- California Online Gambling Laws
- California Online Gambling Real Money
- California Online Gambling Legislation
- California Online Gambling Legislation
- California Online Gambling Law
California Online Gambling Laws. The online gambling laws in California are, as of now, nonexistent. There has yet to be a law written specifically covering online gambling. The state statutes reflect no ban on online gambling as far as we can tell, which is why it is generally understood that there are no penalties for online gamblin. Race Betting: Like in many states, horse betting and pari-mutuel wagering is legal in California. Online Gambling, Poker: Since 2008 state legislators have been trying to pass a bill to legalize the creation of state-based online casinos, but, so far, the attempts have been unsuccessful. Given the money leaving the state to online sites, it can.
Although online gambling is fairly restrictive in the state, players have access to California sweepstakes sites to play casino games and poker. People located in California have access to all the major sweepstakes sites. This includes sweepstakes casinos, poker sites, and sportsbooks.
California currently does not offer legal online casino games, traditional poker sites, or online sports betting. But it is possible to win cash prizes through sweepstakes sites, and you can do so in similar ways to their real-money counterparts.
In June 2020, talks of legalizing online sportsbooks were shot down by opposition from tribal casinos, which currently make up all casinos in the state with the exception of cardrooms. The takeaway is that legal sportsbooks may come to Native American casinos and racetracks, but won't be available online anytime soon.
What Sweepstakes Products Can I Play In California?
Online Casino
California currently allows sweepstakes casinos: Chumba Casino, LuckyLand, and FunzPoints.
Chumba shares a parent company with Global Poker, so many of its terms and conditions and other sections of the website are identical. The benefit here is that if you understand how Gold Coins (GC) versus Sweeps Coins (SC) works on one site, you understand it for the other.
However, LuckyLand also utilizes the GC and SC structure with no difference except for one: you can redeem your SC when you have 50. Chumba requires SC 100 for prize redemption.
But ultimately, Chumba is the better social casino of the two for offering twice as many slots, bigger progressive jackpots, and a few table games. LuckyLand's most unique selling point is offering digital scratch cards. It doesn't offer table games, though.
Online Poker
Global Poker is a sweepstakes poker site. It is also California's only legal form of online poker that can result in cash prizes.
While you can join offshore poker sites from the state, they are technically considered illegal. No arrests have been made against players as of yet, but you don't want to be in the crosshairs if that suddenly changes. You also might run into some tax issues. All gambling winnings, even from offshore casinos, are taxable income.
Global Poker is where you can play online poker in California with total peace of mind.
The site is set up just like a traditional online poker site. But to play, you buy packages of Gold Coins (GC), some of which come with Sweeps Coins (SC). The GC are used to play for fun and cannot be redeemed for a cash prize. However, you can redeem SC for cash prizes.
Online Sportsbook
FendOff is a social sportsbook that takes picks on all types of sports. You can choose moneyline, points spread, over/under, futures, and exotics. You can also do both in-game and pregame picks, and you have access to a full racebook with a pari-mutuel structure.
Just like with Chumba, LuckyLand, and Global Poker, you purchase Gold Coins (GC) to play at FendOff. Some of the GC packages include Sweeps (SW). Once you have at least SW 50, you can redeem for cash prizes.
How Are Sweepstakes Sites Different From Online Gambling Sites?
You'll see a lot of talk about technicalities and other convoluted explanations about sweepstakes. This is particularly true when they're directly compared to online gambling sites. But the difference is actually very straightforward.
At an online gambling site, you load money into your account. This would be like putting money in your PayPal account. You can then use that money to bet at the online gambling site.
At a sweepstakes site, you purchase the website's currency, which is usually called 'Gold Coins' (GC). How to play deuces wild poker. The more Gold Coins you buy, the more Sweeps Coins (SW) are included in your purchase. Once you play the games (for casinos and poker sites) or make your picks (for sportsbooks) using the SC, you can redeem whatever SC is leftover for a cash prize.
Here's a helpful table based on buying Chumba Casino's Gold Coins:
| What You Pay | Number Of Gold Coins | Sweeps Coins Included |
|---|---|---|
| $1 | 500,000 | None |
| $5 | 1 million | SC 5.05 |
| $10 | 4 million | None |
| $20 | 5 million | SC 20.5 |
The numbers go on from there. If you want SC included in your purchase, make sure you buy the number of GC that corresponds with the amount of SC you want.
Can You Win Real Money At Sweepstakes Casinos And Poker Sites From California?
No, you can't win real money at sweepstakes casinos and poker sites from California. Social gaming platforms are not set up like gambling sites, so you cannot simply deposit and cash out.
Instead, you receive Sweeps Coins (SC) that can be redeemed for a cash prize or a gift card.
Before you can redeem any sweeps coins that you've received, you have to play with them at least once.
At Chumba, for example, you may receive SC 1.00 just for logging in. If you use it all to play at a slot and win SC 10.00 on a spin, you can redeem that SC 10.00 for a gift card. Or you can continue to play whatever games you want with SC in the hopes of garnering SC 100. If you do, you can redeem it for a cash prize.
You can experience playing casino games and poker tables with huge amounts of Gold Coins (GC). Global Poker has GC tournaments that can pay out over GC 100 million. Chumba Casino's progressive jackpot slots can boast top prizes over GC 2 billion.
However, you cannot redeem GC for cash prizes or gift cards. Only SW can result in prizes that apply to purchases outside of the sweepstakes site.
What Kinds Of Bonuses Do Sweepstakes Casinos And Poker Sites Offer To Players In California?
California Online Gambling Laws
Signup Bonus
Sweepstakes casinos and other social gaming sites must allow players to win cash prizes without making a purchase. Just for creating an account, sweepstakes players receive free Gold Coins (GC) as well as Sweeps Coins (SC).
Daily Login Bonuses
Much like the initial signup bonus, you receive GC and SC just for logging in to your account.
This can be during the first week or two after you join. But at LuckyLand, you can start a consecutive login streak that awards progressively larger bonuses each day in a row that you login.
Mail-In Sweeps
Another legal requirement for social gaming sites is the mail-in sweeps offer. To receive two or more SC, you can mail a request directly to the website. Just be sure to follow all instructions exactly to qualify.
Discount GC Packages
Once you join a sweepstakes site, you'll receive promotional offers in your inbox. These usually include the chance to purchase GC packs that include SC for a discount. The most common discount is 50% off.
Social Media Contests
Follow the sweepstakes sites you've joined on their social media channels so you don't miss out on one of these contests. All you have to do is let them know you're participating, and you could receive a large package of GC and SC for free.
What Kinds Of Games Are Available At California's Sweepstakes Poker Sites?
Global Poker offers many of the same games that you'd find at the most traditional online poker sites like 888, WSOP, and PokerStars. The biggest difference is the option to play in either Gold Coins (GC) or Sweeps Coins (SC).
The formats for the different types of games are Texas Hold'em, Omaha, or Crazy Pineapple. At Global Poker, all game types are available in all three formats. However, the most popular Texas Hold'em format offers the largest variety of tables.
Here are the games Global Poker offers. The stakes are presented in SC because that is the most popular form of in-site currency used.
| Game | Lowest Stakes | Highest Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Games (small blind/big blind) | SC 0.02/SC 0.04 | SC 10/SC 20 |
| Tournament (tickets) | SC 0.11 | SC 33 |
| Sit ‘n' Go (entry fee/jackpot) | SC 0.05/SC 0.5 | SC 18/SC 200 |
| Jackpot Sit ‘n' Go (entries/jackpot) | SC 0.5/up to SC 5,000 | SC 20/ up to SC 200,000 |
Ring Games
Playing at Ring Games allows players to sit at a table whenever a seat is open and leave at any time. People in California always have access to an SC table with micro, low, medium, and high stakes 24 hours a day.
Tournaments
Tournaments are scheduled throughout the day, although some are held only once a week. You begin at a table of players and the last one standing progresses to the next table. Grand prizes usually depend on the number of entries.
Sit ‘n' Go (Regular and Jackpot)
Sit ‘n' Go are similar to tournaments except that the goal is to eliminate all players at a single table. The regular version awards a fixed top prize. The jackpot version randomly generates a top prize that can be as high as SC 200,000.
What Kinds Of Slots Can I Play At Sweepstakes Casinos?
Both sweepstakes casinos offer as many or more slots than most of the legal online gambling casinos in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
While Chumba has twice as many options as its main competitor, LuckyLand still boasts over 30 options.
The kinds of slots you can play run the gamut. At both social casinos, you can play three-reel classics as well as five-reel 3D slots with progressive jackpots.
Where Chumba Casino really outshines LuckyLand is in the top prize department. While LuckyLand has progressives that rise to over SC 20,000, Chumba has cash prize potential that's in the millions.
For that reason, these Chumba Casino options reign supreme as the most popular slots of the close to 100 different options at both social casinos:
Western Gold
Western Gold is by far the most popular standalone progressive jackpot slot. This five-reel, 50 line game is about the Wild West, namely sheriffs versus bandits, moonshine, and Colt .45s.
At the time of writing this, the grand prize was SC 947,000. If that's won, it can be redeemed for a massive cash prize. However, you can also score the minor or mini jackpots, which also displayed impressive SC tickers.
Dancing Gold & Stallion Grand
Dancing Gold and Stallion Grand share a progressive jackpot. This means that SC played on either slot contributes to the same progressive.
The total today is SC 278,000, and it's always an amount that can result in a life-changing cash prize. You can also win a mini, minor, or major jackpot, which is lower than the grand prize but still impressive.
Wild Roads & Triple Double Fever
Another shared progressive is the Wild Roads & Triple Double Fever slots. The grand prize when this was written sat at SC 224,000.
Wild Roads & Triple Double Fever are both three-reel, five-line slots that provide the chance to win major, minor, and mini jackpots.
California Online Gambling Real Money
However, their popularity is often overtaken by the Stampede Fury & Reelin n' Rockin shared progressive. Whichever has the highest SC grand prize are deemed the hottest slots of the day.
Sweepstakes Poker Sites: How Hard Are The Games?
Sweepstakes poker sites have a reputation across the online poker community as having inexperienced players. And a lack of experience translates to easy pickings, which attracts some of the best online poker players for that reason alone.
However, the professional level players located in California will likely play offshore real-money sites as their main source of online poker play. But because cardrooms are legal in California (versus casinos, which are limited to Native American tribal land), most of the best play in-person.
Still, that doesn't apply to all states across the country, and not all experienced online poker players are willing to skirt the law. That means, among the thousands of active users on Global Poker, many are better than most at playing the game.
Is it easy to win Sweeps Tournaments at Global Poker?
The larger the jackpot, the harder it is to win at Global Poker. Huge winning potential will attract the best players. This makes it extremely difficult to win a multi-table tourney for a large SC grand prize.
Is it easy to win Sit ‘n' Go at Global Poker?
Inexperienced players are more likely to get lucky at a Sit ‘n' Go tournament at Global Poker because you only need to beat out a few players at one table to win.
Still, the higher the potential SC prize, the harder the competition. There's no outright easy Sit ‘n' Go options if you're looking to play with SC.
What are the easiest games at Global Poker?
The easiest games are low stakes SC ring games and any game that's played for Gold Coins.
The most serious players will go for the highest cash prize potential, so the lower the SC, the lower the competition.
And Gold Coins are all but disregarded by experienced players for the fact that you can't redeem them for cash prizes.
California Online Casino & Poker Sweepstakes FAQ
Yes. The legal age for playing at a sweepstakes casino in California is 18 and older.
In general, you have to be at least 18 to gamble in California. For example, it's perfectly legal for an 18-year-old to buy a lottery ticket. However, many California casinos enforce a gambling age of 21 and up. All card rooms are also 21 and older.
People in California cannot legally win real money at a site offering casino games, poker, or sports picks. However, it is possible to win cash prizes at sweepstakes sites.
To receive a cash prize, you need to redeem Sweeps Coins (SC) from the sweepstakes site.
The minimum number of Sweeps Coins for a cash prize at Chumba Casino and Global Poker is significantly higher than redeeming for a gift card.
Yes. Global Poker has thousands of active players.
Anyone in the United States and Canada can join Global Poker except for those located in the State of Washington and Quebec.
Compared to online poker gambling sites in the four states that legalized it, that's an enormous player pool. Even the legal poker site with an interstate player pool (888Poker) can't compete with almost all of North America north of Mexico.
No, and you can't deposit at sweepstakes sites period.
Instead, you purchase Gold Coins, which can only be used at the sweepstakes site and cannot be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards. But some packages of Gold Coins also include Sweeps Coins (SC).
Once those SC are played through once, they can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards. For example, if you receive SC 20 from Chumba Casino, you'd need to use all of it to play their games. Whatever's leftover is redeemable.
The simplest way to receive your cash prize is by opening a Skrill account.
Skrill is an e-wallet that's similar to PayPal. But unlike PayPal, Skrill allows people in California and elsewhere to buy Gold Coins and redeem Sweeps Coins from all social gaming sites.
Skrill is secure, trustworthy, and extremely easy to set up and utilize.
With such a large population, legal online gambling for California residents represents an enormous market share. California is one of the more progressive states when it comes to online gambling, with locals partaking in all types of popular gambling. In terms of regulation, California has taken greater strides than just about any other state. Several bills have gone through the State Assembly, but none have actually emerged. The Tribal entities in the state, as well as opponents to gambling on a whole, have blocked most attempts at actually regulating gambling.
In spite of their efforts to stop a regulatory body from being created, there are still a handful of gambling sites that accept residents of California. Our primary objective here is to show you some insight about the legalities of online gambling in California, as we want to clear the air of any misconceptions you may have.
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Online Gambling Age For California Residents
As with many states, gambling in California is subject to a variety of different gambling age limitations. California is somewhat more confusing than some other states due to the fact that the state has set the bar lower than what some casinos will follow. What this means is that the state only requires residents to be 18 before they can engage in most forms of gambling, though the gambling business itself may have a higher requirement. In the event that this higher requirement is in place, it actually supersedes the state law. For land-based casinos and poker rooms, the age can be either 18 or 21. The same goes for online casinos and poker rooms. Playing bingo, the lottery and dog/horse races also requires you to be only 18. Online sports betting has a firm 21 year limit on the age requirement. Remember to check the minimum age required by your preferred gambling location, as this could be higher than your state's requirements.
California Online Gambling Laws
The online gambling laws in California are, as of now, nonexistent. There has yet to be a law written specifically covering online gambling. The state statutes reflect no ban on online gambling as far as we can tell, which is why it is generally understood that there are no penalties for online gambling. That having been said, PASPA has recently been repealed and it is possible that online sports betting could come to California in the upcoming years. If it continues in the footsteps of other states, California will likely regulate land-based, mobile, and online gambling. If you want to take a look for yourself at the current general laws, browse through Title 9, Chapter 10, of the California Penal Code
Successful roulette players. California Gambling Taxes
Unfortunately, you are supposed to pay taxes on all income that comes in, and that includes paying taxes from online gambling revenue in California. With that being said, right now there is no regulation for online gambling in California, so they really have no way of knowing that you brought the money in. The best thing you can do if you want to follow the law (which we suggest) is to pay taxes on all profits that you earn for the year.
Gambling Sites That Accept California Residents
When we started looking into the industry of legal USA online gambling, we had looked into quite a few different online gambling sites that accept residents from California. With such a large population, indeed a fairly wide reach of gamblers, it would be silly to overlook such an extensive market. We have only brought the best sites available into our list, as player protection is one of our primary purposes.
Bovada: Bet On All California Teams
One of the best online gambling sites is Bovada. One reason why is because of the variety of stuff that you can place your wagers on and win money. Along with sports, there is also an online casino available as well. With those options is a live dealer for those who want to play and experience the live feeling of being at a casino online. This is a great option for those who don't want to leave home but do want to participate in betting options. Still have slots and blackjack games that open up many other winning chances as well. Signing up for Bovada also rewards its players with many promotions so make sure to take advantage of that while you have the chance to. It doesn't take that long to sign up so just make sure you are 18 and older and you will be making money in no time.Go To Bovada!
BetOnline: NFL In Game Betting On Your Phone
The golden state is the most populated state in the union, and you can bet that a large subsection of the folks use BetOnline, the best overall gambling site for California residents. Since there are no sportsbooks in California, people need to either take a trip to Nevada or go online to a legal sports betting site. BetOnline is not only the best online sportsbook; it's also the best poker site and virtual casino. The developers know what they are doing, having been at it for over ten years strong.
One of the many reasons to join BetOnline today is that they are offering a 100% poker signup bonus that will reward you just for joining the family. Make a first deposit of $50 or more, and you will be eligible to receive a 100% match bonus. Email freeplay@betonline.ag with 'NEWBOL' in the subject line to let them know that you are interested. This is a prime time to join BetOnline and start throwing bones. Go To BetOnline!
California Online Gambling Legislation
| Betting Sites | Bonuses | Features | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% - $250 | Poker / Casino Games | ||
| 50% - $1,000 | Poker / Casino Games | ||
| 50% - $1,000 | Poker / Casino Games | ||
| 50% - $520 | Live Dealer Casino |
| US Casinos | Bonuses | Bonus Codes | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400% - $4K | LUCKYRED400 | ||
| 100% - $777 | BIGSLOT | ||
| 200% - $500 | SLOTS500 | ||
| 100% - $500 | HELLOSLOTS | ||
| 200% - $2K | No Code Needed | ||
| 200% - $1K | USA1000 |
| Poker Sites | Bonuses | Features | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% - $1,000 | Sports Betting / Casino | ||
| 100% - $1,000 | Sports Betting / Casino |
Latest Legal USA Gambling News for California
Online Casinos That Accept California Residents
While you could probably drive up the block and find a casino, there are also many online casinos in the state, casinos that offer all of the same games - generally with different themes (in the case of slots) and definitely with higher pay rates. These casinos offer players safe and fun ways to entertain themselves. See all online casinos that accept USA players.
Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept California Residents
Unless you live close enough to the Nevada border, it is generally impossible to bet on sports. This is no longer true due to online sports betting, where you can wager on sports with no real complications. We expect our readers to be able to bet without any trouble, as all of the sites we share are trustworthy and safe. See all sports betting sites accepting USA players.
Online Poker Sites That Accept California Residents
Though the number of legal online poker is somewhat limited at this point, there are still a few viable options out there. Even if the industry of online poker has taken a few hits over the past few years, it has continued to thrive. We are going to share with you only the best poker rooms for Californian residents, so you should not have too much trouble getting at the felts if you follow our advice.
Online Bingo Sites That Accept California Players
Bingo players can pull up their computer chair and hit the cards with no trouble, as we have secured a list of online bingo sites where real money play is not only accepted but also encouraged. Though these are not the most popular of the California gambling sites, they are still available for those who want to participate.
Is Online Gambling Legal In California?
Online gambling is legal in California when you use reputable online gambling sites. We have thoroughly explored both the California Constitution and the California Penal Code and there are no laws that mention using the internet to gamble. CA is similar to most states that have opted to rely on federal stipulations when it comes to certain types of gambling, though none of these laws make gambling on the internet illegal for bettors. Vintage poker machine. Any statute regarding online gambling applies to operators and/or other US businesses.
California residents do not have to be fearful of laws that do not exist and therefore cannot effect how you gamble. Our only caveat is that you should never use a local bookie to bet on anything. The law does strictly prohibit gambling with land-based bookmakers that are not licensed. Stick to the legal offshore gambling sites featured on our page when you are ready to start wagering.
Can California Residents Safely Gamble Online?
Regardless of any online gambling laws in California lead you to believe, it is safe for any resident of California to gamble online for real money. You will have a problem if you decide that you want to start your own online or offline gambling business, however. We do not recommend this to anyone especially if you plan on basing your operation inside the state. So, as long as you are just a consumer and you stick the recommendations we have on this page (all are safe and trusted), you will not need to worry about any consequences from gambling online in California.
Are Online Casinos Legal In California?
With no blanket ban on online gambling, it is fair to assume that there are legal online casinos in California. These online casinos will provide you with a way to participate in a handful of games, providing you with just about everything you would find in a live casino – and more. You will not run into any issues of legality when using reputable casino gaming sites that are based offshore.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In California?
The industry of sports betting is more scrutinized by the government, but the California government has done nothing to specifically make it illegal for players to bet on sports in California. Since federal laws like the Wire Act effectively make it so those 'in the business of bookmaking' are held liable, you as a player can generally safely make wagers. Also keep in mind that numerous states have started to regulate the industry, which means legal California sports gambling sites could be licensed by the state sooner than later.
Is Online Poker Legal In California?
California residents are one of the largest groups of online poker players. While the state has not passed any online poker laws as of late, there are still a wide range of options for legal online poker gambling in California. Numerous sites accept local residents every day for real money poker games and tournaments. BetOnline has one of the most popular online poker rooms, but California residents may also like the poker room at SportsBetting.
Can I Bet On Horse Racing In California?
California has a booming horse racing industry where residents are free to bet on the ponies as often as they'd like. The state offers regulated pari-mutuel and simulcast horse wagering opportunities to horseplayers at various locations. While you can visit Santa Anita and spend the day at the races, it is not feasible to make this trip every single day. That is where online racebooks come in to provide you with 24/7 horse racing betting action. You can bet on tracks in California or those scattered all throughout the nation.
Funding Your Legal Online Gambling Account
Once you have registered at a site, you can move on to funding your legal online gambling account. There are several convenient deposit methods that you can choose from, through the specific banking limits will vary from site to site. The best funding method across the board is bitcoin. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is extremely fast and equally as reliable. You make deposits of anywhere between $10 and $50,000 almost instantly. All you have to do is transfer your BTC to the bitcoin wallet address provided by the cashier at the site, and your funds will be available for wagering.
For high roller betting, we suggest using bank wire transfers. Bank wires take money from your checking or savings account and send it directly to the online cashier. While there are bank-dependent fees for using this method, there is no maximum limit when it comes to making a deposit. Your cash should be reflected in your account within 72 hours.
Aside from these methods, you can also use money orders, checks, and credit cards for deposits. Check with your preferred online gambling site for processing speeds and other details.
California Gambling FAQS
How Much Does The Membership Cost?
Online gambling sites do not charge any membership fees for new customers. Hard to believe considering how valuable their gambling products and exclusive promotions are, but there is no reason to ever pay to join a site. Operators want you to spend your money on gambling rather than having to pay exorbitant miscellaneous fees. The best online gambling sites value their players and show this by offering their services at no charge.
Do I have to submit a new Credit Card Authorization Form every time I use my credit card?
No, you only have to submit a credit card authorization the first time you use your credit card. Safety is extremely important at the top online gambling sites. Cashiers ask for verification forms as a way to protect your account and to ensure that your card is not being used fraudulently. Once the operator has your authorization on file, you can use the same credit card to make instant deposits.
Do Bitcoin Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Betting?
Bitcoin sportsbooks offer mobile betting for players that want to bet on the go. These apps are completely free, and many times do not require any additional download. For example, you can just visit 5Dimes.eu from your handheld device to be redirected to the mobile site. You can still bet on Golden State, make a fast BTC deposit, or request a payout with just a few swipes. Mobile sports betting is compatible with most devices, including iPhones, BlackBerrys, Android, and Windows devices.
Will I go to jail for online gambling in California?
California Online Gambling Legislation
California Online Gambling Law
No, it is extremely unlikely that a casual bettor would ever fo to jail for online gambling in CA. There is no precedent that we can cite that would make us believe that online gambling has ever gotten someone arrested in the state of California. No, you have nothing to worry about.
