Michael McKean is an experienced writer with a portfolio that includes work on the subjects of sport, gambling, travel and finance. With a background rooted in journalism, Michael first ventured into the professional writing world based in Switzerland, where he wrote for a number of language and travel sites and magazines before moving into the world of sports writing and gambling sites.
As an avid soccer fan, who follows everything from the Scottish lower leagues to the European elites, he has earned himself a solid reputation as a reliable football betting tipster and predictor. Outside of work, Michael has always gotten involved with grassroutes football everywhere he has worked and lived – UK, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil – and still isn’t shy when it comes to pulling the boots on himself. As well as soccer, he has also developed a love of North American sports, particularly ice hockey – a love which began in Switzerland and saw him venture across the pond to follow the NHL. Moving away from dry land, he’s also a keen longboard surfer and is happiest when writing with a view of the ocean.
Are Online Casinos Legal in California?
Online gambling isn’t currently regulated within the state of California, but there are areas of the state where you can gamble legally in person.
California casinos are placed around the state, so there are places you can visit to gamble. Read on to discover if online gambling is permitted in California and if you can partake in any sort of legal gambling.
California casinos have been a part of the state for some years. It’s a good idea to learn about the casinos in California and what you can expect from them. Without this information, you may be unsure of whether or not you can gamble in California, or even check out online gambling in California. Read on to find out more about gambling in the sunshine state today!
Gambling Guide
Permitted / Offered?
Notes & Restrictions
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Gambling
Yes
Certain restrictions apply to types of gambling allowed. Parimutuel horse betting is allowed.
Sports Betting
No
Horse betting and DFS are two sports betting options that are legal, all other sports betting is currently not regulated in the state.
Lottery
Yes
Both state-wide lottery options and multi-state options are available and legal to play.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Yes
House Gambling
No
The only time that house gambling is allowed is if it is for a charitable event where money is being raised.
Minimum Gambling Age
18 or 21
18 for all gambling options besides some land-based casinos that offer alcohol within their establishments, where it is 21 years of age.
California land-based casino legal situation
The land-based casinos throughout California are legal to spend money and have a good time in, but these casinos have to fall under specific categories in order to be deemed as legal. California casinos have to be listed as one of the following in order to be considered legal forms of gambling:
Indian Casinos
Card Clubs
Pari-Mutuel Horse Betting
Charitable Gaming Events
State Lottery
Those that set up California casino games to raise money or awareness are allowed, but only for the event. Anything outside of the event is not considered legal. This is true for other establishments that have not set up the legality of the casino. California casinos have to file the necessary paperwork in order to have the approval to operate within the state.
Illegal forms of gambling in California include playing craps with dice, meaning that the traditional game cannot be played. Other forms of the game may be offered inside legal casino options.
California online casino legal situation
There are currently no laws making online casino gambling in California legal, though lawmakers have tried to push legislation through several times now. That means that local players can’t legally participate in online gambling just yet. While that’s upsetting for many, it’s not the end by any means. California looks likely to pass an online gambling bill in the coming years and players are likely to enjoy legal online wagering soon enough. It’s very much a similar situation in some other states. For example, finding the best online casino New Hampshire means going offshore. However, until such time as real money online casinos are legalized, gamblers in both states can enjoy social casinos and playing at local casinos without an issue.
California mobile casino gambling situation
Just like with online casinos, mobile casino gaming is also something that is not banned or regulated in the state of California. That means that it’s also off the table for the time being. Mobile wagering will also likely be introduced when an online wagering bill passes in the state, but until then players will have to stick with play wagering or social casinos.
Online casino operator licensing process
In order to obtain a gambling license in the state of California, an operator has to go through a series of steps to become as legal as possible. Specific paperwork and questions need to be answered in order to get the best possible outcome of obtaining the licensure within the state. Currently, only land-based gambling licenses are available and online licenses aren’t an option.
The forms and information that are needed to obtain this operator license include, but is not limited to:
Information on the establishment, what type of gambling they are offering, the drinks or food they will offer, and any other California casino events they will be offering at the venue.
A full list of the employees that will be directly involved with the venue, their jobs, and other information pertaining to the operation of the casino.
A full disclosure, release of information, and designated agent.
Declaration of property for the venue, as well as the property that the venue is situated on and what it will be used for, if anything other than the gambling establishment.
Transcript sign over for the tax returns for the venue and specific gambling company.
All paperwork to get the California casinos up and running is something worth looking into, because these operators have to ensure that their establishments are legal. While these documents are needed for those that run actual casinos, the majority of the same paperwork is necessary for an online casino in California to run smoothly and legally.
The paperwork has to be brought to the appropriate office in order to be filed and approved. Once approved, a specific licensure number will be provided to the casino that shows they have done the necessary steps to become legal.
It is also important that the operator knows that the Bureau can request further information about their establishment in order to see if they should obtain the licensure. They use their sole discretion to ask for particular information from the casino requesting licensure within the state.
The forms for a gambling license can be found on the Bureau of Gambling Control’s website.
History of gambling in California
Poker inside legal casinos, including card rooms, are not illegal throughout the state and they have been a favorite place for many visitors since 1850, back when California first became a state. The lottery has been around since the 1980s, and with 21,000 different retailers and 10 different lottery options, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The horse racetracks were introduced in 1933. Six major racetracks are offered throughout the state that you can bet on and watch the races inside the casinos. Native American land-based casinos were legalized and allowed in 2000, which took some time to pass. After regulation of the taxes and other specifics of the casinos were negotiated, they were able to run and provide gambling inside their casinos as long as they were constructed on their land.
According to the compacts and negotiations, many of the casinos are able to provide both Class 1 and Class 2 gaming experiences which include both slot machines and table games to use. Craps and roulette are illegal to play throughout these casinos, so they are usually not offered. Card versions of these games, as well as video slot machines can also be found, as these are allowed.
The revenue that currently comes from the legal gambling options throughout the state generates more than any other state in the country, making it an ideal place to find yourself playing. Those casinos offered through Native Americans may vary from one another because each agreement between casinos was negotiated separately.
California online casinos 2021 FAQs
Can I gamble online in California?
Yes, you are legally able to choose an online casino to play in and gamble. California casinos online are not regulated, so they are not marked as being illegal to play in.
How many legal online casinos operate in California?
There are a multitude of online casinos in the state of California. Each one offers unique and fun ways to play at their casinos. Continue reading with us here at CaptainGambling to discover exactly how many online casinos California has to offer.
Those that want to take advantage of online gambling in California are able to play in any online casino that welcomes players from the United States.
What is the best online casino site in California?
There aren’t currently any legal online gambling sites in California. That means players will have to play at local casinos instead or wait until online wagering is legal.
When did legal online casinos in California open?
Legal online casinos aren’t available in the state just yet, but they’re expected to become legal in the near future.
When did online gambling become legal in California?
Online gambling has not yet been legalized in California, in fact there are no laws on the subject at all. That means that gamblers will have to rely on options in other states, or on social casinos.
Where can I play using my mobile device?
Mobile devices can’t be used for gambling in California just yet, but other states throughout the country support mobile wagering. This is where mobile gambling will have to be completed.
Who is responsible for regulating California online gambling?
Two different offices are open and responsible for regulating California’s online gambling: the Gambling Control Act and Gaming Registration Act.
Responsible online gambling
It is important that you set a budget and stick to it, as well as setting limits on the time you spend playing in the casinos. California casino games can be addictive for some, so being aware of the time and money you are spending is the wise way forward to ensure that you are gaming responsibly.
Those who are dealing with a gambling addiction can contact these organizations that are operating in the state of California:
Office of Problem Gambling
California Council on Problem Gambling
There are also privately run gambling counselling and help services for those who want to reach out to a reputable therapist for support. Anyone who requires help with their online gambling in California is encouraged to take advantage of these public and private resources.
Social casinos in California: If you want to play online casinos, but not for real money
Those who want to spend some time with other people or just have a little fun playing some California casino games can find that social casinos hit the spot. You can go and mingle with like-mind players without having to put any money down.
California casino bankers are not needed for this, nor is your financial information. You can stay safe and still have a good time playing. If you are playing in a house without putting money down, this is legal and there are plenty of online casinos that offer this type of fun without having to put cash down on the table to play.
Casinos in California usually do not offer social casinos regularly, but some of them are starting to recognize the benefits that come with them. The Native -American-run casinos are offering both online and onsite social casino gatherings, games, and other events for those in many areas throughout the state.
Finding an online casino in California that offers social gaming is easier than finding an onsite casino that offers this.
Daily Fantasy Sports are a fun way to spend your time, especially if you enjoy watching sports. You can pick the players that are doing well this year and create your own dream team. Different from what you would find in an online casino in California, DFS provides options for customizing your own team and maximizing your chances of a win.
California online casinos sometimes offer this option, but you may have to go to a specific place to get started. Daily Fantasy Sports can provide you with a way to win prizes or sometimes money. Different from online gambling in California, it offers a chance to get more involved with sports.
If you want to check out the Fantasy Sports options that are out there, then click below for more information. You can get started with your fantasy picks right away!
