In California, gambling is legal at tribal casinos. Poker and non-house banked table games are dealt at card clubs. Live and simulcast wagering is permitted at horse racetracks. There is also a state lottery. While sports betting has grown in the US, it is still illegal in California. However, daily fantasy sports contests are allowed.
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California casinos
California has an unusual casino industry. Slots, video poker, and certain types of table games are only permitted at tribal casinos. These range from small slot parlors to major gaming resorts. All table games must use cards to determine an outcome. Craps and roulette are dealt in unusual formats to comply with this regulation. There are compacts with 76 tribes. However, 63 tribes operate 66 casinos in the state.
Card clubs deal poker and table games that do not require a house banker. The intent was to deal games like Texas hold’em, Omaha, seven card stud, draw games, Panguingue, and pai gow. Card clubs created ways to deal house-banked games with prop bankers. This drew the ire of tribal gaming interests. Disputes over allowable table games at card clubs go back to the early days of casinos.
Daily fantasy sports contests
Sports betting is not legal in any form in California. Two ballot questions failed to change that in November 2022.
However, daily fantasy sports contests are permitted in the state. This includes DFS pick’em sites that book parlays from players, as opposed to traditional ones where players enter a pool and compete with each other.
Limited online gambling options in California
Most online gambling, including sports betting, is illegal in California. However, wagers are permitted on horse racing and daily fantasy sports apps. Sweepstakes sites are also available.
California horse racing
The California Horse Racing Board oversees racing in the state. This includes racetracks, simulcast betting, and wagering placed on horse betting apps. Off-season simulcast wagering is available at most racing facilities, including fairgrounds.
Privately operated race tracks
- Del Mar
- Golden Gates Fields
- Los Alamitos
- Santa Anita
Fair meetings
- Alameda Fair at Pleasanton
- Big Fresno Fair at Fresno
- Humboldt Fair at Ferndale
- LA County Fair at Los Alamitos
- Sonoma Fair at Santa Rosa
- State Fair at Cal Expo
Calottery
California has a state lottery. The caLottery participates in lottery drawings, including multistate drawings, and scratchers. Available drawings are Superlotto Plus, Fantasy 5, Daily 4, Daily 3, Daily Derby, Hot Spot, Powerball, and Mega Millions. Some lottery games are eligible for second chance drawings. A registered account is required for participation in these drawings. Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age.
In California, lottery proceeds go towards public education. The majority of funding is earmarked for grades K-12. A combined 20% goes to community colleges, the state university system, and the University of California.
CA gambling FAQs
Are casinos legal in California?
Yes. More than 60 tribes operate almost 70 casinos. Card clubs offer poker games and select table games.
What types of games are allowed at California casinos?
Tribal casinos can have slots, video poker, and table games. Card clubs are limited to poker and table games that do not require a house banker.
Are sportsbooks legal in California?
No. Retail and mobile sportsbooks are illegal. However, daily fantasy sports contests are allowed.
Is mobile sports betting available in California?
No. Mobile sports betting is illegal.
What online gambling options are available in California?
Available online gambling options include daily fantasy sports contests, horse racing, and sweepstakes games.
Are live horse races held in California?
Yes. Multiple private race tracks and fairgrounds host horse races throughout the year.
Can you wager on simulcast horse races in California?
Yes. Simulcast wagering is permitted.
Does California have a state lottery?
Yes. Lotto drawings and scratchers are available through calottery.
Does California participate in multistate drawings?
Yes. Lotto players can purchase tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions drawings.
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Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by John Mehaffey