PASPA banned states from regulating and taxing sports betting, effectively making it illegal in all but four states – Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware. Despite its sports betting laws, California has a rich history of gambling. The state has legal Native American casinos.

Up until 2011 The DOJ’s interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act (first officially entered in 2002) effectively made online poker illegal in the US. That changed when, at the urging of Illinois and New York, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel reexamined the Wire Act, and concluded its scope is limited to sports betting. Historical California Poker Laws Until new laws are passed you’ll have to make do with what you have and right now you won’t find statutes that cover online gambling. However, looking at Penal Code Sec. 330, which states that any banking or percentage based game is illegal, you could assume that this applies to online poker. Unfortunately, California has not managed to pass any state-wide regulation of poker online or any form of online gambling. Fortunately, however, online poker is not illegal. Neither Federal law nor California state law prohibit citizens from partaking in real money online poker games. Many companies pulled out of the United States entirely, although California’s constitution doesn’t mark poker gameplay as illegal in any way. This is more so relative to land-based poker though, which means that the state maintains a strong selection of card rooms throughout the land.

With such a large population, legal online gambling for California residents represents an enormous market share. California is one of the more progressive states when it comes to online gambling, with locals partaking in all types of popular gambling. In terms of regulation, California has taken greater strides than just about any other state. Several bills have gone through the State Assembly, but none have actually emerged. The Tribal entities in the state, as well as opponents to gambling on a whole, have blocked most attempts at actually regulating gambling.

In spite of their efforts to stop a regulatory body from being created, there are still a handful of gambling sites that accept residents of California. Our primary objective here is to show you some insight about the legalities of online gambling in California, as we want to clear the air of any misconceptions you may have.

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Online Gambling Age For California Residents

As with many states, gambling in California is subject to a variety of different gambling age limitations. California is somewhat more confusing than some other states due to the fact that the state has set the bar lower than what some casinos will follow. What this means is that the state only requires residents to be 18 before they can engage in most forms of gambling, though the gambling business itself may have a higher requirement. In the event that this higher requirement is in place, it actually supersedes the state law. For land-based casinos and poker rooms, the age can be either 18 or 21. The same goes for online casinos and poker rooms. Playing bingo, the lottery and dog/horse races also requires you to be only 18. Online sports betting has a firm 21 year limit on the age requirement. Remember to check the minimum age required by your preferred gambling location, as this could be higher than your state's requirements.

California Online Gambling Laws

The online gambling laws in California are, as of now, nonexistent. There has yet to be a law written specifically covering online gambling. The state statutes reflect no ban on online gambling as far as we can tell, which is why it is generally understood that there are no penalties for online gambling. That having been said, PASPA has recently been repealed and it is possible that online sports betting could come to California in the upcoming years. If it continues in the footsteps of other states, California will likely regulate land-based, mobile, and online gambling. If you want to take a look for yourself at the current general laws, browse through Title 9, Chapter 10, of the California Penal Code

California Gambling Taxes

Unfortunately, you are supposed to pay taxes on all income that comes in, and that includes paying taxes from online gambling revenue in California. With that being said, right now there is no regulation for online gambling in California, so they really have no way of knowing that you brought the money in. The best thing you can do if you want to follow the law (which we suggest) is to pay taxes on all profits that you earn for the year.

Gambling Sites That Accept California Residents

When we started looking into the industry of legal USA online gambling, we had looked into quite a few different online gambling sites that accept residents from California. With such a large population, indeed a fairly wide reach of gamblers, it would be silly to overlook such an extensive market. We have only brought the best sites available into our list, as player protection is one of our primary purposes.

Bovada: Bet On All California Teams

One of the best online gambling sites is Bovada. One reason why is because of the variety of stuff that you can place your wagers on and win money. Along with sports, there is also an online casino available as well. With those options is a live dealer for those who want to play and experience the live feeling of being at a casino online. This is a great option for those who don’t want to leave home but do want to participate in betting options. Still have slots and blackjack games that open up many other winning chances as well. Signing up for Bovada also rewards its players with many promotions so make sure to take advantage of that while you have the chance to. It doesn’t take that long to sign up so just make sure you are 18 and older and you will be making money in no time.Go To Bovada!

BetOnline: NFL In Game Betting On Your Phone

The golden state is the most populated state in the union, and you can bet that a large subsection of the folks use BetOnline, the best overall gambling site for California residents. Since there are no sportsbooks in California, people need to either take a trip to Nevada or go online to a legal sports betting site. BetOnline is not only the best online sportsbook; it’s also the best poker site and virtual casino. The developers know what they are doing, having been at it for over ten years strong.

One of the many reasons to join BetOnline today is that they are offering a 100% poker signup bonus that will reward you just for joining the family. Make a first deposit of $50 or more, and you will be eligible to receive a 100% match bonus. Email freeplay@betonline.ag with “NEWBOL” in the subject line to let them know that you are interested. This is a prime time to join BetOnline and start throwing bones. Go To BetOnline!

Latest Legal USA Gambling News for California

Online Casinos That Accept California Residents

While you could probably drive up the block and find a casino, there are also many online casinos in the state, casinos that offer all of the same games - generally with different themes (in the case of slots) and definitely with higher pay rates. These casinos offer players safe and fun ways to entertain themselves. See all online casinos that accept USA players.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept California Residents

Unless you live close enough to the Nevada border, it is generally impossible to bet on sports. This is no longer true due to online sports betting, where you can wager on sports with no real complications. We expect our readers to be able to bet without any trouble, as all of the sites we share are trustworthy and safe. See all sports betting sites accepting USA players.

Online Poker Sites That Accept California Residents

Though the number of legal online poker is somewhat limited at this point, there are still a few viable options out there. Even if the industry of online poker has taken a few hits over the past few years, it has continued to thrive. We are going to share with you only the best poker rooms for Californian residents, so you should not have too much trouble getting at the felts if you follow our advice.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept California Players

Bingo players can pull up their computer chair and hit the cards with no trouble, as we have secured a list of online bingo sites where real money play is not only accepted but also encouraged. Though these are not the most popular of the California gambling sites, they are still available for those who want to participate.

Is Online Gambling Legal In California?

Online gambling is legal in California when you use reputable online gambling sites. We have thoroughly explored both the California Constitution and the California Penal Code and there are no laws that mention using the internet to gamble. CA is similar to most states that have opted to rely on federal stipulations when it comes to certain types of gambling, though none of these laws make gambling on the internet illegal for bettors. Any statute regarding online gambling applies to operators and/or other US businesses.

California residents do not have to be fearful of laws that do not exist and therefore cannot effect how you gamble. Our only caveat is that you should never use a local bookie to bet on anything. The law does strictly prohibit gambling with land-based bookmakers that are not licensed. Stick to the legal offshore gambling sites featured on our page when you are ready to start wagering.

Can California Residents Safely Gamble Online?

Regardless of any online gambling laws in California lead you to believe, it is safe for any resident of California to gamble online for real money. You will have a problem if you decide that you want to start your own online or offline gambling business, however. We do not recommend this to anyone especially if you plan on basing your operation inside the state. So, as long as you are just a consumer and you stick the recommendations we have on this page (all are safe and trusted), you will not need to worry about any consequences from gambling online in California.

Are Online Casinos Legal In California?

With no blanket ban on online gambling, it is fair to assume that there are legal online casinos in California. These online casinos will provide you with a way to participate in a handful of games, providing you with just about everything you would find in a live casino – and more. You will not run into any issues of legality when using reputable casino gaming sites that are based offshore.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In California?

The industry of sports betting is more scrutinized by the government, but the California government has done nothing to specifically make it illegal for players to bet on sports in California. Since federal laws like the Wire Act effectively make it so those 'in the business of bookmaking' are held liable, you as a player can generally safely make wagers. Also keep in mind that numerous states have started to regulate the industry, which means legal California sports gambling sites could be licensed by the state sooner than later.

Is Online Poker Legal In California?

California residents are one of the largest groups of online poker players. While the state has not passed any online poker laws as of late, there are still a wide range of options for legal online poker gambling in California. Numerous sites accept local residents every day for real money poker games and tournaments. BetOnline has one of the most popular online poker rooms, but California residents may also like the poker room at SportsBetting.

Can I Bet On Horse Racing In California?

California has a booming horse racing industry where residents are free to bet on the ponies as often as they’d like. The state offers regulated pari-mutuel and simulcast horse wagering opportunities to horseplayers at various locations. While you can visit Santa Anita and spend the day at the races, it is not feasible to make this trip every single day. That is where online racebooks come in to provide you with 24/7 horse racing betting action. You can bet on tracks in California or those scattered all throughout the nation.

Funding Your Legal Online Gambling Account

Once you have registered at a site, you can move on to funding your legal online gambling account. There are several convenient deposit methods that you can choose from, through the specific banking limits will vary from site to site. The best funding method across the board is bitcoin. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is extremely fast and equally as reliable. You make deposits of anywhere between $10 and $50,000 almost instantly. All you have to do is transfer your BTC to the bitcoin wallet address provided by the cashier at the site, and your funds will be available for wagering.

For high roller betting, we suggest using bank wire transfers. Bank wires take money from your checking or savings account and send it directly to the online cashier. While there are bank-dependent fees for using this method, there is no maximum limit when it comes to making a deposit. Your cash should be reflected in your account within 72 hours.

Aside from these methods, you can also use money orders, checks, and credit cards for deposits. Check with your preferred online gambling site for processing speeds and other details.

California Gambling FAQS

How Much Does The Membership Cost?

Online gambling sites do not charge any membership fees for new customers. Hard to believe considering how valuable their gambling products and exclusive promotions are, but there is no reason to ever pay to join a site. Operators want you to spend your money on gambling rather than having to pay exorbitant miscellaneous fees. The best online gambling sites value their players and show this by offering their services at no charge.

Do I have to submit a new Credit Card Authorization Form every time I use my credit card?

No, you only have to submit a credit card authorization the first time you use your credit card. Safety is extremely important at the top online gambling sites. Cashiers ask for verification forms as a way to protect your account and to ensure that your card is not being used fraudulently. Once the operator has your authorization on file, you can use the same credit card to make instant deposits.

Do Bitcoin Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Betting?

Bitcoin sportsbooks offer mobile betting for players that want to bet on the go. These apps are completely free, and many times do not require any additional download. For example, you can just visit 5Dimes.eu from your handheld device to be redirected to the mobile site. You can still bet on Golden State, make a fast BTC deposit, or request a payout with just a few swipes. Mobile sports betting is compatible with most devices, including iPhones, BlackBerrys, Android, and Windows devices.

Will I go to jail for online gambling in California?

No, it is extremely unlikely that a casual bettor would ever fo to jail for online gambling in CA. There is no precedent that we can cite that would make us believe that online gambling has ever gotten someone arrested in the state of California. No, you have nothing to worry about.

In many ways, California's entry into the United States was predicated on gambling. Indeed, it was the gamble that prospectors would strike it rich in the California Gold Rush that quickly saw the territory's population jump from 92,000 to an astronomical 379,000 in the decade between 1850 and 1860. That optimism has continued over the next century and a half leaving the state as the largest in the nation and a huge proportion of those residents still love gambling when offered the opportunity to play their favorite game of chance.

In fact, it is California, and not neighboring gambling Mecca Nevada, which has earned the Golden State he reputation as the nexus for poker play in the nation owing to its proliferation of licensed, high-stakes poker rooms dotting the state, the growth of Native American casinos, and recent efforts to legalize online poker play that is currently being navigated through the corridors of power in the state's capitol in Sacramento.

Needless to say, when it comes to demographics of any description, California is always the elephant in the bed that nobody can ignore by dint of its huge demographics. More than 38 million people call the Golden State home, and so when it decides it wants to eat crackers in that bed everyone else can't help but notice the resultant crumbs. Therefore, all eyes are pointed towards the state to see which way it is going to jump in terms of regulating online poker gaming. After a decade marked by disappointment however, things are looking up in the Golden State.

For the poker playing aficionado in California, recent developments over the past decade makes playing their favorite card game easier from both a logistical and legalistic point of view. To understand the full impact these changes have wrought for Golden State denizens, let us explore the history and current gaming laws governing the continued growth of gambling legislation in the state.

California Gambling Laws

Why Is Poker Illegal

As it stands, Californians already have numerous options when it comes to scratching that gambling itch. The state has legalized the following gaming concerns including tribal gaming operations, card clubs, charitable bingo gaming earmarked for charitable causes, pari-mutuel horse betting, and of course the state's lottery.

In fact, should the urge arise, California residents can readily queue up to play at nearly a hundred real money poker card rooms, over five dozen tribal casinos, and a myriad of horseracing tracks dotting the state in numerous jurisdictions.

With such an expansive outlook on gaming activities, it might be surprising that online poker regulations have not gained legislative traction, but various stake holders in the California gaming community have put up a staunch fight against legalization designed to open the state up to internet gambling options.

With, on average, four online gambling bills dying in every legislative session since 2007, these shareholders pose a formidable obstacle to eventual passage of a new online gaming law. The sharpest arrow in the opposition's quiver however, is the 'Bad Actor' argument, which serves to divide competing factions within the state when it comes to gathering the two-thirds majority required for passage.

In California political parlance, a 'Bad Actor' is an online betting operation that continued accepting real money bets, in contravention of federal passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in December of 2006.

Specifically, gaming juggernaut, PokerStars, continued to accept payment from American players for almost four years until the United States Justice Department moved against the operation by seizing their domains and handing down indictments to thirteen company executives. The company eventually reached an agreement with the DOJ, and wrote a $700 million dollar check to pay the resultant fine.

In the intervening years, the California tribes Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have led a small coalition of tribes seeking the inclusion of PokerStars in any future online gaming opportunity in the Golden State.

Arrayed against this push, the larger tribal organizations of The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians seek to exclude PokerStars on the basis of the 'Bad Actor' clause. This division has slowed the passage of any meaningful online gaming legislation. As mentioned however, industry watchers are hopeful that these loggerheads will clear in the near future thus facilitating passage of an online poker regulation within the state.

California Online Poker Laws

Like many states, the California legal code is mired in a firm grey zone when it comes to online poker laws. For instance, a close reading of the California Revised Statutes will reveal no language suggesting that the practice is legal; neither would it suggest that online gaming is illegal. Savvy online poker players quickly came to realize that federal strictures were aimed at site operators and their banking backers rather than towards the individual online player.

The justice department's focus on the big players in the online gaming industry, and the inherent latitude afforded players, owing to the ambiguous language within California's legal code, Californians can easily sign up for any online power site that will accept their application and begin playing the game of their choice.

That being said however, the mere shadow of government overreach dampens the enthusiasm for thousands of players who eschew the online poker sites in favor of the many tribal and privately licensed card rooms established throughout the state.

As such, any move to clarify the state's position regarding the legality of online poker play could be a potential game changer when it comes to the movement to regulate online poker nationally. As mentioned, the sheer size of California's population guarantees that any move towards regulation will transform the way decision makers view the online playing practice from state capitals across the United States.

Is it Legal to Play Poker in California?

As mentioned, with a myriad of licensed card room and tribal casinos available within the Golden State, it is legal to play poker in California. Expanding the question to include online poker play muddies the waters somewhat, however. Two factors come into play when parsing through whether or not it is legal to play online poker in California. The first is whether or not there is an explicit sanction against the practice while the second concern deals with enforcement issues. After all, if the authorities fail to initiate any enforcement proceedings it does not really matter whether or not the action is legal or not.

Illegal Poker Game

Entwined within this distinction is an understanding of prohibition versus regulation in governmental parlance. For instance, the former, prohibition, indicates that the state has outright banned an activity as illegal while the latter, regulation, indicates an effort to allow certain activity within the framework of established rules. As an example, alcohol sales are legal in California, but the state sets forth rules on how the sale can be accomplished like age restrictions, limiting hours of sales operation, and licensing requirements.

In other words, while online poker in California is not regulated, neither it is prohibited under state statutes. Indeed, there is no California law that directly prohibits or criminalizes the placing of an online wager.

Will California Regulate Online Poker?

In addition to the aforementioned tribal disputes that are thwarting a speedy implementation of online poker regulations over the participation of PokerStars in any future regulatory process, but also strong push back is being organized by the powerful horse track workers union. That does not mean that online poker regulation in California is dead despite the political clout these groups wield.

At present, there is one bill wending its way through the legislative corridors in Sacramento, California, AB 2683, that promise to move the question forward on whether or not the state should regulate online poker play. In its present form, the bill calls for the regulation of online poker while continuing the outright ban on casino-style games.

Addressing the 'Bad Actor' clause, AB 2863, which passed through the Assembly Appropriations Committee in July 2016, to bar such bad actors from the California market for a period of five years following legalization of online poker play? For those sites unwilling to wait that five year period, the legislation allows for a onetime fee of $20 million dollars into the state's General Fund that would allow for immediate participation from a site such as PokerStars.

Why Is Online Poker Illegal

Industry optimists are confident that the next four to five years will see the State of California moving forward to regulate the online poker market. Following in the wake of Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut and Nevada, California's entry into the online poker pool will cause a splash heard from the Left Coast to the Right Coast and all points in between. For many, the question of legalized online poker in California is not if, but rather when.

The millions of players who enter the online poker market from the Golden States will guarantee a host of playing options undreamed of in smaller populated states like Delaware and Connecticut for instance. Owing to the power of interstate compacts, the players in each state will be able to partake of the gaming options the other jurisdictions enjoy.

History of Gambling in California

We entered into the discussion of California's online poker by referencing the risk taking spirit of the prospectors who flooded the territory in the opening decade of the California Gold Rush. It should be mentioned that in all likelihood, one could find a deck of cards in the pockets of those Levi canvas dungarees the 49-ers wore into old country. Indeed, gambling houses proliferated wherever miners congregated, and playing poker was firmly a part of the popular culture when the territory achieved statehood in 1850.

Tracing a trend that was arcing across the nation, the gambling urge died down in California over the succeeding decades but never entirely left the state. In an effort to fill depleted state coffers at the height of the Great Depression, the state legalized state-overseen horse racing in 1933. Thus began a steady climb of gaming diversions that climaxed in 1984 with approval of a state lottery.

As if a magic wand was waved over the state, card rooms and licensed casinos began popping up in jurisdiction from San Diego to San Francisco. As an example, the Los Angeles Commerce Casino hosts 240 poker tables making it one of the most expansive such venues in the world.

Illegal Poker Games California

Passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 opened the doors for tribal gaming across the nation, and California's more than fifty tribes were quick to get in the queue for operating licenses. As a result, the growing list of tribal gaming options added to an already burgeoning list of licensed card rooms around the state.

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