Top rated California online casinos in 2024
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- High 5 Casino Benefits
- 1200+ games, slots, and live dealer
- Free daily rewards
- Authentic brand, made in the USA
- High 5 Casino Review
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- Stake US Benefits
- Cryptocurrency-friendly
- No real money purchase required
- Over 300 games
- Stake US Review
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- WOW Vegas Benefits
- 700+ game titles
- Social media contests
- Easy-to-navigate, well-designed site
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- Hello Millions Casino Benefits
- 24/7 live support
- 18+ unique providers
- Live casino games
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- McLuck Casino Benefits
- Over 450 free games
- Free Gold Coins every day
- Big prizes via McJackpot feature
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- Real Prize Benefits
- Great sign-up offer
- Video Poker and Teen Patti games
- 200+ casino games
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- Fortune Coins Benefits
- Refer-a-friend bonuses
- Redeem Fortune Coins for cash
- Lots of free coins for new players
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- Pulsz Benefits
- 30 SC first purchase bonus
- Daily bonuses and rewards
- Excellent mobile UX
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- LuckyBird Benefits
- Unique games developed in-house
- SC can be redeemed for cash
- Up to 21% rakeback
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- NoLimitCoins Casino Benefits
- Daily free bonuses
- High winning percentage
- Convenient withdrawal of winnings
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- Chanced Benefits
- Chanced exclusive titles
- Range of live dealer games available
- Opportunity to win real money prizes
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- Golden Hearts Games Benefits
- Charitable social casino
- Sign up with Facebook or email
- 24/7 bingo games
- Golden Hearts Games Review
- Sweepstakes Casinos: Yes
- Legal age for casino gambling: 18
- Online casinos: No
- Retail casinos: Yes
California online casino updates
Since 2019, there’s been a reignited push toward gambling legislation reform in California. However, these efforts have been in vain, as real money online gambling remains illegal in The Golden State.
Here's the latest on legalization efforts in 2024:
June 26, 2024: California joins the idPair National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP), meaning players can restrict themselves from playing at online casinos and land-based casinos in states that are part of the agreement.
May 8, 2024: Key iGaming figures argue online casino gaming does not harm existing brick-and-mortar casino revenues.
May 6, 2024: Gaming industry stakeholders suggest new online casino state launches could be stalled for 18 months or more due to a lack of political support.
May 3, 2024: California casinos were used to launder money allegedly stolen by Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, according to ESPN.
Apr. 17, 2024: There will be a new national self-exclusion program available to gamblers in California beginning as early as summer 2024.
Apr. 10, 2024: Gaming officials at an in-state industry conference acknowledged mistakes in a costly - and unsuccessful - ballot measure that hoped to bring legal sports betting. The state's tribal gaming stakeholders have expressed interest in mobile sportsbooks, but reaffirmed that any legalization effort would require their support.
Mar. 16, 2024: The odds are growing longer for any U.S. state to pass a new iGaming bill in 2024, although Maryland is most likely to sanction online casinos next after HB 1319 moved passed the House and on to the Senate.
Mar. 7, 2024: Legal online gambling in California in is not part of near-term model according to BetMGM CEO.
Feb. 26, 2024: California gaming ‘Begins and Ends With Tribes,’ says James Siva, chair of the California Nations Gaming Association
Feb. 16, 2024: A new report, commissioned by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), confirms iGaming boosts revenue for brick-and-mortar casinos.
Jan. 13, 2024: Fliff lawsuit is sent to arbitration after a California court agreed with the sweepstake casino, which is being sued for allegedly operating an illegal sportsbook in the state.
Dec. 18, 2023: The California Nations Indian Gaming Association continues to oppose legal sports betting initiatives, despite amendments being added to the ballots.
Nov. 17, 2023: California gaming tribes reject two proposed ballot measures to legalize sports wagering online and at tribal casinos.
Nov. 8, 2022: Voters reject Proposition 27, refusing to legalize online sports betting in California.
Aug. 31, 2021: Seven sports betting operators back The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act. Also known as Proposition 27, the measure would bring online sports betting to California.
June 22, 2020: Senator Dodd pulls SCA 6 after facing intense opposition from California's native tribes.
June 27, 2019: Senator Bill Dodd introduces Senate Constitutional Amendment 6, a bill to legalize online sports betting.
What are California sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos share many similarities with real money online casinos, as both allow you to play popular slots, table games, bingo, progressive jackpots, video poker, and more online.
However, playing at a sweepstakes website does not involve real money gambling. Instead, these platforms use virtual currencies like Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC). You can play with GC for fun or accumulate SC until you have enough to redeem for gift cards or real cash prizes.
Sweepstakes casinos stand as the lone iGaming option in California in 2024.
Covers Tip: Do not confuse sweepstakes casinos with social casinos. Both gaming platforms work on alike principles and offer similar types of games, but you cannot win cash prizes at a social casino.
Top 5 California sweepstakes casinos reviewed
Real money online casino legislation is still in the works in California, but that doesn't mean CA residents cannot access slots and traditional table games. In the last few years, there has been a rise in online sweepstakes casinos and social casino sites. These platforms are safe and legal in The Golden State because players use virtual currencies rather than wagering real money.
Check out key details of our favorite sweepstakes casinos below. These reviews break down some features that make these platforms a great iGaming option for any California players.
1. McLuck Casino
57,500 GC + 30 SC
Code: COVERSBONUS
McLuck Casino is a popular online sweepstakes casino offering more than 450 slot games and the unique McJackpot feature, allowing California players to win big on every spin. This gaming platform offers a hefty initial bonus, daily promotional activities, and an eight-tier loyalty program.
McLuck Casino
Explore our comprehensive McLuck Casino review and use the McLuck promo code 'COVERSBONUS' to access special offers and bonuses.
- App Store rating: 4.3/5 ⭐️ (212 reviews)
- Google Play Store rating: 4.1/5 ⭐️ (867 reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 57,500 GC + 30 SC
- Payout speed: 1-2 days
2. WOW Vegas Casino
1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 SC
Code: COVERSBONUS
WOW Vegas Casino sticks out with its impressive array of over 800 casino-style games. with no deposit necessary. This sweepstakes casino is easy to navigate and provides a wide range of gaming choices, catering to the varying interests of California players.
WOW Vegas Casino
Read our comprehensive WOW Vegas Casino review to learn about its welcome bonus and other features, and remember to use our WOW Vegas bonus code 'COVERSBONUS' when signing up.
- App Store rating: NA
- Google Play Store rating: NA
- Sign-up bonus: 1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 SC
- Payout speed: 2-4 days
3. Pulsz Casino
Up to 367,000 GC + free 32.3 SC
Code: COVERSBONUS
Pulsz Casino is a thrilling sweepstakes casino with over 700 iGaming options in California. This gaming site does not require any type of purchase, allowing players to enjoy games without any financial commitment. However, a lucrative first purchase bonus is available on your first Gold Coin package if you do choose to buy GC.
Pulsz Casino
Check out our Pulsz Casino review for more insights insights and to claim its welcome package using our exclusive Pulsz promo code 'COVERSBONUS'.
- App Store rating: NA
- Google Play Store rating: NA
- Sign-up bonus: 367,000 GC + free 32.3 SC
- Payout speed: 1-2 days
4. High 5 Casino
250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds
No code required
High 5 Casino has been a hit with players since they opened their virtual doors. As the EGR 2023 Social Gaming Operator of the Year award recipient, the sweepstakes casino boasts over 800 titles, including liver dealer games and a convenient mobile app.
High 5 Casino
For more information, check out our High 5 Casino review. The welcome bonus is available in California without a High 5 no-deposit bonus code.
- App Store rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️ (206 reviews)
- Google Play Store rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️ (92 k reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds
- Payout speed: 1-2 days
5. Stake.us
Stake.us Casino stands out from other sweepstakes casinos by operating exclusively using cryptocurrency. With a catalog of over 300 games from world-class providers like Hacksaw Gaming and Pragmatic Play, it provides a daily bonus package, weekly raffle, and access to a VIP program.
Stake.us Casino
For an in-depth understanding of the platform, browse through our comprehensive Stake.us Casino review. Utilize the Stake.us promo code 'COVERSBONUS' during registration for an extra bonus.
- App Store rating: NA
- Google Play Store rating: NA
- Sign-up bonus: 550,000 GC, $55 SC + 5% rakeback
- Payout speed: Instant
How we rate and review California online casino sites
We assess each online casino carefully to ensure we deliver only the most credible and transparent information to our readers for our online casino reviews. Using our Covers BetSmart Rating criteria, we evaluate six aspects of California online casinos to provide accurate and honest reviews.
Whether the platform in question is a sweepstakes casino, social casino, or real money online casino in California, our evaluation process remains the same. Here's a brief description of our rating criteria in 2024:
Bonuses and promotions
From an online casino no-deposit bonus to an inviting welcome package, the best California online casinos feature a steady flow of promos, perks, and contests, ensuring you always have a reason to log in and play.
Banking and payout speed
We love fast payout casino sites that support multiple popular payment methods. We expect to see a plethora of options at online casinos in California, including e-wallets, bank transfers, credit cards, and debit cards.
Software and games
An online casino must offer you a choice of games from top names like IGT, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Play'n GO. For live casino offerings, we expect an assortment of Evolution-powered games.
Sicherheit and trust
Personal security is of utmost importance when playing at California online casinos in 2024. We only recommend operators with legitimate licenses and casino websites with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates.
Mobile experience
Most online casino players prefer mobile play in 2024, so user experience, a sleek interface, and mobile optimization are critical. California online casinos shouldn't compromise game quality on iOS or Android devices.
Customer support
It’s essential to get the support you need when you need it. Whether via live chat, phone, or email, we expect online casinos in California to provide reliable support around the clock.
California online casino blacklist
Not every online casino in California passes our stringent testing. If a casino is unregulated or fails to adhere to industry standards, it will land on our blacklist. We strongly recommend avoiding the following websites:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Most popular online casino games in California
There is a wide variety of online casino games available to California players. Expect to find giant lists of slots and curated collections of classic table games like baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette when perusing sweepstakes websites in CA.
Game type | Description | House edge |
---|---|---|
Slots |
Real money online slots and free online slots are virtual slot machines where you spin reels to create winning combinations and earn prizes. Play slots at Wow Vegas sweepstakes casino for one of the best selections of top slots. |
From 2% to 10% |
Blackjack |
Blackjack is a 52-card table game where players try to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 without going over. Pulsz Casino features an assortment of popular blackjack variants in 2024. |
From 1.5% |
Poker |
Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud are widely played at the best California online casinos. You can also play video poker, a slot variation of this classic table game. |
From 1.5% |
Video poker |
Video poker is increasingly popular in California. Get five cards, choose to redraw any number, and hope to make a poker hand of a pair of jacks or better. Try Stake.us for some top video poker titles. |
From 0.5% to 5% |
Roulette |
Roulette is a game of chance involving players betting on where a ball will land on a spinning, segmented wheel. Try roulette at Pulsz Casino. |
From 1.5% |
Baccarat |
Baccarat, a popular card game, involves the player and the banker competing for the highest score. Each round has three possible outcomes: The player wins, the banker wins, or it’s a tie. |
From 1.06% |
Craps |
Craps is a classic table game played with two dice, a 'shooter,' and a table. Play craps at BetRivers.net social casino to hone your strategy. |
From 1.4% |
Live dealer |
Live dealer options imitate the experience of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino, allowing players to watch and interact with the dealer via live stream. California online casino users can immerse themselves in live dealer games at High 5 Casino. |
Game-dependent |
Sports betting
Many casino operators have online sportsbooks you can access on the same site. For example, players can visit BetMGM or FanDuel Sportsbook with the click of a button when playing at BetMGM Casino or FanDuel Casino.
Should online California sports betting and iGaming become legal, CA bettors will be able to enjoy the convenience of these all-in-one mobile apps and websites.
Latest California gambling news
Legal California online casinos
California players can sign up with and claim online casino bonuses from a dozen reputable sweepstakes casinos in 2024. Here are the top operators currently active in CA:
California sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes Casino | Welcome bonus | Promo code |
---|---|---|
McLuck Casino review | 57,500 GC + 30 SC | COVERSBONUS |
High 5 Casino review | 250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds | No code required |
WOW Vegas review | 1.75M WOW Coins + 35 SC | COVERSBONUS |
Hello Millions Casino | 245,000 GC + 117.5 Free SC | COVERSBONUS |
Stake.us review | 550K GC, $55 SC + 5% Rakeback | COVERSBONUS |
RealPrize Casino | 675,000 GC, 107 SC + 1,000 VIP Points | No code required |
Fortune Coins review | Up to 1.2M GC + 3.9K Free FC | No code required |
Pulsz review | Up to 367,000 GC + 32.3 SC | COVERSBONUS |
LuckyBird.io review | 500 GC, 0.98 SC + 3 Treasure Chests | COVERSBONUS |
NoLimitCoins Casino | 7.1 Million GC + 4,600 FREE SC | COVERSBONUS |
Chanced | 30,000 GC, 2 Free SC + 20 Free Spins | No code required |
Golden Hearts Games review | 250K GC + 500 FREE SC | COVERSBONUS |
BetRivers.net review | Up to $1,000 in VC | No code required |
Funrize | 125,000 Tournament Coins | No code required |
Funzpoints review | 250 Premium Funzpoints | No code required |
Legal California land-based casinos
California gamblers can visit over 60 brick-and-mortar tribal casinos in 2024.
Check out the top 10 most popular below:
Casino | Address | Phone number | Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Cache Creek Casino Resort | 14455 CA-16, Brooks, CA 95606 | (530) 796-3118 | Open 24 hours |
Chumash Casino Resort | 3400 CA-246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 | (805) 686-0855 | Open 24 hours |
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino | 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio, CA 9220 | (760) 342-5000 | Open 24 hours |
Graton Resort & Casino | 288 Golf Course Dr. W, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 | (707) 588-7100 | Open 24 hours |
Harrah’s Resort Southern California | 777 S Resort Dr., Valley Center, CA 92082 | (760) 751-3100 | Open 24 hours |
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa | 49500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230 | (951) 849-3080 | Open 24 hours |
Pechanga Resort Casino | 45000 Pechanga Pkwy., Temecula, CA 92592 | (877) 711-2946 | Open 24 hours |
Red Hawk Casino | 1 Red Hawk Pkwy., Placerville, CA 95667 | (530) 677-7000 | Open 24 hours |
Thunder Valley Casino Resort | 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln, CA 95648 | (916) 408-7777 | Open 24 hours |
Yaamava' Resort & Casino | 777 San Manuel Blvd. S, Highland, CA 92346 | (909) 864-5050 | Open 24 hours |
How to start playing California online casino games
If you’re eager to start playing online casino games in California, we've got good news: You can join any of the legal online casinos listed in this guide. Just follow these simple steps to get started:
Select an online casino
Not all California online casinos offer the same experience, so read our reviews to find the platform that aligns with your expectations. Consider the welcome bonus, ongoing promos, mobile performance, game variety, and other factors.
Register online
Californians can create new online casino accounts in minutes. Have your personal information ready for the smoothest registration.
Claim a bonus
If you see a welcome bonus next to an online casino in this guide, you can claim it as a new player. Some sign-up bonuses require a bonus code, so enter it when prompted to activate the promotion.
Boost your bankroll
Several sweepstakes casinos offer first purchase bonuses, second purchase bonuses, and more. We recommend taking advantage of these discounted Gold Coin packages to earn additional free Sweeps Coins.
California online casinos accept credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and other popular payment methods.
Choose a casino game
Browse the game library and select a game. Be sure to review the game rules before wagering. Wager GC to earn more GC and continue playing for fun. Use SC to win more SC if you aim to redeem winnings for real cash prizes.
Start playing
Once you’ve chosen your casino game, decide how much to wager and get playing. Consider setting time and money limits, have fun, and stay safe.
Redeem for cash prizes
Sweepstakes casinos allow you to redeem your SC after you've collected a specified minimum amount. Once you've reached this benchmark, you're free to reap the real money rewards.
Why choose California online casinos over land-based casinos?
There are plenty of reasons why players should choose to play at an online casino rather than a land-based casino in California. Consider the following online casino perks before planning your next night out:
More online casino resources
Responsible gambling in California
Several resources are available for Californian online casino players seeking information and tips on exercising responsible gambling habits.
Sites like the California Council on Problem Gambling, the Office of Problem Gambling, and the California Gambling Control Commission provide valuable information for accessing gambling counselors and therapy. These websites also link to self-exclusion registers, online chats, and the Problem Gambling Hotline.
The National Council on Problem Gambling 'Help by State' section guides players to local resources and support agencies.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers boasts more than 25 years of sports betting experience. Our long-standing relationship with regulated, licensed, and legal gaming sites allows our active community of 20 million users to access expert analysis and recommendations. Covers may receive an advertising commission if you visit a sportsbook or casino betting site via select affiliate links across our site, create an account, and make a deposit. However, no amount of money ensures that an operator will get listed.
Is online casino gambling legal in California?
No, California has yet to legalize real money online casino gambling. Fortunately, sweepstakes casinos are legal in California, as sweepstakes are not considered gambling by California law. You can play sweepstakes casino games to collect Sweeps Coins and redeem your stash for real cash prizes.
Only seven U.S. states have licensed and regulated online casinos in 2024: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
Legal online gambling states:
Legal online gambling state bonuses:
Pending online gambling states:
Gambling in Canada? Check out the top online casinos in Canada, or head over to our Ontario online casinos page to learn about the flourishing iGaming Ontario market.
If sports betting is your forte, now is the time to claim generous sportsbook promos from the top U.S. betting sites of 2024. Our in-depth legal tracker outlines the betting landscape in each state, including the latest California sports betting updates.
Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in California — for now. Claim exclusive promo codes for StatHero, and ParlayPlay today.
US state online casino guides
California online casino FAQ
No, online gambling is not legal in California. Players can, however, legally play at sweepstakes or social online casinos, as these are not considered gambling in CA.
You can play various online casino games in California, including slots, video poker, roulette, blackjack, and bingo.
Yes, you can play casino games at land-based casinos for real money throughout California. While real money online gambling is illegal in CA, sweepstakes casinos allow you to play with and accumulate virtual coins before redeeming your winnings for real cash prizes.
California online casinos accept payment methods like e-wallets, credit cards and debit cards, and prepaid cards.
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to play online casino games in California.
It’s best to check a California online casino's credibility before entering personal or financial information. Secure sites will have an SSL certificate, and online casinos should show evidence of regulation in their jurisdiction.
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An award-winning author at just six years old (it’s true!), Jeff has parlayed his early-life accolades into a prominent role in the iGaming content space with Covers. He now leads a talented team of expert betting analysts and sportsbook reviewers focused on delivering world-class experiences to North American bettors. Jeff joined the Covers team full-time in 2021 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s content strategy and providing accurate, timely coverage of burgeoning legal sports betting markets like New York, Ohio, and Ontario. He is passionate about providing comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased betting analysis and giving Covers readers the confidence they need to come to their own conclusions when deciding how and where to bet online. Jeff primarily bets on NFL, MLB, and NHL player props, but he is always looking for value in futures markets. If Jeff could only use one betting app, it would be bet365, but he’s also a big fan of DraftKings, FanDuel, and Sports Interaction. He is a strong proponent of line shopping and never, ever chases losses. Jeff holds a BBA from St. Francis Xavier University. His work has been featured in Newsweek and referenced in news media outlets like the Calgary Herald, Financial Post, and Toronto Sun. He was previously an independent NHL prospects writer and has crafted over 200 articles and guides across the sports, iGaming, e-learning, and LMS software industries.