Is poker legal in California? 🤔
Yes—but only in certain settings.
Poker is legal in California as long as it’s played at a licensed card room or a tribal casino.
Home to some of the biggest live poker venues in the world, California is where you will find Commerce Casino and The Bicycle Casino.
These rooms offer tournaments and cash games around the clock.
Online poker is another story.
California does not regulate online poker, and there are no state-sanctioned sites in the state.
Still, many Californians play at offshore online sites that are independent of US jurisdiction.
Lawmakers have made several attempts to legalize online poker.
But ongoing disputes between tribal casinos, card rooms, and racetracks have stalled progress—leaving the future of online poker in limbo.
Legal status of poker in California overview
Poker | Legal status |
|---|---|
Live Poker | ✅ Legal in card rooms and tribal casinos |
Online Poker | ❌ Not regulated; offshore sites operate in a legal gray area |
Online Casino Poker | ❌ Not allowed under California law |
Sweepstakes Poker | ✅ Legal (e.g., Global Poker) |
Home Poker Games | ✅ Legal if no rake is taken (games must be social and not for profit) |
Although online poker is not clearly illegal within the law, California has yet to license or regulate it.
Players have to turn to offshore sites that operate in a legal gray area.
Since these sites are located outside of the US, they are technically available to players without facing legal repercussions, although players should seek out reputable sites that ensure security and fair gaming.
The complex nature of California’s system of gambling regulation is a result of competition between Native American tribes, card room operators, and racetracks over who should control online poker.
The impasse has stymied legislation for more than a decade.
Regulated online poker is still up in the air, but live poker is alive and well in more than 100 licensed venues.
Sweepstakes poker sites, like Global Poker, are an option, featuring games where players can cash sweep coins out for real money.
Until state laws change, Californians will need to choose between offshore poker or live poker.
Best online poker sites for California players 🏆
Since online poker is unregulated in California, players turn to offshore sites. Here are the top-rated options:
Poker Site | Bonus Offer | Rakeback | US Accepted | Cryptocurrency Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ignition Poker | 150% up to $1,500 | Up to 20% | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
BetOnline Poker | 100% up to $1,000 | VIP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Americas Cardroom (ACR) | Up to $2,000 | Up to 65% | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
CoinPoker | 150% up to $2,000 | 33%+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Bovada Poker | 100% up to $1,000 | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
"U.S.-accepted" poker sites in the table allow American players, including those in California, to sign up and play for real money, even though they are not regulated by any U.S. gambling authority.
These offshore sites operate in a legal gray area, meaning they are accessible but not officially licensed within the United States.
While many players use them without issues, they lack U.S. consumer protections, so it's important to choose reputable platforms with a history of fair play and reliable payouts.
How to choose a California online poker site 📝
Without state-regulated California online poker, players have to rely on offshore online poker sites.
The quality, security, and player experience at these sites are mixed.
Selecting the right platform is important for ensuring secure transactions, fair play, and dependable payouts.
The key things to look for in an online poker site are below.
Key things to look for:
Game Variety – Make sure the site has Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and fast-fold poker options.
Bonus Offers & Promotions – Bear in mind deposit bonuses, freerolls, and loyalty rewards.
Site Security & Reputation – Games sites must have a positive track record, good player reviews, and an official license.
Payment Options & Payout Speed – Stick to sites that offer secure banking methods, including cryptocurrency and e-wallets, and fast withdrawals.
Rakeback & VIP Rewards – Look out for sites offering cashback deals, loyalty points, and leaderboard offers.
Customer support – Keep an eye out for 24/7 customer assistance through online chat, email, and telephone.
Mobile Poker Experience – A site should have a highly optimized mobile app or browser play for gaming on the go.
Players in California access offshore poker sites, so choosing a safe and trusted platform is crucial to receiving fair games and payouts.
Taking the time to compare features will help you find the best site for your playing style and bankroll.
Live poker in California 🃏
Poker Room | Location | No. of Tables | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
Commerce Casino | Los Angeles | 210 | World Poker Tour (WPT) |
Bicycle Casino (The Bike) | Bell Gardens | 185 | Live at the Bike |
Hustler Casino | Gardena | 55 | Hustler Casino Live |
Thunder Valley Casino | Lincoln (near Sacramento) | 27 | WPT, WSOP Circuit |
Ocean’s 11 Casino | Oceanside (San Diego) | 50 | Regular daily tournaments |
How to play online poker in California ♠️
Getting started with online poker in California is simple, but choosing the right site and managing your bankroll wisely can make all the difference.
1. Choose a Poker Site
2. Sign Up & Deposit
3. Claim Your Bonus & Select a Game
4. Play Smart & Manage Your Bankroll
Poker legal updates in California 📢
California has grappled with the notion of legalized online poker for years, but little progress has been made in the last couple of years.
The western state remains one of the largest live poker markets in the country, but bickering between tribal casinos, card rooms, and racetracks continues to impede attempts to legislate online poker in California.
The following are the most recent legal updates about the status of poker in California.
Recent legal updates:
No New Online Poker Bills Submitted – Since the last failed bill in 2017, lawmakers have effectively abandoned online poker legislation, failing to achieve compromises between the necessary stakeholders.
The Focus Remains on Sports Betting – Online sports betting and retail sports betting propositions were opposed by Golden State voters in 2022 plus legislators have targeted the next possible sports betting initiative for 2026 – suggesting online poker will not be вrown into the mix just yet.
States like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada continue to bolster their regulated markets, which puts increased pressure on California to do the same.
Offshore Sites Still Operating – Offshore poker platforms are unregulated in California. Therefore, they are the only way to play poker online for California poker players. There are no laws that have been enforced against individuals who play on offshore poker platforms.
With the focus on sports betting, online poker legislation is unlikely to be re-introduced in California any time soon. However, if CA lawmakers ever find a way to bridge the divide between tribal and commercial gaming interests, the potential tax revenue that would come with the legalization of online poker could entice them to do so. Until then, live poker is legal and flourishing, and online poker players will have to settle for playing on offshore sites.
Keep an eye on California poker laws as any future ballot measures or new legislation could bring the issue of online poker regulation back to the fore.
Responsible poker play in California
While poker is an exciting game, responsible gambling is important. Here are resources for problem gambling help:
California Council on Problem Gambling – www.calpg.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous California – www.gamblersanonymous.org
If you feel you may have a gambling problem, don’t hesitate to seek help.
