Online Gambling in California - Casino & Sports Betting

This article will provide you with all of the necessary information if you like online gambling in California and want to do it securely and responsibly. California, often known as The Golden State, is a destination that many people wish to visit at least once in their life! California is one of the most populous states in the United States. It features several varied places, each with its distinct qualities, such as the beaches of Southern California, the wine country of the Central Coast, and the foggy beauty of San Francisco Bay. This article will give you an overview of the rules and regulations for many types of online gambling in the state of California, including lottery, bingo, and racing.

California maintains a mixed gambling framework: it prohibits online casinos and sports betting while allowing tribal casino operations under federally approved compacts, pari-mutuel horse race wagering, charitable bingo/poker nights, and the state lottery. Legal authority is derived from the California Constitution, Penal Code, Government Code, specific tribal-state compacts, and dedicated statutes. The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) and the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) oversee regulation.

Online Casinos

Online real‑money casino gaming—including slots, table games, or poker—is illegal in California. The California Constitution reserves gambling regulation to voters and prohibits unlicensed gaming; the Penal Code bans “banking or percentage” games outside permitted venues.

• Status: Illegal
• Date of Authorization: N/A
• Law: N/A
• Official Link: N/A
  

Online Sports Betting

Mobile or internet sports wagering is illegal in California. State proposals to legalize both tribal and online sports betting were rejected by voters via Propositions 26 and 27 (2022). Under California rules, sports betting must be authorized by constitutional amendment and cannot proceed without tribal consent.

• Status: Illegal
• Date of Authorization: N/A
• Law: N/A
• Official Link: N/A
  

Physical Casinos (Tribal / Card Rooms)

Tribal casinos are legal under compacts with the state under Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. California has ratified compacts with 67 tribes, with 62 operating 65 casinos offering Class III games (slots, blackjack, poker). Non‑banked cardrooms are licensed under the state’s Gambling Control Act.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: First compacts 1999; card rooms licensed since 1997
• Law:
  • Tribal-State Compacts under IGRA
  • Business & Professions Code §§19800–19984 (Gambling Control Act)
    
• Official Link: Tribal compacts info: https://www.cgcc.ca.gov/
  
  

Horse Racing & Pari‑Mutuel Wagering

Pari‑mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing is legal and regulated by the California Horse Racing Board. Voter approval established it in 1933; satellite wagering was added in 1985 and advanced deposit wagering in 2002.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: 1933 (initial), 1985 (satellite), 2002 (ADW)
• Law: California Horse Racing Law (Footnote: detailed in CHRB statutes)
• Official Link: https://www.chrb.ca.gov/
  

Lottery

The California State Lottery was approved by voters in 1984. It offers draw games, scratchers, and supports education. Lottery operations are exempt from the constitutional gambling ban.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: 1984
• Law: California Government Code §8880 et seq.
• Official Link: https://www.calottery.com/about-us/legal-notices
  

Charitable Gaming (Bingo, Raffles, Poker Nights)

Charitable gaming—including bingo, raffles, and one poker night annually—is legal for nonprofits, authorized under Penal Code §330(c) and related statutes, with oversight by Attorney General/IP guidelines and local law.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: Bingo amendment 1976; raffles 2000; poker 2007
• Law: Penal Code §330(c) et seq.
• Official Link: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=330.&lawCode=PEN
  

Overall Comment

California permits tribal gaming, horse racing wagering, the state lottery, and charitable games—while strictly banning online casinos and sports betting. Any change requires voter-backed constitutional amendments and tribal cooperation. This makes California’s gambling framework uniquely complex and referendum-dependent.

Online Casino in California

Unfortunately, Californians are not allowed to gamble in online casinos in The Golden State for now. 

Sports Betting in California

Sports betting in California is not legal, but Fantasy Leagues are allowed. There is no history of California citizens being prosecuted for betting on offshore sites. However this is not legal, we recommend following the guidelines in your specified state.

Final Thoughts on California Gambling

Many Californians love to gamble and participate in this pastime in different ways. However, if you need help with a gambling problem, you can reach out to organizations such as Gambler’s Anonymous for help.