Best Legal Casinos In California
While California hasn’t legalized online casinos at the state level, players can still enjoy gambling at local casinos or by gaming through online sites. These casinos offer a comprehensive array of games, including live dealer options, which simulate the experience of playing in a physical casino. California's gambling industry is extensive, with well-regulated land-based casinos and card rooms. Still, we find the best legal casinos in California to be offshore sites, which complement the land-based ones.
Are There Real Money Online Casinos In California
The legal real money online casinos that accept California residents are easy to use and widely accessible. Through offshore sites like Bovada and Slots.lv, players in California can choose to bet on a variety of table games and slot machines. Both sites are updated regularly with new games and variations to keep the experience fun and interesting for its players. Whether you are looking to play blackjack, poker, or just take a chance on the slots, legal real money online casinos are best for Californians.
Casino Review: Bovada
For players looking for a way to gamble anytime or anywhere, online casinos are the best option. One of the best online casinos for players to use is Bovada. With a welcome bonus to new players of a 100% match up to $1,000, Bovada makes it easy for users to create an account, choose their bonus, make a deposit, and start betting. This site has a variety of slots, table games, and even a live dealer option that makes it a great choice for anyone in California looking for a great online casino.
Are Casinos In California Legal
Casinos in California are legal, primarily on tribal lands, and regulated under the California Gambling Control Act (California Business and Professions Code § 19800 et seq.). The passage of Proposition 1A in 2000 enabled the negotiation of compacts between the state and tribal governments. In short, it allowed the establishment of Native American casinos. The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) and the Bureau of Gambling Control, under the Department of Justice, are responsible for the oversight and regulation of gambling, ensuring casinos operate within the legal frameworks established by state laws and the tribal-state compacts.
Casinos In California
California offers a diverse and vibrant casino scene, ranging from bustling urban centers to serene coastal areas and scenic mountain regions. All of the best California casinos cater to various preferences and are strategically located to attract visitors from all backgrounds.
Casinos Near Universities
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Commerce Casino (15 miles, 30 minutes via I-10 E), Bicycle Hotel & Casino (20 miles, 35 minutes via I-10 E and I-710 S)
- University of Southern California (USC): Commerce Casino (10 miles, 20 minutes via I-10 E), Bicycle Hotel & Casino (15 miles, 25 minutes via I-10 E and I-710 S)
- San Diego State University (SDSU): Sycuan Casino Resort (20 miles, 35 minutes via I-8 E), Jamul Casino (25 miles, 40 minutes via CA-94 E)
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Graton Resort & Casino (55 miles, 1 hour via I-80 W and US-101 N), San Pablo Lytton Casino (15 miles, 25 minutes via I-80 E)
- Stanford University: Bay 101 Casino (20 miles, 30 minutes via US-101 S), Casino M8trix (20 miles, 30 minutes via US-101 S)
Casinos Near Major Cities In California
Los Angeles Area
- Commerce Casino (10 miles, 20 minutes via I-5 S)
- Bicycle Hotel & Casino (10 miles, 25 minutes via I-710 S)
- Hollywood Park Casino (10 miles, 20 minutes via I-405 N)
- San Manuel Casino (60 miles, 1 hour via I-10 E)
San Francisco Bay Area
- Graton Resort & Casino (50 miles, 1 hour via US-101 N)
- San Pablo Lytton Casino (20 miles, 30 minutes via I-80 E)
- Cache Creek Casino Resort (90 miles, 1.5 hours via I-80 E and CA-16 W)
San Diego Area
- Sycuan Casino Resort (25 miles, 35 minutes via I-8 E)
- Viejas Casino & Resort (30 miles, 45 minutes via I-8 E)
- Jamul Casino (25 miles, 40 minutes via CA-94 E)
Casinos Near Major Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Hollywood Park Casino (5 miles, 10 minutes via W Century Blvd)
- Hustler Casino (15 miles, 25 minutes via I-105 E and I-110 S)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Artichoke Joe’s Casino (3 miles, 10 minutes via S Airport Blvd)
- Lucky Chances Casino (10 miles, 20 minutes via I-280 S)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Sycuan Casino Resort (30 miles, 35 minutes via I-8 E)
- Jamul Casino (30 miles, 40 minutes via CA-94 E)
Casinos Near Military Bases
Military Base | Casino Name | Distance from Base | Travel Time | Route |
---|---|---|---|---|
Naval Base San Diego | Jamul Casino | 20 miles | 30 minutes | CA-94 E |
Naval Base San Diego | Sycuan Casino Resort | 25 miles | 35 minutes | I-8 E |
Edwards AFB | Soboba Casino Resort | 120 miles | 2 hours | CA-14 S, I-215 S |
Edwards AFB | Chumash Casino Resort | 150 miles | 2.5 hours | I-5 S, CA-154 W |
Casinos Near the Border
Northern Border (California-Nevada)
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort (20 miles, 30 minutes via I-80 E from Roseville, CA)
- Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (10 miles, 15 minutes via US-50 W from South Lake Tahoe, CA)
Southern Border (California-Mexico)
- Caliente Casino (7 miles, 15 minutes via I-5 S from San Ysidro, CA)
- Harrah’s Resort Southern California (50 miles, 1 hour via I-15 N from Escondido, CA)
Out-of-State Casinos
Californians looking for a change of scenery can travel to neighboring states with casinos. Las Vegas, Nevada, is a popular destination with famous casinos like Bellagio and MGM Grand, reachable within a 4-hour drive via I-15 N. Alternatively, residents can visit Reno, Nevada, home to casinos such as Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, about a 3-hour drive via I-80 E from the northeastern part of California.
State | Casino Name | Distance from CA Border | Travel Time | Route |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nevada | Bellagio | 200 miles | 4 hours | I-15 N |
Nevada | MGM Grand | 200 miles | 4 hours | I-15 N |
Nevada | Peppermill Resort Spa Casino | 150 miles | 3 hours | I-80 E |
Casinos Near Sports Stadiums
- SoFi Stadium (NFL Los Angeles Rams and Chargers): Hollywood Park Casino (2 miles, 10 minutes via W Century Blvd), Hustler Casino (12 miles, 25 minutes via I-105 E and I-110 S)
- Dodger Stadium (MLB Los Angeles Dodgers): Commerce Casino (10 miles, 20 minutes via I-5 S), Bicycle Hotel & Casino (15 miles, 25 minutes via I-5 S and I-710 S)
- Oracle Park (MLB San Francisco Giants): Graton Resort & Casino (50 miles, 1 hour via US-101 N), San Pablo Lytton Casino (20 miles, 30 minutes via I-80 E)
- Levi's Stadium (NFL San Francisco 49ers): Bay 101 Casino (7 miles, 15 minutes via US-101 S), Casino M8trix (7 miles, 15 minutes via US-101 S)
Best Legal Casinos In California Near Tourist Destinations
California's casinos are strategically positioned near some of the state's top tourist attractions Yosemite National Park is one hour away via CA-41S from Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. For dads at Disneyland, check out the Hawaiian Gardens Casino or The Gardens Casino, both about 30 minutes on I-5 N. Even those in Lake Tahoe have Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa in South Lake Tahoe.
Best Legal California Casino Bonuses
In California, players are taking advantage of crypto bonus benefits offered by online casinos. Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity, making a young generation of new money. With that, casinos in the Golden State incentivize players to use cryptocurrencies for deposits by offering exclusive bonuses, including higher deposit matches, lower wagering requirements, and sometimes even special crypto-only promotions.
Best Deposit Methods For California Online Casinos
Known for its innovation and cutting-edge technology, California sees a strong preference for cryptocurrencies and credit cards as deposit methods for online casinos. Silicon Valley's tech experts and enthusiasts embrace cryptocurrencies like Ethereum for their enhanced security and privacy features. On the other hand, the widespread acceptance of credit cards across Cali ensures that players can easily and quickly fund their casino accounts, enjoying seamless access to a plethora of gaming options from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Gamble At A Casino In California
In California, the legal gambling age for casinos is set at 18 years old, as outlined in California's Gambling Control Act. This means that individuals must be older than 17 to participate in casino gambling at both land-based and online casinos for Cali residents.
Best Mobile Casinos In California
California players looking for an immersive casino experience on their mobile devices need look no further than Bovada. With its full casino offerings, Bovada brings the excitement of a real casino directly to your fingertips. The live dealer roulette feature allows players to enjoy the thrill of watching a real dealer spin the wheel in real time. Interactive and authentic, it’s a favorite among players. In addition to live dealer roulette, Bovada has slots, blackjack, poker, and more for California residents or tourists. The mobile platform is user-friendly from any device with no app required.
Best Casino Apps Available To California Players
While California does not have regulated casino apps, players can easily withdraw their winnings from social casino apps like McLuck. These legal casino apps typically offer multiple withdrawal options, including bank transfers or checks, making it convenient for players to access their real money prizes after playing for a while.
Casinos Cruises In California
Depending on where you are in California, you can also jump on a ship for gambling. While this comes with a higher overhead cost, there are many casino cruises in California or at least cruise ships that have a casino and port in the state. Here's a list of casino cruises that someone could go on from California, by port.
Port | Cruise Line | Destinations |
---|---|---|
Los Angeles (San Pedro) Port | Princess Cruises | Los Angeles to Mexico, Hawaii, or the California Coast |
Los Angeles (San Pedro) Port | Norwegian Cruise Line | Los Angeles to Mexico, Hawaii, or the Pacific Coast |
Long Beach Port | Carnival Cruise Line | Long Beach to Mexico or the Panama Canal |
Long Beach Port | Catalina Island Casino Cruise | Day trips from Long Beach to Catalina Island |
San Francisco Port | Princess Cruises | San Francisco to Mexico, Alaska, or Hawaii |
San Francisco Port | Royal Caribbean International | San Francisco to Mexico, Hawaii, or the Pacific Coast |
San Diego Port | Holland America Line | San Diego to Mexico, Hawaii, or the Panama Canal |
San Diego Port | Carnival Cruise Line | San Diego to Mexico and other destinations |