Best California Online Casinos 2026
Play at the best online casinos in California for free. We’ve ranked the top social casinos and offers for California players.
Our Recommended Online Casinos in California
- Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply.
- 2Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
California Online Gambling at a Glance
| Online Gambling | Status |
|---|---|
| Social Casinos | Legal |
| Real Money Casinos | Not Legal |
| Sportsbooks | Not Legal |
| Poker | Not Legal |
| DFS | Legal |
Are Online Casinos Legal in California?
Real-money online casinos are not legal in California, meaning no state-licensed online casino operators currently exist.
However, you can legally play at California social casinos, which offer games like slots, blackjack and roulette using virtual Gold Coins as currency.
When Will California Legalize Real Money Online Casinos?
As of February 2026, there is no official timeline for California to legalize real-money online casinos, and no bills are under consideration to do so. Sweepstakes casinos were banned beginning Jan. 1, 2026, removing one of the few online casino-style alternatives previously available.
A key barrier is California’s powerful tribal gaming sector. Tribes hold exclusive rights to many forms of gambling under federal and state agreements, and they have historically opposed online casinos operating outside of tribal control.
In California, major gambling expansions typically require voter ballot propositions or comprehensive legislation due to constitutional and regulatory complexity.
Any future effort to legalize online casinos would likely need tribal support or a negotiated framework to succeed.
Because of these legal and political hurdles, California is unlikely to launch real-money online casinos in the immediate future.
Responsible Gambling in California
Even though gambling options are very limited in California, it’s still important to stay in control and know where to get help if gambling becomes a problem.
California Gambling Addiction Hotline: (844) 779-2637
Problem Gambling Help in California: 1-800-MY-RESET
California Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER
Why You Can Trust Gambling.com’s California Online Casino Reviews
With two decades of experience, we only recommend the best online casinos in California for social gaming.
- Insight – We provide simple guides from industry experts and experienced players to help you play smarter.
- Integrity – We follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure that our California social casino reviews are accurate, clear, and independent.
- Reviews – We deliver impartial California online casino reviews and ratings, backed by real user feedback.
- Safety – We only feature California online casinos that meet key US consumer protection standards.
- Responsibility – We promote safe gambling, with clear advice to help you stay in control.
California Online Casino FAQs
Can I play online casinos in California?
You can play at online social casinos in California using virtual gold coin currency. These platforms do not require users to deposit real cash funds.
However, real money online casinos are illegal in California, and the state does not license or regulate any real-money casino operators.
How old do I have to be to play at online casinos in California?
You must be at least 18 to play at online social casinos in California, although some sites require players to be 21 or older. Players may also be required to verify their identity and age before playing or withdrawing any prizes.
Will California tax my gambling winnings?
California taxes most gambling winnings as part of your total state income, except for prizes from the California State Lottery. All gambling winnings are also taxable at the federal level. Larger payouts may trigger additional IRS reporting requirements, and casinos or other operators may issue a Form W-2G depending on the type and amount of the winnings.
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