California Online Casinos 2025 – Top 10 Sites for Online Gambling in CA

California online casinos deliver a first-class gambling experience right from your mobile device or computer. The best of these CA casinos combine wide game selections with competitive bonuses, making online gambling both exciting and rewarding.

Below, we’ve listed the best online casinos in California worth signing up for and everything you need to know to get started. Let’s get to it!

Understanding CA Online Casino Rules

Real money online casinos are not regulated in California, so players turn to offshore operators for casino-style entertainment. These sites operate legally under international licenses, providing Californians with access to real-money online gaming, offering a wide range of choices and flexibility.

Here are some of the standout features you’ll find at the best online casinos:

• 🎯 Diverse casino game titles from leading software providers
• ⚖️ Provably fair games based on blockchain technology
• 💰 Regular promotions plus exclusive VIP perks
• 🪙 Same-day crypto withdrawals for fast and secure banking
• 🎰 Thousands of themed slots, from retro reels to modern video slots
• ♠️ Professional live dealers hosting blackjack, baccarat, and roulette 24/7
• 📱 Mobile-optimized platforms designed for smooth play on phones and tablets

California Online Casino Laws

California’s approach to real money online casinos is cautious and restrictive. The state’s casino and gambling framework is regulated by an array of governing authorities, including the California Gambling Control Commission.

Currently, the state regulates land-based tribal casinos and cardrooms. However, California online casinos are yet to be legalized. As a result, there are no state-regulated online casinos in California.

Does this mean online casino gaming is off the table for Californians? Not really, as residents have access to superb offshore casino sites.

California Online Gambling Laws Timeline

Over the years, California has witnessed repeated efforts to regulate online gambling within the state. While no framework has been finalized for real money online casinos in California, several measures have shaped the state’s current position on online casinos California platforms, and online sports betting. The timeline below highlights the most significant developments for California gambling laws.

• 2025: Lawmakers introduced AB 831 to crack down on sweepstakes-style casino sites.
• 2023: The state passed AB 341, extending the ban on new cardroom growth until 2043.
• 2016: The California AB 2863 bill, known as the Internet Poker Consumer Protection Act, was proposed to regulate and license online poker. However, the bill was vetoed.
• 1988: Tribal gambling, referring to land-based casinos and gambling establishments operated by tribal governments, was approved.
• 1987: The California Gambling Control Commission was created to regulate and control activities with card rooms.
• 1976: Charitable gambling organized for fundraising was legalized; however, such activities require a license from the city or county.

Taxes on Gambling Winnings in California

California does not have specific tax laws on gambling winnings. However, residents are required to report all gambling income as part of their state income tax return. At the federal level, the IRS treats online casino winnings as taxable income. Winnings from casinos, poker, online sports betting, or lottery play, depending on the amount, may attract a W-2G form.

Operators issue this form to report winnings directly to the IRS. Online gambling in California is restrictive, and the tax situation on winnings is in a gray area. It is best that you consult a qualified accountant or attorney for accurate guidance on reporting gambling income.

Ranking the Best California Online Casinos

Signing up at the right California gambling sites is no hassle with the right guide. Below, are the best California online casinos ranked, highlighting their strongest features so you know exactly where to look for the best online casino games and bonuses.

Reviewing The Best California Casino Sites For You

At the moment, you can only access real-money online casino California sites through offshore operators. These online casinos are licensed outside the U.S. but are accessible to Californians. Offshore casinos provide a genuine experience with a diverse range of games, promotions, and payout options.

All said, each of the best California online casinos comes with its own strengths, so it’s important to pick the one that matches your preferences and playing style. Well, here’s a quick review of the top five operators:

1. BetWhale – Ranked the No.1 Best CA Online Casino Experience

The Rundown

📝 Licensed and regulated by the government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan

💰 250% welcome bonus up to $2,500

🔁 30x wagering requirements

🎰 Number of slots: 2,000+

⏩ Payout speed: 3-5 working days

☀️ ️Players can access the site directly without a VPN.

✅ Extensive variety of California online slots and table games.

✅ Generous welcome offer and regular bonuses for existing members.

✅ Fast deposits and fee-free withdrawals.

❌ No downloadable mobile app

BetWhale is a go-to option for US players for real-money casino gaming. Although an offshore operator, BetWhale caters to California players, offering a diverse range of games, including the best online slot games and table games.

In addition, this California casino currently features over 100 live table games, which is undoubtedly one of the best we have seen. Also, with as little as $1, you get to join these live tables and play against other players.

Besides online slot machines and table games, BetWhale keeps the experience fresh with additional titles, including bingo, Plinko, shooter games, Minesweeper, scratch cards, and Keno. The site also hosts rewarding missions and tournaments regularly, open to all registered players. BetWhale is perfect for gamers who value both selection and flexibility, as you get to make your pick from over 4000 exciting casino games.

Finally, BetWhale have odds for all the top California online sports betting markets, plus a dedicated esports section.

2. Raging Bull – Superb Promotions for Returning Players

The Rundown

📝 Licensed and regulated by the government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan

💰 250% bonus match up to $2,500 + 50 free spins

🔁 10x wagering on slots and keno games. 40x for crypto deposits.

🎰 Number of slots: 200+

⏩ Payout speed: 0 to 10 working days

☀️ ️California players get direct access.

✅ Superb VIP program with weekly reload bonuses and other exclusive perks.

✅ Seamless crypto payments with higher limits

✅ Top selection of games from leading software providers.

❌ No live dealer games

Raging Bull is another excellent new online casino for gambling enthusiasts in California. The casino offers a fantastic choice for you to play, casino games such as high-volatility slots all the way to table games. However, the Raging Bull game lobby isn’t as extensive as those of the other best online casinos on this list; the site compensates for this limitation with an impressive rewards system.

New players claiming the welcome offer would be pleased to learn there’s no cap on the casino bonus winnings. So you get to keep every bit of your welcome bonus win. Raging Bull also takes it a step further with its seasonal promotions, for both online casino California players and online sports betting. One such promo includes a monthly reward of up to $250,000 and a trip to Dubai. Raging Bull is especially suited for thrill-seekers who love the chase of big promotions and classic table games.

3. Lucky Red – High-Volatility Jackpots with Regular Six-Figure Hits

The Rundown

📝 Licensed and regulated by the government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan

💰 400% match up to $4,000 + $75 free chip for crypto deposits

🔁 50x wagering requirements

🎰 Number of online slots: 200+

⏩ Payout speed: 24 hours to 5 working days

☀️ Offshore casinos are available in California.

✅ High-volatility jackpot slots with six-figure payouts

✅ Solid collection of poker, blackjack, and roulette tables.

✅ Quick payouts and multiple crypto options

❌ High welcome bonus wagering requirements

Residents who like to play slots via the best California online casinos are in for a fun and rewarding time at Lucky Red Casino. The site offers a diverse selection of games, which also includes a variety of specialty titles, such as Sic Bo, Fish Catch, Hot Dice, Lucky 7s, Lucky 8s, and more. All in all, we noted that online slot machines are undoubtedly the star of the operator, with over 100 titles, which also include several progressive jackpots offering massive payouts.

Lucky Red also organizes casino tournaments regularly, offering excellent rewards, along with several other exciting promotions, for both new and existing members. In addition, you also have ample secure payment methods to choose from, including multiple top credit cards and cryptocurrencies. So, with a focus on top-notch gameplay and seamless payments, Lucky Red is a strong pick for online casino California players who want a hassle-free casino experience.

4. Black Lotus – Exclusive VIP Elite Club with Personalized Perks

The Rundown

📝 Kahnawake Gaming Commission

💰 300% Match up to $7000 + 45 Free Spins on Golden Serpent

🔁 60x wagering requirements

🎰 Number of online slots: 300+

⏩ Payout speed: 24 hours to 5 working days

☀️ Accessible to California players with VPN

✅ Massive casino bonus offers

✅ Wide array of payment methods, including popular cryptos.

✅ Good selection of RNG table games.

❌ High wagering requirements.

Black Lotus remains one of the best California online casinos that stands out with a sleek, modern design for making gameplay polished and smooth. The site also features a curated library of games, which includes slots such as Neptune’s Bounty, Queen of Aces, and Zeus Rising, among others. California players also have access to a wide variety of RNG-based and live table games on the site.

Beyond the games, Black Lotus offers one of the best reward systems out there. As a returning player, you’re eligible for daily promotions, including cashback rewards. There is also an elite crypto VIP club, where members enjoy customized perks for an enhanced gaming experience. In short, Black Lotus is an ideal online casino California platform for players who prefer a stylish casino atmosphere with rewarding promotions.

5. Slots of Vegas – Regular Slots Tournaments with Huge Prize Pools

The Rundown

📝 Licensed and regulated by the government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan

💰 250% deposit match up to $2,500 + 50 free spins

🔁 5x wagering requirements

🎰 Number of slots: 200+

⏩ Payout speed: 0 to 10 working days

☀️ California players get full access without a VPN.

✅ Wide array of promotions

✅ Rewarding VIP program

✅ Multiple payment options and low limits

❌ Fee for withdrawal processing

Slots of Vegas lives up to its name by delivering a slot-focused experience that feels like stepping onto the Vegas Strip. The site offers California players a wide range of themed slots, alongside blackjack, roulette, and other table games.

The online casino also shines for its seasonal promotions, weekend specials, and free spin drops. In addition, you also receive a wide range of perks from a superb VIP program, including weekly and monthly cashback. Moreover, Slots of Vegas’ crypto-friendly banking options make it easy for players to enjoy anonymous gambling. In short, if you enjoy spinning reels, then Slots of Vegas is one California casino to try out.

Best of the Rest: More California Online Casinos

When it comes to the best California online casinos, having more options is always a better approach. With several operators available, finding the right match for your style of play and preferences becomes easier. So, here are some of the additional online casino California sites that are also worth exploring:

• SlotoCash – [777% deposit match up to $7,777 plus 300 free spins welcome offer]

SlotoCash is a long-running offshore online casino accessible to California players who want a steady stream of slot games. The site, a slot haven, adds new titles weekly and supports cryptocurrency payment options.

• TheOnlineCasino – [400% deposit match up to $1,000 and 100% casino rebate]

TheOnlineCasino is home to an authentic online casino gaming experience, featuring over 40 live casino games with beginner-friendly limits starting from $1-$10. The welcome offer also comes with a low 14x playthrough requirement.

• Buffalo Casino – [500% deposit match up to $5,000 welcome offer and daily free spin bonuses for every $25 deposit]

This California online casino stands out for its intuitive interface and broad game selection. Buffalo Casino offers a diverse range of casino games, including live Sic Bo, Teen Patti, and Dragon Tiger. Additionally, you can filter online slot games on the site by provider, RTP, and maximum win.

• DuckyLuck – [500% deposit match up to $2,500]

DuckyLuck’s online casino stands out for its jackpot slots with massive payouts. The operator supports a mix of crypto-friendly payment options, enabling fast withdrawals and modern banking flexibility.

• XBet – [200% deposit match up to $500, casino reload offer up to $500, and weekend free spins]

Xbet offers California players a compact yet well-curated online casino, featuring a variety of table games, shooting games, and slots. You also get to participate in casino tournaments and win huge cash prizes.

Finding the Right CA Casino

For many Californians, the idea of playing at an offshore online casino can raise concerns. Well, it’s natural to have these questions. With countless online gambling platforms competing for attention, it’s easy to feel unsure about which online casino sites are reliable or worth your time.

To make things easier, we’ll provide answers to common questions asked about offshore California casino sites. Here’s what you need to know:

Is it safe?

Safety is the first concern when playing at offshore casinos. The key is to go for licensed online casinos, as such operators are held to strict standards, ensuring fairness and transparency. Look for licenses from recognized bodies. For example, our best California online casinos are regulated and licensed by reputable authorities, including the Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Also, for a safe and secure gaming experience, look out for the SSL encryption (represented by the padlock symbol in your browser) on the online casino sites you sign up for. Ultimately, a responsible online casino will provide tools for safe play, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options, allowing you to stay in control. Even though CA doesn’t regulate the best online casinos locally, these global safeguards mean you can still play with peace of mind.

What bonuses and promotions does it have?

Promotions are an exciting feature of gaming on offshore online casinos in California. These online casino sites welcome you with a welcome bonus, typically a deposit match and free spins. However, the real value of this reward lies in the wagering requirement.

A low wagering requirement is easily met. For example, a $100 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement within 7 days is quite fair. However, the same bonus with wagering requirements ranging from 40x to 60x within the same time frame could be challenging.

Beyond the welcome offer, go for California online casinos with cashback deals, free spins, reload offers, and loyalty rewards. These ongoing perks extend your playtime and increase your chances to win, providing better value in the long run.

How do I pay and withdraw?

Payment options shouldn’t be a concern at offshore California online casinos. These sites support multiple payment options beyond the traditional banking methods. You can set up e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, or send cryptocurrencies from your wallet, if you prefer fast and anonymous transactions. If you prefer the traditional banking method, you can also link your debit/credit card for instant deposits.

On these sites, you can use the same payment method for deposits and withdrawals with a few exceptions. While deposits are instant at most of the best online casinos, withdrawal times vary. E-wallets and cryptocurrencies are usually the quickest (sometimes within hours), while bank transfers may take several days. Always choose an online casino that offers multiple payment methods, as this provides you with flexibility and options.

What casino games can I play?

California online gambling sites provide players with access to a diverse range of real-money casino games. You can play casino games such as  slots, RNG-based and live table games, as well as specialty games such as bingo, Plinko, keno, and crash games. Having access to a broad selection of casino games is a must, which is why our top California online casinos partner with leading software providers.

A smaller, well-curated selection of casino games often delivers a better experience than an endless array of choices that lack depth and variety. While variety is important, quality matters more, so pay attention to the RTP (Return to Player), as higher percentages generally mean better long-term value.

Signing Up At Your California Online Casino

If you want to claim an online casino bonus to play games, you’ll need to register for an account. And, if you’re unsure how, simply follow these steps ahead of scanning our California online casinos:

Step 1: Create an online casino account

Select your California casino site and click “Sign Up” to submit your details. Then confirm further details verifying your profile, including your ID and address, plus proof of income or funds.

Step 2: Check welcome offer

Next, search for the welcome offer. Check the terms and conditions and note the promo code to redeem the offer.

Step 3: Make an initial deposit and claim a bonus

You can now make your first deposit. Visit “Banking” and select a payment option. Enter your value, fill in the bonus code and complete the payment.

Step 4: Start playing

Once the funds appear in your online casino account, you can proceed to start playing any of the games.

Gambling at California Online Casinos

While California online casinos remain unregulated, the state does provide residents with plenty of ways to enjoy online gambling. Indeed, these online casinos in California aren’t the only option in the state. 

Here’s a breakdown of some casino-related gambling entertainment available to California players:

Offshore Casinos

Offshore casinos are often considered the most convenient and popular option for California players. These sites have not been directly outlawed in the state, so there’s no law preventing you from accessing one. The best California online casinos based offshore are regulated and operate legally under international licenses, ensuring they are safe for players.

These platforms operate similarly to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, except they are accessible on mobile devices via their website or casino app and can be played on the go. Like traditional platforms, offshore California online casinos offer a diverse range of game selections, including slots, table games, poker, crash games, and live casino games.

For payments, you can make deposits and withdrawals using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency.

Crypto Casinos

Crypto casinos are the new generation of gambling platforms that use non-fiat currencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum for payment. Transactions on these sites are secure and private, thanks to the decentralized blockchain technology they adopt. Crypto gambling sites also offer a variety of provably fair games, including slots, RNG-based table games, and live casino games.

Moreover, cryptocurrency deposits are instant, while withdrawals are also much faster compared to traditional payment options. Crypto casinos also offer greater anonymity, as transactions are processed directly without the involvement of third parties, such as financial institutions. However, legally, they are also restricted in California, so you’d have to visit offshore cryptocurrency California gambling sites to play on such platforms.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos are fully legal in California under federal sweepstakes laws. These casinos are gaming sites that replicate real-money casinos in terms of games and offerings. However, these sites offer a risk-free way to play games without making a mandatory financial commitment. Instead of using real money like in typical California online casinos, you’d be using virtual currencies like Sweepstakes Coins (SC) for gameplay.

These Coins are offered to players through a series of promotions. You can earn them by signing up, completing daily logins, participating in giveaways, contests, and tournaments. However, sweepstakes casinos do not accept direct deposits and withdrawals of fiat money. Instead, you can purchase an optional Gold Coins package using bank cards, e-wallets, or online bank transfers.

State Lotteries

The California State Lottery was established in 1984 and is one of the most widely recognized forms of gambling in the state. Lotteries in the state are in no way like a casino, as the option is fully legal. You can buy tickets for games like Mega Millions, Super Lotto Plus, Fantasy 5, and Powerball from retailers.

However, there’s currently no way to buy these tickets online, as the state explicitly prohibits such practices. The only requirement for purchasing a lottery ticket is meeting the minimum age of 18.

Land-based Casinos

Land-based casinos are among the most popular gambling options in California, with the state boasting more than 100 venues, offering residents an opportunity to enjoy gambling without restrictions.

These casinos are separated into two types, with one casino type functioning as card rooms where you can play games like poker in smaller facilities. Then, there’s the full-fledged tribal casino, which offers a range of robust gaming options, including slots, table games, and online poker.

At physical tribal casinos, you don’t deposit money like you do online. Instead, you exchange your cash for chips before you play and then cash out at the cage when you complete your session.

Social Games (poker rooms)

Live poker rooms are entirely legal in California, with approximately 80 licensed rooms spread across various tribal casinos. Players can visit such rooms to access diverse formats of California online poker with different stakes. However, while the poker rooms are licensed and can be played for real money, they don’t offer other casino games in these tribal casinos.

For California players who are looking to play online casino games for the fun of it, social games are your answer. As a resident of the state, you can legally access free-to-play casino sites like WSOP Social, Replay Poker, or GTO Wizard’s Play Mode. These platforms are not regarded as online gambling in the California online casino scene, as they don’t directly require money. They are quite similar to sweepstakes casinos in the sense that they use virtual coins or chips, so you can play online casino games without the financial investment.

Contrasting California Casinos Online Paying Real Money and Sweepstakes

The gambling industry provides various ways for players to enjoy the experience, even in jurisdictions with strict regulations. Two of the most notable methods available to California players are real-money gambling and sweepstakes play. Not sure which is for you? Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Gambling Responsibly

Online gambling should always be a fun activity and a great way to unwind; anything else is a problem. For example, if you find yourself chasing losses, spending more money than you plan to when playing on California online gambling sites, or feeling restless without gambling, those are signs to seek help. As a player, it’s essential to manage your gaming activities to prevent a negative impact on yourself.

Fortunately, the offshore California online casinos we recommended don’t just leave you to play without caution. These sites offer resources designed to help you stay in control and provide assistance if needed. Features like self-exclusion, deposit caps, timeout options, financial limits, and self-exclusion tools are available. By utilizing these tools, you can foster a safer gaming environment and maintain control over your spending and time.

However, if you or someone you know is facing issues with problem gambling, here are some resources to help you:

• California Council on Problem Gambling: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Office of Problem Gambling

Choosing Your California Online Casino

There are many top California online casinos available, but only a select few truly stand out as the best. With the right platform, you’ll be assured of entertaining gameplay, generous bonuses, convenience, security, and fast payouts that cannot be matched anywhere else.

Sites like BetWhale, Raging Bull, and Lucky Red should be your first stop, as each of these powerhouses offers the maximum excitement of real money gambling. They feature the best bonuses and stand out for their intuitive interface and broad game selection. So, if you’re ready to claim your bonus and join in on the fun, joining any of the above-listed platforms is your best shot.

California Online Gambling FAQs

Is California online gambling legal?

No, it’s not. All real money California online gambling activities are currently unavailable in California. However, there are alternatives available, such as the offshore operators we listed above.

What’s the best online casino for California players?

BetWhale is the best real money online casino in California. It offers a wide range of real money online casino games, fast payouts, flexible limits, regular promotions, and high security, and also promotes responsible online gambling practices.

Can I play real money games at the top California online casinos?

No, you cannot play real money games at California online casinos, as the state hasn’t legalized online gambling sites yet. But you can still gamble online at any offshore online casino site that accepts US players.

Can I gamble online using a VPN to access offshore casinos?

Yes, you can use a VPN to access offshore casinos at any time. A VPN helps encrypt and keep your personal activities private and secure. Since the law doesn’t penalize players for doing so, you’re good to go.

Which authorities regulate online gambling and casinos in California?

Online gambling in the state is regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC). The body is responsible for enforcing regulations, issuing licenses, and resolving disputes related to online gambling in California.

How old do you have to be to use online gambling sites in California?

Since real money online gambling is yet to be legalized in the state, most offshore California online casinos typically allow players aged 18 and above to join.