San Diego Casinos: Where to Gamble Online and Live in San Diego California

Located on the Pacific coast of California with a population of nearly 1.4 million people, San Diego is known for its beaches, parks, and good weather. It was incorporated in 1850 by the USA and is the closest city to the Mexico’s West-most border post. But what about gambling in San Diego?

Is gambling legal in San Diego and can you play at casinos? In this guide, we will address all you need to know about the gambling laws in California, whether there are any land-based casinos in San Diego and the top online casinos in San Diego for 2023.

Best Online Casinos in San Diego

The Best Online Casinos in San Diego

Our expert in-house reviewers have worked hard to compile a list of top-rated online casinos in San Diego that offer the best quality games and bonuses. The list of 10 vetted operators below represents the safest and fairest offshore San Diego online casinos.

1. Las Atlantis —  Massive 280% welcome offer – the biggest one in San Diego
2. Wild Casino — Exciting Welcome Bonus on first 5 deposits
3. Bovada — Largest selection of live dealer casino games on offer
4. MyBookie — Best San Diego casino for 3D slots
5. BetOnline — $1 million in monthly tournaments for San Diego Casino players
6. El Royale— Huge amount of free spin promos
7. Everygame — Regular bonuses for San Diego casino guests
8. BUSR— Great 3D slots for San Diego Casino players
9. BetUS — Excellent selection of blackjack games in San Diego
10. Super Slots — Top RTP payouts – Up-to-date reports every month

Best Online Casino San Diego List Reviewed

From our top 10-list of casinos, we managed to further isolate five brands that perform above and beyond. These are easily some of the best online casinos in the US. We’ve taken the time to provide an in-depth mini-review of each of the San Diego Casinos so that you can get a clear picture of what to expect when playing at each one of these sites.

1. Las Atlantis- Best Overall Online Casino in San Diego

Las Atlantis is without a doubt one of the best online casinos available for residents of San Diego. Bettors can take their pick of over 265 online games including a wide array of blackjack, roulette, slots, baccarat, and some specialty games. All of this is delivered on a website with a unique nautical theme design, that operates smoothly on desktop and mobile devices.

Las Atlantis stands out in the area of bonuses and promotions with offers you can find only at the best casinos. Not only does the casino offer a generous $14,000 deposit bonus using the Las Atlantis promo code but also substantial ongoing promos.

It’s also a casino that offers plenty of payment options. Players will always find suitable payment options, whether it be credit or debit cards, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, eWallets, or wire transfers. If you should encounter any issues, the Las Atlantis customer service offers a trifecta of efficiency with live chat, email, and phone options, working 24/7.

 

2. Wild Casino – Exciting Welcome Bonus on first 5 deposits

Operating under Panamanian license, Wild Casino is owned alongside BetOnline, by Eddie Robbins III under the Commission.bz brand. It ranks as our #1 casino in San Diego, offering a competitive overall package by way of a jungle theme.

Enjoy safe gaming thanks to high-level SSL security while navigating easily to your desired games on the platform using a simple and user-friendly menu system. While you can play a host of slots and other RNG games from game makers like Betsoft, Dragon Gaming, and Nucleus Games, the live casino titles offer the best bet limits. They range between 50c and $10,000 per round.

Like all competitive online casinos in San Diego California, Wild Casino provides a stacked welcome bonus. Boost your first 5 deposits up to $5,000 and roll over the funds 35x before withdrawing your rewards. You can withdraw up to $100,000 in winnings when using cryptocurrency banking methods. However, mainstream banking via wire transfer, bank card, money order, and check is available to those who prefer fiat currency.

 

3.    Bovada – Largest selection of live dealer casino games on offer

Bovada has built a stellar reputation for the quality of its platform. Licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission under the ownership of Lynton limited, it continues to lead the way for San Diego casino operators when it comes to mobile compatibility and seamless remote gameplay.

You can enjoy over 300 casino games from game providers like RTG, Betsoft, Rival Games, and ViG. The table limits are on the low side though, as players can barely bet more than $2,500 per round on the roulette and blackjack tables. While that is fine for most gamers, high rollers may want to try one of our other San Diego casino operators.

Be sure to take advantage of the low 25x wagering requirements tied to their $3,000 welcome offer. It means that you will be able to withdraw your winnings way sooner than at most other casinos on this list. The qualifying deposit is a little high though at $50, but you can pay it over with ease using your credit card or a check. For the best results, we recommend using your Bitcoin wallet. The deposit limits are far more accommodating at $10 to $5,000 per transaction.

 

4. BetOnline – $1 million in monthly tournaments for San Diego Casino players

BetOnline is a casino and sports betting site that operates under the same umbrella as Wild Casino above. Its Panamanian license provides a gateway to offer a strong contingent of games and entertainment by way of a modern and user-friendly site that is backed by industry-leading security measures.

BetOnline boasts the biggest game selection of any other online casino in San Diego. There are currently around 500 individual game titles available from Betsoft, Nucleus Gaming, ViG, and others. These include slots, video poker, table games, and live casino titles. Being able to play limits of up to $10,000 per round, makes BetOnline the perfect place for high-roller gamers. Their offering of a comprehensive sportsbook and poker room rounds off the offering perfectly.

You can deposit a bankroll of between $20 and $5,000. Be sure to claim the welcome bonus of 100% up to $3,000 to boost your first three deposits. You’ll need to wager the bonus 30 times before you can withdraw any funds. Fortunately, the casino provides high withdrawal limits of up to $500,000 when you join up. This ensures that you needn’t feel restricted in any way.

 

5. BetUS – The biggest selection of blackjack games in San Diego

BetUS has been providing sportsbook and casino fun for over 2 decades under the watchful eye of the Curacao eGaming Commission. It makes BetUS a reputable casino in San Diego

If blackjack is your game of choice, then BetUS should be your pick among the San Diego casino operators on our list. There are currently more than 40 live casino blackjack variants along with several RNG versions. This is in addition to the 350+ other casino games like slots, video poker games, roulette, and more. The only unfortunate thing is that the table limits in most RNG games are limited to $100 per hand. Look to the live dealer options for better stakes.

You can make deposits with several banking methods, including prominent American bank cards, bank wire transfer, or by using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash. Be sure to add the CA150 bonus code to activate the $3,000 Welcome bonus when you top up for the first time. You will need to wager the bonus 30x within 14 days to claim your bonus rewards. You can, however, only draw out $5,000 in winnings per day.

 

Discover Our In-Depth Casino Reviews and Get the Best Casino Bonus Codes:

 

Top Online Casinos in San Diego – Bonus and Games Comparison

To compare the entertainment and bonus package of the casinos we presented, simply explore the table below. A brief glance at the table will give you an understanding of the size of the welcome bonus offer, the promo code for the deal, the rollover requirements for the bonus, the number of games available at the casino  the types of games available, and the software providers involved in producing the games.

 

Check Out Our Casino Guides

 

Casino San Diego Online Comparison – Payment Methods

In the table below we provide an overview of the payment facilities offered at each online casino in San Diego. It includes information on what payments methods are accepted, what fees are charged for transactions, and how quickly each operator releases withdrawal requests.

Discover Our Popular Payment Method Guides

How to Play at San Diego Online Casinos?

Getting set up to play at a casino in San Diego is a walk in the park. But you’ll have to register a gaming account before you can do anything else. Follow our step for step process below for joining a San Diego casino online. We will use the registration process at Wild Casino as an example of how quick and simple the process is.

Step 1: Register your account

Get the process started at your favorite casino in San Diego by clicking here and hitting the “Join Now” tab at the top of the homepage screen.

Step 2: Fill in the Form Submission

A form will pop up on the screen for you to fill in with some of your private details. Enter your email address, a unique password, your contact number, physical address, and more before creating your account.

Step 3: Deposit Your Funds

Once the registration process is complete, you will be taken to the cashier’s page to make your first deposit. Simply, choose your payment method of choice, select an amount to transfer and then follow the prompts that come next. Be sure to enter the respective bonus code for the casino you are joining. This way, you will be treated to a Welcome Bonus boost on the first deposit.

Step 4: Play casino games in San Diego

Once the funds reflect in your account, you can set about playing the wealth of slots and table games available on each platform.

Gambling Laws in San Diego – Is Gambling Legal in San Diego?

The gambling laws in San Diego are not dissimilar to many other cities and regions in the US. At the moment, the only legal forms of gambling in San Diego California include Indian Tribal land-based casinos, the California State Lottery, horserace betting, and charitable gaming (bingo and raffles). These are all regulated by the California Gaming Control Commission.

Commercial card rooms are also permitted across the city, offering players the chance to play poker and other card games against each other. These card rooms are not formalized casinos as players never take on the house head-to-head. The house simply claims a rake of the stake.

Because land-based casinos in San Diego can only operate on tribal lands, there are no legal casinos within the city limits of San Diego.

Is Online Gambling in San Diego Legal?

The only form of online gambling permissible in San Diego is Daily Fantasy Sports, sweepstake casinos, and horserace betting. However, online sports betting, poker, and internet casinos are illegal in the city, as there is no regulatory framework to govern them properly.

San Diego residents may, however, play online at a San Diego casino stationed offshore. The laws surrounding the legality of this are somewhat unclear. Until now, offshore online casinos have exploited the grey area in the legislation, offering competitive remote gambling to residents of the area. The recommended San Diego casino operators on this page, like Wild Casino, and Bovada, are classic examples of top sites to play at.

History of Gambling in San Diego

The history of gambling in San Diego spans back to the birth of the state in the 1850s. Back then poker was already a cultural staple amongst miners and workers in the area. To get a jump on the expected prohibition laws, California redefined poker as a game of skill and not a game of chance. As such, card rooms have frequented the San Diego cityscape for well over 100 years.

The latter part of the 20^th Century saw the legalization of the lottery and tribal casinos, which have been the mainstay for the gambling economy until now. The next move is to legalize online sports betting in California, an ordeal that looks set to rumble on for some time after the crushing defeat in the 2022 ballots.

Here is a brief overview of the history of gambling in the San Diego area:

• 1850s – Poker declared a game of skill and card rooms were legalized.
• 1933 – Horserace betting is legalized.
• 1983 – Sycuan Casino near San Diego California opens as a bingo hall.
• 1984 – The state lottery is instituted, providing legal gambling for San Diegans.
• 1987 – US Supreme Court rules that California may not prevent Indian Tribes from opening casinos. This provides open doors for the first San Diego casinos to open.
• 1991 – The Viejas Casino opens its doors near San Diego.
• 2022 – The new sports betting bill goes before the voters, and ends in crushing defeat.

Land-Based San Diego Casino Venues

California’s laws specifically state that commercial casinos are illegal. As such, there are no land-based casinos in San Diego City. Card rooms are, however, legal and can be found dotted around the state.

The last card room in the city was Lucky Lady Casino in San Diego. Unfortunately, the city forcefully shut down this establishment in 2020 because the owner ran an illegal sports betting business from the venue.

Casinos Near San Diego – Indian Casinos in San Diego

There are plenty of gambling resorts near San Diego though. Each of these is owned and run by various Indian Tribes under established tribal compacts with the state. So, if you are looking to play at a legal casino in San Diego, you will need to travel a few minutes to get there. Here are some of the best places to visit:

1. Hollywood Casino Jamul San Diego

Address: 14145 Campo Rd, Jamul, CA 91935, United States

Now known simply as Jamul Casino in San Diego, this gaming venue is the perfect day trip for those wanting to explore a world of fun playing casino games. There is also ample opportunity for dining at restaurants or enjoying live events and entertainment.

Make yourself comfortable for a meal at one of 6 restaurants and coffee bars before hitting the gaming floor. Once at the casino, you can enjoy a host of game options. You can try thousands of the market’s hottest new slot games, or try your hand at table games like roulette, craps, blackjack, and more.

There are several exclusive rooms at the casino too. These include a high-limit room, an Asian gaming room, and a private VIP lounge. Poker card sharks can also enjoy an exclusive experience at the dedicated poker lounge.

2. Casino Pauma

Address: 777 Pauma Reservation Rd, Pauma Valley, CA 92061, United States

Another great day visitor’s destination is Casino Pauma. Voted number #1 for the loosest slots in SoCal, you can be sure that each spin of the reels comes with high anticipation of fun. The machines line the 35,000 square foot floor, providing everything from classic games to the hottest new titles.

You can also enjoy plenty of blackjack action. Here, you can experience some of the lowest limits in Southern California and enjoy numerous side-betting options to up the stakes, if you like. The more you play, the more perks you earn as part of the Player’s Club, so be sure to sign up for membership when there.

Round off your stay with some exquisite cuisine from several restaurants or catch a live show. For more information on the entertainment on offer, refer to the San Diego casino’s events calendar.

San Diego Hotels Casino

If you’d like to enjoy casino gaming while staying at the resort, there is a host of venues for you to pick and choose from. Each Indian Casino in San Diego strives to outdo the next one with its offering of amenities, restaurants, and more. The top San Diego Hotel casinos include:

1. Valley View Casino San Diego

Address: 16300 Nyemii Pass, Valley Center, CA 92082, United States

If you’d like to pair luxury suites with outstanding views, then Valley Casino should be your destination of choice. Book a room to suit your needs and set yourself up for a five-star gambling session. Round-off your stay with breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of the several restaurants.

Before you even get started on the gaming floor, you can take a browse through a long list of promotions on offer on the various games. This all makes the experience that much more rewarding. Of course, most of the fun to be had is on the gaming floor itself. Here, you can enjoy all your favorite slot machines, video poker machines, and more.

The table games are built for your budget, as the limits vary greatly. Here, you can enjoy various poker games, blackjack, and more. One of the biggest attractions right now is the Richer Roulette variant. It will make you feel like you are spinning for great stakes in Vegas, itself.

2. Harrah’s Casino San Diego

Address: 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082, United States

Harrah’s Casino is a Caesar’s Entertainment resort. As such, you can only expect the most superb entertainment in the area. You can book your stay in rooms or suites with several comfort levels and peaceful vistas of the surrounding countryside. These are complimented by amenities such as a pool and spa.

When it comes to dining, few casinos in San Diego can compete, as there 5 fast-food establishments, 6 casual dining restaurants, and an upscale restaurant to boot.

If there is a casino game you are thinking about, there’s a good chance you will find it on their floor. There are more than 1,500 slots and 50 table games. The table titles include craps, roulette, Pai   Gow, EZ Baccarat, Poker (several variants), Blackjack, and more.

Other great San Diego casinos with hotels:

• Pala Casino San Diego
• Barona Casino San Diego
• Viejas Casino San Diego
• Pechanga Casino San Diego
• Sycuan Casino Resort

Casino Locations in San Diego

Please use the table below to find the address of your favorite land-based casino in San Diego California.

Map of San Diego Casino Venues

If you are looking for a casino near San Diego California, you’re in luck. Many of them are within quick traveling distance of one another. Explore our map below to familiarize yourself with where each one is.

The Future of Online Casinos in San Diego

The domestic future of regulated online casinos does not look promising. The state has not even legalized online sports betting yet, so online casinos have little hope of seeing the light of day for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully, those looking to enjoy California online casinos right now can load up at an offshore online casino in San Diego. Wild Casino is our top pick for CA gamblers, however, BetOnline, Bovada, Ignition, and BetUS all provide similar quality packages.

Sports Betting in San Diego

The US Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, which removed all laws from the books that outlaw sports betting. However, California has not yet officially legalized it in the state. This means that there are no current sports betting venues or sites operating locally from San Diego or its surrounds. This does not look set to change in 2023, after a bad defeat in the 2022 ballot the earliest it could potentially be voted on again is 2023.

If you’d like to play online, you can try your luck at one of our offshore casinos and sportsbook sites. BetOnline, BetUS, and Bovada offer a fair selection of markets with competitive odds and are widely renowned as some of the best betting sites in California.

Conclusion: Gambling in San Diego

If you’re looking for an exciting gambling experience on the warm West Coast, a visit to a land-based casino near San Diego California will do the trick. The top venues present ample amenities, accommodation, and entertainment highlights for anyone looking for a weekend getaway or longer.

You can make up for the lack of in-state online casinos by enjoying the welcome offer and game library at Las Atlantis. Be sure to register your account, top up your bankroll, and enjoy a host of slots, video poker games, table games, and live casino titles from the convenience of your mobile phone or desktop computer.

FAQs

Can I win real money at online casinos in San Diego?

Yes, players can and do win money playing casino games at online casinos in San Diego. You can place both cryptocurrency and real money wagers at each casino on our list. It, therefore, stands to reason that your winnings will be payable in the corresponding currency.

Which online casinos in San Diego offer the Best Payouts?

The top 5 casinos that we selected for the mini-reviews on this page all offer a similar game library. As such, the payout percentages from casino to casino are very similar. All of the online casinos offer way better returns than any land-based San Diego casino.

Are online casinos in San Diego safe?

The question of safety at online casinos in San Diego comes down to a series of factors. The operator must be licensed, must offer SSL browser security encryption, must offer safe payment methods, and must operate a legitimate support center. Our recommended San Diego casino operator’s comply on all levels and are, therefore, safe to play at.

Are online casinos legal in San Diego?

Online casino gambling is not specifically regulated in San Diego. It is, therefore, theoretically illegal. Offshore casinos operate in a grey area that does not expressly forbid their services. For this reason, players enjoying their entertainment are not really contravening the law.

What is the best online casino in San Diego?

Our top pick online casino in San Diego is Las Atlantis. The operator offers a good spread of games, excellent bonuses, and plenty of payment methods. Of course, choosing the best casinos in San Diego California is a subjective task that depends largely on player preferences.

Will I Face Trouble for Playing at Online Casinos in San Diego?

While online casinos are not regulated in the state, there is little chance of running into hot water with the law for playing at offshore San Diego casino operators. The authorities are far more interested in clamping down on illegal gambling houses in the state than stopping you from gambling outside of  the state.

How Do I Stay Safe Playing Casino Games Online in San Diego?

Staying safe while playing at San Diego casino operators comes down to being responsible and aware of your surroundings. Be sure to vet the operator properly before making your deposit and be sure to read through the casino’s terms and conditions thoroughly before committing to its membership.