Best California Online Casinos in January 2026

Are online casinos legal in California?

Real-money online casinos are banned in California, according to California Penal Code Section 330. Sweepstakes casinos are also banned after Bill a.B. 831 was signed into law. However, social casinos operate legally under a different framework and are currently the only available option for online casino players in California.

Unlike real money online casinos, sweepstakes use virtual currencies — Gold Coins for gameplay and Sweeps Coins for redeemable prizes — which allowed for these operators to exist in the state and offer sweepstakes no deposit bonuses before the ban went into effect.

The traditional gambling landscape in California is dominated by tribal-owned land-based casinos. The industry generates $20 billion each year, supports over 180,000 jobs, and brings the state around $6 billion in tax revenue. The tribal casino representatives continue to block online casino legalization, leaving social casinos as the only options for Californians looking to play casino-style games online. 

Our top rated California online casino reviewed

With the ban on sweepstakes casinos kicking in, options are now limited to social casinos that provide some of the best casino bonuses, free spins, and fast payouts. Check out our top-ranked site below to learn more about the closest option California players have to the best casino apps.

Our top pick: Gambino Slots California

Gambino Slots is a social casino operated by Spiral Interactive, offering over 150 in-house video slot games. Like other online social casinos, you can't cash out real money or redeem Gambino's virtual currency for other prizes. Since there are no real-money casino bonuses, it's legal in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.

While Gambino offers new users the chance to play slot games without creating an account, players who link Gambino Slots with their Facebook accounts or provide an email will get 500,000 G-Coins + 200 Free Spins as a no deposit bonus. You don't need a Gambino Slots promo code to claim this offer.

In our opinion, creating an account is worth the time, as after registering, you'll be able to collect experience points, prize tokens, and daily rewards.

Check out our full Gambino Slots review: 

2. BetRivers.net California

BetRivers.net is a social casino where players can enjoy gaming without using real money. Best of all, the operator is part of one of the largest and best-known casino and sports betting companies in the world.

New users in California are eligible for an opportunity to win Up to 1,000 in Virtual Coins (VC) at sign-up. It doesn't even require inputting a BetRivers.net promo code.

BetRivers.net operates on a no-purchase-necessary business model, which makes it legal and available in all 50 U.S. states. Players will discover more than 700 slots, as well as virtual and live table games developed by established software providers. The site’s straightforward design is easy to use, plus it offers Up to 1,000 in Virtual Coins (VC) via regular promotions.

As a social gaming platform without prize redemptions, the site doesn’t need a traditional gaming license. However, it still holds various other credentials that solidify its legitimacy. It stores sensitive information on independent servers, implements state-of-the-art SSL encryption, operates under strict know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, and has a comprehensive privacy policy.

For complete transparency, BetRivers.net also provides users with a comprehensive overview of their platform activities. The 'My Account' section provides users with up-to-date information on their Play Point reserves, previous purchases, and more. Transparent terms and conditions, along with a thorough Help Center, enhance overall ease of use.

Read our full review: BetRivers.net Casino Review

How we rate and review California online casinos

Many factors contribute to our rankings of the best California online casinos, as we attempt to balance diverse user preferences. Below, we dive into the most important factors we believe in.

Bonuses and promotions

For many new online casino users, bonuses and promotions are the main way casinos do their best to stand out in the industry. SBR sorts through all available options to find the best bonuses and promos for new and existing users, and our rankings reflect those findings. We also dive deeper into the terms and conditions associated with each bonus to ensure we don't rank based on a promo's face value.

Casino games and software

Aside from bonuses and promos, the best California online casinos offer a greater variety of games than their competitors. Quantity and quality are both important when considering which operator to sign up with, and a good site should offer live dealer games, table games, and a great variety of slots titles.

Payment options and policy

The best California online casinos offer players a variety of deposit options. Some operators use cryptocurrency, others use a combination of crypto and traditional payment methods like credit cards. We also know that users prefer the fastest payout online casinos, so we make sure to rank them accordingly. 

Available California online casino games

Social casinos offer casino-style games that match the offerings of traditional land-based and online operators. Unlike real-money and sweepstakes casinos, social casinos offer these titles without giving you a chance to win cash prizes. These include the best online slots, table games, and live dealer options.

Online Slots 🎰

Online slots make up a big portion of the gaming catalog at social casinos. Beyond the basics, sweepstakes operators are now expected to offer advanced mechanics like bonus buy, Hold & Win, and cluster pays. Megaways slots with dynamic paylines are also an option at most sites.

Blackjack 🃏

Blackjack remains the go-to table game across social platforms, thanks to its low house edge and straightforward gameplay. Most sites offer standard and multi-hand versions, but the overall selection is usually limited compared to slots. Some platforms only offer blackjack through live dealer rooms.

Roulette 🔄

Roulette games are also popular for their simplicity. In this luck-based game, the outcome is entirely based on chance, so players don’t have to develop strategies like with blackjack. In most cases, American Roulette is readily available, but the best casinos also host European and French Roulette, which have significantly higher RTPs.

Poker ♦️

Some platforms, like BetRivers.net, offer them for a more traditional experience. More commonly, you’ll encounter video poker titles such as Jacks or Better or Caribbean Stud. These are easier to run, which is why they are widely available across social casinos.

Live dealer casino games 🤵‍♀️

Live dealer games are either classic table games with real croupiers on the other side of the screen or popular game shows. Either way, you get a mix of convenience that comes with online casino gaming and the social interaction typical of land-based venues.

Craps 🎲🎲

This high-energy casino classic is known for its fast-paced nature. In its social version, players place bets on the roll of two dice within a virtual setup that perfectly replicates the thrill and action of traditional craps. The communal aspect at the low house edge makes this game an easy crowd favorite.

Baccarat ♣️

Baccarat is another staple at social casinos known for its simple rules and straightforward gameplay. In it, players can bet on three outcomes: the player's hand, the banker's hand, or a tie. Some sweeps sites also host other popular variants, such as Punto Banco.

How to play online casino games in California

In California, you can only play casino-style games online by joining social casino sites. The sign-up process is similar to regular real-money online casinos; just follow the steps below.

1. Select an online casino

Check the social casino sites available in California. All legit sites have strong geo-blockers that will restrict access if the platform is not available in your area. After considering the available options, visit the site through your desktop or mobile browser. Some platforms offer dedicated mobile apps.

2. Register online

After visiting the social casino of your choice, click the sign-up button, usually located in the header menu. Fill out the sign-up form with your personal info, including your name, email address, and phone number. Once you’re done, you will need to verify your email address and phone number to access the lobby in most cases.

3. Claim a bonus

Many social casinos offer free coins through social media promotions or no deposit bonuses. Be sure to monitor any relevant social casinos on social media to see about any ongoing promotions as some operators hand out free coins just for liking or commenting on a social media post.

4. Make a purchase (optional)

Purchases are not mandatory at social casinos, and you can play for free without ever spending a dime. However, you can buy additional coins to use. 

5. Start playing

You can now check the available casino-style games and take your pick. Use Gold Coins to test the grounds because sweepstakes casinos give them in bulk. When you’re ready, you can switch over to Sweeps Coins.

6. Redeem for cash prizes

Social casinos don't offer cash prizes. They are considered entertainment and remain legal in all 50 U.S. states as a result.  

Online casino payment methods in California

Payment methods at sweepstakes casinos can include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, mobile wallets, and even crypto.

Deposits are not available in the traditional sense, as they are not found at real money casino sites, but players can purchase Gold Coin packages that typically unlock free Sweeps Coins. After registering an account, the purchases only require a few steps:

1. Navigate to the website section where you can make a purchase.
2. Select the coin pack that best suits you.
3. Set the payment method, then follow the steps to finalize the purchase.
4. Use your newly acquired GC and SC to play casino-style games.

When it comes to withdrawals, you need to accumulate a set amount of redeemable SC in your account to be eligible to make a real cash prize request.

At most sweepstakes casinos, SC become redeemable after you’ve played through them once, but some sites require as much as 3x rollover. The minimum amount of SC needed to redeem is generally between 50 and 100.

To redeem, meet the minimum requirements, open the redemption section, select the redemption method (gift card or cash), and initiate the redemption.

California online casinos latest developments

California gambling laws

California's gambling laws provide a strict regulatory framework that permits only limited forms of wagering: tribal casinos, state lotteries, and card rooms. Online gambling remains banned except for social casinos like Gambino Slots and BetRivers.net, which operate legally under alternative gaming structures.

Gambling winnings in California are taxable, both at the federal and state levels. Players must report any amounts won, including those from sweepstakes casinos, on their state income tax returns. Most venues provide a W-2G form for significant prizes to simplify tax filing. Depending on the income bracket, Cali residents face up to 13.3% state tax.

State-specific laws, such as the California Gambling Control Act, only regulate brick-and-mortar gambling locations. They offer no legal framework for real-money online casinos, which remain illegal state-wide. Attempts were made to legalize online gambling through ballot measures, albeit unsuccessfully.

Gambling laws will likely continue to evolve, but current regulations leave social casinos as the sole option for online casino gaming in California.

California sports betting

While stakeholders attempt to sort out the future of gambling in California, online sports betting remains illegal in the state. Like online casino companies, California gaming laws currently prevent online sports betting operators from launching their products to residents.

Two ballot measures legalizing California sports betting were struck down in a vote in 2022, leaving DFS sites and social casinos as the best California sportsbooks users can access.

Online casinos in other states

While real money online casinos are not yet legal in California, there are currently seven states where they are. Users can take advantage of WV online casino bonuses, NJ online casino bonuses, PA online casino bonuses and Michigan online casino bonuses if they are physically located within those states. Real money online casinos are also legal in Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island. Find out more using the links below:

• NJ online casino
• PA online casino
• West Virginia online casino
• Michigan online casino

Ohio, New York, Florida and Texas online casinos are not yet legal, but there are still options for people in the state looking to play online casino games.