California Poker

• California is known for having one of the largest casino industries in the country. There are a huge number of land-based casinos offering poker rooms and games. In recent years, more residents in CA.
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California is a poker player’s dream from a live game standpoint with some of the best (and busiest) live poker rooms and casinos in the country. Finding a nice poker room for a cash game or a tournament is usually just a short trip for most Californians.

Major tournament series like the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker Circuit also have stops in California. Regulated online poker for real money, however, has thus far remained unattainable at a legislative level.

The next best option for online players in California right now is sweepstakes poker sites, such as Global Poker, or a short trip to play some real money online poker in Nevada at WSOP.com. Until legislators get a bill across the finish line for the governor’s signature, traditional legalized online poker remains off the table in CA.

Live poker is legal in California. The Golden State now boasts some of the biggest and best poker rooms in the country. There are around 70 brick-and-mortar card rooms in California.

Best California Poker Sites

Latest California online poker news

• by Anthony Cicali IIIFebruary 11, 2021
• by Sean ChaffinOctober 10, 2019

Online Poker in California

Internet Poker California

While there aren’t any traditional legal online poker sites yet, there are some options players might check out. The neighboring state of Nevada offers one of the most popular online poker sites in the US.

WSOP.com is the online home of the World Series of Poker and offers online poker in Nevada and New Jersey. The site offers cash games, tournaments, Sit & Go’s and major tournament series.

The WSOP partners with 888poker, which provides software for the poker client and mobile poker app. 888 also offers online poker in New Jersey and Delaware. WSOP.com and 888poker offer the country’s only shared liquidity market between NJ, Nevada, and Delaware.

This makes for bigger player and prize pools than at other legal online poker sites in NJ or poker sites in Pennsylvania. By 2020, the WSOP.com/888 interstate compact was seeing even bigger increases in player pools.

The WSOP even runs some of its circuit events on the platform, offering players a chance to win championship rings. A California player heading to Las Vegas, Reno, the Lake Tahoe area, Carson City, or anywhere else in Nevada has the chance to play on WSOP.com.

Sweepstakes poker is another option for players in California. These sites are licensed under sweepstakes law (similar to McDonald’s Monopoly game, for example) to offer a mix of social gaming and real money online poker. Global Poker is the largest and most trusted of these.

Sweepstakes online poker in California

Sweepstakes poker is a reasonable alternative for Californians who want to get some real money online poker hands in. Global Poker is one of the most popular sweepstakes poker sites and provides a comparable poker experience to a standard online poker site.

Global Poker offers two forms of online poker:

• You can play free games with virtual currency in the form of Gold Coins.
• You can purchase additional Gold Coins to receive an added virtual currency called Sweeps Coins, which lets you play in separate Sweeps Coin ring games, Sit & Go’s, MTTs, and regular live tournament series with major guarantees.

Any Sweeps Coins you win can then be redeemed for real cash prizes. And just like any legalized online poker site you can securely purchase Gold Coins, receive your Sweep Coins and cash them out easily online.

Beyond California, Global Poker is available to players in 49 states (excl. WA) and Canada (excl. Quebec). If you’re wondering what its company structure is, Global Poker is owned by VGW Holdings Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia. Global is also licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, so players can expect a regulated environment with a fair game and security. VGW also owns and operates two sweeps cash casinos—Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.

Global Poker offers games in Texas Hold’em, Crazy Pineapple and Omaha.

Online Poker in Nevada

Those looking to play some traditional online poker have WSOP.com Nevada as an option in Nevada. Southern California residents have a four- to five-hour drive to Las Vegas (depending on exact location and traffic). Players hitting Sin City for some fun may also want to battle it out online in popular events like the Online Super Series, which drew record numbers in March 2020.

In Northern California, a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe, Reno, or Carson City could also include some online poker. WSOP.com is available to players anywhere in Nevada.

Getting started is easy. You can create an account from anywhere and also make a deposit from anywhere as well. Sign up only takes a few minutes and you expect to provide:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Username
• Password

Making a deposit is also easy and can be accomplished from anywhere. Players depositing at WSOP.com can use any of the following:

• E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
• Visa/Mastercard
• PayNearMe, available at thousands of retail outlets

When making that deposit, expect safety and security with legal online operators. Unregulated sites may not have well-known safe deposit methods. US-facing regulated poker sites must follow strict procedures and technical specifications to make sure player information and funds are kept secure.

Operators also make use of sign-up and deposit bonuses and that goes for WSOP.com.

It’s important to note that online operators use geolocation software to determine a player’s location when attempting to play. A player must be physically located within the state to play legally and geolocation software makes sure of that.

Real Money Poker Apps in California

Playing poker on a mobile app has never been more popular. Many players like to take advantage of the convenience and user-friendly environment that real money poker apps provide.

An app can easily be downloaded on your phone or tablet. Poker apps have improved greatly in recent years and now provide easy lobby navigation, simple game play features, and the ability to play more than one event at the same time.

Most tournaments and cash games offered online can also be found on the app. Although it’s possible to play large multi-table tournaments on some apps, smaller events like Sit & Go’s are easier to play on mobile devices.

Sweepstakes site Global Poker doesn’t yet offer an app, but players can make use of its quick play feature. It’s a web-browser based system, meaning you don’t have to download any poker software.

That system also works well in a mobile environment. Mobile players at Global Poker will basically find the same experience they’d find using a laptop or desktop computer.

Real money poker apps can also be downloaded by Californians to be used when in a state that allows online poker. Those states currently include Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Geolocation software is used to confirm that players are within a legal jurisdiction. However, players can still sign up, withdraw funds, and deposit from any location.

Free Poker Online in California

Most real money poker sites offer some form of free poker making use of virtual currency. These are often in the form of mobile apps or social media games. Popular free poker offerings from major poker providers include:

• WSOP social gaming platform
• PokerStars.net (and a social gaming platform)
• WPT social gaming platform
• ClubWPT – Sweepstakes poker site of the World Poker Tour

Free poker apps are a fun way to play and practice without any real money on the line. Global Poker also offers free ring games and tournaments through its sweepstakes model. Players also have the option of using Sweeps Coins earned as well for a shot at redeeming them for real cash.

If you want to set up a private home poker game for your friends online, you can do so via the free play money platform at PokerStars.net. You can also access free-to-play poker platforms in virtually any other non-legalized states including Florida, Texas, etc.

Estimates for Traffic in California Legal Online Poker

Legal online poker in California could be a game changer for the industry. The state is the most populous in the US with 39.5 million people. With a large number of poker rooms and casinos, there would be a massive pool of online players compared to the states where legal online poker is already live. Those are:

West Virginia poker online has also been legalized but has yet to have any sites go online.

Legalization in CA could alter the online poker landscape in the US. Major operators including PokerStars, partypoker, WSOP.com, and others would be interested in moving into the state. California legalization could also spur other high-population states to get on the bandwagon as well, especially if interstate compacts are allowed. Online poker in Florida or online poker in Texas would be similarly impactful.

As of 2020 the WSOP/888poker platform among Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware was at record numbers. Average days see between 500 and 800 players. If the site launched in California, that traffic could surge and be eclipsed easily in the Golden State.

Which Casinos in California Will Have Online Poker Sites?

If CA were to offer some type of legal online poker, it’s a good bet it would mimic current laws in other states at least to some degree. In other legal states online poker brands partner with live casinos or other gaming enterprises in the state. For example, PokerStars partners with Resorts Casino in Atlantic City and Mount Airy Casino in Pennsylvania.

There is no shortage of CA casinos and card rooms that would look to get in on the action. With such a large population, the state could also probably support a few online poker sites. There are no current partnerships with a legal framework in place, but here are a few brands that might be ready to enter the online poker arena. Those might include:

Live Poker Rooms – While they may call themselves casinos many are in fact mostly card rooms. Some of those that stand out in the state include:

• Commerce Casino
• Bicycle Club
• Gardens
• Bay 101
• Hustler
• Ocean’s Eleven

and numerous others.

Tribal casinos – Along with poker rooms, there are also several tribal casinos that might be interested in online poker partnerships. A few of those might include:

• Pechanga
• Agua Caliente
• Thunder Valley
• San Manuel
• Morongo

and others. Of these, Thunder Valley, Commerce, Bicycle, Gardens, Bay 101, and Ocean’s Eleven have all hosted WPT and WSOP Circuit events. Those with a large footprint in live poker may also look to add their imprint online.

For those hoping WSOP.com could be an option in the state, that could be possible in a legal environment. WSOP owner Caesars Entertainment operates Harrah’s Resort Southern California. This Indian casino is located in Valley Center and is owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.

If operators are allowed to partner with casino properties in the state, Harrah’s and WSOP make for a natural fit.

Popular Poker Games in California Card Rooms

Poker rooms are plentiful in California and the game has a deep tradition in the state. Numerous CA players from the state have gone on to success in major tournament series and events. Most of the major poker rooms in California offer all the major games players have come to love from low buy-ins to nosebleed stakes. The most popular poker games offered include:

• Texas Hold’em (limit and no limit)
• Omaha (and Hi/Lo)
• Seven Card Stud (and Hi/Lo)
• Lowball including Razz and Deuce to Seven
• Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple

Is Online Poker Legal in California?

Currently, online poker in California is not legal. For more than 10 years, several attempts have been made by legislators to legalize it, but with no success. With so many gaming interests in the state – including horse tracks, poker rooms, and tribal casinos – satisfying all interests with an online gaming law has been a struggle.

In those attempts, these stakeholders weren’t able to reach a consensus and the bill failed to come to a vote. In 2016, Assemblyman Adam Gray took a different approach from previous efforts and introduced AB 2863 during the 2016 legislative session. He hoped to solve the issue with the debate about whether horse racetracks should get involved in the state’s online poker industry.

The CA horse racing industry would have received up to $60 million per year from online poker taxes. Additionally, 5 percent of the annual taxes would have gone to California’s Fair and Exposition Fund, which supports administering agencies, state, county, and district fairs.

The other 95% would be divided three ways. The vast majority of that (95.4%) would go toward purses for horsemen. The remaining 4.6% would be evenly divided between pensions for horsemen and employees of racetracks. The bill didn’t address licensing fees or a tax rate. Previous versions required a $15 million deposit and a 15 percent tax rate.

AB 2863 also included a bad actor clause, which would have kept out operators like PokerStars, which operated in the US after the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was put in place in 2006. Because of this, PokerStars and its coalition rallied against the bill. The 2016 legislative session came to an end without a vote on AB 2863. Since then there hasn’t been much momentum in legalizing online poker.

Currently, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are the only states that offer traditional legal online poker. West Virginia and Michigan have also legalized online gaming, including poker, but aren’t expected to offer any online poker sites until 2021.

Previously proposed legislation included the possibility of pooling players from California with players from other states such as Nevada or New Jersey, but California would first have to legalize online poker. Even if online poker was legalized, continued debate about the Wire Act might jeopardize any current efforts at interstate compacts and shared liquidity. The Department of Justice has argued that the act applies to other forms of online gaming beyond sports betting.

The gaming industry argues that the law was meant solely for sports betting. A change in that could jeopardize online lotteries, online poker, and other forms of iGaming. The Wire Act issue remained in federal court as of April 2020, but the gaming industry (led by a lawsuit by the New Hampshire lottery) had won an early round before the DOJ appealed.

Past California online poker bills

California Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer introduced AB 167 in 2015.The bill would have permitted all card clubs, tribes and racetracks to offer online poker in California.

Additionally, it would have created player penalties for giving action to unlicensed, offshore sites.This bill had the support of the PokerStars coalition, but not the Pechanga coalition.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduced AB 9 during the 2015 California legislative session.This bill included a “bad actor” clause and did not permit licensing of racetracks. This bill had the support of the Pechanga’s coalition, but not PokerStars’ coalition.

Finally, State Sen. Isadore Hall and Assemblyman Gray introduced SB 278 and AB 431, respectively.These were placeholder bills with no primary language about online poker.

PokerStars’ coalition

PokerStars’ coalition consists of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Commerce Casino, Hawaiian Gardens and the Bicycle Casino.

This group opposes the so-called “bad actor” clause, which would exclude any company that accepted bets after Dec. 31, 2006, in the US without proper licensing.

The reason for PokerStars’ coalition’s opposition to the clause is apparent. As a result of the provision, PokerStars would be excluded from operating in California, removing the group’s partner.

The PokerStars coalition also supports the inclusion of the state’s racetracks. The consensus is that any bill that does not include the horse racing industry will get a veto by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Pechanga coalition

There are seven tribes that oppose bad actors and the participation of racetracks in California. Those tribes are:

• Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
• Barona Band of Mission Indians
• Lytton Band of Pomo Indians
• Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
• Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
• Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
• Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

Other tribal positions

Most other California tribes have remained mostly silent on the issue of racetracks or bad actors.Pala Interactive, the online gaming subsidiary of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, appears to expect the inclusion of racetracks.

Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians partnered with Caesars for its land-based casino. Hence, it seems logical that it would use WSOP.com for its interactive gaming.Rincon and Caesars both stated that they support the inclusion of PokerStars in the California online gaming market.

A Brief History of Poker in California

Poker has a deep history in California with poker dating back to its days during the Old West and American westward expansion. Poker is synonymous with the western frontier and flourished in the 19th Century during this expansion.

Miners flush with new cash during the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s hit the tables to gamble some of their new earnings. The state’s constitution in 1879 outlawed all forms of gambling but left out draw poker, which was considered a gentleman’s game. An 1891 law making gambling illegal again left out draw poker.

Legal or illegal, poker continued to flourish. Poker clubs continued into the 1900s sometimes despite even local bans on gambling. Californians historical love of poker just wouldn’t go away and Gardena became a particularly popular hotbed for several poker clubs in the 1950s.

Varying localities offered different regulations and poker rooms continued well into the 1980s and ‘90s. Poker remains extremely popular in CA and keeps alive the state’s spirit of the frontier and the favored game of the Old West.

California online poker FAQ

Why should I play only at legal online poker sites?

Should online poker ever become legal in California, players can be assured that their money and personal information are safe. In the US, legal online poker sites must adhere to strict laws and regulations. For example, the Nevada Gaming Control Board regulates online poker for the state of Nevada. WSOP.com and its partner 888poker are trusted websites with proven experience in running online gaming. Player safety and security are paramount.

WSOP.com even assures players on its website: “If you use this website to send personal data to Caesars Operating Company, Inc., your transmission will be protected by Secure Socket Layer (SSL).” SSL is a technology employed by Caesars Entertainment and other online operators that encrypts your information during transmission. Caesars further notes: “It is our policy to take all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal data is securely maintained with access limited to those who need such access to serve you.”

You won’t see anything like this at offshore, unregulated sites. They aren’t governed by any US gaming commission and don’t meet strict standards of operation like legal US sites.

Player collusion is another security issue that could impact the fairness of the game for players. To combat this, WSOP.com and other operators have software that monitors this issue and other discrepancies. This helps maintain the integrity of the game. Offshore and underground sites are not as heavily regulated as legal online poker sites. Slow payouts and loss of player funds are regular complaints of former players. Playing on legal, safe online poker sites offers numerous player protections.

Why is California behind other states in legalizing online poker?

While California was one of the first states to offer legal card clubs, its ability to move that a variety of factors hampers the industry’s move to the internet.

There are three gaming segments in California: card clubs, racetracks and tribes. All three have different opinions as to how to approach online poker, even within the groups. Because of this, there are issues with agreeing on how to move forward.

Additionally, there are conservative groups that oppose any form of gambling expansion.

How many poker players are there in CA?

That’s a difficult question to answer but a visit to any card room in the state will find plenty of players battling it out at the poker table. With a population of 39.5 million, it’s a good bet at least a few million consider themselves poker players to some degree or another.

Can you play on PokerStars in CA?

No, PokerStars is available to players in numerous countries around the world, but that doesn’t include all of the US. As of April 2020, PokerStars is only available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the US. And these states are “fenced in” markets, meaning players in those states only play each other online – no shared liquidity markets at the moment.

Can you play on WSOP.com in CA?

No, WSOP.com is currently only available in Nevada and New Jersey, where it functions in a shared liquidity market. That also includes its software partner 888poker’s offerings in New Jersey and Delaware. This combination remains the largest legal online poker platform in the US.

New players on WSOP.com in legal states can currently claim a free no deposit bonus for opening a new poker account.

Does Commerce Casino have an online poker site?

Commerce Casino doesn’t have an online poker site. However, you can follow the casino’s news on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Here you can keep updated with the latest news and receive discounts, invitations, and special deals and promotions.

Does Bicycle Casino have an online poker site?

The Bicycle Casino doesn’t have an online poker site. However, it does boast livestream poker games with its Live at the Bike online show. The poker room remains one of the most popular in the state.

Can you play on offshore poker sites in CA?

Offshore poker sites are NOT licensed or regulated. This may make players’ information and funds vulnerable to security breaches. Players of these sites often complain about slow payouts and if the site folds altogether players may not be refunded.

A better option for California residents would be to use a platform in Nevada. Global Poker, a sweepstakes poker site, is another option and is available to players in the Golden State.

What are the main issues keeping online poker from legal online poker?

The main issues pertaining to the inclusion of racetracks and PokerStars.

Will California offer legal online casino games?

All bills introduced up to this point have only proposed legalizing poker. They did not include casino games or sports betting.

Will California pool with other legal poker states?

Most California online poker bills have proposed the possibility of sharing players with other states, so it is possible that California could choose to pool players with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware should the state move forward on legalizing internet poker.

As of 2020, however, this wasn’t just a question of a state’s choice. Until the murkiness of the Wire Act is made clear, interstate compacts remain an open question.

Other states that have recently legalized, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan, haven’t included shared liquidity in their online gaming legislation. This could be altered once legal disputes are cleared up on the issue.

How soon would California launch online poker if it passes legislation?

It would take between 12 and 18 months for California online poker to launch if approved by lawmakers.

Will PokerStars operate in California?

That depends on the bill that eventually passes. While some include language that would specifically exclude PokerStars, some industry experts believe that a bill excluding PokerStars can never pass in California.

How much tax revenue will California generate?

It is estimated that California online poker rooms would generate about $350 million a year in rake. This would translate to $35 million a year in tax revenue at a rate of 10 percent.

Additional licensing fees for sites and employees would also create taxes for the state.

Will California poker sites be available outside of California?

Legal California poker sites would only be available in states where a liquidity sharing agreement is created. Otherwise, players will be required to be in California at the time of action.

California Poker Room Map

When it comes to legal gambling, California is a mixed bag. Gambling, online or in-person, remain illegal on state land. The only exceptions are card rooms (which tend to focus on poker), horse race betting, and the state lottery. Anyone who wants to get their fix of classic casino gambling (i.e. slots, table games, and Bingo), will have to go to one of California’s 69+ tribal casinos.

While CA authorities don’t allow poker just anywhere, enthusiasts within California’s borders will find that there are many ways to enjoy their favorite game. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about California poker and tell you where you can play a few hands.

California Online Sweepstakes Poker

Although online poker is not legal in California, online sweepstakes poker is a great alternative option. Essentially, sweepstakes poker sites allow players to join games that use digital Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins as currency. These currencies don’t hold any actual monetary value. So how does play poker to earn cash prizes?

Online sweepstakes sites like Global Poker allow players to purchase packages of Gold Coins. These coins are the currency for the standard Gold Coins poker games. On the other hand, Sweeps Coins, which are acquired for free with the purchase of Gold Coin packages (and by participating in certain promotions), are used to play in “cash” or Sweeps Coins games.

Only in Sweeps Coins poker games can you win more Sweeps Coins. Once you’ve accumulated a minimum number of Sweeps Coins, sweepstakes poker sites will allow you to trade them in for cash prizes. However, it’s rare for a player to earn significant cash prizes playing sweepstakes poker, so the experience is more ideal for casual players.

Global Poker

Global Poker is, by far, the best legitimate online poker sweepstakes site you can sign up for in California. There are several sign-up bonuses (like a free package of Gold Coins), and you’ll find both Texas Hold ‘Em and Pot-Limit Omaha offered on the site.

While Global Poker isn’t offered as a mobile app, the site is optimized for both desktop and mobile users. It also benefits from a pretty consistent user base, so finding a game is usually easy. Weekly and daily tournaments allow players the opportunity to win cash prizes with higher stakes.

Card Rooms

Card rooms are essentially licensed gambling houses where players can compete against one another instead of the house. They avoid California’s anti-gambling legislation since, as of recent revisions to card room rules, players take turns operating as the dealer or the house.

This does make games progress a little more slowly than those at brick-and-mortar casinos. Still, this is one of the only ways players can participate in cash games for poker without visiting a tribal casino.

There are 66 card rooms currently operating in California. However, this number may decrease with time since 1995 saw the introduction of new legislation declaring a moratorium on new card room locations.

Card rooms often host daily or weekly tournaments and competitions to draw in new players. Several of the most popular card rooms, like The Bike or Commerce, have even hosted major poker tournaments like the World Series of Poker.

Northern California Card Rooms

California Poker News

• Artichoke Joe’s Casino – 659 Huntington Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066
• Bay 101 – 1788 N 1st St., San Jose, CA 95112
• Black Sheep Casino – 3181 Cameron Park Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682
• 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 95928
• (Club) Casino Club – 1885 Hilltop Dr., Redding, CA 96002
• Casino M8trix – 1887 Matrix Blvd., San Jose, CA 95110
• Casino Marysville – 515 4th St., Marysville, CA 95901
• Club San Rafael – 721 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael CA 94901
• Garlic City Club – 8630 San Ysidro Ave. #100, Gilroy, CA 95020
• Hotel Del Rio & Casino – 209 2nd St., Isleton, CA 95641
• Lake Bowl Card Room – 511 East Bidwell St., Folsom, CA 95630
• Limelight Card Room – 1014 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816
• Livermore Casino – 3571 1st St., Livermore, CA 94551
• Lucky Chances Casino – 1700 Hillside Blvd., Colma, CA 94014
• Magnolia House Casino – 11275 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
• Napa Valley Casino – 3466 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503
• The Nineteenth Hole – 7071 Airline Hwy., Tres Pinos, CA 95075
• Oaks Card Club – 4097 San Pablo Ave., Emeryville, CA 94608
• Palace Card Room – 22821 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541
• Parkwest Casino 580 – 968 North Canyons Pkwy., Livermore, CA 94551
• Parkwest Casino Cordova – 2801 Prospect Park Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
• (Lotus) Parkwest Casino Lotus – 6010 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95824
• Parkwest Casino Sonoma – 5151 Montero Way, Petaluma, CA 94954
• Rogelio’s, Inc. – 34 Main St., Isleton, CA 95641
• The Saloon at Stones Gambling Hall – 6510 Antelope Rd., Citrus Heights, CA 95621
• The Tavern at Stones Gambling Hall – 6508 Antelope Rd., Citrus Heights, CA 95621
• Towers Casino – 115 Bank St., Grass Valley, CA 95945

Southern California Card Rooms

• 500 Club Casino – 771 West Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA 93612
• Aviator – 1225 Airport Dr., Delano, CA 93215
• Banker’s Casino – 111 Monterey St., Salinas, CA 93901
• Bicycle Casino – 888 Bicycle Casino Dr., Bell Gardens, CA 90201
• Bruce’s Casino – 116 Main St., Blythe, CA 92225
• Cameo Club – 552 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., Stockton, CA 95207
• Casino Merced – 1459 Martin Luther King Jr. Way # 5, Merced, CA 95340
• Casino Real – 1355 North Main St., Manteca, CA 95336
• Central Coast Casino – 359 West Grand Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
• Club One Casino, Inc. – 1033 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721
• Commerce Casino – 131 Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040
• Crystal Casino – 123 East Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA 90220
• Deuce Lounge & Casino – 30435 Road 68, Visalia, CA 93291
• Diamond Jim’s Casino – 118 20th St. W., Rosamond, CA 93560
• Empire Sportsmen’s Assoc. – 5001 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95356
• Golden West Casino – 1001 South Union Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93307
• Hawaiian Gardens Casino – 11871 East Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
• Hollywood Park Casino – 3883 West Century Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303
• Hustler Casino – 1000 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247
• King’s Card Club – 6111 West Ln. #103, Stockton, CA 95210
• La Fuerza – 175 East Antelope Ave., Woodlake, CA 93286
• Lake Elsinore Hotel and Casino – 20930 Malaga Rd., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
• Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino – 1045 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
• Lucky Lady Card Room – 5526 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
• Marina Club – 204 Carmel Ave., Marina, CA 93933
• Mike’s Card Casino – 824 North Yosemite Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361
• Oasis Card Room – 117 E. Ridgecrest Boulevard # A, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
• Ocean View Casino – 709 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
• Ocean’s Eleven Casino – 121 Brooks St., Oceanside, CA 92054
• Oceana Card Room – 1795 Front St., Oceana, CA 93445
• Old Cayucos Tavern – 130 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, CA 93430
• Outlaws Card Parlour – 9850 E. Front St., Atascadero, CA 93422
• Parkwest Casino Lodi – 1800 South Cherokee Ln., Lodi, CA 95240
• Paso Robles Central Coast Casino – 1144 Black Oak Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446
• Pinnacle Casino – 955 Front St., Soledad, CA 93960
• Player’s Casino – 6580 Auto Center Dr., Ventura, CA 93003
• Poker Flats Casino – 1714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced, CA 95340
• Seven Mile Casino – 285 Bay Blvd., Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Star’s Casino – 775 West Clover Rd., Tracy, CA 95376
• Sundowner Card Room – 15638 Avenue 296, Visalia, CA 93292
• Tommy’s Casino & Saloon – 467 Main St., El Centro, CA 92243
• Turlock Poker Room – 2321 West Main St., Turlock, CA 95380
• Westlane – 6111 West Ln. #103, Stockton, CA 95210

Indian Casino Poker

Tribal casinos are allowed to operate throughout California because these establishments are technically built on sovereign tribal ground. Thus, they aren’t beholden to the regular anti-gambling laws that affect the rest of the state.

At tribal casinos, visitors and guests can enjoy all the gambling activities they would expect to find in Las Vegas, although the actual offerings differ from casino to casino. Some Indian casinos in California offer poker while others do not. Some even operate entire card rooms.

Tribal casinos frequently offer staple poker varieties like Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha Hold ‘Em, although some places offer rarer game types. At these casinos, players will also be able to find California table games like Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em.

Poker is usually played in dedicated rooms with comfortable seating and several amenities nearby, rather than on the main casino floor. Poker rooms may be small (with only one or two tables) or relatively large (possessing enough tables for dozens of guests). It all depends on the casino.

Northern CA Indian Casinos With Poker

• Barona Resort and Casino – 1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040
• Bear River Casino Resort – 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, CA 95551
• Blue Lake Casino and Hotel – 777 Casino Way, Blue Lake, CA 95525
• Cache Creek Casino Resort – 14455 Highway 16, Brooks, CA 95606-0065
• Colusa Casino Resort – 3770 Highway 45, Colusa, CA 95932-1267
• Coyote Valley Casino – 7751 N. State Street, Redwood Valley, CA 95418
• Desert Rose Casino – 901 Country Rd. 56 Alturas, CA 96101
• Diamond Mountain Casino and Resort – 900 Skyline Dr., Susanville, CA 96130
• Elk Valley Casino – 2500 Howland Hill Rd., Crescent City, CA 95531-9241
• Feather Falls Casino and Lodge – 3 Alberta Dr., Oroville, CA 95966
• Garcia River Casino – 22215 Windy Hollow Rd., Point Arena, CA 95468
• Gold Country Casino and Hotel – 4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, CA 95966
• Graton Resort and Casino – Wilfrid Avenue and Stony Point Road, Rohnert Park, CA 95441
• Havasu Landing Resort and Casino – 1 Main Street, Havasu Lake, CA 92363
• Hollywood Casino Jamul – 14145 Campo Rd., Jamul, CA 91935
• Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort – 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642
• Konocti Vista Casino – 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Finley, CA 95435
• Lucky 7 Casino and Hotel – 350 N. Indian Rd., Smith River, CA 95567
• Lucky Bear Casino – Shopping Center, Highway 96, Hoopa, CA 95546
• Pit River Casino – 20265 Tamarack Ave., Burney, CA 96013
• Rain Rock Casino – Interstate 5, Yreka, CA
• Red Fox Casino – 200 Cahto Dr., Laytonville, CA 95454
• Red Hawk Casino – 1 Red Hawk Boulevard, Placerville, CA 95667
• River Rock Casino – 3250 Highway 128 E., Geyserville, CA 95441
• Robinson Rancheria Resort, Casino, and Bingo – 1545 East Hwy. 20, Nice CA 95464
• Rolling Hills Casino – 2655 Barham Ave., Coming, CA 96021
• Running Creek Casino – 635 East Hwy. 20, Upper Lake, CA 95485
• San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino – 5797 North Victoria Ave., Highland, CA 92346
• San Pablo Lytton Casino – 13255 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, CA 94806
• Spa Resort Casino – 140 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Thunder Valley Station Casino – 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln, CA 95648
• Tortoise Rock Casino – 73829 Base Line Rd., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
• Twin Pine Casino and Hotel – 22223 Highway 29, Middletown, CA 95461
• Valley View Casino and Hotel – 16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
• Viejas Casino and Resort – 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, CA 91901
• Win-River Resort and Casino – 2100 Redding Rancheria Rd., Redding, CA 96001

Southern CA Indian Casinos With Poker

• Harrah’s Resort Southern California – 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, CA 92082
• Casino Pauma – 777 Pauma Reservation Rd., Pauma Valley, CA 92061
• Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center – 1800 Golden Way Ray, Campo, CA 91906
• Hollywood Casino Jamul – 14145 Campo Rd., Jamul, CA 91935
• Pala Casino Spa Resort – 11154 Highway 76, Pala CA 92059
• Sycuan Casino and Golf Resort – 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
• Quechan Casino and Resort – 525 Algodones Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283
• Agua Caliente Casino Resort – 32-250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
• Augustine Casino – 84-001 Avenue 54 at Van Buren, West Coachella, CA 92236
• Cahuilla Casino – 52702 Highway 371, Anza, CA 92539
• Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy., India, CA 92203-3499
• Morongo Casino Resort Spa – 49750 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230
• Soboba Casino – 23333 Soboba Road, San Jacinto, CA 92581
• Pechanga Resort Casino – 45000 Pala Road, Temecula, CA 92592
• Spotlight 29 Casino – I-10 at Dillon Road, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella, CA 92236
• Chumash Casino Resort – 3400 East Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460-9405
• Paiute Palace Casino – 2742 North Sierra Hwy., Bishop, CA 93514
• Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino – 17225 Jersey Avenue, Lemoore, CA 93245
• Eagle Mountain Casino – 681 S. Tule Rd., Porterville, CA 93258
• Table Mountain Casino – 8184 Table Mountain Road, Friant, CA 93626
• Chukchansi Gold Casino Resort and Casino – 711 Lucky Ln., Coarsegold, CA 93614
• North Fork Rancheria Resort Hotel and Casino – 33143 Rd 222, North Fork, CA 93643
• Black Oak Casino – 19400 Tuolumne Road North, Tuolumne, CA 95379-9724

Types Of Poker In California

The majority of card rooms and tribal casinos in California stick to two major poker types: Texas and Omaha Hold ‘Em. They offer cash games and poker tournaments.

The former is arguably the most popular type of poker in the world. For those who don’t already know, here’s how you play:

• All players get two hole cards that are dealt facedown
• Five community cards are dealt face up and are progressively flipped in three stages
• Players collectively seek to hold the best five-card poker hand from any combination between their hole cards and the community cards in the center of the table
• Players compete by checking bets, raising bets, or folding if they wish to forfeit a hand

Omaha Hold ‘Em is also fairly common. The big difference between these two games is that Omaha poker gives the player four hole cards instead of two. Of those four hole cards, players must use exactly two of their cards to make the best hand possible with the community cards. This is a popular casual poker variety since each player has a generally higher chance of making a successful hand, resulting in more betting across the table.

Aside from these major game types, card rooms and casinos often offer games like Seven Card Stud, Pai Gow Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em. These are more casual games but are often allowed in casinos or card rooms.

California Poker FAQ

It depends on the gambling institution. If a poker game occurs at a tribal casino, it will be regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Alternatively, if a poker game is held at a card room, it will be regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission.

California hasn’t been very gambling-friendly since it became a state, with the exception of horse racing (which has been an iconic betting activity since the early 1900s). Currently, California tribes, which earn a huge amount of their revenue from the gaming industry, are resistant to the state legalizing new forms of gambling. Online casinos (including poker), for example, would likely mean an increase in competition.

The legal gambling age in California is 18-years-old. Tribal casinos, however, usually set their minimum age to 21-years-old. This prevents underage drinking from occurring on their premises.

Yes, but not for money. It’s technically illegal to host a cash poker game even in your own home. This law is designed to stop anyone from starting an unlicensed commercial casino.