Online Gambling California 2025

Welcome to PlayCA, your trusted source for the latest California gambling news and updates. While California has yet to legalize retail or online sports betting or any form of real money online gaming, residents still have several legal gambling options available. Californians can enjoy free-to-play games at social and sweepstakes sites, play daily fantasy sports, participate in the California Lottery, or visit one of the state’s many tribal gaming venues and cardrooms for in-person gambling.

Stay informed with PlayCA as we cover California’s current gambling landscape, from legislative updates to new tribal gambling developments. Check back regularly for the latest news, expert insights, and what’s next for legal gambling in the Golden State.

Best California gambling sites

California offers a range of exciting online gaming options, with sweepstakes sites and daily fantasy sports leading the way. Enjoy the thrill of gaming legally—sign up and start playing today!

Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at a sportsbook or gamble online through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This may influence the gambling operators we list; however, the editors and writers of this website operate at their sole discretion, and their opinions are not beholden to any outside entity or organization. We recommend only legal and trusted gambling operators.

Sweepstakes sites in California offer a vast selection of slots and table games, including live dealer options at select sites. These free-to-play games give you the chance to win real cash prizes, all from the comfort of your home or on the go with mobile apps. Explore our list of the best California sweepstakes sites below!

Rank
Casinos
Offer
Features
Play
1
35 Free Sweepstakes Coins
With 1.5 Million WOW Coins Purchase
WOW Vegas Casino Review
  • Get 5 Free SC + 250,000 WOW Coins on Sign Up
  • Over 1000 Slots Games
  • Welcome Bonus and Daily Login Bonuses
  • Use Promo Code: WOWBONUS
2
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 57,500 GC
McLuck Casino  Review
  • US Players Accepted
  • Get 2.5 Free SC + 7,500 GC on Sign Up
  • Live Dealer Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
  • Use Promo Code: PLAYBONUS
3
55 Free SC +

1 SC Daily for 5 Days

On 700 GC & 400 Diamonds $29.99 Purchase
High 5 Casino Review
  • 3 SC, 400 GC & 300 Diamonds on Sign Up

  • 1200+ Slots & Live Dealer Games!

  • FREE Daily Rewards

  • Authentic Brand, Made in the USA

4
Up to 625,000 GC & 125 Free SC
And 1,250 VIP Points on First Purchase
RealPrize Review
  • Get 100,000 GC + 2 FREE SC on Sign Up

  • Daily 5,000 GC + 0.3 Free SC Login Bonus

  • Choose from 500+ Games

  • To Claim: Click Play Now

5
40 FREE Sweepstakes Coins
With 400,000 Gold Coin Purchase
Pulsz Review
  • Free 2.3 SC + 5,000 GC on Sign Up
  • Daily FREE Sweepstakes When Logging In
  • Choose From Over 700 Games
  • Use Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
6
75 Free Sweepstakes Coins
With 1,500,000 Crown Coins Purchase
Crown Coins Review
  • Get 2 Free SC + 100,000 Crown Coins on Sign Up
  • FREE Daily Rewards & Weekly Challenges
  • 200% More Coins on First Purchase
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
7
250,000 Gold Coins
PLUS 25 Stake Cash
Stake.us Review
  • Over 1,000 Slots + Live Dealer Casino-Style Games + Live Poker!
  • 10,000 GC + 1 Stake Cash Daily Bonus
  • Partnerships with Drake, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, Everton FC, and more!
  • Use Bonus Code: ODDSBET
8
50 Free Sweep Coins
On 500,000 GC Purchase
  • PLUS 2 SC + 20,000 Gold Coins on Sign Up
  • PLUS 20 FREE Spins on Account Verification
  • Live Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
  • Instant Redemptions for US Players
9
Up to GC 57,500 + SC 25 Free
For Just $9.99
MegaBonanza Review
  • 7,500 Gold Coins PLUS 2.5 Free SC on Sign Up

  • 150% Extra Coins on 1st Purchase: GC 50,000 + SC 25 FREE for $9.99

  • Fast and Reliable Prize Redemptions

  • To Claim: Click Play Now

10
2 SC FREE Plus 500,000 GC
And up to 100% Extra Coins on 1st Purchase
  • Get 500,000 GC + 2 SC FREE on Sign Up

  • PLUS Up to 100% Extra Coins on 1st Purchase

  • Top Free-to-Play Exclusive Slots Games

  • To Claim: Click Play Now

11
2 Free SC + 100,000 GC
On Sign Up
  • Get 200,000 GC + 20 Free SC for $10
  • DAILY Login Bonus of 10 Free SC Spins
  • Choose from 240+ Slots Games
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
12
50,000 Gold Coins
Plus 25 Free SC on First $9.99 Purchase
  • Get 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free on Sign Up
  • Play a Huge Range of Casino Games
  • Get Free Coins Daily
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
13
Up to 2,000 Free SC
PLUS 450,000 Gold Coins on First Purchase
  • Get 250,000 Gold Coins on Sign Up
  • Double Daily Login Prizes on Wheel of Fortune
  • Seasonal Promotions & Huge Prize Tournaments
  • Use Promo Code: CABONUS
14
Up to 3,400 Free SC
PLUS 1.1M GC on First Purchase
  • Get 100,000 Gold Coins + 100 Super Coins on Sign Up
  • Play in Free Daily Tournaments
  • Choose from 100+ Slots
  • Use Promo Code: CABONUS
15
1.1 MILLION GC + FREE 3,600 SC FOR $19.99
PLUS 75,000 Coins on Sign Up
  • Win up to 250,000 Coins & 500 Entries DAILY on Funrize Wheel
  • High Winning Percentage (RTP)
  • Funrize Club: Super Set of Coins with Exclusive Discount
  • Use Bonus Code: CABONUS

Daily fantasy sports sites in California bring the excitement of sports contests right to your fingertips, offering a thrilling way to engage with your favorite teams and athletes. With a wide range of sports and leagues to choose from, you can easily enter contests online, whether on your computer or mobile device. Check out our top picks for the best DFS apps available in California below.

Rank
DFS Provider
Bonus
Features
Click to Claim
1
Spend $50

Get up to $100

In Fliff Coins
Fliff Social Sportsbook Review
  • Spend $50, Get up to $100 in Fliff Coins
  • 1x Playthrough
  • Use Promo Code: BETFREE
2
Up to $1,000
In Bonus Cash
Underdog Review
  • Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Cash
  • PLUS a Pick'Em Special on Deposit
  • Win Up to 100x Your Entry in a Single Night
  • Use Bonus Code: BETODDS
3
25 Onyx Cash
On $10 Purchase
  • Spend $10, Get 25 Onyx Cash

  • Place Your Picks Across All Major Sports

  • Parlay Your Odds

  • Use Bonus Code: PLAYONYX

4
Up to 100
Rebet Cash Bonus
  • Up to 100 Rebet Cash Matched on Your First Purchase

  • Hundreds of Leagues to Place Picks on

  • Live Betting, Prop City, Gamer Paradise, Live Game Chats

  • Use Promo Code: BETFREE

5
$1,500 Bonus
On Deposit
  • First Deposit Match up to $1,500
  • Win up to 100x Payouts
  • Place in-game Contest
  • Use Promo Code: BETODDS
6
$77 Bonus
On Deposit
Betr Picks Review
  • Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $77

  • Unleash Your Fantasy Skills

  • Higher Payouts & No Pushes

  • Use Bonus Code: BETODDS

7
Your Share of Millions in Prizes
With $5 Deposit
DraftKings Sports Review
  • Play Free for your Share of Millions with First Deposit
  • T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
8
$10 Bonus
On Deposit
  • Get a $10 Bonus on First Deposit to Pick'em

  • Predict Over/Under Outcomes

  • Use Bonus Code: PLAYBONUS

9
$3 in Sweeps Coins
On Sign Up
  • Spend $10, Get $50 in Sweeps Coins

  • Make Winning Picks & Climb the Leaderboards

  • Use Promo Code: PLAYBONUS

10
Up to $105
In Bonuses
  • $5 Free Game on Sign Up (No Deposit Required)
  • 100% Deposit Match up to $100
  • Win up to 110x Your Entry
  • Use Promo Code: PLAYBET
11
Up to $100
Deposit Match
When You Register for DFS
  • Receive a Deposit Match up to $100
  • Watch Sports, Play Fantasy, Win Cash!
  • To Claim: Click Play Now

Legal gambling in California

Casinos

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 sweepstakes sites that offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options.

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.

Poker Rooms

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 studbaccarat, 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 and sweepstakes sites like Global Poker.

Sports Betting

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.

Daily Fantasy Sports 

California is one of many states that neither expressly forbid nor allow daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests. As a result, DFS sites like Underdog FantasyDraftKings, 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.

Horse Betting

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

California also allows advance deposit wagering on horse races around the world. Bettors can wager on races at several off-track betting parlors in the state or bet online at ADW sites like FanDuel Racing.

California Lottery

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).

Explore legal California gambling in 2025

With no sports betting or real money online gambling in California, there are fewer options available than in most other states. However, the current choices are still worthwhile for California residents who want to try out gambling either online or in person. Whether you want to play online games at sweepstakes sites or visit one of the state’s in-person gambling locations, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to jump in to California online gambling. As you explore these options, remember to gamble responsibly and set limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Online gambling California: FAQs

No, online gambling for real money is not legal in California at present, at least not generally speaking. There are a few exceptions, including wagering on horse races online via advance deposit wagering and entering daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests online. Meanwhile, the only legal online slots, table games, or online poker that Californians can play are available on social and sweepstakes sites.

Dating back to the mid-2000s, California lawmakers have repeatedly considered the possibility of legalizing certain forms of online gambling including poker, gambling games, and sports betting. Most recently, the focus has been on legalizing online sports betting.

Generally speaking, the minimum age to gamble in California is 18 years old. You must be at least 18 to play the lottery, bet on horse races or participate in most forms of charitable gambling. Most tribal gaming establishments have a minimum age of 18 to gamble, although those that serve alcohol on the gaming floor will require patrons to be at least 21. Players must be at least 21 to play “charity poker nights,” as well.

The most significant obstacles to any gambling expansion in California are the competing interests of key stakeholders. There is ongoing acrimony between the tribes and cardrooms, as the tribes maintain the rooms illegally violate their compacts with the state. That conflict has affected all efforts to legalize online gambling and sports betting. The tribes have long opposed legalizing online gambling, as they worry it may hurt the bottom line at their retail gaming operations, although they have shown signs they could potentially adjust that position. Meanwhile, California lawmakers haven’t shown much agreement, either, when it comes to gambling expansion, thereby making the situation even less conducive to building the sort of consensus necessary for new legislation to move forward.