California Online Casinos – Best of 2024

If you’re on the hunt for a California online casino to indulge in your favorite slots or table games, you might find the options scarce. In California, real money online casinos remain illegal, reflecting the state’s commitment to stringent gaming regulations. But don’t let that discourage you! Californians can still enjoy the excitement of casino games legally through sweepstakes platforms that offer engaging gameplay without real money stakes.

Dive into this guide to explore available alternatives and stay informed about the Golden State’s evolving gaming landscape.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Discover the legal gambling options available to California residents, including sweepstakes and tribal casinos.
• Uncover the top sweepstakes casinos where you can enjoy playing online legally in California.
• Understand California’s gambling regulations and their impact on your gaming activities.

Top Sweepstakes Online Casinos in California

While real money online casinos remain off-limits, residents can enjoy playing at some of the best sweepstakes casinos, which use virtual currencies to create a casino-like experience legally. Here are some top options:

Online Gambling in California: An Overview

California’s stringent online gambling laws prohibit real money online casinos and sports betting. Despite these restrictions, the state offers a variety of legal gambling options.

Cardrooms are a standout feature in California, with at least 87 licensed venues offering traditional poker and other card games in regulated settings.

Gambling Type	Legal?	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Casinos	No	Illegal and unregulated in CA	–
Land-Based Casinos	Yes	Numerous tribal casinos exist, offering a range of games	21
Sweepstakes Casinos	Yes	Legal in CA, using virtual currencies instead of real money stakes	21
Poker	Yes	Cardrooms are legal in CA, providing poker as well as other card games in dedicated venues	21
Bingo	Yes	Legal in licensed venues for charitable purposes	18
Lottery	Yes	State-run, offering various games to participants	18
Sports Betting	No	Both retail and online sports betting are not legal in CA, despite several legislative efforts	–
Horse Racing	Yes	Legal at licensed racetracks	18
Daily Fantasy Sports	Yes	DFS is considered a game of skill and operates legally in CA	18

Interested in Betting Real Money? Try Land-Based Casinos in California

For those eager to wager real money, California’s land-based casinos provide exciting opportunities. With over 66 tribal casinos available throughout the state, players can enjoy everything from slot machines to table games.

As we’ve mentioned before, the state also boasts numerous cardrooms, and while these cardrooms don’t offer the full casino experience, they provide legal settings for traditional poker and other card games alike.

Whether you’re searching for a brick-and-mortar casino resort or a poker cardroom, you will be able to find more details in our dedicated guide.

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in California

In California, gambling winnings are considered taxable income by both state and federal authorities. This includes everything from lottery jackpots to casino payouts. If your winnings exceed specific thresholds, you’ll receive a Form W-2G detailing your earnings and any federal taxes withheld at a rate of 24%.

Besides federal obligations, California imposes its own state income tax on these winnings, with rates that range from 1% to 13.3%, depending on your total income level.

It’s crucial to accurately report all gambling income when filing your taxes to remain compliant and avoid potential penalties. For more detailed guidance on tax obligations and filing processes, you can visit the California Franchise Tax Board website.

History of Gambling in California

California’s gambling landscape has evolved through key legal and cultural changes:

• 1933: Pari-mutuel horse race betting is legalized to stimulate the economy during the Great Depression.
• 1998: Propositions expand gaming rights on tribal lands, boosting casino operations.
• 2018: US Supreme Court overturns The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to consider online sports betting.
• 2020: Bill SCA-6 for online sports betting stalls in the Senate.
• 2021: Online sports betting propositions for the California iGaming Bill begin to take shape.
• 2022: Voters reject propositions 26 and 27, showing little support for online gambling.
• 2024: Optimism for sports betting is expressed by Indian Gaming Association’s Victor Rocha, indicating future possibilities.

So, What Does the Future Look Like for California Online Casinos?

Despite the current prohibition, the potential for legalized online casinos in California is growing. Efforts to launch a sports betting initiative could pave the way for online casinos.

However, significant negotiation is required to align tribal interests and anti-gambling sentiments with potential economic benefits. If successful, California could become a major hub for online gambling, given its large, tech-savvy population.

For insights into other states’ regulations, visit our state-by-state guide.

References

1. “Cardroom Facts”. California Cardroom Alliance. Retrieved Nov 7, 2024.
2. “Proposition 26 And 27 Results: Californians Strongly Reject Costly Efforts To Expand Legal Gambling”. LAist. Retrieved Nov 7, 2024.
3. State of California Franchise Tax Board. Retrieved Nov 7, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions