Online Casinos in California: The Best Offshore Sites

Online Casinos in California – Key Details

Top 10 Online Casinos for California Players

For those in California, numerous safe overseas casinos cater to every type of player. The real challenge lies in zeroing in on the perfect one.

All of the sites listed on this page offer excellent options for various reasons. Here are the top California online casinos:

1. Lucky Rebel – Best Overall Casino in California

2. DuckyLuck Casino – Great Online Casino for Real Money in California

3. Bovada – Best Live Dealer Online in CA

4. BetUS – Best Online Sportsbook for CA Players

5. Wild Casino – Best for Table Game Variety and Tournaments

6. TrustDice – Best Crypto Casino for CA Players

7. Cafe Casino – Best Specialty Games Casino for California

8. Ignition Casino – Best Real Money Online Casino in California for Poker Players

9. Las Atlantis Casino – Best CA Online Casino for Bonuses

10. BetOnline – Best Slots Casino for California

Comparing the Top California Online Casinos

Can Californians Gamble on Casino Apps?

Californians cannot use real money casino apps because online gambling is not regulated in the state. Offshore casinos can still be accessed through mobile browsers, and most of these sites offer layouts that function similarly to an app. Players can sign up, deposit, and play games on their phones, but none of these options are licensed within California.

How We Rate the Best California Gambling Sites

Before recommending any online casino to readers in California, we run it through our in-house ranking system, The Jackpot Meter. This combines expert testing with real player feedback to decide whether a site earns our Jackpot Certified stamp or gets marked as a Bust.

Here are the main factors we look at:

• Availability in California: We only rate casinos that work smoothly across all 58 counties, offer English-language support, and provide online access to games like slots, poker, roulette, and craps.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Every offer gets tested firsthand. We look at welcome packages, free spins, cashback deals, and loyalty programs, then read the fine print to see the real value behind the promo.
• Entertainment Features: We score each site’s usability, trending titles, mobile play, and how easily players can jump into games without hunting through cluttered menus.
• Safety and Security: We focus on casinos that meet clear standards, including verified licensing, TLS encryption, identity checks, and responsive customer support.
• Transactions: We test deposits and withdrawals across cards, crypto, and wire transfers to confirm fast processing and low fees.

Can You Gamble Online in California?

Californians can gamble online through offshore casinos because the state has not legalized or regulated real money online gambling. That means you don’t have to head to Las Vegas or visit Nevada online casinos to gamble. These sites operate outside the United States and accept California players even though they are not overseen by the California Gambling Control Commission.

Online sports betting is available through offshore sportsbooks, and Californians can also participate in Daily Fantasy Sports on platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel. DFS operators are not explicitly regulated in the state, but players can use them without legal penalties.

California also supports land-based tribal casinos under the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. However, state law does not permit certain games, including roulette and craps, which California players often access through offshore casino sites.

Future of Online Gambling in California

State-regulated online gambling in California remains stalled, with no active legislation or ballot measures advancing in 2024 or 2025. The most likely form of regulation in the future is online sports betting, but Tribal leaders continue to oppose statewide online wagering until in-person sports betting is legalized.

James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, has stated that regulated retail sports betting may not reach the ballot until 2028, with online wagering coming after that. A 2024 petition to legalize both online and in-person sports betting did not gather enough signatures to qualify for consideration.

Stay up to date on legislation and major changes for all US states by bookmarking our US gambling laws guide.

How Do I Pay Tax on Winnings in California?

Offshore sites like DuckyLuck do not report your winnings to the IRS or to California, since they operate outside U.S. jurisdiction. This means no taxes are withheld upfront and you will not receive a W-2G. Players are still required to report all gambling winnings as taxable income on their federal return.

California also treats gambling winnings as taxable income. Players must include all earnings from offshore casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and lottery-style games when filing their state return. Keeping a record of deposits, withdrawals, and session results can help you accurately report your totals at tax time. Losses can sometimes be deducted, but only if you itemize and maintain proper documentation.

California Real Money Gambling vs Neighboring States

Popular California Online Casino Games

Based on an independent analysis, we found that poker and slots are the casino games California residents search for the most. Below, we’ll explore the different variations of each and show you where you can play them.

Poker

Poker at CA online casinos comes in two forms: RNG and live poker.

Random Number Generator (RNG) games allow Californians to play against the computer using randomly generated numbers to populate the games, and can be played for real money and for practice.

Live poker games, on the other hand, enable CA gamblers to play poker against real players in real time. You’ll find a selection of live poker games that include Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo online, and many sites offer a variety of poker tournaments as well.

Online Slots

Online slots are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Sloto’Cash has an array of titles that closely mimic traditional machines, complete with three reels, straightforward paylines, and symbols like jokers, bells, and card suits.

There are also modern slots with advanced graphics and animations, multiple reels, and a wide variety of payline structures. These games are packed with in-game features, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots that can potentially boost your chances of winning big.

Roulette

The two most common forms of online roulette available to CA gamblers are American and European roulette. Both games involve predicting which tile on the wheel the ball will land on, but European roulette offers slightly better odds than its American counterpart. While American wheels have two zero tiles (0,00), European only has one (0) — thus decreasing the odds of the ball landing on it.

Online roulette games for Californians are available in both RNG and live dealer versions.

Blackjack

Blackjack is the most popular online casino game in the world, and in California it’s no different. Players enjoy the relatively uncomplicated game mechanics that see them try to get as close to 21 as they can without going over. Unlike most other table games, blackjack players only play against the dealer — not other players.

You can find several blackjack variations at California online casinos, including standard, double-deck, pontoon, and Spanish 21.

Baccarat

Baccarat is another one of California’s favorite casino games. The game operates somewhat like blackjack in that both the player and dealer (or banker) attempt to get to the number nine. Where it differs, however, is that the player doesn’t make any decisions during the game.

Rather, they bet on who will reach nine first; the player or the banker. Ties are also available in baccarat. After the player places their bet, the rest of the game unfolds automatically.

Live Dealer Game

Live dealer games give Californians a real-time casino experience streamed from professional studios. Players can join tables for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games and interact with the dealer through on-screen controls. These games follow the same rules as retail casino tables and offer a more immersive option than standard RNG titles.

Online Poker

Online poker remains one of the most active game categories for California players, especially through offshore casinos that host cash games and scheduled tournaments. Most sites offer multiple formats, including Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo, with tables available at a wide range of stakes. Players can also access features like anonymous seating and quick-seat tools to move into active games faster.

Online Casino Bonuses Available for California Gamblers

Welcome Bonuses: Welcome bonuses match a player’s first deposit by a set percentage to increase starting bankroll. Some casinos also include free spins or additional perks, while the best sports betting sites can offer promos for both sportsbook and casino action.

Free Spins: Free spin offers give players a fixed number of spins on selected slot titles at no extra cost. These bonuses are useful for testing games and extending play without additional deposits. Most free spin winnings come with a rollover requirement, usually around 20x to 40x, which must be cleared before you can withdraw the funds.

Loyalty Schemes: Loyalty programs reward consistent play by offering points, tier benefits, and redeemable perks. California players can earn these rewards automatically while playing their favorite games.

Daily Bonuses: Daily bonuses provide recurring promotions such as cashback, reloads, or free spins. These offers give returning players steady value and more frequent chances to recoup losses or extend sessions.

Online Casino Banking Options for California Players

California offshore casinos make it very easy for those based in CA to deposit and withdraw. Traditional banking options like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are commonly found, yet they pose challenges such as higher transaction fees and slower withdrawal processing due to the interplay between banks outside and inside the US.

Many players turn to cryptocurrencies at online casinos as well. These currencies offer lower fees, quicker transactions, and higher deposit/withdrawal limits than other payment methods. The most common crypto options are Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, though it’s not unusual to find alt-coins including Tether, Ripple, Dogecoin, and Cardano. 

Additionally, some casinos accept prepaid cards, which can be a straightforward way to manage your gaming funds without sharing any sensitive information.

There are a lot of ways to prioritize sites for banking, but if you’re looking for the top California instant withdrawal casinos, we suggest you start with the ones that offer crypto transactions.

Most sites do (or eventually will) offer cryptocurrency payments, as you can see in the above table that Las Atlantis, Wild Casino, and Ignition Casino are three that you can trust. Of that trio, Las Atlantis shows the best payout speeds if you’re looking to get your cash instantly.

Of course, there are other sites who can be even faster. California instant withdrawal casinos include TrustDice, DuckyLuck, and Cafe Casino – all reputable options that are fast, reliable, and specifically known for being crypto friendly.

What’s the Best Payment Method for Online Gambling in California?

Cryptocurrency is the most player friendly payment option for California gamblers because it delivers the fastest withdrawals, the lowest fees, and the highest limits. Crypto payments avoid the delays and banking restrictions that often affect card and wire transactions, making them the most reliable method for real money play on offshore sites. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are widely supported and offer consistent same-day cashouts across the safest California-facing casinos.

Real Money vs. Sweepstakes Casinos in CA

California players can choose between the best real money offshore casinos and sweepstakes casinos, but the two operate under very different legal models in the state. Because California has not legalized or regulated online casinos, real money play is only available through offshore operators. Sweepstakes casinos, however, are allowed statewide because they follow U.S. promotional sweepstakes rules rather than gambling laws.

Here’s how the two options compare for Californians.

California Online Casinos to Avoid

Responsible Online Gambling in California

Playing it safe is the only way to keep online gaming fun and light as it’s supposed to be. Always set yourself a budget—decide how much you can afford to lose before you even log in– and stick to it.

It’s also smart to set time limits on your gaming sessions to prevent getting too caught up. Online tools like time-outs, deposit limits, and self-exclusions can help, too; they help keep your budget in check and let you take a break if things start feeling overwhelming.

You can visit our responsible gambling page for more information on how to keep gambling healthy and enjoyable. And remember, support is always available. Here are a few useful resources in California:

California Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit their website at www.calpg.org for crisis counseling and referral services to individuals affected by problem gambling.

California Youth Crisis Line: A 24-hour crisis line for youth (ages 12-24) and their families in California. Call 1-800-843-5200 for assistance.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA): A twelve-step support group for anyone seeking aid with gambling issues, offering free, dedicated help for men and women. Find meeting locations and times at www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations, or call:

• Sacramento: Hot-Line # 1-855-222-5542 (1-855-2-Call-GA) 
• Los Angeles/Orange County and Surrounding Area: Hot-Line # 1-855-222-5542 (1-855-2-Call-GA) 
• Palm Springs: Hot-Line # 1-760-325-2808        
• San Diego/Southern Riverside County: Hot-Line # 1-888-233-8547 or 1-855-222-5542 (1-855-2-Call-GA) 

UCLA Gambling Studies Program (UGSP): Part of UCLA’s Department of Psychiatry, the UGSP has been dedicated to reducing harm from problem gambling through research, prevention, treatment, and training since 2005. More information at www.uclagamblingprogram.org or call (310) 825-4845.

California Online Gambling FAQs

Play at Real Money Online Casinos in California

California players can access real money casino games through reputable offshore sites, all of which offer safe banking, strong game libraries, and fast payouts. 

Lucky Rebel is our top recommendation thanks to its reliable withdrawals, mobile-friendly design, and broad selection of slots and table games. Other featured casinos also provide trusted real money play for Californians seeking variety, bonuses, and quick crypto cashouts. Choose a site that suits your preferences and play responsibly.

Kevin

Roberts

Content Editor

Articles

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Kevin Roberts, previously published under the pseudonym Noah Davis, is one of the more diverse writers at GamblingSites.com. Like many of his colleagues, he’s a huge fan of both football and basketball. But he also writes about box office records, TV show prop bets, DFS, and all kinds of other subjects. When it comes to the NFL, Kevin’s favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. He enjoys cheering them on with his wife and daughter.

See All Kevin’s Articles

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