California has strict gambling laws. Most real-money, casino-style gambling is limited to tribal casinos, licensed cardrooms, the state lottery, horse racing, and certain forms of charitable gaming. Sports betting and online casinos are not currently licensed or regulated at the state level.
This page breaks down the California gambling framework in plain English, including what’s legal, where it’s legal, minimum age rules, the key laws that shape the system, and the main regulators, so you don’t have to dig through legal PDFs to get a clear answer.
- Which gambling options are legal in California (casinos, cardrooms, lottery, horse racing)
- Who regulates gambling statewide and what each agency actually does
- The difference between tribal casinos and California cardrooms
- Legal age rules by activity (not all gambling is 21+)
For the broader California betting landscape and related guides, see our main hub: California betting overview.
Who Regulates Gambling in California?
Gambling in California is regulated through a shared system rather than a single authority. Oversight is divided between state agencies and tribal governments, depending on the type of gambling and where it takes place.
At the state level, two agencies are responsible for most gambling regulation and oversight: the Bureau of Gambling Control and the California Gambling Control Commission.
The Bureau of Gambling Control operates within the California Department of Justice and focuses on enforcement. Its responsibilities include investigating illegal gambling activity, conducting background checks, monitoring compliance, and supporting criminal prosecutions related to gambling law violations.
The California Gambling Control Commission is the primary licensing and regulatory body. It issues gambling licenses, determines suitability, adopts and enforces regulations, and oversees licensed cardrooms and other controlled gambling activities throughout the state.
Tribal casinos are regulated under a separate framework. Federally recognized tribes operate casinos on tribal land under tribal–state compacts, with oversight shared between tribal gaming authorities and state agencies as defined in those agreements.
For official information and regulatory guidance, visit the California DOJ – Bureau of Gambling Control and the California Gambling Control Commission.
Are Casinos Legal in California? Tribal Casinos vs Cardrooms
Yes, casinos are legal in California, but only in specific forms. The state does not allow commercial, Vegas-style casinos operated by private companies. Instead, full casino-style gambling is limited to tribal casinos operating on tribal land.
California’s large casino resorts, such as Pechanga, Yaamava’, and Morongo, are all tribal casinos. These properties offer slot machines and a wide range of table games under agreements known as tribal–state gaming compacts.
Cardrooms are different. While they are legal and licensed by the state, cardrooms are not allowed to operate as full casinos. They are more limited in the types of games they can offer and do not use traditional house-banked casino models.
This structure is why California does not have privately owned commercial casinos. If you see a large, resort-style casino in California, it is almost always a tribal casino.
A list of licensed cardrooms and gambling establishments is maintained by the state and can be found on the California Gambling Control Commission’s gambling establishments page.
What Is a California Cardroom and How Is It Different from a Casino?
A California cardroom is a licensed gambling establishment that offers approved card-based games, such as poker and certain table-style games, but it is not a full casino. Cardrooms operate under a different legal framework than tribal casinos and are subject to stricter limitations on how games are run.
Unlike casinos, California cardrooms generally do not offer slot machines or traditional house-banked table games. Instead, most cardrooms use a system where players bet against each other rather than against the house.
In many cardrooms, games are structured using third-party proposition player services. These services act as the “bank” for certain games, rather than the cardroom itself. This structure is designed to comply with California law, which restricts house-banked gambling outside of tribal casinos.
- What you’ll find in a cardroom: Poker rooms, player-versus-player games, and a limited selection of approved table-style games.
- What you won’t find: Slot machines, roulette wheels, or traditional casino floors like those found in tribal casinos.
Cardrooms are heavily regulated at both the state and local level. In addition to state licensing requirements, cities and counties can impose their own rules, operating conditions, and limits on cardroom activity.
For an official explanation of how California cardrooms are regulated and how games are structured, see the California Department of Justice overview: California DOJ – Cardroom Gambling Overview.
Legal Age for Gambling in California
The legal age for gambling in California depends on the type of gambling and where it takes place. Not all gambling activities have the same minimum age, and some operators may enforce higher age limits than the legal baseline.
| Gambling Activity | Typical Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tribal casinos (most locations) | 21+ | Common where alcohol is served on the gaming floor |
| Tribal casinos (some locations) | 18+ | Applies at select casinos with age-restricted gaming areas |
| Licensed cardrooms | 21+ | Most cardrooms require players to be at least 21 |
| California State Lottery | 18+ | Includes scratchers and draw games |
| Horse racing & pari-mutuel wagering | 18+ | Applies to racetracks and off-track betting locations |
| Charitable gambling (bingo, raffles) | 18+ | Some events may allow younger participants with restrictions |
Even when state law allows gambling at 18, individual casinos, cardrooms, or event organizers can set higher age requirements as a condition of entry or participation. These ages are according to the CGCC law & regulation.
Always check the specific venue’s age policy before visiting, especially when traveling between tribal casinos or different cities.
What Games Are Legal in California — And Where?
What you can legally gamble on in California depends entirely on the venue. State law does not allow a single type of gambling everywhere. Instead, different games are permitted in specific locations under specific legal frameworks.
In general, full casino-style gambling is limited to tribal casinos, while cardrooms, racetracks, the lottery, and charitable organizations are restricted to approved activities.
| Game Type | Where It’s Legal | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Slot machines | Tribal casinos | Permitted under tribal–state gaming compacts |
| Table games (blackjack, roulette, etc.) | Tribal casinos | Offered as Class III gaming under tribal compacts |
| Poker | Tribal casinos and licensed cardrooms | One of the most widely permitted gambling activities |
| Approved card-based table games | Licensed cardrooms | Games must follow state rules and approved formats |
| Horse racing & pari-mutuel wagering | Racetracks and off-track betting locations | Regulated separately from casinos and cardrooms |
| State lottery games | Statewide via authorized retailers | Includes scratchers and draw games |
| Charitable gambling (bingo, raffles) | Licensed charities | Subject to strict limits and reporting requirements |
Games that fall outside these approved categories, such as unlicensed slot machines, underground poker rooms, or informal “home casinos” operating for profit, may be considered illegal under California law.
Even when a game itself is legal, it must be offered by a properly licensed or authorized operator and follow state or tribal rules. The same game can be legal in one setting and illegal in another.
California Gambling Law Basics (Penal Code & Gambling Control Act)
California gambling law is built on two main legal pillars: sections of the California Penal Code that define illegal gambling, and the Gambling Control Act, which establishes the modern regulatory framework for legal gambling in the state.
The California Penal Code contains long-standing rules that generally prohibit unlicensed gambling activities. One of the most cited provisions is Penal Code section 330, which restricts certain banking and percentage games unless they are specifically authorized by law.
In simple terms, this means that casino-style games where the house directly banks the game are not allowed unless they fall into a legally approved category, most notably tribal casino gaming conducted under tribal–state compacts.
The Gambling Control Act works alongside the Penal Code by defining what legal gambling looks like in practice. It creates licensing standards, regulatory oversight, and enforcement authority for approved gambling activities such as cardrooms, controlled games, and other regulated operations.
- Gambling is generally illegal unless it is expressly permitted by law.
- Legal gambling must take place in approved venues, such as tribal casinos, licensed cardrooms,
racetracks, or charitable events. - Operators must be licensed or authorized and comply with state or tribal regulations.
This framework explains why California allows some forms of gambling but strictly limits others. Activities that fall outside these defined categories can be treated as illegal gambling, even if they appear casual or privately organized.
For readers who want to see the statutory language itself, the full text of Penal Code section 330 is available through the California Legislature’s official website.
Online Gambling & Sports Betting Under California Law
Online gambling and sports betting are not currently licensed or regulated in California. State law does not authorize real-money online casinos or online sportsbooks operated from within California.
In 2022, California voters rejected ballot initiatives that would have legalized sports betting in limited forms. As a result, the legal framework has not changed, and there are still no state-approved online sports betting or online casino platforms.
Under current law, most online casino-style gambling and sports betting conducted by California-based operators would be considered illegal. The state’s gambling laws remain tied to land-based venues such as tribal casinos, cardrooms, racetracks, and the lottery.
Important: California does not license or regulate online casinos or online sportsbooks at the state level.
Despite this, many Californians choose to gamble online using offshore sportsbooks and casinos that accept players from California. These sites operate outside the state’s regulatory system and are not licensed by California authorities.
This page focuses on explaining California law itself. For a deeper look at how online betting fits into the current legal landscape, see our guides on California sports betting legality and online gambling and casinos in California.
Tribal Gaming & Casino Compacts in California
Tribal gaming plays a central role in California’s gambling landscape. Full casino-style gambling is permitted in the state primarily because of federal law and negotiated agreements between California and federally recognized tribes.
Under federal law, tribes may offer certain types of casino gaming on tribal land through agreements known as tribal–state compacts. These compacts define what games are allowed, how gaming devices are regulated, and how revenue sharing or payments to the state are structured.
This system is why California’s large casino resorts are operated exclusively by tribal governments. Private companies are not permitted to run commercial casinos in the state, and tribal casinos operate under a different legal and regulatory framework than cardrooms.
- Tribal casinos are located on tribal land and governed by negotiated compacts.
- Compacts outline permitted games, device limits, and regulatory obligations.
- Tribes operate their own gaming regulatory authorities alongside state oversight
defined in each compact.
While the details of compacts vary by tribe, the overall structure explains why casino gambling in California looks different from states with commercial casinos. Tribal gaming is both a sovereign activity and a regulated part of the state’s broader gambling system.
For an overview of tribal gaming in California from a tribal perspective, see the California Nations Indian Gaming Association:
https://www.cniga.com/.
Enforcement: Illegal Gambling, Unlicensed Rooms & Sweepstakes Bans
California actively enforces its gambling laws, particularly when gambling activity falls outside approved venues or licensed frameworks. Enforcement generally focuses on protecting consumers and maintaining the boundaries set by state law.
Common enforcement actions target unlicensed or illegal gambling operations rather than individual players. These cases can involve physical locations, online platforms, or hybrid models designed to mimic legal gambling without proper authorization.
- Unlicensed casinos or cardrooms operating without state or local approval
- Illegal gambling machines, including unapproved slot-style devices
- Underground poker rooms or for-profit “home games”
- Online platforms operating from within California without authorization
- Sweepstakes-style casinos designed to simulate real-money gambling
In recent years, California lawmakers and regulators have increased scrutiny of online sweepstakes casinos and similar platforms. Recent legislation, including AB 831, reflects increased scrutiny. These models often attempt to bypass gambling laws by using virtual currencies or promotional mechanics, but enforcement actions and legislation have made clear that unlicensed casino-style gambling is not permitted.
Penalties for operating or promoting illegal gambling can include fines, license revocation, and misdemeanor charges, depending on the circumstances. This section is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
For more context on how enforcement has expanded into online and sweepstakes-style gambling, see our overview of sweepstakes casinos in California.
Responsible Gaming In California
One last note before you go: if you choose to gamble in California, or anywhere else, always do so responsibly.
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not something that causes financial or personal harm.
Responsible gaming is taken seriously across California. Tribal casinos, in particular, are required by law to provide tools and information for players who may be struggling to control their gambling.
These measures typically include self-exclusion options, clear on-site messaging, and access to support resources such as free and confidential helplines.
We hope you never need these services, but it’s important to know that help is available if gambling ever stops feeling enjoyable or starts affecting your daily life.
For additional responsible gaming resources, you may find the following organizations helpful: BeGambleAware, Problem Gambling Coalition, Gambling Therapy, and Addiction Center.
Gamble Aware
(https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization offering information, advice, and support for individuals affected by gambling-related harm.
International Center for Responsible Gaming
(https://www.icrg.org/)
A research institution focused on promoting responsible gambling practices and understanding gambling-related risks.
24/7 Gambling Support Line
(https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A confidential, round-the-clock helpline providing immediate assistance and guidance.
California-specific resources:
California Council on Problem Gambling
Provides education, prevention programs, and multiple support channels for Californians
affected by problem gambling.
State of California Gambling Help
(https://oag.ca.gov/gambling/responsible)
Official state resources, documentation, and links to local assistance programs.
National Problem Gambling Helpline (California)
(https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/california/)
State-specific contact information and support options for immediate help.
