Online CasinosCalifornia
- California gambling law reviewed by experts
- Overview of current California gambling situation
- The future outlook of online casinos California
- 0 Legal Online Casinos
- 66 Legal Land-Based Casinos
- 10 Legal Social Casinos
- 8 Legal Bingo / Lottery Games
- Responsible Gaming
- California Gambling Control Commission
The Relevant California Online Casinos Laws
Californiaās gambling laws are addressed in Article IV, Section 19 of the State Constitution as well as the California Gambling Control Act. While the constitution states the illegality of unauthorized gambling activities, the Gambling Control Act outlines which activities are legal and the processes by which license applicants must follow to offer legal gaming.
In California, only tribal groups can offer land-based casino gaming. Due to logistical difficulties and concerns from tribes, the state has yet to legalize online sports betting or California online casinos and it is unlikely to do so any time soon. In any case, we suggest you track possible law changes here.
The History of Californian Gambling
Gambling in California has long been a controversial issue, and there are very vocal proponents and critics of gambling expansion in the state. In 1933, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing was first legalized. Throughout the 20th century, Native American tribes established casinos on their lands which began to cause issues with state and federal governments.
In 1984, voters approved a gambling expansion referendum that would expand allow for a state lottery, charitable raffles and bingo, and the establishment of cardrooms to host blackjack and poker games. If new California online gambling laws were to be considered, they would also likely need to be voter-approved.
In 1988, Californiaās tribes were instrumental in pushing for the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which gave them the right to offer Class III gaming on their lands. All gambling licenses are approved of and gambling activities regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission.
Important Events in American Gambling History
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement
- West Virginia Lottery
- Michigan Gaming Control Board
The Federal Wire Act of 1961
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 was introduced to prevent Nevada-based criminal organizations from profiting from inter-state sports betting by outlawing gambling through phone lines. However, this was later interpreted to prevent online betting too. Until California online gambling laws are passed, this ban on online sports betting remains.
Black Friday: The Temporary Death of US Online Poker
In 2011, the US Department of Justice shut down three of the largest online poker sites for illegally accepting US players. The sites were in breach of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, and their shutdown on what is now referred to as Black Friday was a death knell for the entire industry.
While plenty of Californiaās cardroom owners were pleased with this development, many professional players were without income overnight. The good news is that if California online casinos were ever to be legalized, lawmakers and voters could legalize online poker once again.
Online Casino Games Available in Legal Online Gambling States
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is widely played across California. It is legal to enjoy at the stateās designated cardrooms as well as at the stateās many tribal casinos. However, until there are California online casinos, you will not be able to legally play paid versions of this game online.
At the online casinos in legal states, site members have access to several variants. The game has one of the highest return to player rates of any online gambling game, meaning that online blackjack in California would be one of the fairest gambling activities in general.
Online Roulette
Roulette too is legal at Californiaās land-based tribal casinos. This elegant casino classic is celebrated the world over due to its social nature and fast pace, though often has high buy-ins that exclude low-budget players. One of the benefits of online roulette is that bets can be made for as little as 20c per spin.
Although video versions of online poker lack a social element, online casinos in states such as Pennsylvania often have live dealer games. These allow you to communicate with real-life croupiers and other players. If online gambling California were a reality, you could enjoy several variants of the game for inclusive prices.
Online Slots
Slot machines can only be played at Californiaās tribal casinos. Despite this, there are more than 70,000 slots spread over the state, indicating just how popular these games are with locals and tourists alike. If California online casinos were legalized, there is no doubt that slots would be the most popular game type.
One of the primary benefits of online slots over land-based versions is that there are often many more game types and themes from a wider selection of reputable developers. Often, return to player rates can be higher as well, and some online slots in California would also include progressive jackpots.
Online Poker
There are more than 80 cardrooms in California that primarily host poker cash games and tournaments. Most tribal casinos will also host poker events, so itās not hard for poker players to find a table in CA. Unfortunately, the same cannot yet be said for online poker.
If online casinos California were permitted as they are in several other US states, players would be able to play video poker against computers or play against real-life players. Single cash games and tournaments for everything from Texas Holdāem to Omaha can be enjoyed, with high-quality platforms providing the software for these sites.
Land-Based Casinos in California
| Pechanga Resort and Casino | š 5,000 slot machines, š 195 table games |
|---|---|
| San Manuel Casino | š 6,500 slot machines, š 120 table games |
| Agua Caliente Resort and Casino | š 1,450 slot machines, š 22 table games |
Comparison of Land-Based and Online Casinos
There are pros and cons to gambling at either land-based or online casinos. For some, land-based casinos may seem superior as they offer a more luxurious, immersive experience. We admit that the atmosphere of land-based casinos is yet to be replicated online, especially considering some casinos offer free drinks or food.
That said, online casinos are more convenient and offer promotions to new and loyal customers such as free slot spins. Online casinos tend to have more affordable table games as well, and live dealer games do a great job of providing a social and immersive gambling experience. If online gambling in California is authorized, we recommend both options.
The Future of Californian Online Casinos
The Future of Gambling in California
At the moment, lawmakers, gambling groups, and major sporting organizations are making a push to legalize sports betting in California. A current initiative seeks to approve this through the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act. As the name suggests, the act would see funds raised from legal sports betting go toward social initiatives.
Specifically, the Act seeks to allow regulated operators to provide online sports betting. It is expected that over $100 million would be raised annually from betting revenues. The biggest obstacle is that tribal groups and cardroom operators are battling over who will be able to hold licenses and therefore profit from the industry.
Voters will need to approve of any changes to Californiaās online gambling law and if it passes, the move may open the gates toward creating a legal online casino market. While itās uncertain whether this bill or two other proposed initiatives will be chosen for the ballot, itās clear that Californians are ready for a legal sports betting market.
Conclusion: No Legal Online Gambling in California
FAQs About Online Gambling California
If you are looking for fast answers to your questions about whether or not California offers any form of online gambling, keep reading. In the upcoming section, weāve addressed common queries about the outlook of the online casino industry in California and other relevant topics.
Online Casinos and Land-Based Casinos in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming