Online Gambling California 2026

California is home to more than 75 casinos, all operated by Native American tribes, making it the largest tribal gambling market in the US. While real money online casinos are not legal, California residents and visitors can still enjoy some social casino sites that offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. Note, however, that recently passed legislation means that sweepstakes casino sites, which offer the chance to play for real prizes, are illegal in CA as of January 2026.

For a closer look at the current status of California online casinos — including what’s legal, what’s not, and the best alternatives — check out our dedicated guide.

There are over 80 active cardrooms in California, with 60-70 operating cardrooms at any given time. These licensed establishments primarily feature poker, although the larger ones also offer other games like Caribbean stud, baccarat, and a version of blackjack. Although real money online poker is not available in California, residents can legally play poker online and access games and tournaments at social casino sites like betRivers.net.

Sports betting isn’t legal in California yet, but there’s strong interest in joining neighboring states like Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, which have already legalized it. While past efforts, including a 2022 proposition, failed, a recent federal court ruling in Florida could open the door for California tribes to launch online sports betting. However, it’s likely to be at least a couple of years before sports betting becomes a reality in the state. In the meantime, prediction market platforms like Underdog Predict and Kalshi offer a solid alternative.

California is one of many states that neither expressly forbid nor allow daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests. As a result, DFS sites like Underdog Fantasy,  DraftKings, Betr, FanDuel, and others are all available to fantasy sports fans in California.

Due to the lack of clear regulation, California has become one of the largest DFS markets in the entire country. There are an estimated 120,000 players in the state contributing more than $200 million in DFS entry fees each year. That total comprises about 10% of all DFS players in the US. Needless to say, California’s massive player base ensures daily fantasy sports will stay a popular pastime for the foreseeable future.

Pari-mutuel horse race wagering is legal in California. The state features several highly rated thoroughbred racetracks, most notably Santa Anita Park and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Southern California. Los Alamitos Race Course is a favorite destination for quarter horse racing fans, and the Northern California fair circuit runs during the summer and fall. Sacramento’s Cal-Expo harness track offers standardbred racing in the winter and spring.

California also allows advance deposit wagering on horse races worldwide at several off-track betting parlors. Players can wager online at ADW sites like FanDuel Racing, NYRA Bets, and TwinSpires.

Additionally, Parimutuel Powered Games, are available in California at sites like Horseplay and Giddyup. These platforms offer casino-style games with outcomes based on real-world horse racing results.

The California State Lottery began selling tickets in 1985 to help fund public education. In addition to a variety of scratch-off games (“scratchers”), the lottery offers several draw games. These include in-state games like Fantasy 5, Daily 4, Daily 3, Daily Derby, Hot Spot, and the popular SuperLotto Plus.

California also participates in the big multi-jurisdictional drawing games, Powerball and Mega Millions. Thanks to California state law, the prize amounts for both Powerball and Mega Millions are pari-mutuel, meaning in CA they differ from the fixed prizes available to players from other states. You must purchase California Lottery tickets at lottery retailers (i.e., no online sales).