Discover the best casino gaming options available in California. While California has banned sweepstakes casinos, you can still enjoy casino-style games in the Golden State. Learn more about California's online gambling options and play thousands of free casino games today!
Our Favorite California Online Casino Options in 2026
Online Gaming Sites You Can Play at in California in August 2026
4.4/5
RTP: 97.64%
Payout:
Games: 250+
Available in the US
4.3/5
RTP: 97.12%
Payout:
Games: 1,000+
Available in the US
4.5/5
RTP: 97.27%
Payout:
Games: 800+
Available in the US
4.6/5
RTP: 97.31%
Payout: 3-5 days
Games: 150+
Available in the US
4.1/5
RTP: 97.28%
Payout: 1-2 days
Games: 600+
Available in the US
4.8/5
RTP: -
Payout: Instant
Games: -
Available in the US
Top Five California Gaming Sites We Recommend
Card Crush
4.4/5
97.64%
RTP
Card Crush is an outstanding single-currency gaming option available to players in California. With more than 340 casino-style games, including slots and live dealer titles, Card Crush offers more than twice as many games as Horseplay (150+). Plus, the distinctive collectible card mechanic gives Card Crush a unique flavor as you battle fellow players to score bonus VIP points.
Read review
Jay Henderson
Online Casino Expert
Pros
You can redeem Mystery Coins (MC) for gift cards or cash prizes
Choice of three first purchase offers
Card Crush offers more games (340+) than Horseplay (150+)
Multi-tier VIP program with weekly, personalized rewards
Cons
Slower withdrawal speed (up to 10 business days) compared to Horseplay (up to 5 business days)
No mobile app currently available
Horseplay
4.6/5
97.31%
RTP
Horseplay is a legal and regulated Reveal Gaming platform available to players in California. Licensed by the California Horse Racing Board, Horseplay offers more than 150 casino-style games including slots, roulette, video poker, and Plinko. Players in California can claim a 100% deposit match bonus worth up to $250 in credits.
Read review
Sadonna Price
Online Casino Expert
Pros
Licensed and legally available in California
Multiple bonuses available in California, including a $250 welcome offer and weekly tournaments
Unlike Card Crush, you can deposit and withdraw via Play+ and PayPal
Horseplay has a highly rated iOS app (4.4/5 on the Apple App Store); Card Crush doesn’t offer an app
Cons
Smaller game library (150+) compared to Card Crush (340+)
No Android app available
CasinoClick Social
4.5/5
97.27%
RTP
CasinoClick Social is a fantastic free-to-play site with more than 900 casino-style games. Discover more than 30 live dealer games from Iconic21 and be sure to claim the welcome bonus worth up to 600,000 GC for just $5! While CasinoClick Social doesn't offer real-money gameplay, we love the wide variety of games and the lucrative existing player promotions.
Jordan Marley
Sweepstakes Casino Expert
Pros
California players can score 600,000 GC for just $5
900+ game library includes more niche games, like scratch cards, than BetRivers.net
Site layout looks fresh and modern compared to BetRivers.net
Regular promotions include the Daily Wheel with up to 50,000 GC in prizes
Cons
You can’t win real money at Casino Click Social
The welcome offer at FreeSpin Social (700,000 GC) is slightly larger
FreeSpin Social
4.3/5
97.12%
RTP
FreeSpin Social offers players in California a generous welcome offer and plenty of free-to-play games. For just a penny more than CasinoClick Social, you can score 100,000 GC extra for a total of 700,000 GC! There are more than 1,900 games including exclusives like Purrfect Payouts. Plus, there are more than 30 live dealer titles (50% more than BetRivers.net’s 20+).
Jordan Marley
Sweepstakes Casino Expert
Pros
Players in California can claim a 700,000 GC welcome offer for just $4.99
Larger game library (1,900+) than Casino Click Social (900+)
Existing player promotions include a VIP program and Daily Wheel
24/7 customer support live chat available to resolve any issues
Cons
You can’t win real money at FreeSpin Social
Unlike BetRivers.net, you can’t filter the library by game provider
BetRivers.net
4.1/5
97.28%
RTP
BetRivers.net offers players in California more than 2,000 free-to-play casino-style games. We especially love that BetRivers.net features an extensive selection of Evolution games, including Dream Catcher. BetRivers.net is one of the most generous free-to-play sites in California, as you receive free Virtual Credits (VC) every four hours. Simply log in to claim between 20 and 60 VC.
Max Brimmer
Sweepstakes Expert
Pros
More than 2,000 games available in California, more than twice as many as Casino Click Social (900+)
Receive between 20 and 60 VC free every four hours
Excellent selection of Evolution games
Plenty of VC prizes available to win via the Rewards Center
Cons
You can’t win real money at BetRivers.net
No mobile app available
Most Popular Games in California
Try some of the most popular online slots, table games, and live dealer titles right here on Casino.us with no download required.
California Online Gambling Overview
Compare Lucrative California Casino Bonus Offers
All our top recommended California gaming sites offer casino bonus offers or similar promotions. From welcome offers for new players to lucrative ongoing promotions, like VIP programs, there are plenty of ways to score rewards in California.
These are our favorite California casino bonuses:
What Casino Alternatives Are Available in California?
As of August 2026, neither regulated real-money online casinos nor sweepstakes casinos are available in California. Instead, players in California can try multiple online gaming options, including free-to-play sites, prediction markets, and more.
Here’s a short overview of the kinds of online gaming sites available in California:
Single-Currency Sites
Single-currency sites offer casino-style games which you play using a virtual currency, such as Card Crush’s Mystery Coins. These sites avoid California’s ban on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos by using a combination of a virtual currency plus collectible virtual cards. You can redeem Mystery Coins for real cash or gift cards.
Parimutuel Sites
Parimutuel betting sites offer real-money casino-style games. Instead of using random number generators, results are powered by real horse racing results. Also known as Reveal Gaming, Horseplay is fully licensed as an advance deposit wagering site by the California Horse Racing Board.
Social Casinos
Social casinos offer free-to-play casino-style games to players in California. While you cannot win real money, social casinos allow you to play thousands of fun casino-style games including slots, table games, and live dealer titles.
Prediction Markets
Prediction markets are a federally regulated way to trade on event contracts, including sports, politics, and more. Prediction market platforms like Polymarket are legally available to players in California, and you can earn real cash by trading on event contracts.
Most Trustworthy California Online Casino Banking Methods
Our recommended California online gaming sites accept a range of casino banking methods, which vary from site to site. From standard options like credit and debit cards to e-wallets and cryptocurrency, most sites offer multiple trusted and familiar payment options.
Be aware that not all payment options are available at every gaming site and withdrawals are not available at free-to-play sites, like FreeSpin Social.
| Banking method | Available for deposits/purchases? | Available for withdrawals? | We recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ✅ | ✅ | Depositing via Apple Pay is simple in the Horseplay iOS app |
 | ✅ | ❌ | While you can deposit at Horseplay via credit card, your card issuer may charge a fee |
 | ✅ | ✅ | Polymarket accepts more than 15 cryptocurrencies |
 | ✅ | ✅ | Debit cards are a safe and simple way to fund your account or withdraw your funds |
 | ❌ | ✅ | Card Crush allows players to redeem their Mystery Coins for a gift card |
 | ✅ | ✅ | Convenient deposits via your Android device |
 | ✅ | ✅ | Bank transfer withdrawals generally take longer to process (up to 10 business days at Card Crush) |
 | ✅ | ✅ | Horseplay is one of the few CA gaming sites to offer PayPal deposits and withdrawals |
 | ✅ | ✅ | Play+ withdrawals at Horseplay are usually completed within three business days |
Jordan Marley
Sweepstakes Casino Expert
31 reviews written for Casino.us
Our experts use their 45+ combined years of expertise to write in-depth online casino reviews. We look at games, payment methods, and bonuses to help you find the best California gaming site for you.
Our Favorite California Gaming Apps
Mobile casino apps in California make it simple to enjoy casino-style games on the go. 57% of our recommended California gaming sites offer either an iOS or Android app in addition to a fully optimized mobile site. Here are our picks of the best California gaming apps:
Card Crush
4.4/5
Welcome offer $30 in Mystery Coins on First Purchase
Mobile games 250+
Available on -
FreeSpin Social
4.3/5
Welcome offer 200,000 GC + 20 Free Spins
Mobile games 1,000+
Available on -
CasinoClick Social
4.5/5
Welcome offer 100,000 free GC on sign up + 500,000 GC for $4.99
Mobile games 800+
Available on -
Horseplay
4.6/5
Welcome offer 100% up to $250 Real Money Bonus
Mobile games 150+
Available on -
BetRivers.net
4.1/5
Welcome offer Up to $1000 Virtual Credits
Mobile games 600+
Available on -
Polymarket
4.8/5
Welcome offer Deposit $10 and Get a $20 Trading Bonus
Mobile games -
Available on -
History of Online Gambling Laws in California
California has some of the strictest gambling laws in the US, restricting most forms of online gambling including online casinos and sportsbooks.
Here’s an overview of the history of online gambling laws in California:
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in California
1
May 14, 2018
The US Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, which opens the door for online sports betting in California.
2
November 8, 2022
Proposition 27, which sought to legalize online sports betting, is defeated by one of the largest margins in state electoral history (82.28% against).
3
January 1, 2026
AB 831 becomes law and outlaws dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos in California.
Legal Situation of Online Casinos in California
Unlike New Jersey or Pennsylvania, California has not legalized real-money online casinos. The only licensed and regulated options for playing real-money casino-style games in California are via state-licensed parimutuel betting sites, like Horseplay.
As of August 2026, there are no active proposals to legalize online casinos in California.
1Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in California?
1
No, online sweepstakes casinos that use a dual-currency model were banned in California as of January 1, 2026. These sites are no longer legally available to players in California.
2Are Offshore Casinos Legal in California?
2
Offshore casinos are online casinos based outside of the US and may hold a foreign license from countries such as Malta or Curaçao. While offshore casinos are not expressly illegal in California, they do not offer the same protections as legal real-money gaming sites such as Horseplay.
We do not recommend offshore casinos to players as they may not adhere to principles of fair play and data security. Additionally, many players struggle to receive their winnings from disreputable offshore casinos.
What Are the Best Land-Based Casinos in California?
Presently, there are 67 tribal casinos in California. Many of these land-based casinos are conveniently located within driving distance of Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area. Here are three of our favorite casinos in California:
Yaamava' Resort & Casino
Operated by the United Auburn Indian Community, the Yaamava’ Resort and Casino opened in 2003 and has 144,500 square feet of gaming space. It entered into a tribal-state compact in 1999 and today features over 7,400 slots, table games, and a poker room. The site also features a 432-room hotel and a 3,000-seat concert venue. It also features several restaurants and bars, including a George Lopez-themed restaurant.
Address: 777 San Manuel Blvd S, Highland, CA 92346
Phone Number: +1 909-864-5050
Pechanga Resort and Casino
Pechanga Resort and Casino, owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is one of the oldest gambling establishments in California. It opened as a Bingo Hall in 1986. It features 290,000 square feet of total gaming space, over 5,500 slots, table games, a poker room, a golf course, and a 1,200-capacity concert venue. The Pechanga Events Center has also hosted live events like Bellator MMA and Thai Kickboxing.
Address: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592
Phone Number: +1 877-711-2946
Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Opened in June 2002, the Thunder Valley Casino Resort has over 3,000 slot machines, 125 table games, and a live poker room with a capacity of 160. The resort also features a luxury hotel, a 1,000-capacity entertainment hall, a spa, a 4,500 entertainment venue hosting The Eagles and Gwen Stefani, and 14 restaurants and bars.
Address: 1200 Athens Avenue, Lincoln, CA 95648
Phone Number: +1 916-408-7777
Full List of Casinos in California
Responsible Gaming in California
For most people, online gambling is a fun activity which can be enjoyed responsibly. If you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to any of the listed responsible gambling resources available in California:
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Available 24/7 via phone, text, or online live chat, the helpline provides support, information, and referrals to resources in your area.
Phone: (800) 522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous
Connect with other people struggling with problem gambling in local or online meetings. There are hundreds of meetings available weekly across California.
Phone: (909) 931-9056