Best California Online Casinos in December 2025

Are online casinos legal in California?

Real-money online casinos are banned in California, according to California Penal Code Section 330. Sweepstakes casinos and social casinos, however, operate legally under a different framework until the new law goes into effect in January.

Unlike real money online casinos, sweepstakes use virtual currencies — Gold Coins for gameplay and Sweeps Coins for redeemable prizes — which allows for these operators to exist in the state.

The traditional gambling landscape in California is dominated by tribal-owned land-based casinos. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry that generates around $20 billion each year while supporting over 180,000 jobs and bringing the state around $6 billion in tax revenue. The tribal casino representatives continue to block online casino legalization, leaving sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us, Gambino Slots, and BetRivers.net as some of the only options for Californians looking to play casino-style games online. 

Our top rated California online casino reviewed

There are dozens of legit sweepstakes casinos up and running in California, providing 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: Stake.us California

Stake.us is one of the biggest names in the sweepstakes casino space, and it hosts over 2,000 games covering all gaming categories from slots, table games, live dealer games, and scratch cards to keno, plinko, crash, poker, dice, and even crypto exclusives.

The app is crypto-centered, meaning purchases and redemptions can be made using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, Dogecoin, and the stablecoin Tether (USDT). You can also claim your winnings via Prizeout gift cards. 

The Stake.us VIP program features benefits such as rakeback, custom promos, and exclusive perks. Regular promos might be the operator's strongest suit, especially when you consider the 50m GC daily race and the Stake Cash Giveaway.

New players get 560,000 GC and $56 Stake Cash right out of the gate using the Stake.us promo code — the largest no-purchase welcome bonus in terms of free SC value.

Read our full review: Stake.us Casino Review

2. 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, as well as Washington, D.C. 

Gambino offers new users the chance to play slot games without needing to create an account.

However, 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. After registering, you can also collect experience points, prize tokens, and daily rewards. In our opinion, creating an account is worth your time.

Check out our full Gambino Slots review: 

3. 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 activities on the platform. 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, add to the overall ease of use.

Read our full review: BetRivers.net Casino Review

How we rate and review California online casinos

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

Bonuses and promotions

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

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

Sweepstakes casinos offer casino-style games that match the offerings of traditional land-based and online operators. These include the best online slots, table games, and live dealer options.

Online Slots 🎰

Online slots make up the majority of the gaming catalog at sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes casinos also host European and French Roulette games, which have significantly higher RTP rates.

Poker ♦️

Full poker rooms are rare on sweepstakes sites. That said, 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 sweepstakes casinos.

Live dealer casino games 🤵‍♀️

Live dealer games are either available as classic table games with real croupiers on the other side of the screen or as 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 sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes casinos known for its simple rules and straightforward gameplay. In it, players have the option to place bets on three potential outcomes — the player hand, the banker hand, or a tie. Some sweeps sites host other popular variants, as well, like Punto Banco.

How to play online casino games in California

In California, you can only play casino-style games online by joining sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes casinos will allocate the welcome no deposit bonus automatically after you’ve signed up. In some cases, though, you will need to manually claim the promo, usually by clicking a button that pops up on the screen. Daily login bonuses are also available, and you are free to claim one on the first day despite having snagged the welcome deal moments ago.

4. Make a purchase (optional)

Purchases are not mandatory at sweepstakes casinos, and you can play for free without ever spending a dime. However, you can buy Gold Coin packs that typically include free Sweeps Coins. In most cases, the casino will throw in a first purchase bonus as an incentive. Gold Coin packs are purchased in the Coin Store; just select your coin pack and follow the on-screen payment instructions.

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, switch over to Sweeps Coins — you’ll have fewer to work with, but any winnings from SC play can be redeemed for real cash prizes.

6. Redeem for cash prizes

You will need to wager your available SC balance at least once for it to become redeemable. Also, you will need to accumulate the minimum redeemable amount, which is usually 50 to 100 SC, to be eligible to make the request for real cash prizes. Some platforms lower that bar to 25 SC if you choose to redeem your winnings through gift card prizes instead.

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

When it comes to withdrawals, you will 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 redeemable SC required ranges between 50 and 100 in most cases.

1. Play casino-style games using your SC. Keep wagering until you have the minimum amount of redeemable SC in your account (50–100 SC, depending on the site).
2. Open the redemption section of your sweepstakes casino profile.
3. Select the method. Some platforms allow gift card redemptions with significantly lower minimum requirements.
4. Initiate the redemption and wait for your real cash prize.

California online casinos latest developments

California gambling laws

California's gambling laws offer a strict regulatory framework that only allows limited forms of wagering: tribal casinos, state lotteries, and card rooms. Online gambling remains banned except for sweepstakes casinos like Stake, 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 the tax filing process. Depending on the income bracket, Cali residents face up to 13.3% state tax.

State-specific laws like 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 sweepstakes 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.