Legal California Online Casino
First and foremost: you can legally gamble online in the USA. Gambling laws are constantly changing on a state-by-state basis, but here’s what you need to remember: while running your own casino, sportsbook, or poker room inside the United States is not legal, individual U.S. residents will not be prosecuted for making online bets. Most importantly, all of GambleOnline’s recommended casinos are licensed, safe and secure.
In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about gambling online in the US. Readers will learn about US gambling laws, see an FAQ with common questions answered, and view a timeline of online gambling laws in the USA.
2020’s Best Online Gambling Sites for US Players
California Casinos Online and Gambling Laws As the largest state, California is a very important market for gambling operators, both live and online. It’s also a state that has a well-developed gaming industry, with several different factions offering some sort of gaming in the Golden State.
15 rows Legal California Online Casinos are very popular, and now is the time to learn Are Online. Some say that it is legal to play casino games from the Golden State. While others have said differently. California Casinos Where You Can Play The Best Video Slots For Real Money. Las Vegas is a great place to play online slot machines for real money. Their online casino accepts El Dorado States residents. Use our links to sign up for Las Vegas. Some of the more notable casino venues are San Manuel Casino with 4,700 gaming machines and 125 tables and Thunder Valley Station Casino with over 3,000 gaming machines and more than a hundred table games. Online casinos. Casinos that will surely accept California gamblers are, for example, Ignition Casino, Miami Club Casino, and Casino Max.
GambleOnline.co’s US Online Gambling Informational Quick Menu:
- Best Online USA Casinos: Many sites specialize one aspect of online gambling; casino, sports betting or poker, but what is the best online gambling site that offers all 3 types of online gambling?
- Is Online Gambling Legal in the US? Online gambling legislation can be confusing but we cover that in this section.
- State-by-State Gambling Laws: We provide in-depth US state-by-state online gambling guides for all 50 states.
- Online Gambling USA FAQ: We answer frequently asked questions about the US online gambling industry.
- US Online Gambling History: A quick review of the history of online gambling in the United States.
- Sources: A trusted list of US online gambling resources we used to research for this page.
Best Online USA Casinos
- Bovada — With a great offering of table games, live dealers, sports betting, and poker, Bovada is our top recommended all-in-one gambling site.
- Café Casino — Cafe features a 500%, $5000 welcome bonus for new players and every casino game in instant play form.
- BetOnline – BetOnline offers online slots, poker, eSports, and live in-play sports betting, all with a $1000 welcome bonus.
- Planet7 – Planet 7 Casino has fast payouts with Bitcoin, free spins, VIP promos, progressive bonuses, and all the casino games you want.
- Slots.lv — Slots LV gives players a choice between $1000, 200% welcome bonus and a $1500, 300% Bitcoin bonus along with slots tournaments, table games, and live dealers.
The majority of these casinos accept players from all states, though some state-by-state restrictions apply. Click on the links below to continue reading for specific state-based recommendations for each site. As you can see, you’ll find plenty of good online casinos that accept US players. It’s not quite as easy to find a reliable US online casino that has sports betting and a poker room, though.
State-by-State Online Gambling Laws
A growing number of US states have regulated online gambling. Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey were quick to legalize and license online betting sites. Pennsylvania came later, while California and other states dithered over the process. Most are waiting to see whether the US Department of Justice will ban online gambling. But even states like Texas allow for legal sweepstakes casino like Chumba Casino, so the picture is complicated.
Looking for more information about online gambling in your state? Click on your state below to get an overview of its gambling laws and sites that allow real money gambling from its residents, or see our recommended casino for each state on the right.
| State Laws | Recommended Casino |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Bovada |
| Alaska | Bovada |
| Arizona | Bovada |
| Arkansas | Bovada |
| California | Bovada |
| Colorado | Bovada |
| Conneticut | Bovada |
| Delaware | Café Casino |
| Florida | Bovada |
| Georgia | Bovada |
| Hawaii | Bovada |
| Idaho | Bovada |
| Illinois | Bovada |
| Indiana | Bovada |
| Iowa | Bovada |
| Kansas | Bovada |
| Kentucky | Bovada |
| Louisiana | Bovada |
| Maine | Bovada |
| Maryland | BetOnline |
| Massachusetts | Bovada |
| Michigan | Bovada |
| Minnesota | Bovada |
| Mississippi | Bovada |
| Missouri | Bovada |
| Montana | Bovada |
| Nebraska | Bovada |
| Nevada | Café Casino |
| New Hampshire | Bovada |
| New Jersey | BetOnline |
| New Mexico | Bovada |
| New York | Bovada |
| North Carolina | Bovada |
| North Dakota | Bovada |
| Ohio | Bovada |
| Oklahoma | Bovada |
| Oregon | Bovada |
| Pennsylvania | Bovada |
| Rhode Island | Bovada |
| South Carolina | Bovada |
| South Dakota | Bovada |
| Tennessee | Bovada |
| Texas | Bovada |
| Utah | Bovada |
| Vermont | Bovada |
| Virginia | Bovada |
| Washington | Bovada |
| West Virginia | Bovada |
| Wisconsin | Bovada |
| Wyoming | Bovada |
US legislators continue to fight over whether to ban or regulate online gambling. Some states have passed laws to make online gambling illegal. If you’re concerned about the legality of online poker, online slots, or table games in your region, read our state reviews.
Online Gambling USA FAQ
Is online gambling legal in the US?
Many US residents are confused over the legality of US online casinos — and for good reason. The United States is a patchwork of federal, state, and local gambling laws. The answer varies depending on where you live. Currently, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire are suing the US Department of Justice to determine whether the federal government can ban online casinos, poker rooms, and lottery sites.
Which states have legal online gambling sites?
States such as Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey have already begun offering legal USA online gambling, and many more states will soon follow. You will not be prosecuted for betting at an offshore online casino. You cannot run your own online casino in the United States, and betting at US-based online casinos varies by state laws. However, you are definitively good to go in terms of betting at offshore online casinos.
How long will it be until the United States has legalized online gambling?
JPMorgan Chase believes as many as 20 US states will have legal online gambling by 2025, though the US’s largest financial institution adjusted this prediction down since then. to read our updates for the latest in legal US online casinos and poker.
What are the age requirements for online betting?
Each state and jurisdiction has a different requirement, but most online casinos have an age limit of 18 and over.
Can I register with more than one casino or sportsbook?
Absolutely. Many players test multiple casinos or sportsbooks before settling on a favorite. Some players shop for welcome bonuses, so they join dozens of online casinos.
Where can I play online casino games for free?
You can play online casino games for free anywhere in the United States. Create a players account, download the casino software, and play in practice mode if you want to enjoy free US online casino games.
Is online gambling as safe and fair as land-based casinos?
If you play at online gambling sites licensed in the UK, Gibraltar, Malta, Kahnawake, or a few other countries, the games are as safe and fair as any brick-and-mortar casino. It’s important that you find safe and fair online gambling sites. Read our recommendations on the best online casinos and poker sites.
History of Online Gambling in the United States
September 13th, 1961 Federal Wire Act Passed
President John F. Kennedy signed into law the Federal Wire Act of 1961, which was intended to target illegal bookies. However, the US government has (incorrectly) tried to say this law applies to online gambling as well.
October 28, 1992 PASPA Becomes Law
President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), a sports betting ban.
October 13th, 2006 UIGEA Becomes Law
George W. Bush signs into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). UIGEA makes it illegal for banks or credit card companies to process any online financial transactions for the purpose of Internet gambling.
Friday, April 15th, 2011 Black Friday Rocks US Online Poker
In 1991, 789 SmokeShop and Casino was the first legalized gaming establishment in Wyoming with a bingo hall being at the cornerstone. It has brought many employment opportunities to the Wind River Indian Reservation and served as a launch pad for economic development and gaming in our state that continues to this day. Jan 02, 2018 In 1991, 789 SmokeShop and Casino was the first legalized gaming establishment in Wyoming with a bingo hall being at the cornerstone. It has brought many employment opportunities to the Wind River Indian Reservation and served as a launch pad for economic development and gaming in our state that continues to this day. 789 smoke shop & casino riverton wy.
Dubbed Black Friday, the FBI and Department of Justice seized major gambling sites’ domains and indicted 11 executives with money laundering, fraud, and violating the UIGEA.
December 23rd, 2011 US Justice Department Reverses Wire Act Opinion
The US Department of Justice reversed their opinion of the Wire Act stating that the Wire Act only applied to online sports betting. Online poker, fantasy sports betting, and real money casino games are deemed legal.
June 28th, 2012 Delaware Legalizes Online Gambling
Delaware passed the Delaware Gambling Competitiveness Act to become the first US state to legalize online gambling.
February 22nd, 2013 Nevada Legalizes Online Gambling
Nevada’s Governor Brian Sandoval signed an online gambling bill, legalizing online poker.
November 26th, 2013 Delaware Legalizes Online Gambling
Online gambling became legal in New Jersey on this day making NJ the third US state to legalize gambling online. Gov. Chris Christie signed into law online casinos and poker sites.
October 26th, 2017 Pennsylvania Legalizes Online Gambling
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill to legalize online casino games, online poker, online sports betting and daily fantasy sports. PA became the fourth state to legalize online gambling.
May 14th, 2018 Supreme Court Repeals PASPA
The United States Supreme Court ruled to repeal PASPA.
January 23, 2019 US Justice Department Reverses Wire Act Decision
The US Department of Justice reversed its December 23, 2011 opinion on online gambling and the Wire Act. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told states and gaming companies to comply by June 14, 2019. New Hampshire and New Jersey sued the DOJ.
March 29, 2019 Illinois Legalizes Sports Betting
Illinois legalized sports betting with the “Sports Wagering Act”.
Pa Online Casino Legal
May 6, 2019 Montana Legalizes Sports Betting
Montana legalized sports betting. Gov. Steve Bullock’s veto failed to override the House and Senate votes.
June 4, 2019 Tennessee Legalizes Sports Betting
Tennessee legalized sports betting with the “Tennessee Sports Gaming Act”.
June 12, 2019 New Hampshire Legalizes Sports Betting
New Hampshire legalized sports betting when Governor Chris Sununu signed the bill into law.
July 26, 2019 North Carolina Legalizes Sports Betting
North Carolina legalized sports betting on tribal casino lands with Gov. Roy Cooper’s signature.
August 27, 2019 Oregon Legalizes Sports Betting
Legal Online Casinos
Oregon became the 11th state outside of Nevada to accept a legal single-game sports bets.
August 29, 2019 West Virginia Legalizes Sports Betting
West Virginia legalized sports betting and online wagering. DraftKings and FanDuel launch sportsbooks.
September 23, 2019 Senate Pushes Forward on Federal Sports Betting Bill
Senator Mitt Romney and Senator Chuck Schumer are reportedly working to reintroduce a federal sports betting bill
November 5, 2019 Colorado Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting
Colorado becomes the 18th state to officially legalize sports betting since May of 2018
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California Casino Laws
History of gambling in California
Gambling in the State of California is much more than Las Vegas-style reservation casinos, which often come to mind first when the subject is mentioned. Horses, lottery, card clubs and poker rooms were the first forms of gambling that found a home in California even before its establishment as a state. Poker was played in saloons and was one of the main attractions and entertainment forms in 1850, the year when California became one of the US states. Very early on, Californian legislators wrote into the brand-new state constitution that poker was a game of skill and not a game of chance. Making such a distinction official made it easy to avoid prohibition and affect all future gambling laws across the country.
Betting on horse races was unregulated until 1933, when the state legalized it with a constitutional amendment. A voter referendum was held which legalized horse race wagering, and that resulted in racing meets being held all year long at five tracks now. Popular vote also helped create the California State Lottery in 1984, which today includes both scratchers and drawing tickets for progressive jackpots. However, if you’re interested in proper gambling in the Golden State people will probably refer you to any of the several dozen Native American casinos in the state. The voters of California passed Proposition 1A, an amendment to the constitution, in 2000, which permitted casino-style gaming on Indian land. Ever since, the number of Native American casinos has been growing.
Land based casinos
- There are two options when it comes to land-based casino entertainment in California: card rooms and Indian gaming facilities. Card rooms in California mostly focus on poker games, offering Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo Split, No Limit Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, 7 Card Stud, Texas Hold'em, Mexican Poker, Omaha 8 or Better, Pot Limit Omaha Hi, 5 Card Poker, Razz, 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, Low Ball, Pai Gow Poker, Pineapple Poker, and more. There are over 90 licensed card rooms in the Golden State. Other than poker tables, they may offer blackjack games and other player-banked games. With player banking, the house does not pay or take the player’s bet. Instead, the house charges a service fee which ranges from $0.50 to $5 per hand, and the players play against each other.
As for Native American casino establishments, they offer slot machines and a wider variety of legalized gaming items, including poker, bingo, blackjack and, occasionally, off track betting. The tribes negotiated individual licenses called compacts with the state after the Proposition 1A was passed in 2000. These compacts include all sorts of terms and regulations, such as tax-related details, money sharing conditions and so on. They also specify whether the given casino is allowed to offer Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 gaming machines.
There are over 60 Native American casino facilities offering card games, slot machines, and bingo, as well as their own special versions of craps and roulette which are otherwise illegal for being played with a ball and dice. Some of the more notable casino venues are San Manuel Casino with 4,700 gaming machines and 125 tables and Thunder Valley Station Casino with over 3,000 gaming machines and more than a hundred table games.
Online casinos
Casinos that will surely accept California gamblers are, for example, Ignition Casino, Miami Club Casino, and Casino Max. Ignition Casino will reignite your love for slots, video pokers and table games; the site offers software made by the likes of Rival, Real Time Gaming, Makitone Gaming and Revolver and games like Cirque du Slots, Cleopatra’s Gold, Caesar’s Empire, Major Moolah, Zippit Blackjack and Vegas Three Card Rummy.
Miami Club Casino has been serving US gamblers since 2012 as part of the reputable Deck Media group. It features over 180 titles, daily tournaments, licenses from Curacao and the Netherlands Antilles, a loyalty program and Bitcoin. The games at Miami Club come from Betsoft, Rival and RTG. Casino Max is a full-Real Time Gaming web casino running under the jurisdiction of Curacao. It secures fast payments from players in the States and boasts impressive collections of 3-reel slots, 5-reel slots and progressive jackpots.
Regulation and legality of online gambling
Online gambling options in California are many, no thanks to a regulated market. This area is yet to be regulated in the Golden State and the only way for players to safely engage in gambling activities online is to at play at sites that are hosted by offshore operators. California patrons can hope to win big from the comfort of their own homes by wagering at sites that accept American bettors but are not hosted on US soil.
There have been numerous attempts to regulate online gambling in California; some were aiming to outlaw online gambling, while others were trying to regulate and control the activities somehow. None have been successful, so far. The state has shown a willingness to embrace daily fantasy sports and legitimize these activities, which may be seen as a step towards the right direction - towards regulating online gaming and gambling.