.
Popular Casino Games for Californian Players
The best online casino sites in California provide a large and varied selection of online games created by leading software developers. Many casinos let you play for free first, so look for the ‘demo play’ option in the casino lobby.
CA players can find various slot types, such as classic titles, bonus slots, and progressives. You can also join slots tournaments offered by the casino.
You can also play a range of table games that you won’t find in a land-based casino in California. Under CA law, dice and wheel games are banned, so playing online is ideal if you want to play craps or roulette. The best roulette casinos offer a mix of American Roulette and European Roulette.
Additionally, there are often specialty games on offer, such as keno, bingo, Slingo, and scratch cards. Look out too for video poker games, just like you’ll find in your local brick-and-mortar casino. Let’s give you a short intro to each type of game.
Playing Live Dealer Games at California Online Casinos for Real Money
Many of the top California casinos provide a unique style of gaming called live dealer games. At live dealer casinos, you can enjoy an authentic casino experience without leaving home. For a live casino game, the online casino dresses a studio or set to look like a traditional land-based casino floor.
Special cameras track the action, plus you can talk to the dealer via an online chat window. The dealers are trained to handle cards and roulette wheels. However, you make bets via your mobile phone or computer in the usual way.
Forms of Gambling That Are Legal in California
California residents have plenty of legal gambling options. While there are some restrictions, you can visit many land-based casinos, play poker, or purchase a lottery ticket. Most gambling is controlled by the California Gambling Control Commission.
Land-based casinos in the Golden State are dominated by the tribes. Native American casinos are spread across over two dozen counties in California, with most offering a mix of Class II and Class III gaming. That means you have access to slot machines and some table games. Thunder Valley Casino and Pala Casino Resort are two of the biggest and best casinos in the Golden State.
As noted, dice games and spinning wheels are banned, but card games are accepted. Therefore, California has come up with some interesting variants. Roulette is played with a deck of cards instead of a wheel, a form of the game you won’t find in other US states.
California has four race tracks, including Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park. Horse race betting is licensed in the Golden State, but you are restricted to pari-mutuel betting. However, horse racing betting sites accept wagers from California residents.
You can enter drawings provided by the California State Lottery. In addition to local draws for CA players only, you can also enter huge countrywide draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The legal age for playing the lottery in California is 18, and that covers scratchers.
Poker is California’s biggest betting pursuit, and you can play online at the best offshore poker sites. The Golden State boasts some of the biggest and best cardrooms in the US. The Commerce Casino and Bay 101 can accommodate hundreds of Texas Hold’em players plying their trade in cash games and tournaments. The biggest CA card rooms also host annual stops on the World Poker Tour. In addition, you can play at California online poker sites based offshore.
Under current CA gaming law, it’s legal to hold raffles and bingo games with real-money prizes. However, organizations must be nonprofit and provide at least 90% of all sales to good causes in California.
Daily Fantasy Sports have been considered for legalization in California. However, the online gambling laws are yet to approve DFS for real money or recreational play.
How California Casinos Online Compare to Those of Neighboring States
Since California has a relatively firm stance against any kind of online gambling and restrictions as to the types of casino games Tribal casinos in CA may offer, you may wish to visit neighboring states to check out their options. Below, we take you through the gambling options provided by three states and how their gambling offerings compare to those in CA.
Oregon
Oregon offers a slightly more lax approach to gambling than California. Here, players have access to tribal casinos, charitable gambling, social online gaming, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, and retail and online sports betting. However, the state does not offer regulated online casino gambling. Oregon offshore casinos are utilized by many.
Arizona
Players heading to Arizona have several exciting gambling options to enjoy. The state provides several Tribal casinos, a state lottery, daily fantasy sports betting, pari-mutuel betting on horses, and sports betting.
While the state offers 17+ regulated sportsbooks and counting, it has yet to introduce regulated online casino gambling. As a result, players in the state must use offshore Arizona online casino websites.
Nevada
Since Nevada is the gambling hub of the United States, players visiting have access to hundreds of commercial land-based casinos. The state also offers legal sports betting and online poker gaming but only at sites regulated by the state.
Since NV has such a turnover created by its land-based casinos, it has decided not to regulate online casino gambling. Players in the state looking for the best Nevada casinos will need to use offshore platforms.
Land-Based Casinos in California
Although the state doesn’t offer any regulated California casinos online or commercial land-based casino establishments, it does offer cardrooms and tribal casinos. However, it is essential to note that the state imposes restrictions on these casinos, prohibiting them from offering dice games like craps and roulette. Below, we review five of the top land-based casinos in California and what they offer.
80+
Online Casinos Reviewed6
Key Criteria500+
Research Hours10+
In-House WritersThe Top Online Casino in California
Given the strict stance against state-regulated California online casinos, you must turn to offshore sites to play slots, roulette, blackjack, and other games. Many cater well to players in the US. This allows you to claim bonuses and make payments in Dollars.
BetWhale is our top-rated casino. Their site features over 800 games, an attractive 250% welcome bonus, and multiple payment methods. The sign-up process is simple, with no KYC requirements.
Sign up To Claim 250% Bonus For Slots, Cards & Table Games
- Instant deposits with Neosurs starting at $10
- 250% welcome offer to spend on slots, card and tables games
- 50 + live dealer options for Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette and Super 6
FAQ
Does California allow online gambling?
Are there any California-based online casinos?
Can you play online casinos in CA?
What is the legal gambling age in California?
Who regulates online casinos in California?
Responsible Gambling at California Online Casinos
The best CA online casinos should promote responsible gambling wherever possible. That means providing resources such as deposit limit tools and links to approved addiction charities.
If you, or someone you know, has a gambling addiction, asking for help is the best thing you can do. Below are several resources in the state that can help you.