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Online Poker in California: A Guide for Players in 2025
California is often called the poker capital of the USA – boasting even more poker rooms than Nevada. From bustling Los Angeles cardrooms to tribal casino poker halls throughout the state, Californians enjoy ample live poker action. But what about online poker? Here’s a clear, comprehensive guide to playing online poker in California, with a spotlight on Americas Cardroom. We’ll cover the legal landscape, online poker options, top live venues, and answer common FAQs. Let’s shuffle up and deal!
California’s Poker Landscape and Legal Status
Live Poker – Thriving and Legal:
California law fully allows live poker in licensed cardrooms and tribal casinos. You can legally enjoy venues like the Commerce Casino, Bicycle Casino, and numerous others regulated by the state. The vibrant live poker scene attracts major tournaments, daily cash games, and regular events. Social poker games at home are also allowed, provided hosts don’t charge fees or take rakes.
Online Poker – A Grey Area:
California has not yet legalised online poker. Unlike states such as New Jersey or Nevada, California has no state-licensed online poker platforms. Efforts to pass legislation have stalled, leaving no legal state-based online poker options as of 2025.
Player Workarounds:
Despite this, thousands of Californians play poker online via offshore poker platforms, which accept California residents. This practice isn’t explicitly legal or illegal; it exists within a legal grey area. The state does not actively prosecute individual players but provides no regulatory protections or consumer guarantees for offshore sites. Hence, choosing reputable platforms like Americas Cardroom is crucial for safety and reliability.
Playing Online Poker from California
Offshore online poker sites fill the void left by the absence of state-regulated options. Americas Cardroom (ACR), part of the Winning Poker Network, has operated reliably since 2001, attracting thousands of Californian players daily with extensive games and tournaments.
Safety of Offshore Sites:
While offshore sites lack California oversight, established platforms like ACR have strong reputations among players for fairness, reliability, and timely payouts. Players should prioritise reputable sites, maintain strong security practices, and understand they’re playing without state protections.
Deposits and Withdrawals:
Sites like ACR support various banking methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin), and e-wallets. Cryptocurrencies are particularly popular for their quick and hassle-free transactions. Always follow site instructions carefully and remember to report winnings for tax purposes.
Why Choose Americas Cardroom for Online Poker?
Americas Cardroom stands out for several reasons:
✅ Huge Tournament Action:
Over $10 million weekly in guaranteed tournaments.
Flagship events like the Venom tournament offer massive prize pools.
✅ High Traffic & Game Variety:
Thousands of players online, offering games 24/7.
Variety including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and more.
Stakes range from micro to high-stakes cash games.
✅ Excellent Software and Mobile Play:
Unique features like “Bomb Pots” and a built-in staking platform.
Mobile-friendly app for iOS and Android.
✅ Bonuses and Rewards:
100% first-deposit match up to $2,000.
Choice between flat rakeback or points-based loyalty programme.
Daily freerolls with real cash prizes.
✅ Trusted and Secure:
Operating since 2001 with robust security measures.
Fast withdrawals, especially via crypto.
24/7 customer support.
Live Poker in California: Top Cardrooms & Casinos
California boasts an iconic live poker scene. Some top venues include:
Commerce Casino (Los Angeles) – World’s largest poker room, known for major tournaments like the L.A. Poker Classic.
Bicycle Casino “The Bike” (Bell Gardens) – Popular for tournament series and live poker streaming.
Gardens Casino (Hawaiian Gardens) – Renovated venue with extensive poker offerings.
Hustler Casino (Gardena) – Known for lively mid-stakes games and live-streamed events.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort (Lincoln) – Regularly hosts WPT and WSOP Circuit events.
Bay 101 (San Jose) – Famous for the Shooting Star tournament and Silicon Valley poker community.
Conclusion
California offers poker enthusiasts a vibrant live poker scene and accessible online play via reputable offshore platforms like Americas Cardroom. Play responsibly, understand the risks, and enjoy the best poker experience California has to offer. Good luck at the tables! ♠️♥️♣️♦️
Gambling FAQ - California
Can I gamble online if I live in California?
Online gambling in California is limited. The state does not authorize most forms of online gambling, including online casino games or online poker for money. However, there are some exceptions. California residents can legally participate in online horse race betting through authorized pari-mutuel betting platforms. While there have been discussions about legalizing online poker and sports betting, these activities remain unregulated and illegal at the state level.
Is gambling legal in California?
Yes, gambling is legal in California, but it is highly regulated. Legal forms of gambling include tribal casino gaming, state-operated cardrooms, the California State Lottery, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, and charitable gaming activities such as bingo and raffles. Commercial casinos that offer traditional casino games like slots outside of tribal lands are not permitted, and sports betting remains illegal under current state law.
Is there poker in California?
Yes, poker is widely available in California. It can be found in tribal casinos as well as in numerous state-licensed cardrooms. These cardrooms offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud, with both cash games and tournaments available. While poker rooms are common, they operate under specific regulations that differentiate them from full-scale casinos.
Are poker runs legal in California?
Yes, poker runs are legal in California, particularly when they are organized for charitable purposes. These events, which involve participants traveling to various locations to collect poker cards and compete for the best hand, are permitted under charitable gaming laws. Organizers must obtain the appropriate licenses and ensure that proceeds go to a recognized charity.
Is casino gambling legal in California?
Yes, casino gambling is legal in California but is limited to Native American tribal casinos. These casinos operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and are governed by compacts negotiated between the state and tribal governments. Tribal casinos offer a range of gaming options, including slot machines, blackjack, poker, and other table games. Commercial casinos, outside of tribal lands, are not authorized under California law.
Can I play online poker for money in California?
Currently, playing online poker for money is not fully legalized in California. While some offshore online poker sites may be accessible, they operate outside the jurisdiction of California’s state laws and are not regulated. Efforts to legalize and regulate online poker have been discussed, but no legislation has passed. Engaging in online poker on unregulated sites carries legal and financial risks.
What gambling sites are legal in California?
There are no legal online gambling sites based in California that offer casino games or poker. However, residents can participate in online horse race betting through approved pari-mutuel platforms. Additionally, there are state-regulated online lottery platforms available for purchasing lottery tickets. Other forms of online gambling, including sports betting and online casino games, are not authorized by California law.
What app can I gamble with in California?
California residents can use official apps related to the state lottery to purchase tickets. For horse racing enthusiasts, there are licensed apps available for pari-mutuel betting on races. However, there are currently no legal apps for other types of online gambling, such as sports betting or online casino games, within California.
When did California legalize gambling?
California began legalizing certain forms of gambling in the early 1980s. The California State Lottery was established following a voter-approved initiative in 1984. Tribal gaming took root after the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was passed in 1988, leading to the negotiation of state-tribal compacts in the early 1990s. Charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, has been regulated under California law for several decades, supporting various nonprofit initiatives.
What is the oldest casino in California?
One of the oldest and most well-known casinos in California is the Barona Resort & Casino, which began as a simple cardroom and evolved over the decades into a full-scale resort. It is operated by the Barona Band of Mission Indians and has been a staple of California’s gaming landscape since its opening in its current form in the 1990s, offering a wide variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker.
Explore More States to Play
States highlighted show where online betting is currently permitted. Discover the legal landscape across the U.S. by exploring our interactive map.
