California! The land of sunshine, great weather, and a place that, according to the late Tupac, knows how to party… But did you also know that California is home to a lot of people just like you who love to gamble!
There’s just something exciting about testing the limits of lady luck and seeing how the cards and dice fall.
And if that’s you, we’ve got some even better news. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the home of Silicon Valley is also leading the charge in the merging of gambling and technology.
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Yes, you now have unfettered access to the best California online casinos and California gambling apps. No matter the games you want to play, the stakes you desire, or what you do to tap into lady luck, you’re covered, thanks to these awesome real money California casinos online.
Las Atlantis Is Our Top Pick for the Best California Online Casino
Who knew that the lost city of Atlantis transformed into an online casino and found its way into the hearts of Cali residents? Okay, some of that story might be made up, but here’s what we’re getting at. The best online casino site in California is hands down Las Atlantis.
Modeled after the history of the famous lost city, Las Atlantis offers mega bonuses, high-quality graphics, incredible games, and mobile gaming like you won’t find anywhere else.
| Game Type | # of Options |
| Slots | 193 |
| Video Poker | 17 |
| Table Games | 13 |
| Specialty | 11 |
| Blackjack | 8 |
What We Like About the Las Atlantis Casino App
- Never pay any fees for deposits or withdrawals
- Helpful auto-play options to enhance the slot playing experience
- Highest-quality games available on desktop and mobile (including smartphones)
Things to Consider
- No attached sportsbook or poker (except video poker)
- No live dealer games (streaming)
Sign Up Bonus Details
- 280% Welcome Bonus up to $14,000
- New players only
- Minimum qualifying deposits range from $10-$30, depending on the method
- Spread out over up to (5) deposits ($2,800 bonus per deposit available)
- 35x playthrough requirement
- Maximum payout of 30x your deposit
Las Atlantis vs. Pechanga Resort and Casino
In California, you have a lot of in-person casino options to choose from. So, how do California casinos online compare? Well, let’s take a look.
Here’s a breakdown of the different games that are available at Las Atlantis (online) and Pechanga Resort and Casino (the largest in-person casino in California).
| Game | Las Atlantis | Pechanga Resort and Casino |
| Baccarat | Yes | Yes |
| Blackjack | Yes | Yes |
| Caribbean Stud | Yes | No |
| Craps | Yes | Yes |
| Let It Ride | Yes | Yes |
| Pai Gow Poker | Yes | Yes |
| Red Dog | Yes | No |
| Roulette | Yes | Yes |
| Sic Bo | Yes | No |
| Slots | Yes | Yes |
| Three Card Poker | Yes | Yes |
| Three Card Rummy | Yes | No |
| Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em | No | Yes |
| Video Poker | Yes | Yes |
| War | Yes | No |
| Spanish 21 | No | Yes |
| Crazy 4 Poker | No | Yes |
Additional Benefits of Playing Casino Games Online in California
- Never wait in line or risk missing out on playing your favorite games
- Open 24/7/365
- No need to leave your home or office; play from mobile
- Far more lucrative California casino bonuses, especially for lower-limit players
- Can get started right now from anywhere in the state!
5 Biggest Questions About California Online Gambling
1. Is Gambling Online in California Legal?
As of our most recent research, there are no laws in the state of California making the act of playing casino games online illegal. You’re free to play online casino games for money in California from anywhere.
There are laws concerning the ownership and operation of a casino betting site in the state (and how that is regulated), but that doesn’t concern any of us as players. Unless your local jurisdiction has some wild laws, you should be all clear to get into the action.
2. Are Real Money California Casinos Safe?
Many of the available California online casinos are 100% safe to use, but that doesn’t mean that all of them are.
It’s imperative that you ensure you’re sticking with a safe, reputable, and trusted casino gaming option.
How do you find these battle-tested options? That’s what we’re here for. Head back up to the top of the guide, and you’ll see our favorite California casino apps that pass the test.
3. How Long Does It Take a CA Casino Site to Pay Me My Winnings?
The range of payouts from fast payout California casinos online goes from under 24 hours to 2 weeks’ time, depending on the method you choose.
- Cryptocurrency: 24 hours or less
- Credit/Debit Cards: 3-7 business days
- E-Wallets (like PayPal): 1-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 3-10 business days
- Paper Checks: 1-2 weeks
4. Can I Play Slots Online in California?
Yes! Many of the best California casinos online offer a wide array of slots to choose from. In fact, our featured pick, Las Atlantis, is one of the best online slots options for players anywhere in the state.
5. Can I Play Table Games Online in California?
Yes! Games like craps, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and more are available when you play casino games online in California. Most top options will have every popular game available. The only game that is hit or miss online is craps (it is available at Las Atlantis).
How to Gamble in California for Real Money
- Online CA Casino Sites and Apps
- In-Person Tribal Casinos
- Drive to Other States
Online California Casino Apps and Gambling Sites
Our top pick for the best place to gamble online in the state is through California gambling sites and apps.
When you look at the convenience, the game options, the quality of the experience, and, oh, did we mention the convenience?—It’s hard to argue.
Benefits:
- Play 24/7/365 from anywhere in the state
- More game and slot options to choose from
- Safe, secure, and no risks that come when you leave the house
Our Favorite Options:
In-Person Tribal Casinos
There are 62 tribal casinos in 27 counties in the state of California. That means that pretty much wherever you live in the state, you’ve probably got a casino somewhere close that you can drive to.
Benefits:
- Watch other people play before you jump in (if allowed)
- Cash in and out in-person at the cashier’s cage
- Can make for a fun night out with friends as a social event
- Pechanga Resort and Casino
- San Manuel Casino
- Morongo Casino Resort and Spa
- Barona Casino and Resort
- Viejas Casino and Resort
Drive to Other States
For most people in the state of California, you’re going to have an in-person casino in close proximity. And for everyone in the state, you’ll certainly have California online casinos available.
But in unique and rare situations where you have the itch to play in-person, you may actually be closer to a casino that’s located in another state.
The most common reason you might drive to another state is if you want to gamble in person and also place sports bets.
In the next section, we’ll talk about where the closest in-person sportsbooks are for the major cities in the state.
Again, though, all of that action is available online without ever needing to hop in the car or on a plane.
Benefits:
- May get access to in-person sports betting
- Could be closer to you, depending on where you live in the state
Other Forms of Gambling in the State of California
Bingo
When it comes to playing legal Bingo in the state of California, you have three main options—charity games, a few select casinos, and online.
- Charity and non-profits are allowed to run Bingo games in most cities
- In-person bingo games at CA casinos are limited but available
- Example: Elk Valley Casino In Crescent City, CA runs bingo
- Real money California online casinos offer bingo action
Horse Racing
The sport of horse racing is alive in well in the state of California! You can bet on your favorite horse races at any one of the California betting apps we’ve recommended.
As far as placing wagers in California, currently, you have four major tracks in the state where you can place wagers on the races.
California Lottery
The state of California only takes a backseat to one state when it comes to the sale of lottery tickets. Last year, Californians purchased a staggering $7.39 billion worth of tickets.
Some of that may be attributed to residents of Nevada driving over (since the lottery is strangely illegal in Nevada). Either way, it’s an impressive number that’s good for the second-highest in the U.S.
| Rank | State | Lottery Sales in Billions of Dollars |
| 1 | New York | 10.29 |
| 2 | California | 7.39 |
| 3 | Florida | 7.15 |
| 4 | Texas | 6.25 |
| 5 | Massachusetts* | 5.49 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 4.88 |
| 7 | Georgia | 4.78 |
| 8 | Ohio | 4.42 |
| 9 | Maryland | 3.96 |
| 10 | Michigan | 3.88 |
Poker
Who doesn’t love playing poker? Poker one of the most popular California online casino games, and California is known on the poker scene as a hotbed for wild action. No gamble, no future!
When it comes to playing poker, you can play in person at one of the many cardrooms and casinos or online at one of the top online California poker sites.
- The top 3 casinos with the most poker tables in the world are all in California (2019).
- Commerce Casino – 200+ tables
- Hawaiian Gardens Casino – 145+ tables
- The Bicycle Hotel and Casino – 135+ tables
- California is home to many stops on several prestigious live poker tours.
- LA Poker Classic
- WSOP Circuit at Thunder Valley
- WPT Legends
- Commerce Hold’em Series
Sports Betting
Brick and mortar casinos in the state of California do not offer sports betting. But never fear! You can still get action on local, national, and worldwide games. Here are your two options:
Use California Online Sportsbooks
- California betting sites offer the easiest and most convenient way to bet on sports in the state
Travel to a Neighboring State With In-Person Sports Betting
- From LA – Tijuana is 135 miles and Las Vegas is 255 miles
- From San Diego – Tijuana is 18 miles and Las Vegas is 317 miles
- From San Francisco – Reno is 224 miles
What Cities Have the Most Interest in Online Gambling in California?
California is a massive state with 58 counties, 163,696 square miles, and a population of right around 40 million. So, what areas of the state have the most interest in online gambling? Glad you asked!
Our data team dug into the Google Trends data and internet search traffic of every major metropolitan area in the state. They looked for the cities with the highest prevalence of search activity for topics relating to California online casinos.
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno-Visalia, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- Chico-Redding, CA
- Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-San Luis Obispo, CA
- Monterey-Salinas, CA
Surprisingly, Bakersfield has the most interest in the ability to gamble online in the state! In most states, we see the highest population centers rise to the top. But in California, things are all over the place, which is pretty interesting and exciting.
Statistics About Gambling in the State of California
California Has the 2nd Highest Number of Gaming Machines in the U.S. (2019)
If you’ve wondered just how California stacks up with other states when it comes to the size of the casinos, this statistic helps drive that one home. As of 2019, the state had just over 75,000 gaming machines in its casinos.
This is good for a second-place finish barely squeaking out a win over Oklahoma but falling far short to Nevada.
| Rank | State | # of Machines |
| 1 | Nevada | 163,612 |
| 2 | California | 75,369 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 75,140 |
| 4 | Illinois | 42,940 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 39,998 |
| 6 | New York | 35,230 |
| 7 | Washington | 31,759 |
| 8 | Michigan | 31,126 |
| 9 | Mississippi | 28,216 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 24,216 |
California Has 62 Tribal Casinos in 27 Counties
Speaking of how expansive the gambling scene is in CA, an important statistic to look at is just how many casinos there are.
According to the most recent report from California’s Clean Air Project, there are 62 casinos in 27 different counties. The provided link has some good information on each property like:
- What tribe runs the casino
- The address of the casino
- The phone number for the casino
- What levels or areas of the casino are smoke-free
How to Stay Safe Playing at California Online Casinos
Your safety is our ultimate concern! Here are our top tips for staying safe while you play online casino games in California.
Stay Current With the Latest Gambling Laws
You certainly don’t want to break the law while enjoying California online gambling. Laws concerning gambling and real money online casinos have changed over the years, and we don’t doubt that they will change again in the future. Check-in with us regularly to stay informed about the latest news concerning gambling laws and regulations.
Find a Trustworthy Online Casino
The best way to keep your private information and your money safe is to make sure you are playing at safe online casinos. There are so many CA online casino sites and California gambling apps out there that claim to be trustworthy and safe, even though they are not.
That’s why it’s best to stick with our recommended reliable California online casinos. They have been tested thoroughly to ensure they are safe, secure, and worthy of your time.
Consider Joining Multiple Online Casinos
There’s no reason to limit yourself to enjoy the benefits of just one site for online casino gambling in California. By signing up at several casinos, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of multiple bonus opportunities.
You will also have even more slot games and table games to choose from.
Read Each Casinos Terms and Conditions Page
Legit online casinos for California residents have extensive terms and conditions page that provides all sorts of information. You can find their privacy policy here, which will reveal what they do to keep your private info safe.
What Makes Real Money California Casinos Online Great?
- Safety and Security – Californians love to be safe, be healthy, and keep things above board. For that reason, you’ll never see us recommend and California online casinos that aren’t reputable, trusted, and safe. The betting website options outlined in this guide are all tested and come with a tried and true track record of doing things the right way.
- Game Options – Not only do people from Cali like to keep it safe, but they know what they want. And because of that, it’s imperative that any California gambling app we recommend comes with a wide variety of games to choose from. This means slots, table games, video poker, bingo, and anything else you could ever want to play.
- Fast Payouts – California is the home of Silicon Valley, which means we hold real money California casinos online and tech companies to higher standards. This couldn’t be more evident than when it comes to how well these California casino apps and gambling sites integrate with banking. We want to see safe and secure integrations that get you paid fast and without a headache.
Answering Your Questions About California Gambling Online
Since Native Americans and their reservations are not restricted by California’s laws and regulations, they are perfectly legal to operate
Our experts test out their games, spending hours playing them, and making sure there aren't any signs of misconduct. They will also contact each casino's customer service teams to make sure they are both educated and kind.
When choosing California online casinos or California casino apps, there's no better option than one on our list. Don't just take our word for it though, feel free to do your own research!
Almost any game you imagine can be found at online casinos in California. You will find your most popular table games like Texas Hold'em and blackjack and more obscure games like baccarat or Caribbean Stud Poker.Each casino you play at will have a different selection of games available, so feel free to sign up for accounts at multiple ones!
Every California online gambling site presents different opportunities for their players when it comes to how much money you can win. While slot games at California online casinos don't always pay out well, a progressive jackpot could reach millions of dollars under the right circumstances.Table games with high limits also present opportunities for massive payouts.
Gamble Online For Real Money
Absolutely! Most CA online casinos can be played on either a dedicated app or your phone's web browser. Please note that not all table and slot games available on a desktop will always be compatible with your mobile devices or CA casino apps.Gamble Online For Real Money Keno
So, while you can almost always play something, you can hardly ever play everything with USA mobile casino sites.