Online Poker California – Is It Legal? Get $5,000+ at the Best Real Money CA Poker Sites

Want to play poker online or in-person in California? The most populous state also has a plethora of poker rooms. If you’re wondering “Is online poker legal in California?” then keep reading to find all the answers.

There are dozens of online and land-based California casinos many of which have poker rooms offering traditional California straight poker, Texas Hold’em and lots more.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the best online poker sites in California for 2023 and cover everything you need to know about the California poker scene and best online poker tournaments California has to offer.

Best Offshore Poker Sites
BetOnline Poker logo

100% Poker Welcome Offer Up To $1,000

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Bovada Poker logo

100% First Time Deposit Match Up To $500

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Everygame Poker logo

200% up to $1,000

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Ignition Poker logo

150% Poker Welcome Bonus Up To $1,500

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Sportsbetting AG Poker logo

100% Poker Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000

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In This Guide

The Best Online Poker California Sites

In California, you have your selection of the best US-friendly online poker sites. All of these sites will allow online poker real money California bets and include cash games, tournaments, sit and go’s, and more. We highly recommend the following offshore gambling sites for the best California online poker experience.

  1. BetOnline – Best overall poker site for players in California
  2. Bovada – Great for casual players & poker tournaments in California
  3. Everygame – Hefty welcome bonus for Cali poker lovers
  4. Ignition – Top choice for tournaments and poker freerolls
  5. Sportsbetting.ag – Popular poker site due to lower rakes and fast payouts

California Online Poker Sites Reviewed

We know that picking an online poker room isn’t always easy. There are many factors to consider, but fortunately, California straight poker is widely available on the best California online poker sites. In this next section we will present the top 5 online poker real money California sites.

1. BetOnline – Top-Rated Site for Online Poker California

BetOnline Poker Site Homepage - California Online Poker

BetOnline is recognized as the top poker site in California because it offers all of the features required for a superb online California straight poker experience. The site, as well as the online poker platform, has just been improved, and poker tournaments are now available every day.

BetOnline is an excellent poker site. Since going online in 2011, they have dominated the online poker landscape with a huge variety of game types, tournaments, buy-ins and limits.

BetOnline’s poker features no limit, pot limit, and fixed-limit poker action in over 30 distinct titles, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 5-Card Draw, Caribbean Stud, and Pai Gow. They provide a nice mixture of poker events and prize pools with large and small buy-ins and stakes. Aside from the $1 Million Windfall Jackpot Sit & Go there are 8 regular poker events with top rewards of $50,000 or more.

Finally, there is the BetOnline loyalty program. When you play and wager at your favorite tables, you can earn points which can be redeemed for premium tournament tickets. Download their BetOnline poker app to get started for the best online casino experience in California.

What we like:

  • Daily online poker tournaments
  • Bad Beat Jackpot promotion can reach $200,000
  • Over 30 varieties of poker & video poker
  • Cutting edge poker software

What we don’t:

  • Withdrawals fees on some non-crypto payment methods

 

2. Bovada – Great choice for casual poker players in California

Bovada Poker Homepage - California Online Poker

Bovada is one of our favorite locations to play online poker in California. We all know that poker is best played casually but who wants to play against the pros all the time? That’s why we love Bovada . Their network is geared towards more casual US online poker players. As a result, Bovada Poker’s proprietary software offers anonymous tables where opponents’ names are hidden. You can also try their Zone Poker, which moves you to a different table once you fold

Part of the PaiWangLuo Network, previously called the Bodog Poker Network which consists of Bovada Poker, Ignition Poker, Bodog Poker and many more. This is the largest US poker network, with an average of 1,000 cash game participants so there’s always a lot of activity and newbies.

The Monthly Milly (a $1 million poker event), knockout games, jackpot sit & go’s, turbo tournaments, a $150k guaranteed tournament every Sunday, and more are all available at Bovada .

What we like:

  • Tournament worth over $2,000,000 every week
  • On the largest online poker network in the USA
  • $1,000,000 poker tournament available every month (Monthly Milly)
  • Fast-fold poker variant known as Zone Poker
  • Available on mobile with all the same features

What we don’t:

  • Not the largest online poker bonus in California
  • Higher rakes than other poker sites

 

3. Everygame – Jackpot Tournaments for California Poker Players

EveryGame Online Poker California

Everygame, previously Intertops, is ranked 5th in our of best California poker sites. The original Intertops was one of the early pioneers of online poker but on December 1, 2021 it was relaunched as Everygame. It holds Curacao gambling license and the site now offers Californians with California betting sites as well as casino and a lively poker community.

Everygame poker offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, and many more games with large jackpot payouts and low rakes. The Everygame Instant Play Poker App allows California online poker players to wager real money and win big at many different poker tables.

In return for just a $5 buy-in, CA poker players can accumulate ‘Poker Points’ which will allow them to enter the elite poker events with guaranteed prize pools of up to $150,000. Regular poker events include the Sunday Sundowner Series ($10,000) and the Soft Poker Series ($70,000) with 30 distinct knockout rounds.

Finally, in terms of offers, the Everygame Poker Welcome Offer provides new players with a big  match deposit bonus for a minimum deposit of just $25. This is the best value bonus of all the online poker sites on our list. The Everygame promotions page has a full list of all their current offers and reload bonuses.

What we like:

  • Everygame “Instant Play” Poker App
  • Earn Poker Points and tournament tickets for top events
  • Downloadable poker client with instant play

What we don’t:

  • Not as busy as other online California poker rooms

4. Ignition – Best Online Poker Site California for Tournaments

Ignition Poker Homepage - California Online Poker

Ignition Poker is unquestionably one of the best poker sites for tournaments and freerolls. It provides something for everyone, including a weekly freeroll every Thursday with a prize pool of $2,500! To take part, Ignition poker California players must be at least the Chrome tier level in the loyalty program. This is only the second level, and it only takes 2,500 lifetime miles to complete.

There are several other freerolls worth considering and Bitcoin depositors are also eligible for a free entry into the weekly $2,5000 Bitcoin Depositor’s Freeroll. It happens every week on Sundays and attracts less players than normal freerolls.

Ignition Poker’s extensive online poker tournament calendar also contains numerous series events. The Super Millions Poker Open is the biggest tournament series the network has ever hosted. It offers a total of $8,000,000 in guaranteed prizes spread among 150 events. The buy-ins vary between $5.50 and $1,055. The Main Event boasts a large massive pool of $350,000 and a $425+25 buy-in. The Black Diamond Poker Open, the Golden Spade Poker Open, and the Festival on Felt are three other tournament series worth checking out.

Bear in mind that these special events are in addition to Ignition’s regular California online poker tournaments. There are also regular Sit & Go tournaments and jackpot Sit & Go tournaments, where you can win up to 1,000 times your buy-in.

What we like:

  • Great range of tournaments and freerolls for all budgets
  • Play via browser or download instant play poker software
  • $10,000 Weekly Turbo Tournaments

What we don’t:

  • Credit cards deposits have fees of 15.9%

5. Sportsbetting.ag – The Best California Online Poker Promotions

SportsBetting.ag Mobile Poker - California Online Poker

Another popular Chico Poker Network site for California poker casinos is Sportbetting.ag. Omaha, 3-Card, Pai Gow, and Texas Hold’em are among the more than 50 online poker games available. On signature tables, buy-ins range from $5 to $200 for players of varied skill levels.

Every day, Sportsbetting.ag provides great tournaments, promotions, and prizes to new and returning online poker California players. You can also enjoy rotating Bad Beat Jackpot Tables, where if you get beaten by a bad beat, you can split big prize pools with other players.

With a $100 buy-in, you’ll be entered into the Sunday Main Event, where you’ll be handed 100,000 chips and the opportunity to win $150,000. Qualifiers cost $5 and if you collect enough poker points you can earn a slot at the main table. You can also try your luck at turning $10 into $1,000,000 with Sportsbetting.ag’s special Windfall Jackpot Sit & Go.

What we like:

  • Long history and licensed in Panama
  • Excellent mobile poker apps for both iPhone & Android
  • Secure deposits and fast withdrawals

What we don’t:

  • Website looks a bit dated
  • Very little option for anonymous poker play

More on gambling in California…

Learn about all types of online gambling in California in our expert guides below:

Online Poker California – The Top Sites Compared

The best California online poker rooms have lots of similar features but each one has its own distinctiveness. The table below compares poker game variety, bonuses, and poker tournaments in California.

Poker Room Poker Variety Poker Bonus Poker Tournaments Poker Freerolls
BetOnline Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Six Plus Hold’em, Windfall Poker 100% Poker Welcome Offer Up To $1,000 Sunday Majors, Nightly Monsters, $1 Million Windfall, Progressive Bounties, Rebuy Frenzy, Windfall Sit & Go
Bovada Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Zone Poker 100% First Time Deposit Match Up To $500 The Monthly Milly, Million Dollar Weekend, Knockout Tournaments, Jackpot Sit & Go
Everygame  Texas Hold’em, Omaha 200% Deposit Match, up to $1,000 Wipeout Series, Summit Series, Sunday Six Max SUPERSTACK, Sundowner, Sit & Go Tournaments
Ignition Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Zone Poker 150% up to $1,500 Super Millions, Progressive Knockout Series, Golden Spade Poker Open, Black Diamond Poker Open, Festival of Felt, Jackpot Sit & Go
Sportsbetting.ag Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Six Plus Hold’em, Windfall Poker 100% Poker Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000 Sunday Majors, Nightly Monsters, $1 Million Windfall, Progressive Bounties, Rebuy Frenzy, Windfall Sit & Go

Is Online Poker Legal in California?

If you found this page by simply googling “Is online poker legal in California?” the answer is no, online Poker is not strictly legal in California.

However, many players from California do enjoy playing in poker tournaments at offshore sites, and provided that these are with an online casino that is licensed and reputable, such as those on our list, these offer a great opportunity to play online poker safely.

Video Poker

Video poker differs from traditional online poker in that it is played from a gaming kiosk and is essentially a mix of slots and 5-card poker, with the video poker machine drawing cards randomly from a virtual deck.

Video poker is much easier to play than traditional poker, but still has to follow strict regulations and be audited for randomness. There are many variations of video poker, including Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better and Joker’s Wild.

California has a large number of land-based casinos offering video poker, but you may also enjoy playing video poker at one of the popular online casinos such as Bovada.

Casual Poker

Playing poker with friends around a table in California is fine up to a point. Hosting poker games at your home is permitted, but it’s illegal for people to earn money from hosting poker games by way of an organizer’s fee. You can’t charge an entrance fee, require a minimum food purchase, or charge the competitors in any other way to participate.

A casual poker game with friends is a great way to socialize, have fun and improve your poker skills in what should be a safe and relaxed environment.

California Poker Laws

California Poker Rooms Online

Poker has never really been outlawed in California, and some regulations, including state-run licensing, were introduced in the mid-1980s.

Poker is permitted in California’s card rooms and tribal casinosThere are numerous poker rooms offering generally low and medium-stakes tables throughout the state, but there are also high-stakes games with huge pots to play for. In-home, and not-for-profit poker games are also permitted.

When it comes to online poker, internet gambling in California is something of a gray area in the state and sites like GG poker California are not permitted. There is very little prospect of individual players being subject to any enforcement though, so many California residents are able to play poker online at an offshore casino site, and such sites are more than happy to accept your business.

The California legal gambling age for playing poker is 18.

Online Poker Guides State by State

California Poker – Live and in Person

There are numerous land-based casinos in California in which you can enjoy playing poker among a vast range of other gaming options. For those unable or unwilling to visit a land-based casino, then of course there remains the option of an offshore online casino.

In the next section, we will look at some of the poker rooms California casinos for poker…

The Commerce Casino

Address: 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040

Commerce Casino Los Angeles

The Commerce Casino is a cardroom in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Commerce. These huge southern California poker rooms contain over 240 tables on-site which make it the world’s largest cardroom, The Commerce has a great selection of poker tables, with Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Big O, Stud, Stud Hi/Lo, Lowball, Razz, Badugi, 2-7 Triple Draw and Chinese Poker among the games on offer.

The Commerce has also hosted many famous poker festivals, such as the World Poker Tour LA Poker Classic, the LA Poker Open, the Los Angeles Poker Classic, and the California State Poker Championships.

Ocean’s Eleven Casino

Oceans 11 Poker Room California

Address: 121 Brooks Street, Oceanside CA 92054

As you have probably guessed, Ocean’s Eleven Casino in Oceanside, is named after the classic 1960 heist movie. This card-playing casino is also for fans of the Rat Pack, which included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. On Wednesday through Sunday evenings, live entertainment is given at the Rat Pack Lounge.

The 24/7 casino has a poker room that includes No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8-or-Better cash table, and they host regular tournaments. Every night, dinner is provided with a nostalgic vibes. Entrees such as grilled pork chops, Veal Oscar, and Filet Mignon are popular choices. There is also a well stocked bar.

500 Club Casino

500 Casino Poker Room

Address: 771 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612

The 500 Club Casino Bar & Grill features a variety of poker games, including a wide variety of Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Fortune Pai Gow Poker and Omaha Hi/Lo.

The 500 Club Casino has a large selection of Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’em games.  There’s also a bar and first-rate menu that’s available 24-hours-per-day and seven days per week. You can check out their Promotions and Calendar pages on their website for a comprehensive list of poker games and game restrictions available each day.

California Poker Rooms Near Me: California Casinos List

If you’re looking for “California Poker Near Me” then look no further than our full list of poker rooms open in California. We’ve listed all the casinos in California that offer cardrooms or private poker rooms, of which there are many!

California Poker Rooms Address
19th Hole Casino 2746 W Tregallas Rd, Antioch, CA 94509
500 Club Casino 771 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
Ace & Vine 505 Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA 94558
Agua Caliente Casino 32-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Artichoke Joe’s Casino 659 Huntington Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066
Aviator Casino (Temporarily closed)  1225 Airport Dr, Delano, CA 93215
Bankers Casino 111 Monterey St, Salinas, CA 93901
Bay 101 Casino 1788 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112
Bear River Casino 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, CA 95551
Bicycle Casino 88 Bicycle Casino Dr, Bell Gardens, CA 90201,
Blue Lake Casino 777 Casino Way, Blue Lake, CA 95525,
Cache Creek Casino 14455 CA-16, Brooks, CA 95606
California Grand Casino 5988 Pacheco Blvd, Pacheco, CA 94553
Capitol Casino 411 N 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Casino 99 175 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928
Casino Chico 968 East Ave, Chico, CA 95926
Casino Poker Club 1885 Hilltop Dr, Redding, CA 96002
Casino M8trix 1887 Matrix Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110
Casino Marysville 515 4th St, Marysville, CA 95901
Casino Merced 515 4th St, Marysville, CA 95901
Casino Monterey – The Marina Club 204 Carmel Ave, Marina, CA 93933
Casino Pauma 777 Pauma Reservation Rd, Pauma Valley, CA
Casino Real Card Room 1355 N Main St, Manteca, CA 95336
Central Coast Casino Grover Beach 359 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Chumash Casino 3400 CA-246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Club One Casino 3950 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93726
Commerce Casino 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040
Coyote Valley Casino 77 BIA Rd 228, Redwood Valley, CA 95470
Diamond Jim’s Casino 118 20th St W, Rosamond, CA 93560
Diamond Mountain Casino 900 Skyline Rd, Susanville, CA 96130
Elk Valley Casino 2500 Howland Hill Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531
Feather Falls Casino 3 Alverda Dr, Oroville, CA 95966
Garlic City Casino 8630 San Ysidro Ave #100, Gilroy, CA 95020
Golden West Casino 1001 S Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Graton Resort & Casino 288 Golf Course Dr W, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Hollywood Park Casino 3883 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303
Hustler Casino 1000 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Jackson Rancheria Casino 12222 New York Ranch Rd, Jackson, CA 95642
Jamul Casino 14145 Campo Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
Kings Card Club 6111 West Ln #103, Stockton, CA 95210
Lake Elsinore Casino 20930 Malaga Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino 1045 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
Livermore Casino 3571 First St, Livermore, CA 94551
Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel 350 N Indian Rd, Smith River, CA 95567
Lucky Chances Casino 1700 Hillside Blvd, Colma, CA 94014
Magnolia House Casino 11275 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230,
Napa Valley Casino 3466 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503
Oaks Card Club 4097 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608
Ocean’s 11 Casino 121 Brooks Street, Oceanside CA 92054
Oceanview Casino 709 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Old Cayucos Tavern Card Room 130 N Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430
Outlaws Card Parlour 9850 E Front St Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
Palace Poker Casino 22821 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541
Parkwest Casino Cordova 2801 Prospect Park Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Parkwest Casino Lodi 1800 S Cherokee Ln, Lodi, CA 95240
Parkwest Casino Sonoma 1800 S Cherokee Ln, Lodi, CA 95240
Paso Robles Casino 1144 Black Oak Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Pechanga Resort Casino 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Pete’s 881 Club 721 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Players Casino 6580 Auto Center Dr, Ventura, CA 93003
Quechan Casino 525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Rogelio’s Casino 34 Main St, Isleton, CA 95641
Seven Mile Casino 285 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Stars Casino 775 W Clover Rd, Tracy, CA 95376,
Stones Gambling Hall 6510 Antelope Rd, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Sundowner Card Room 15638 Avenue 296, Visalia, CA 93292
Sycuan Casino 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
Table Mountain Casino 8184 Table Mountain Rd, Friant, CA 93626
The Deuce Lounge & Casino 30435 Rd 68, Visalia, CA 93291
The Gardens Casino 11871 E Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
Thunder Valley Casino 1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648
Tortoise Rock Casino 73829 Baseline Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Towers Casino & Card Room 15 Bank St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Turlock Poker Room 2321 W Main St C, Turlock, CA 95380
Wanaaha Casino 2742 N Sierra Hwy, Bishop, CA 93514
Win-River Casino Resort 2100 Redding Rancheria Rd, Redding, CA 96001

Benefits of Playing Poker Online vs Land-based Casino

Even in a state like California which has hundreds of legal land-based locations to play poker, online poker is still much more convenient for players. At land-based casinos, there are still a certain number of seats, and table limits are much more restrictive. When playing online you can find cash games and tournaments that start with a minimum limit of just a few cents and range into hundreds or thousands of dollars and you just don’t get that flexibility at land-based card rooms.

California Online Poker Laws

As a relatively gambling-friendly state, California recognizes 18-year-olds as adults and allows 18+ casino gambling.

However, many of the Native American casinos that serve alcohol will actually ask you to be over the age of 21 in order to play there. This is to ensure that minors are not being served alcohol.

This is of course not an issue if using an offshore online casino, as these are based outside the US.

Offshore Poker Sites in California

While domestic online poker rooms are not legally allowed to operate in the state, there are no specific federal or state laws that outlaw using offshore poker sites in California.

While it is a misdemeanor to partake in a percentage or banking game in CA except for those at tribal casinos, there’s no law explicitly banning players in California from playing at offshore sites or law to stop these sites from accepting players from CA. There has also not been any legal action taken by the state against any of these offshore operators or any players that play poker or gamble on their sites.

History of Gambling in California

California has a complicated history of gambling. In the gold rush era gambling was huge in the state but in 1891 all forms of gambling were made illegal and the law listed card games by name but draw poker was omitted from the list and in 1911 it was reaffirmed that draw poker was not illegal in the state as it was not classed as a game of chance but rather a game of skill.

Skip forward a few decades to the 1970s and the Rincon Band of Mission Indians made the first attempt in California to open a tribal casino but was shut down but local authorities. In 1987 a U.S. Supreme Court ruling essentially allowed tribal casinos to operate in the state but legal battles continued for years on what gambling activities were allowed at tribal casinos in relation to video slots.

In recent years there have been various propositions put forward to legalize sports betting and certain casino games in the state but all have failed so far. This is in large part due to the staunch opposition of the majority of the hundreds of recognized Native American Tribes, who believe that changes in the gambling legal landscape of the state could see their control of gambling in the state ceded to third parties.

California Online Poker

Playing poker at a land-based physical casino certainly has its appeal, but online poker enables players to enjoy playing games from the comfort of their own homes without having to worry about traveling to and from the venue or the possible cost of an overnight stay.

Online casinos offer an extensive range of table games and often sports betting options all from one site, making it an ideal option for many California residents. In addition, the majority of online casino sites offer a welcome bonus for new customers and often have other promotions and reload bonuses too.

Another significant benefit of using an offshore online casino is that they often pay out higher percentages than land-based casinos, as they have few of the costly overheads associated with a physical casino.

Here’s a rundown of the best online poker sites and their top tournaments:

Top Online Poker Sites Poker Tournament #1 Poker Tournament #2 Poker Tournament #3 Poker Tournament #4 Poker Tournament #5
BetOnline $1 Million Windfall Jackpot Sit & Go Tournaments Windfall Sit & Gos – Winner Takes All Sunday Majors – Win Prizes from $1,000 up to $150,000 Nightly Monsters – $1,000 up to $20,000 Guaranteed Progressive Bounties – Guaranteed Prizes
Bovada Monthly Milly – $1 Million Prize Pool Jackpot Sit & Go’s Daily Turbo Tournaments $150K Guaranteed Poker Tournament $100K Guaranteed High Roller Tournament
Everygame Bounty Tournaments – Progressive Bounty Wipeout Series – Win Cash Prizes from $2 – $20 buy-ins Sit and Go Tournaments – Win $10K in Cash Prizes Sunday Sundowner Special – Guaranteed Prize Money of $10K Sunday Six Max Superstack – Various Cash Prizes
Ignition Casino Weekly $2,500 Bitcoin Depositor’s Freeroll Jackpot Sit & Go Tournaments – Win up to 1000x your buy-in Sit & Go Tournaments (different types with special features) $150K Guaranteed Poker Tournament every Sunday $2 Million Guaranteed in Weekly Prize Pools
SportsBetting.ag $150,000 Guaranteed Weekly $1 Million Windfall Jackpot – win up to 100,000x your buy-in Bad Beat Jackpot – Progressive Fast-Fold Poker Boost Bad Bead Jackpot – Progressive Prize Pool N/A

Payment Methods for Playing Online Poker in California

An essential factor of any poker site is that they offer a diverse range of fast, easy, and secure payment methods.  Below you can discover some of the most common payment options available at top offshore poker sites in California.

Deposits

Before taking a seat at a poker table and starting to play for real money, the first thing you need to do is fund your account. We look at the most popular deposit methods available below and go over some essential information about each one.

Credit & Debit Cards

The majority of poker sites in California still accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. This has been the most popular way to deposit funds online at poker sites for many years because it’s quick and easy and almost everyone has a bank card.

However, while using cards is convenient almost all offshore sites charge a fee for using credit or debit cards and while you can deposit using this method most offshore sites do not offer this as a withdrawal method.

Wire Transfer

Wire transfers entail you directly wiring money to a casino’s bank account from your own account. It’s also a convenient method as almost everybody owns a bank account and nowadays with Internet banking, you can complete the transaction from your banking app or mobile site. Like with card payments, there are usually fees and the minimum deposit limits are also usually much higher than other methods.

Bitcoin

In the last few years, Bitcoin has become the favored method to deposit funds of many online gamblers. Players opt for BTC as transactions are secure, processed quickly, and the min/max limits are usually less restrictive than alternative methods. What’s more, there are usually no fees involved and the best Bitcoin online poker sites also offer special Bitcoin bonuses.

Cryptocurrency

The majority of online poker sites now accept a variety of cryptocurrencies as well as Bitcoin. Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple and Litecoin are now commonly accepted at most sites and certain sites accept 8 or more altcoins. The benefits of using any crypto are the same as when using Bitcoin, this includes secure transactions, fast processing times, no fees, and often more lucrative bonuses.

eWallets

Another type of digital transaction that is commonplace at many online gambling sites nowadays is eWallets. They usually offer many of the same perks that crypto does such as speedy processing times, extra security, and minimal to no fees. However, the maximum limits are usually lower than crypto. Wallet options vary from site to site but some of the most commonly accepted wallets are Skrill, Neteller, Google Pay, and Apple Wallet.

Withdrawals

Hopefully, after winning a few tournaments and or cash games you will want to extract some of that hard-earned money. In most instances, you will be able to extract your money the same way you deposited it but there are some exceptions like credit and debit cards which unfortunately are not available withdrawal options at most offshore gambling sites.

Wire Transfer

While wire transfers are a convenient method to withdraw from online sites their one biggest negative is that it will typically take 7-14 days to receive the funds back into your account. There are also fees attached usually a flat rate in the region of $50-100 and the minimum payout amount is usually at least $50.

Check

Having a check by courier is a service that not all but many sites offer. It’s easy to request but the biggest drawback is the time. It can take up to 15 business days to receive the check and then you will need to deposit it with your bank and wait for it to clear which will take at least a few more days.

Bitcoin & Other Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is the optimal way to withdraw funds at most online poker sites in California. This is because you can get your funds incredibly quickly within at least 48 hours but many sites take less than a day with some being completed in just minutes. Like with deposits, there are also usually no fees for cashing out with cryptocurrency.

eWallets

Another way to avoid charges at most sites is by cashing out with an eWallet. Most gambling sites will not charge you anything for using this method although you may incur a small fee from your eWallet provider. The payout times are also incredibly quick and you would never usually have to wait for more than 24-48 hours.

Making California Poker Online Deposits

You will need to fund your account before you can start playing online poker real money California games. The good news is that all of California best poker sites offer a variety of payment options. You can find out more about them in the following table:

Poker Site Payment Options Crypto Deposit Limits Deposit / Withdrawal Speeds
BetOnline Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, USDCoin, Tether, Dogecoin, Cardano, Chainlink, Money Orders, Cashier’s Check, Bank Wire, Person to Person $20 – $500,000 Instant / 24 – 48 hours
Bovada Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, MatchPay, Zelle $10 – $15,000 Instant / 24 hours
Everygame  Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Money Global $25 – $2,500 Instant / 48 hours
Ignition Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, MatchPay, Zelle $10 – $5,000 Instant / 24 hours
Sportsbetting.ag Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, USDCoin, Tether, Dogecoin, Cardano, Chainlink, Money Orders, Cashier’s Check, Bank Wire, Person to Person $20 – $500,000 Instant / 24 – 48 hours

Playing Legal Online Poker California

Although there are no US-based online poker sites legally available to residents of the Sunshine State, offshore online casinos are available as an option.

Which offshore online casino you choose to play with will come down to personal preferences, with some sites being renowned for their bonuses, others for the range of games on offer or use of cryptocurrencies, etc.

For example, BetOnline has an impressive VIP program for loyal players that comes with promotions offering a lot of perks. Ignition Casino is a great place to find freerolls and they also offer a substantial welcome bonus to new players of up to $2,000, via a 100% deposit match bonus. If you pay with Bitcoin, the bonus is even more attractive, with a deposit match worth up to $3,000.

Bovada is noted for its excellent online security, while Wild Casino accepts the most popular cryptocurrencies when funding your account.

Tips for Online Poker Real Money California

Here are a few tips on playing to win online poker in California:

  • Be selective with your starting hands - Good poker strategy is about choosing the right starting hands.
  • Learn how to bluff - But don’t bluff too much. Good players know how to bluff in order to get better hands to fold.
  • Start small - Play with small stakes to begin with. Play within your bankroll.
  • Learn the game - Understanding starting hand rankings and odds. Learn about the odds of hitting a winning hand.

Famous California Poker Players

It's no surprise that a state with a long history of poker and card games has produced some of the most outstanding poker players in the US. The most notable is Brian Rast, although born in Denver was raised in Poway, CA from a very early age. He has amassed close to $25 million in poker winnings and has an impressive five WSOP bracelets making ten final tables.

Another CA local who was not actually born in the state but moved from Vietnam when he was two years old is Justin Cuong Van Tran 'J.C. In his poker career, J.C. has won close to $15 million, made 11 WSOP final tables, and is a two-time bracelet winner.

Poker Games to Play in California

Texas hold 'em is the game most people think of when they hear poker but there are wide range of other poker games available. In our guide below we will run through some of the different types of poker games that can be played in California.

Texas Hold 'em: Texas Hold'em is the poker variant most people are familiar with and is usually the game being played on televised poker shows. In this variant, players are dealt two hold cards. The player to the left of the dealer must place a small blind and the player to the left of them puts in a large blind. In some games, there may be an ante for every player.

After all the blinds and antes are in betting begins. Once the first round of betting has finished three community cards are shown, known as the flop, and then a second round of betting begins. A fourth community card is then dealt, known as the turn, and after betting again the final card, referred to as the river, is dealt. A final round of betting takes place and then if more than one person remains the winner is determined by whoever has the best 5 card hand made up of a combination of their hole cards and the community cards.

Omaha:  Another popular poker variant that is similar to Texas hold'em is Omaha. The two key differences between Omaha and Texas Hold'em are first that in Omaha players are dealt four hole cards instead of just two. The second contrast is that the final hand is made up of exactly two of your hole cards and three of the community cards.

Omaha Hi-Lo: The way Hi-Lo is played is exactly the same as standard Omaha the only difference being who wins the pot. In the Hi-Lo variant, the pot is split between the player that has the best hand and the player that has the worst hand.

Stud Poker: Multiple variations of stud poker are available and the rules differ for each one. Players will be dealt a number of cards either face up, face down or a combination of both depending on what variant is being played.  When playing stud poker, any betting rounds are commonly referred to as "streets". The winner of stud poker will be whoever has the best hand in most cases but there are some variants like Hi-Lo or Razz where the worst hand can win. We have listed some of the most popular stud variations below:

  • 5 card stud
  • 7 card stud
  • Mississippi stud
  • Caribbean stud
  • Razz
  • Hi-Lo stud

5 Card Draw:  This variant of poker gets its name from the amount of cards players are dealt which is five. After everyone has their cards and a round of betting has been completed if more than one player remains then players can choose to discard 1-5 of their hole cards and replace them with cards from the deck. You will often find many poker sites and casinos have a house rule of being able to discard only 3 cards or 4 if one of the cards is an ace or a wild card. After players have redrawn the number of cards they discarded another round of betting takes place before hands are revealed.

Horse: Horse gets its name from the five variants of poker which are the component games of Horse which are Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, and Eight or better.  Texas Hold 'em is the first game to be played and it ends with eight or better. One round of each component game is played before switching back to Texas Hold'em and the cycle begins again.

Horse is not easy to master as you need skills in multiple forms of poker and it can take years to become an expert in just one type of poker. However, if you are a rookie poker player it can be a good way to practice the different variants just try to stick to free games or low stakes at first until you get a firm grasp on the different poker component games.

How to Play Online Poker in California

To better answer the question "Can I play online poker in California?" and help get you started, we will walk you through the setup process at BetOnline offshore casino. This only takes a few minutes and is really easy. The sign-up procedure may vary slightly for other California online casinos, but in general, this is what you will need to do to create a new account. The first step is to register.

Step 1: Start the Registration Process

Look for the 'Join Now' or 'Register' option on one of our suggested California online poker sites. In the instance of BetOnline, a green registration button can be found in the top right corner.

BetOnline Poker SignUp - California Online Poker Site

Step 2: Complete the Registration Form

The sign-up form is straightforward and only requires some basic personal information. Fill out the form and click the button at the bottom to create an account. You may be required to upload specific identification documents later in order to authenticate your account before withdrawing.

BetOnline Poker Sign Up Form - California Online Poker

Step 3: Make a First Deposit

You can now log in using your BetOnline password and the email address you specified. You will see a pop-up window informing you of your BetOnline welcome bonuses. You can get your poker bonus right away by going to the cashier and selecting your preferred payment method.

BetOnline Deposits Methods - California Online Poker Sites

Step 4: Join a Poker Table

You're now ready to play as many online poker California games and California poker tournaments as you like. You can play via your browser or download the BetOnline app to play on the go. The poker lobby will display the cash tables as well as a variety of tournaments. Choose a game to play and get ready to have fun!

BetOnline Poker Cash Games - California Online Poker


Other Online Poker Guides you Might Like

Learn more about the different types of online poker games and options available online and where to best enjoy them:


Conclusion - Playing Poker in California

There's a good selection of land-based poker options available to those residing in or visiting California and a visit to a live poker venue is certainly worthwhile if you are interested in doing so.

California has not yet authorized any gaming operator to offer online poker in the state, but that’s where offshore online casinos come to the rescue.

These offshore betting sites provide an excellent range of poker games and tournaments, as well as a variety of extremely useful bonuses and intriguing poker tournaments. Leading online poker sites such as BetOnline, Bovada, and Everygame use the latest technology to provide safe and secure cash games and tournaments at various stakes.

Join the offshore poker site craze today, and you'll be up and running and playing online poker in no time!

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CA Online Poker FAQs

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Based in Scotland, Darren is a freelance writer who specialises in sports and iGaming. Darren has worked for a variety of online sports publications in the UK, US & Canada. He uses his knowledge of the US gambling market to write state betting and poker guides for Basketball Insiders.

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