California, the state that somehow leads the country in tech, entertainment, and overpriced everything, is still dragging its feet on legal online gambling, especially when it comes to online casinos. If you’re wondering why the West Coast can’t get its act together, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s really going on in the Golden State and why it matters for the whole online gambling world.
California Can’t Pass a Gambling Law to Save Its Life
Despite being home to nearly 40 million people, California has yet to legalize real-money online casinos or sports betting. A bunch of flashy campaigns were launched a couple years ago… remember Prop 27? Total flop. Voters said no, and the tribal casinos, who hold a massive chunk of the gaming power in the state, weren’t exactly onboard either.
And now? Same old story. No new laws. No online FanDuel Casino. Just a bunch of residents either heading to Nevada, messing around on sweepstakes sites, or risking it with shady offshore sportsbooks.
Meanwhile, in places like Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey, online casinos and online sportsbooks are alive and well. If online casinos ever go live in California, the selection could look similar to NJ online casinos and the online casino bonuses and promo codes that come along with it.
What You Can Legally “Gamble” on in California Currently
Even though real-money online casinos aren’t legal in California yet, there are a few ways to play, although some think these options are bending the rules a little on the definition of “casino.” Here’s what’s currently allowed in the Golden State:
Tribal Casinos (In-Person Only)
California’s tribal casinos are some of the biggest U.S. Places like Yaamava’, Pechanga, Morongo, and Thunder Valley are full-blown Vegas-caliber resorts. The catch? You’ve gotta be there in person. No apps, no websites, no firing up a quick round of blackjack on your phone.
And for online gamblers? That’s a dealbreaker. There’s no way to legally play real-money casino games online through these tribal properties… at least not yet.
Horse Betting & the Lottery
Online horse betting is legal and regulated in California. You can bet the ponies using apps like TVG, TwinSpires, and Xpressbet. Same goes for the California Lottery (scratchers, Powerball, Mega Millions) you can buy tickets and check results, but don’t expect a full-blown digital experience. This stuff hasn’t exactly kept up with the times.
Sweepstakes Casinos in California (Yes, They’re Legal)
Now for the weird legal loophole that actually works: sweepstakes casinos. They’re legal across California because they don’t use traditional cash. Instead, you play with virtual currency, usually “Gold Coins” or “Sweeps Coins” – and some of those can be redeemed for cash prizes if you win.
GAMING
Get a Deposit Match Worth Up to 100 in ReBet Cash!
You don’t need to make a deposit to play, either. You can technically just mail in a request for Sweeps Coins and play for free (yep, stamps and everything). Most people just buy Gold Coins instead, which comes bundled with some Sweeps Coins as a bonus.
You’ll find all the big names here—like the ones we break down on our sweepstakes casinos page. These platforms offer a mix of slots, table games, and even live dealer-style content, and they’re 100% legal under U.S. sweepstakes law.
What is a sweepstakes casino? Are they a perfect replacement for real-money casino apps? Not even close. But they’re legal, accessible, and fun in a “this-will-do-until-the-real-thing-gets-here” kind of way.
That’s it. No Wheel of Fortune slots, no online blackjack, no real-time promos. And no taxes being collected from the millions already being spent on underground options.
What to Expect If Online Casinos Become Legal in California
California’s been circling the runway on legal online gambling for years. Now, with lawmakers pushing harder and other states stacking up revenue, there’s a legit shot that things could finally get moving. If and when it happens, here’s what Californians can likely expect—based on how it’s gone down in other big markets.
A Slow But Profitable Rollout
Don’t expect an overnight casino free-for-all. States like Illinois, which is currently considering online casinos under its Internet Gaming Act, show how the process unfolds: lawmakers float bills, the industry and tribes weigh in, and things move—sometimes slowly. California’s political landscape (especially with powerful tribal interests and sports betting tensions) means the launch will likely be deliberate and heavily negotiated.
Multiple Casino Apps—Backed by Big Names
Assuming legislation passes, we’d expect some of the biggest U.S. operators—FanDuel, DraftKings Casino, BetMGM, Caesars—to jump into the mix, just like they’ve done in New Jersey’s online casino scene and other live markets. These apps typically bring a full suite of real-money casino games: online slots, blackjack, roulette, live dealer tables, and even exclusive titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Revenue? Huge.
Just look at Ontario—Canada’s largest province and a good comp for Cali. Their online casino market in Ontario generated over $2 billion CAD in gaming revenue in its first full year. Now imagine that in a U.S. state with 39 million people and the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Licensing & Regulation Will Be Tight
If California follows what’s working with online casinos in Maryland and online casinos in Illinois, expect a strong regulatory framework, age verification, responsible gaming tools, and oversight from a state agency (probably through the California Gambling Control Commission or a new online-focused body).
Online Casino Promos & No Deposit Bonuses
You’d likely see the same welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and online casino no-deposit bonuses that players in legal U.S. casino states enjoy today. This means new users could scoop up hundreds (or even thousands) in bonus cash, spins, and risk-free play as operators fight for your attention.
Potential Roadblocks
Legal challenges are always a possibility, especially in California where powerful stakeholders (including tribal gaming groups and cardrooms) will want a seat at the table. Whether online gambling passes via voter referendum or legislative action will also play a big role in timing.
Best Online Casinos in 2025: 100% Live & Legal
If you happen to be outside California—and in a state where real-money online casinos are actually legal—you’ve got way more firepower at your fingertips. Here are some of the best real money online casino apps where you can actually play real money online slot games, such as 88 Fortunes, Da Vinci Gold, Buffalo, or others.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Why Online Gambling in California Is Still Stuck in Neutral
This whole mess isn’t really about whether Californians want online gambling (polls say most do). It’s about who controls the money.
The tribes have exclusivity over casino-style gambling, and they’re not just going to roll over for DraftKings or FanDuel without serious concessions. In fact, any future online casino or sportsbook law in California will almost definitely have to be tribal-led. There was talk this spring about another ballot measure in 2026 or 2028. But nothing’s confirmed. Just a lot of boardroom meetings and strategic “maybe later”s.
Here’s what folks are saying online lately:
- A gambling industry watchdog posted: “California tribes delay sports betting push until 2028. The battle over online gambling continues.”
- A user out of San Diego: “Still can’t bet on the Lakers in my own state but can drive to Nevada. Make it make sense.”
- A California law reporter: “Talks between tribes and operators ongoing. Nothing official, but the door isn’t closed.”
Bottom line? Everyone’s annoyed, and nobody in California seems to care enough to fix it anytime soon.
What California’s Stalemate Says About the Rest of the U.S.
California dragging its feet on online casinos just highlights how far ahead states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey really are. We’ve been in the game for years—full-fledged apps, real regulation, legit bonus codes, and actual tax revenue going back into the state. Meanwhile, places like Michigan and West Virginia are quietly crushing it too, proving that when states get their act together, the model works. Players get secure platforms, states get paid, and the apps stay competitive with stacked promos and game variety.
California? Still spinning its wheels while half the country moves on. Until something real happens out West, it’s just another reminder that not every state is built for the online casino big leagues. Cali is still stuck in the Bush League.
Where is Online Gambling Legal in the US? — May 2025
The legal landscape for online gambling varies significantly by state, so here’s the real deal on where you can play for real money legally — both for online sports betting and online casinos (iGaming).
States Where Online Casinos Are Legal (Real Money)
Real-money online casino gambling is more limited but steadily growing (kind of).
As of now, online casinos are legal and operational in 7 states: New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut, Rhode Island
These states offer fully regulated online casino platforms where players can enjoy slots, table games, and live dealer games for real money. This smaller list reflects the more cautious approach states take toward casino gaming compared to sports betting.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in my State? – Online Sports Betting: Legal States (34 States and DC)
Online sports betting is the most widely legalized form of online gambling in the US. As of May 2025, you can legally place bets online in these US states:
Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado
Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Illinois
Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Louisiana
Maryland | Michigan | Mississippi | Missouri
Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire
New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina
Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island
South Dakota | Tennessee | Virginia | Washington
West Virginia | Wisconsin | Washington DC
Sports betting is legal in 34 states plus DC, with regulated apps and sportsbooks available. This widespread legalization means millions of Americans can legally bet on their favorite teams and events right from their phones or computers.
US States Where Neither Online Sports Betting Nor Online Casinos Are Legal
There are still several states that haven’t legalized either online sports betting or real-money online casinos, including:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Mississippi (online sports betting recently authorized, but online casinos still not legal)
- Nebraska (no legal online casino gambling)
Residents in these states either have to rely on in-person casinos, sweepstakes-style apps, or offshore sites — all with varying legal risks. If you live in one of the sports betting states but not a casino-legal state, you can still legally bet on sports but won’t have access to online slots, blackjack, or other real-money online casino games. Meanwhile, if you’re in one of the 7 states with legal online casinos, you get the full package: sports betting and online casinos, often under the same app.
Online Gambling in California 2025 – FAQ
When will California legally allow online sports betting and online casinos?
There’s no clear timeline yet. Talks keep happening, but no official laws or ballot measures have been finalized. Most expect any legalization to be tribal-led and possibly years away—maybe 2026, 2028, or later. Until then, it’s all speculation.
Can you play sweepstakes casinos in California?
Yes, sweepstakes and social casinos are allowed since they don’t use real money.
Who’s in charge of deciding if online gambling becomes legal in California?
The main players are California’s Native American tribes, the state legislature, and the governor. The tribes hold exclusive rights to most casino gambling in the state, so any legalization will likely need their approval or leadership. Lawmakers and the governor also have a say, but the tribes have the biggest influence right now.
Why hasn’t California legalized it yet?
It mostly comes down to the power of Native American tribes and disagreements over revenue control and exclusivity.
Is online poker legal in California?
No, online poker is still illegal in California due to tribal and political roadblocks. You’ll need to play in states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania if you want legal online poker.
Is online gambling legal in New York?
New York allows legal online sports betting but does NOT have legal real-money online casinos yet.
Is online gambling legal in Texas?
No, Texas is still holding strong against online gambling—no legal sports betting or online casinos as of now.
Can I play online casinos if I’m visiting a state where it’s legal, like New Jersey?
Yes, as long as you’re physically inside that state’s borders, you can play their legal online casinos and sportsbooks.