While online casinos can’t legally operate within California, there are no restrictions when using offshore providers. Players should tread carefully when gambling offshore – not all casinos are safe and regulated. Therefore, research and due diligence is crucial.
This guide reveals online casinos California with a solid reputation for security, fast payouts, and fair gambling outcomes. Read on to get started with a safe casino site that accepts California residents.
Short on time? Here are the best online gambling California that you can play at.
Wild Casino |
Welcome Bonus up to $5,000 + 125 Spins |
Welcome Bonus up to $5,000 + 125 Spins
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Black Lotus |
Signup Bonus Up to $7,000 + 30 Free Spins |
Signup Bonus Up to $7,000 + 30 Free Spins
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Bovada |
Get Up To $3,750 in Bonuses |
Get Up To $3,750 in Bonuses
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Bovada | PLAY NOW |
Coinpoker |
150% deposit bonus up to $2,000 |
150% deposit bonus up to $2,000
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Lucky Creek |
250% matched deposit up to $5,000 + 60 Free Spins |
250% matched deposit up to $5,000 + 60 Free Spins
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Lucky Creek | PLAY NOW |
Ignition |
300% Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus |
300% Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus
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BetOnline |
100% Casino Welcome Bonus |
100% Casino Welcome Bonus
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BetOnline | PLAY NOW |
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The top gambling California rated and reviewed
I’ve rated and reviewed the most reputable California online casinos:
- Wild Casino – One of the best online casino for California residents this year with top-notch selection of games. (Rating: 9.8/10)
- Everygame – It’s a fantastic all-around California online casino that keeps me entertained across all my interests. (Rating: 9.6/10)
- Bovada – Bovada is my go-to for live table games, especially when I’m in the mood for high-stakes action. (Rating: 9.5/10)
- Lucky Creek – It’s the perfect choice for bonus hunters like me in the California online casino scene. (Rating: 9.3/10)
- Las Atlantis – I appreciate the five deposit bonuses offered to new players, which makes it a fantastic pick for playing slots at California online casinos. (Rating: 9.1/10)
Players should ensure they’re using a safe and trusted casino site when gambling online. Other factors to consider include supported games, bonuses for new and existing players, accepted payment methods, and average payout times.
I’ll now review the best online casinos in California. Read on to choose the right provider.
1. Wild Casino – The Best Online Casino in California with 700+ Games
Welcome Bonus: Five matched deposit bonuses totaling $5,000 (fiat) or $9,000 (crypto).
Wagering Requirements: 40x the deposit and bonus amounts
Promo Code: WILD250
Rating: 9.8/10
Wild Casino is our overall top pick for California residents. This established gambling site offers a wide range of games. This includes table games with live dealers, covering roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. Software dealers are also available, alongside plenty of slots. This includes popular bonus slots like Rob the Bank, Jungle Rainbow Bonanza, and Vegas Aces.
Wild Casino also offers video poker, specialty games, and keno – but there’s no sports betting facility. The minimum deposit requirement is $20. Deposit methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, money orders, and bank transfers. Players can also deposit cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Solana.
New players can claim a welcome package, with the bonus value depending on the deposit method. Cryptocurrency payments get five matched deposit bonuses of up to $9,000. USD deposits also get five deposit matches, albeit, with a smaller total of $5,000. Wild Casino offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, telephone, and email.
Pros
- The overall best California online casino
- Supports slots, table games, live dealers, and video poker
- Get started with just $20
- Accepts debit/credit cards, bank transfers, crypto, and more
- New players get five matched deposit bonuses
- Offers 24/7 support via live chat, telephone, and email
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a sports betting platform
- The largest bonus package requires crypto deposits
2. Everygame – Comprehensive online casino in California with table games, poker, and sports betting
Welcome Bonus: 125% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,000
Wagering Requirements: 30x the deposit and bonus amounts
Promo Code: SIGNUP1000
Rating: 9.6/10
Everygame is a popular online casino that supports every gambling category imaginable. Its casino suite covers a wide selection of slots, including Mermaid Royale, Desert Raider, Vegas XL, and Divas of Darkness. Everygame also supports table games. This includes several variations of blackjack and roulette. However, do note that live dealers aren’t available.
Video poker, specialty games, and keno are also available. This is in addition to a top-rated sports betting platform. California residents can place bets on basketball, football, ice hockey, tennis, baseball, and more. In-play betting is also available on popular sporting events. Everygame also offers live poker rooms.
This covers tournaments, cash games, and sit-and-go. Poker can be played via standard web browsers, desktop software, or an Android/iOS app. In terms of bonuses, casino players receive a 125% deposit boost up to $1,000. There are also bonuses available in sportsbook and poker departments.
Pros
- Popular gambling site with casino games, poker, and sports betting
- The casino suite includes slots, table games, and video poker
- Lots of sign-up bonuses for new players
- Poker rooms come with native desktop software and a mobile app
- Accounts take less than five minutes to open
- Supports instant payment methods – including debit/credit cards
Cons
- The casino welcome package comes with high wagering requirements
- Bank wire withdrawals are capped at $2,500 per week
3. Bovada – A great option for playing live table games with high betting limits
Welcome Bonus: Three matched deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 (fiat) and $3,750 (crypto)
Wagering Requirements: 25x the deposit and bonus amounts
Promo Code: CAWELCOME100
Rating: 9.5/10
Bovada is a leading California online casino for high rollers. Especially those who enjoy playing live table games. Players will find dozens of tables, covering blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Table limits are considerably higher than most other platforms. For example, those playing online blackjack can wager up to $50,000 per hand.
Roulette players can wager up to $3,000 per number, which converts to a maximum inside bet of $111,000. That said, baccarat players might be disappointed with the $2,500 limits imposed. Nonetheless, Bovada is also a great option for playing jackpot slots. Shopping Spree, for instance, has a current jackpot payout of over $2.5 million.
Gold Rush Gus, with a payout of $162,000, is also worth considering. Bovada is also one of the best crash gambling sites, with multiple variations available. There’s also a sportsbook, horse racing, and live poker rooms. New players get three matched deposit bonuses of up to $3,750. Accepted payment types include bank wires, debit/credit cards, and crypto.
Pros
- One of the best options for high roller players
- Blackjack limits of $50,000 per hand
- Bet up to $3,000 per number when playing roulette
- Offers jackpot slots with payouts of over $2.5 million
- Also offers sports betting, horse racing, and poker
- Great deposit bonus for new players
Cons
- The deposit and bonus must be wagered 25 times
4. Lucky Creek – Popular casino for claiming welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
Welcome Bonus: 200% matched deposit bonus of up to $7,500, plus 30 free spins
Wagering Requirements: 60x
Promo Code: 200GETLUCKY
Rating: 9.3/10
Lucky Creek is one of the best online casinos for bonuses. Not only welcome bonuses but also ongoing promotions for existing players. For example, Lucky Creek offers an 80% deposit reload bonus of up to $1,600. This can be claimed every Monday. What’s more, those making at least six deposits between Thursday and Sunday will receive 66 free spins.
The cumulative total of the six deposits must be at least $200. Also, deposits made between 6 am and 10 am (EDT) get 50 extra free spins. This can be claimed daily. The Lucky Creek welcome package is also generous. First-time customers get a 200% matched deposit bonus of up to $7,500. 30 free spins are also included.
Although Lucky Creek doesn’t offer a sportsbook or live poker, there are hundreds of casino games. This includes popular slot titles like Legends Baseball, Age of Gladiators, Small Soldiers, and Funfair Fortune. Table games include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat – with or without live dealers. Players will also find 11 video poker variations.
Pros
- Offers some of the best online casino bonuses in the industry
- Existing players get free spins and daily deposit reloads
- The welcome package is valued at $7,500
- Offers live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat
- Video poker fans will find 11 popular variations
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a sportsbook or live poker
- Welcome bonus funds come with 60x wagering requirements
5. Las Atlantis – Top-rated slots site with five deposit bonuses for new players
Welcome Bonus: $2,800 deposit bonus, claimable five times
Wagering Requirements: 35x the deposit and bonus amounts
Promo Code: No promo code needed
Rating: 9.1/10
Las Atlantis is one of the best options for playing online slots. There are over 1,000 slot titles to choose from – all can be played in demo mode. This allows players to test-drive different slots before risking real money. Some of the most popular slots listed include Bounty Boom, Moneyball, 1000 Winning Nights, and Cactus Goes Nuts.
New players can claim five matched deposits – the bonus funds can be used on any supported slot games. The maximum bonus amount on each deposit is $2,800. Las Atlantis also offers daily slot reload bonuses. The maximum bonus is between $1,200 and $1,650 – depending on the deposit size.
In addition to slots, Las Atlantis also offers table games. This includes French, American, and European roulette. Not to mention multiple craps, blackjack, and baccarat. Payment methods include debit/credit cards and cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit is just $10. However, at least $150 needs to be withdrawn when cashing out.
Pros
- Best online casino for playing slots
- Over 1,000 slot titles to choose from
- Get five slot deposit bonuses when joining
- Existing players get a daily deposit reload
- Also offers craps, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette
Cons
- Table games don’t come with live dealers
- Doesn’t offer sports betting or horse racing
How I rate and review California casino sites
I curated a strict methodology when choosing the best gambling sites in California. Initially, I short-listed reputable casinos and sportsbooks that accept California residents. Only established providers were considered, with each offering a safe and secure gambling experience. Each platform is based offshore, ensuring that deposits, wagers, and payouts are legal. Supported gambling games were also explored.
Casinos offering slots, table games, live dealers, poker, and sports betting were prioritized. Our methodology also researched accepted payment methods. Most providers on our list support bank wires, debit/credit cards, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. I also ensured that each online casino offers reasonable payout times and low account minimums. Bonuses, including their terms and conditions, were also assessed when ranking the top providers.
Is online gambling legal in California?
Despite multiple legislative attempts, online gambling in California remains illegal. This covers all forms of online gambling, including casino games, sports betting, and poker. This mirrors regulations in all other US states bar seven. These draconian gambling laws have forced California residents to use offshore casinos.
These are based outside of the US, often in Panama, Costa Rica, or Curaçao. No existing laws prevent California residents from using offshore platforms. What’s more, offshore casinos accept convenient payment methods, including debit/credit cards and bank wires. This offers a seamless gambling experience that can’t be found with domestic providers.
It’s important to remember that using an offshore casino still comes with tax liabilities. In most cases, gambling winnings are added to the total income for the respective year. In addition, although gambling sites can’t legally operate within California, several forms of land-based betting are permitted.
This includes 66 Tribal casinos, as per the American Gaming Association. Horse racing tracks in California also accept wagers. California residents can also play approved lottery games. Another option for California players is sweepstake casinos. These platforms allow players to buy and wager virtual coins, rather than traditional money.
Timeline of online gambling in California
One of the earlier legislative changes to gambling laws in California was Proposition 1A. In 2000, Proposition 1A was enacted, allowing Indian tribes to operate land-based gambling locations within California. The legislation permits lottery games, slots, and selected card games.
- In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed.
- While this was a Federal enactment, it covered California operators.
- Put simply, UIGEA prohibits US-based gambling operators from accepting electronic payments.
- This made online gambling illegal almost overnight, with many casino sites forced to shut down.
As such, California residents, like most other US states, turned to offshore providers. Multiple legislative attempts were made between 2012 and 2016, to loosen online gambling restrictions. However, each attempt failed to advance. In 2018, the Federal government overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA).
While this enabled individual states to legalize sports betting, California opted against regulatory changes. In more recent times, additional attempts have been made to legalize some forms of online gambling. However, negotiations continue to stall, largely due to concerns from existing Tribal operators.
Using offshore casinos in California
While offshore casinos aren’t explicitly legal in California, there are no existing laws preventing players from using gambling platforms located overseas. Like most other states, this creates a regulatory gray area. Crucially, offshore casinos operate outside of Federal and California state jurisdiction.
- Although there are many legitimate offshore casino sites, many operate without regulation.
- Even those that do hold gambling licenses are based in countries with weak consumer protections, such as Costa Rica and Panama.
- This means players will have no assistance from California bodies if disputes arise, such as a lack of payment.
Moreover, many offshore casinos accepting California residents face banking restrictions. This forces offshore providers to use correspondent banking partners, meaning players often face high deposit and withdrawal fees. Nonetheless, offshore casinos remain popular, as they’re the only option for California players wishing to gamble online.
How to choose the best online casino in California
I’ve established that many Californians have turned to offshore platforms when playing online casino games. The same goes for sports betting, horse racing, poker, and other gambling products.
However, not all online casinos offer a safe experience. Players should also consider available banking methods and fees, supported games, bonuses, and customer service.
I’ll now discuss the most important factors when exploring real money online casinos.
Licensing and security
While the top real money gambling sites are reputable, licensed, and safe – players should research their chosen casino extensively. Assess where the casino is based, when it launched, and how many players actively use it.
Many offshore sites are owned by parent companies, which often have several online casinos under their wing. Due diligence into the parent company should also be conducted. I’d also suggest assessing security features, such as SSL certification and data protection policies.
Gambling options
Players should ensure their favorite games are available when selecting a casino. For example, while most online casinos offer table games, some only offer software-based dealers. This will be a drawback for some, as live dealers offer a more transparent and immersive experience.
Similarly, most online casinos in California offer slots. However, some offer thousands of titles while others have a limited selection. In addition to casino games, some offshore platforms offer sports betting and horse racing. Live poker rooms are increasingly being offered too.
Bonuses
California players are typically offered a ‘welcome bonus’ when joining an online casino. Most platforms offer at least one matched deposit bonus. Others offer multiple. For example, Wild Casino matches the first five deposits made by new players.
This values the welcome package at up to $9,000. Some online casinos also offer free spins. For example, new players at Lucky Creek get 30 free spins after making a deposit. An additional 50 free spins are available daily when meeting minimum deposit requirements.
VIP program
VIP programs are ideal for regular casino players. Most online casinos have a tier system, where bonuses, rewards, and perks increase in line with wagers. For instance, Bovada offers points for every $1 bet, depending on the gambling product.
For example, horse racing bets get 40 points per $1. While slots come with just 3 points. Nonetheless, Bovada VIP points can be exchanged for real cash. VIP casino programs often come with a personalized account manager too. Not to mention higher withdrawal limits.
User experience
There is often a huge disparity in the user experience when gambling online. Some casino sites have done a great job of simplifying the sign-up, deposit, and wagering processes. This is often the case with desktop and mobile platforms.
However, I also found online casinos that offer a poor user experience. Drawbacks discovered include slow loading times, constant buffering, and failed deposit transactions. Therefore, it’s crucial to evaluate usability when researching California online casinos.
Payment and withdrawal methods
Payment methods can be an issue when using casinos based outside of the US. That’s why I only considered online casinos that accept everyday payment methods, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and bank transfers.
I found that many online casinos also support the best cryptocurrencies to buy. For instance, Wild Casino accepts Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, XRP, and Dogecoin, among others. Crypto payments are not only fast but transaction fees are minute.
Payout times
Players should only consider an online casino if it offers reasonable payout times. This is often an issue when gambling with offshore providers, as some platforms will delay payments for several days, sometimes weeks.
In most cases, the online casinos ranked on this page process withdrawals in under 48 hours. Some platforms offer payouts within the hour, although this depends on the payment method. For example, crypto withdrawals are significantly quicker than bank wires.
What games can you play at California online casinos?
California online gambling sites typically offer plenty of games. Let’s take a look at the most popular.
Blackjack
You’ll struggle to find an online casino that doesn’t offer blackjack. The aim is to get a higher score than the dealer – most blackjack games pay even money. That said, players should always check the rules and payouts when selecting a blackjack variation
For instance, landing a ‘blackjack’ – which is any suited card and an ace, usually pays 3:2. The exception is Single Deck blackjack, which pays 6:5. There will also be variations in when double downs can be played, and whether insurance is available when the dealer shows an ace.
Roulette
Just as popular is online roulette. Most Californians will be used to the American roulette wheel, which has two green zeros. Like other versions, landing an outside bet (e,g red or black) pays even money. Landing a specific number (e.g. 17) pays 35/1.
However, players are at a statistical disadvantage when playing American roulette. This is because other versions – like French and European, have just one green zero. As such, players can secure lower house edges when playing international variations.
Baccarat
Baccarat is also one of the most popular games available at California online casinos. It’s also one of the easiest to play. Baccarat is a card game played between the ‘player’ and the ‘banker’. Players must wager funds on who they think will get the highest score.
The highest cumulative score is 9 – meaning anything above reverts to 0. So, suppose the player gets a 4 and a 7. This means the player’s score is 2. Baccarat players can also bet on the ‘tie’, which often pays 8/1.
Slots
Land-based casinos in California generally offer a smaller selection of slot machines. Availability depends on floor space. Online casinos, however, often list thousands of slot titles. This gives players plenty of options when choosing their preferred game.
Some slots connect to progressive jackpot networks, meaning they’re listed on multiple casino sites. The jackpot increases whenever players wager funds. This often surpasses a million dollars, meaning slot fans can win life-changing money.
Video Poker
Video poker is another staple when gambling online. Players compete against a virtual dealer. After choosing a stake, players are dealt five cards. The aim is to make a winning poker combination, such as a straight or flush.
Players can ‘hold’ all, some, or none of the cards they’re originally dealt. Cards that weren’t held will be replaced with new ones. Payouts are determined by the stake and hand combination. For example, if the player bet $100 and landed a straight at 10x, they win $1,000.
Live Dealers
Some online casinos form partnerships with live dealer providers. This means online players can play traditional table games with human dealers. Put otherwise, players can watch their blackjack or baccarat hands being dealt via a live stream.
Roulette, craps, and video poker variations are often supported too. Players place bets and select their moves on-screen. The live dealer will then action the round. This is a great way to enjoy casino games online without relying on pre-programmed software.
Sports Betting
The best payout casinos also offer sports betting services. Odds and betting markets are usually provided by third parties. That said, some platforms have in-house odds compilers, which can mean more competitive odds and a wider range of betting options.
Nonetheless, those interested in sports gambling in California can often bet on football, ice hockey, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and more. Bets can often be placed before and during the respective sporting event.
Poker
I found that the best California online casinos offer poker rooms. These typically connect with larger poker networks to ensure sufficient player traffic. Most poker sites support Texas Hold’em tables across the three most popular formats.
That’s tournaments, cash tables, and sit-and-go. It’s crucial to ensure the poker network provider is established and reputable. Players should also assess minimum and maximum buy-ins, user-friendliness, and whether the platform has a history of bot usage.
Depositing & withdrawing at California gambling sites
Players should ensure they’re using the most efficient payment method when gambling online. Not only in terms of fees but also transaction speeds. After all, some payment methods are faster and cheaper than others.
The chosen payment method will also determine how quickly the online casino approves withdrawals. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best and worst payment methods that online casinos accept.
Debit/credit cards
Most online casinos accept debit/credit cards. Support for Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover is often available. That said, some credit card issuers are known to block gambling-related payments. What’s more, considering deposits are being made with an offshore provider, the payment could be flagged as fraud.
In addition, fees can be high – especially when using a credit card. For instance, if the credit card payment goes through, it will likely be marked as a ‘cash advance’. This will add at least 3% to the transaction amount – which will incur interest immediately. This is in addition to the casino’s processing fees, which can exceed 10%. This is to cover potential chargebacks.
In terms of payment times, debit/credit card deposits are usually processed instantly. This allows players to begin gambling straight away. Withdrawals, however, often take several days for approval. Moreover, some online casinos don’t support debit/credit card payouts, so withdrawals must be made via another method.
Bank transfers
Bank transfers are accepted by most online casinos in California. However, due to banking restrictions, neither ACH nor domestic wires will be supported. Instead, players will need to transfer the funds via an international SWIFT payment. The casino will provide its bank account number, BIC code, and other banking details.
While times will depend on the financial institution, SWIFT payments usually take a few days. The casino will need to manually credit the payment, so make sure to enter the unique reference number provided. Deposit fees are covered by the player when making the transfer. Players will also need to cover fees when withdrawing via bank wire.
Ensure the casino doesn’t add a markup to the transaction fee. That said, some online casinos offer one free bank wire withdrawal every month. In terms of average payout times, it can take several days for the withdrawal to be approved. After that, your bank will likely credit the funds in 1-5 business days.
Cryptocurrencies
While debit/credit cards and bank wires are the most common deposit methods, many online casinos also support cryptocurrencies. Even if you’re new to cryptocurrency payments, they’re well worth considering when gambling online. For a start, payments are safe, as they’re sent from a private cryptocurrency wallet.
The casino will provide a deposit address, which is unique to the casino account. Moreover, cryptocurrency deposits should be credited in under 10 minutes. Players must cover the network fee when transferring funds. But this often only costs a couple of days – sometimes cents when using low-cost blockchains like Solana.
I found that many online casinos offer unlimited deposits and withdrawals when using cryptocurrencies. However, the biggest benefit is that cryptocurrency payouts are usually super-fast. Some online casinos approve cryptocurrency transfers in just one hour – which is much quicker when compared to USD payouts.
Other popular casino payment methods
Some other payment methods to consider when gambling online are summarized below:
- E-Wallets: A small number of online casinos accept e-wallet payments, such as Neteller and Skrill. Payments are often fast, although keep an eye on fees – as they can be high.
- Money orders: Similar to checks, money orders are physical payment notes. The player obtains a money order with cash in the US and then posts it to the casino. This is the slowest and most inconvenient payment method available.
- Person-to-Person: This payment method is offered by casino sites internally. It enables you to transfer the casino balance to another player. In turn, the player transfers funds directly to your bank account, e-wallet, or other preferred method.
Minimum deposits
Minimum deposits should also be considered when gambling online. I found that minimums are typically dependent on the payment method. Take Wild Casino as an example.
Wild Casino has a minimum deposit requirement of just $20 when using cryptocurrencies, or $25 when opting for a debit/credit card. However, money orders and bank wires have much higher minimums at $300 and $500 respectively.
In addition, the minimum deposit requirement is often higher when claiming welcome bonuses. Failing to meet the bonus minimum will make you ineligible for the promotion.
Payout times
Payout time frames are determined by two key factors:
- How long it takes for the online casino to approve and process withdrawals
- The average transaction time for the respective payment method
To offer some insight, some online casinos in California take up to a week to approve bank wire payouts. However, the same casinos will often approve cryptocurrency withdrawals in 1-24 hours.
Similarly, bank wire transaction times, once approved, can take up to a week before they arrive in your account. Cryptocurrencies, however, take minutes to land in your personal wallet. Check out the casino’s banking page for estimated payout times for each payment method.
California online casino bonuses
I’ve talked about bonuses and promotions extensively in this guide. Not only welcome packages but weekly bonuses for existing players. Bonuses are a great way to increase your casino balance, earn free spins, and accumulate VIP points.
However, bonuses also come with terms and conditions. Players usually need to meet wagering requirements before bonuses can be cashed out. Terms and conditions can also include clauses about eligible games and maximum bet sizes.
Let’s explore what bonuses are available at the leading online casinos in California.
Matched deposits
Most casinos offer a matched deposit bonus to first-time players. The deposit will be amplified by a certain percentage. The bonus will then be added to the player’s bankroll, meaning they’ve got more funds to play with.
For example:
- Wild Casino matches the first USD deposit by 250%.
- So, if you deposit $400, you’ll receive a $1,000 bonus.
- This means your casino bankroll is $1,400.
- After that, Wild Casino matches the next four deposits by 100% up to $1,000.
Most matched deposit bonuses require a promo code, which you’ll find by scrolling down. A minimum deposit requirement is usually stated too.
Wagering requirements can be high when claiming matched deposits.
- For example, Wild Casino bonuses come with a 40x wagering requirement.
- This is based on the deposit and bonus amounts.
- So, I mentioned above that a $400 deposit gets a $1,000 bonus – totaling $1,400.
- As such, that $1,400 must be wagered 40 times ($56,000) before a withdrawal can be made.
Free spins
Some players prefer claiming free spins when joining an online casino. Not only are free spins risk-free but they can generate huge payouts.
- For example, Lucky Creek offers new players 30 free spins on the Big Game slot. If the free spins generate winnings, they must be wagered 60 times.
- Lucky Creek also offers 50 free spins to existing players when depositing funds during ‘Happy Hour’. This bonus can be claimed every day.
Wild Casino is also a good option for claiming free spins. 125 free spins are offered to new players when depositing at least $75. The free spins can be used on the April Fury and the Chamber of Scarabs slot game.
Reload bonuses
Players should also prioritize online casinos that offer regular reload bonuses. This boosts the player’s deposit by a certain percentage, up to a maximum amount.
While similar to matched deposits, reload bonuses are offered to existing account holders. What’s more, they’re typically offered on selected days, so can be claimed every week.
- For example, Wild Casino offers a ‘Tuesday Top Up’ promotion. Simply deposit at least $50 to get an extra $50 to play with.
- Las Atlantis offers a reload bonus of $1,200 when depositing at least $20. The bonus increases to $1,650 when depositing $150 or more. Either way, the bonus funds can be used on slots and scratchcards.
Just like welcome bonuses, deposit reloads come with terms and conditions. These should be read thoroughly before claiming a bonus.
Cashback rebates
Cashback rebates are another bonus to look for. Players receive some of their losses back as a cash refund. The rebate is added to the player’s account, so can be used to gamble on other games. Cashback rebates can also be withdrawn.
Although cashback rarely comes with wagering requirements, this isn’t always the case. Moreover, rebates might only be available on certain games. For instance, live dealer tables are often excluded from this promotion.
Poker rakeback
Poker fans should look for online casinos offering rakeback bonuses. This refunds some of the rake you pay when joining poker tables. Rakeback is based on wagering activities rather than gambling losses.
Meaning – you’ll receive rakeback irrespective of whether you win or lose money. However, unlike cashback rebates, rakeback often comes with wagering requirements. Once again, this is why the bonus terms and conditions should be checked.
No deposit bonuses
Players should look for no deposit bonuses too. This credits the player’s account with a bonus, even though a deposit hasn’t been made. Do note that no deposit bonuses are often small – rarely do they exceed $10.
Moreover, no deposit bonuses often come with high wagering requirements. Even if the wagering target is achieved, players will likely need to make a deposit and complete the KYC process before cashing out.
VIP programs
VIP programs are often the best option for long-term gamblers. Unlike welcome bonuses and weekly reloads, VIP rewards usually come without challenging terms and conditions. Instead, players are rewarded with points when making deposits or placing bets.
One of the best VIP programs is offered by Everygame:
- Everygame offers 100 VIP points per $10 wagered.
- VIP points can be converted to cash.
- The cash exchange rate is $1 per 100 VIP points.
- So, suppose over a few months you’ve wagered $20,000.
- This means you’ve earned 2,000 VIP points, which is worth $20.
In addition to cash rewards, VIP programs also come with other perks, such as:
- Priority withdrawals
- 24/7 support with a personal account manager
- Higher payout limits
- Exclusive bonuses
- Access to new game launches
- Real-world prizes
- Event invitations
Best California gambling bonuses compared
Casino Site | Welcome Bonus | Wagering Requirements | Promo Code |
Wild Casino | Five matched deposit bonuses totaling $5,000 (fiat) or $9,000 (crypto). | 40x the deposit and bonus amounts | Fiat: WILD250 (1st), WILD100 (2nd to 4th). Crypto: CRYPTO300 (1st), CRYPTO150 (2nd to 4th) |
Everygame | 125% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,000 | 30x the deposit and bonus amounts | SIGNUP1000 |
Bovada | Three matched deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 (fiat) and $3,750 (crypto) | 25x the deposit and bonus amounts | Fiat: CAWELCOME100 (1st), BV2NDCWB (2nd – 3rd). Crypto: BTCSWB750 (1st), BTC2NDCWB (2nd – 3rd) |
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How to stay safe at gambling site in California
California players must use offshore casinos when gambling online. This means there are no consumer protections if things go wrong. With this in mind, players must ensure they’re using a legitimate online casino.
Conducting due diligence into the following factors is crucial:
- Transparency: It’s important to choose a casino site that’s transparent. The casino should publish its registered business name and number. Not to mention its country of operation and business address. This information can be independently verified through public registers. There should also be contact information, such as a phone number and email address.
- Licensing: Players can ensure safety by sticking with licensed online casinos. At a minimum, this means the casino is accountable to a government-based body. That said, licensing will come from non-US jurisdictions, meaning protections could be limited.
- Software Providers: Check which software providers have partnered with the online casino. Look for established providers with a long track record – preferably in the online and land-based gambling industry. Evaluate whether the software providers are licensed and if their gaming RNGs and RTPs are audited.
- Terms and Conditions: While terms and conditions are filled with legal jargon, they should be read nonetheless. After all, you’ll need to accept them before opening an account. There could be red flags hidden within the terms, especially related to welcome bonuses, withdrawal limits, and KYC documents. If anything looks untoward, query the specific term with the casino.
- Reputation: Some online casinos have a great reputation with California players. After all, online casinos are in the business of making money, which is only possible when players use their platforms. Focus on casinos with positive reviews and ratings. Conversely, avoid casinos with limited or negative feedback from players.
I’ve focused on offshore casinos as a way for California residents to gamble online. However, another alternative exists – sweepstakes casinos. Similar to offshore sites, sweepstake casinos are a legislative workaround to existing gambling restrictions.
If you’re new to sweepstakes online casinos, here’s what you need to know:
First, players must choose a sweepstakes casino and open an account. This requires personal information and contact details, similar to registering with an offshore site. However, unlike offshore providers, players cannot directly deposit USD into a sweepstakes casino.
Instead, players must purchase ‘gold coins’, which are native to the platform. Gold coins cannot be redeemed, meaning players can only play casino games for fun. That said, gold coin purchases will also include ‘sweeps coins’, which are redeemable for cash.
So, players use their sweeps coins balance to play table games, slots, and other gambling products. Once the minimum redemption requirement is reached, players can exchange sweeps coins for cash.
Withdrawals are usually sent to the player’s US checking account. Gift card payouts are often an option too.
Land-based casinos in California
California is home to 66 land-based casinos, which are operated by Tribal communities.
The most popular casino locations are summarized below:
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Those looking for the ultimate casino experience will like the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. This 24/7 casino offers more than 7,200 slot machines and 150 table games. The latter includes blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and multiple poker variants.
The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino also offers a luxury hotel with entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and retail stores.
- Location: 777 San Manuel Blvd. Highland, CA 92346
- Contact Number: 1-800-359-2464
- Tribe: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Pechanga Resort Casino
Operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians, this land-based casino covers 200,000 square feet. This is in addition to 275,000 square feet worth of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus a spa, bars, and multiple entertainment venues.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers the most popular gambling games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, keno, and craps. There are also VIP tables that support high betting limits.
- Location: 45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula, CA, 92592
- Contact Number: 1-888-PECHANGA
- Tribe: Pechanga Band of Indians
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
Spread over 44 scenic acres, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa offers sublime views of the Grand Canyon. This is an ideal choice for players who want to combine luxury accommodation, top-class service, and premium spas with a top gambling experience.
The casino hosts almost 4,000 slot machines and 80 table games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. There are also poker rooms covering various buy-ins and formats.
- Location: 49500 Seminole Dr. Cabazon, CA, 92230
- Contact Number: 1-800-252-4499
- Tribe: Morongo Band of Mission Indians
California gambling resources
- California Council on Problem Gambling: +1 714-765-5804
- California Gambling Control Commission: (916) 263-0700
- California Bureau of Gambling Control (916) 830-1700
Conclusion – What is the best gambling site in California?
Most California players use offshore casinos when gambling online, owing to restrictions on domestic operators. This can be risky, as not all offshore sites are adequately regulated. Players should stick with established online casinos with a solid reputation.
The top casino sites offer generous bonuses, although players should read the terms and conditions before proceeding. What’s more, check which casino games are supported and whether payout times are reasonable. Above all else, players should gamble responsibly.
FAQs
Did they legalize online gambling in California?
Is offshore gambling legal in California?
What online casinos can I play at in California?
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How can I deposit at online casinos in California?
References
- Why Can’t We Play Online Casinos from California Yet (But Do Anyway) (Bay Area Reporter)
- California Regulatory Oversight (American Gaming Association)
- Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
- Casino industry urges federal prosecutors to crack down on illegal operators (CNBC)
- CNIGA issues “warning” after California sports betting initiative scrapped (iGaming Business)