No, real-money online gambling is not legal in California, including online casinos and sports betting. However, players can legally access sweepstakes and social casinos, where they use virtual currency and have opportunities to win cash prizes under sweepstakes laws.
Looking to gamble online in California?
While traditional online casinos aren’t currently legal, California residents can still enjoy safe and exciting options through top-rated sweepstakes casinos and social casinos.
In this guide, discover the best gambling sites available, legal considerations, and everything you need to know about online casino gambling in California.
Online sweepstakes casinos in California
Using the following criteria, we've reviewed the top sweepstakes casinos and social casinos available in California, combining expert analysis with real player insights from live testing, surveys, and reviews.
Our research focuses on:
Promos & bonuses
Security
Games variety and software
Fairness
Payout speed
Customer support
Only sites excelling in these key areas make it to our list of the best California online casinos.
You can read about how we rate and test sites here.
1. Spree - Best for social environment
Spree casino overview
Bonus offer | |
Prize withdrawal options | Bank transfers, gift cards |
Number of games | 850+ |
Minimum deposit | $0 |
Payout percentage | 96.84% RTP |
Payout time | 1-2 days |
States available | AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WV, WI, WY |
Banking options | Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay |
Owners | Play Spree Ltd. |
Compatible devices | iOS, Android, Desktop |
Customer support | Email: [email protected], Phone +1 (424) 842-4819 |
Last verified | November 2024 |
Summary
Spree Casino is a top choice for sweepstakes fans, offering over 850 games from trusted providers like Pragmatic Play and Playson.
New players can enjoy 1,000,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 Spree Coins as a no-deposit bonus, with a 200% boost on their first purchase.
While mainly focused on slot games, Spree also includes live dealer options, allowing players to experience blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Players can use Gold Coins for free play or Spree Coins for real cash prizes. Spree’s user-friendly platform accepts Visa and Mastercard and has low redemption limits for easy withdrawals.
However, the casino could benefit from expanding customer support options, as it currently lacks live chat assistance.
Gambling site features | Score |
---|---|
Promos + bonuses 💰 | 4/5 |
Security 🔒 | 4/5 |
Games variety and software 👾 | 5/5 |
Fairness 🤝 | 4/5 |
Payout speed 💵 | 3/5 |
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
What we like & dislike about Spree
- Trusted providers like Pragmatic Play, Playson, and BGaming
- Easy-to-navigate platform with a modern design
- Low redemption limit with gift cards ($10)
- Limited game variety outside of slots
- Lacks a mobile app
2. Stake.us - Best for crypto users
Stake.us casino overview
Bonus offer | |
Prize withdrawal options | Cryptocurrency |
Number of games | 600+ |
Minimum deposit | $0 |
Payout percentage | 96.5% RTP |
Payout time | Instant |
States available | AL, AZ, AK, AR, CO, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IN, IL, IA, KS, LA, MD, ME, MN, MA, MO, MS, MT, NE, NJ, NH, NM, ND, NC, OH, OR, OK, PA, RI, SD, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WY, WI |
Banking options | Cryptocurrency only (Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.) |
Owners | Sweepstakes Limited |
Compatible devices | iOS, Android, Desktop |
Customer support | Email: [email protected], live chat service |
Last verified | November 2024 |
Summary
Stake.us is a leading sweepstakes casino offering over 1,000 games, including slots from Pragmatic Play and exclusive Stake Originals.
Players can enjoy a wide range of slots and table games, all while benefiting from generous daily bonuses, promotions, and a VIP program that rewards frequent play.
Stake.us operates solely with cryptocurrency, allowing for secure and fast transactions, although traditional payment methods aren’t supported.
The site is optimized for mobile, letting players experience seamless gameplay on the go.
With daily challenges, free Stake Cash bonuses, and a responsive customer support team available via live chat, Stake.us is a top choice for U.S. players looking for a secure and social casino experience.
Gambling features | Score |
---|---|
Promos + bonuses 💰 | 5/5 |
Security 🔒 | 4/5 |
Games variety and software 👾 | 4/5 |
Fairness 🤝 | 4/5 |
Payout speed 💵 | 5/5 |
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
What we like & dislike about Stake.us
- Daily bonuses, VIP rewards, and engaging social features like live chat and challenges
- Cryptocurrency-based for fast and secure transactions
- Generous no-deposit welcome bonus and daily free Stake Cash giveaways
- Only accepts cryptocurrency for purchases, no traditional payment methods
- Some features, like table games, have limited variety
3. McLuck - Best for tournaments
McLuck casino overview
Bonus offer | |
Prize withdrawal options | Gift cards, bank transfers |
Number of games | 1000+ |
Minimum deposit | $0 |
Payout percentage | 96.51% RTP |
Payout time | 3-5 days |
States available | AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY |
Banking options | Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay |
Owners | B-Two Operations Limited |
Compatible devices | iOS, Android, Desktop |
Customer support | Email: [email protected], Phone: +1 (650) 663-2778, live chat (available after first purchase), and a ticketing system accessible via the website. |
Last verified | November 2024 |
Summary
McLuck stands out as a premier sweepstakes platform with a generous no-deposit welcome bonus of 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins, allowing new players to dive right in.
It boasts a vast selection of slots from leading providers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt, with over 500 games to enjoy.
Players have multiple ways to earn free Sweepstakes Coins, such as daily login bonuses, social media contests, and weekly tournaments.
McLuck also features progressive jackpots that can yield prizes of up to 100,000 Sweepstakes Coins.
The redemption process is user-friendly, with low minimums—10 Sweepstakes Coins for gift cards and 75 for cash.
While McLuck’s game selection leans heavily towards slots, it offers some live dealer games for those seeking variety.
The platform is mobile-friendly and accessible to most U.S. players, though it lacks a dedicated app.
Gambling site features | Score |
---|---|
Promos + bonuses 💰 | 4/5 |
Security 🔒 | 5/5 |
Games variety and software 👾 | 4/5 |
Fairness 🤝 | 4/5 |
Payout speed 💵 | 3/5 |
Customer support 📞 | 3/5 |
What we like & dislike about McLuck
- Large selection of over 500 slot games from top providers like Pragmatic Play
- Multiple ways to earn free Sweepstakes Coins, including daily bonuses and social media contests
- Progressive jackpots with prizes up to 100,000 Sweepstakes Coins
- No dedicated mobile app available
- Game selection is primarily focused on slots, with limited live dealer options
4. NoLimitCoins - Best for daily casino bonuses
NoLimitCoins casino overview
Bonus offer | |
Prize withdrawal options | Cash via online banking, gift cards |
Number of games | 60+ |
Minimum deposit | $0 |
Payout percentage | 96.50% RTP |
Payout time | 1-2 days |
States available | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI |
Banking options | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Trustly, online banking |
Owners | A1 Development LLC |
Compatible devices | iOS, Android, Desktop |
Customer support | Email: [email protected], Phone: +1 (208) 974-5349 (Payment-related queries only) |
Last verified | November 2024 |
Summary
NoLimitCoins casino is a popular sweepstakes casino, offering 100,000 free Gold Coins and a 100% Super Coins match for new users.
It features over 400 games, including slots and fish games, powered by providers like BGaming and Betsoft.
Daily tournaments and a spin on the Lucky Wheel add to the excitement, giving players frequent chances to win extra coins.
With 24/7 live chat support, phone support, and an easy-to-navigate interface, NoLimitCoins makes for a user-friendly experience.
Players can access the platform from any device without the need for an app, thanks to the HTML5 design.
However, its game variety is limited compared to larger casinos, and it could benefit from more payment options.
NoLimitCoins remains a great option for those looking for a social casino with real prize potential.
Gambling site features | Score |
---|---|
Promos + bonuses 💰 | 5/5 |
Security 🔒 | 4/5 |
Games variety and software 👾 | 3/5 |
Fairness 🤝 | 4/5 |
Payout speed 💵 | 4/5 |
Customer support 📞 | 5/5 |
What we like & dislike about NoLimitCoins
- Over 400 games, including slots and fish games
- Daily tournaments and a Lucky Wheel for extra rewards
- 24/7 live chat and phone support available
- Fewer payment options compared to competitors
- Limited game variety (no table games or live dealers)
5. Funrize - Best for generous bonuses
Funrize casino overview
Bonus offer | |
Prize withdrawal options | Bank transfer |
Number of games | 400+ |
Minimum deposit | $0 |
Payout percentage | 96% RTP |
Payout time | 2-3 days |
States available | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI |
Banking options | Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Trustly |
Owners | A1 Development, LLC |
Compatible devices | iOS, Android, Desktop |
Customer support | Email: [email protected], phone: (208) 826-1426. |
Last verified | November 2024 |
Summary
Funrize Casino is a popular sweepstakes site known for its generous welcome bonus, offering new players up to 1.1 million Tournament Coins, 3,600 free Sweeps Coins, and 125,000 Gold Coins.
Funrize provides an extensive game selection, particularly in slots, and allows players to win real cash prizes through its unique sweepstakes model.
The platform includes exciting features like the Funrize Wheel and daily races, which keep gameplay engaging.
Players can enjoy Funrize on both desktop and mobile devices, with a well-designed app available for iOS and Android.
Redemption options include gift cards and bank transfers, with quick processing times reported by users.
Funrize also has a loyalty program and referral bonus, rewarding players for frequent play and inviting friends.
While customer support is efficient via live chat and email, the platform does not support as many payment options as some competitors.
Gambling site features | Score |
---|---|
Promos + bonuses 💰 | 5/5 |
Security 🔒 | 4/5 |
Games variety and software 👾 | 4/5 |
Fairness 🤝 | 4/5 |
Payout speed 💵 | 4/5 |
Customer support 📞 | 5/5 |
What we like & dislike about Funrize
- Wide selection of games, especially slots
- Fun features like the Funrize Wheel and daily races for extra rewards
- Mobile app available for iOS and Android
- Limited payment options compared to other sweepstakes casinos
The best online casinos in California compared 2024
Ranking | Online gambling site | Top casino feature | Number of games | Payout percentage | Payout speed | Key rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Spree | Best for social environment | 850+ | 96.84% | 1-2 days | 5/5 |
2 | Stake.us | Best for crypto users | 600+ | 96.5% | Instant | 5/5 |
3 | McLuck | Best for tournaments | 400+ | 96% | 3-5 days | 4/5 |
4 | NoLimitCoins | Best for daily casino bonuses | 60+ | 96.5% | 1-2 days | 4/5 |
5 | Funrize | Best for generous bonuses | 400+ | 96% | 2-3 days | 4/5 |
Factors to consider when choosing a sweepstakes casino in California
When picking a sweepstakes casino in California, it’s important to consider several key factors.
These points can help you find a safe, fun, and rewarding platform to play.
🎲 Game choices
Find a casino that has a range of games, like slots and table games. A large game selection keeps things fresh and gives you more ways to play and enjoy your time on the site.
💰 Bonuses and offers
Many sweepstakes casinos offer bonuses, such as free coins or entries. Look for deals that give you extra value. Compare the welcome bonuses, daily rewards, and other offers to see which casino gives you the best benefits.
🏆 Redemption options
Some sweepstakes casinos let you redeem prizes for cash, while others offer gift cards or other rewards. Check what prizes each site offers and if there’s a minimum amount you need to redeem. Fast processing times are also a plus.
💳 User experience
A smooth, easy-to-use site makes for a better time playing. Look for casinos that load fast, work well on both desktop and mobile, and have simple navigation. User reviews can also give you a sense of how easy it is to use the site.
🔑 Security and safety
Safety is a top priority. Choose a casino with strong security, like data encryption, and a clear privacy policy. Also, make sure the casino follows U.S. sweepstakes laws to avoid any legal issues.
👥 Customer support
Good customer support is essential. Find a casino that offers ways to contact them, such as live chat, email, or phone. It’s helpful to have access to quick and friendly support if you run into any issues.
💳 Payment options
Check the options for buying coins or in-game currency. The best sweepstakes casinos offer multiple payment methods, like credit cards, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrency. Easy payment methods let you get started faster without delays.
By keeping these points in mind, you can choose a sweepstakes casino in California that best fits your needs for a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.
Online gambling laws in California
California does not allow online gambling for real money, including online sports betting. However, players can legally access social and sweepstakes casinos, where they play casino-style games with virtual coins instead of cash.
These sites operate under sweepstakes laws, which let players win cash prizes without needing to make direct cash bets.
Voters have consistently rejected efforts to legalize online gambling and sports betting, so any changes are unlikely soon. Legal gambling options in California include pari-mutuel horse racing, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and land-based tribal casinos.
Tribal casinos, regulated by the tribes themselves, remain the main legal venues for real-money gaming.
California taxes gambling winnings under $5,000 at 24%, with additional reporting for larger winnings. The legal gambling age is typically 18, but some tribal casinos limit entry to those 21 and older.
The state continues to be a focal point in the gambling law debate, with recent legislative attempts keeping the issue alive.
Currently, Californians aged 18+ can enjoy sweepstakes casinos, where they play for fun and have a chance to win cash prizes legally.
FAQs
What is a sweepstakes casino?
Which online casino games are available in California?
What bonuses are offered at California online casinos?
Is online gambling in California safe?
Can I win real money at online casinos in California?
Can you gamble online in California?
What deposit and withdrawal methods can I use at California online casinos?
Are there taxes on gambling winnings in California?
What’s the legal gambling age in California?
Are online casinos legal in California?
Practice Responsible Gambling
At BestGamblingSites we want our readers to enjoy casino games and stay safe when doing so.
To stay safe when gambling using an online casino we advise you to:
Establish a budget: Set yourself a financial limit before you start playing - whether it's roulette, blackjack, or any other casino. Adhere to this budget strictly and do not chase losses.
Manage time wisely: Set specific time boundaries for using online casinos. If you're spending a lot of time on online casinos, then take a break. Most US casino platforms offer timeout options to assist with this.
Emotionless decision-making: To ensure responsible gambling, it is crucial to detach emotions from the gaming process. Recognize that luck plays a role, and that heightened emotions can lead to poor choices.
Avoid pursuing losses: Although casino losses are undesirable, resist the urge to chase them. Doing so can exacerbate errors in judgment. Most US online casino platforms offer payment caps to assist with this.
Understand the risks: Gain comprehensive knowledge about the potential risks associated with playing any type of casino game. Acknowledge that the odds generally favor the house and approach online games as entertainment, rather than a reliable source of income.
Do not borrow to bet: Refrain from borrowing funds for gambling purposes. This practice can lead to financial distress and a cycle of debt. Only utilize disposable income for online casino use.
Seek assistance when necessary: If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling addiction, do not hesitate to seek support from dedicated organizations or helplines. These resources provide valuable assistance, guidance, and access to relevant tools for overcoming gambling-related challenges.
Organization | Description | Website |
---|---|---|
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) | Advocates for individuals and families affected by problem gambling and provides resources and helpline services. | |
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | Offers support groups for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. |