Casino Gambling in California

California Casino Guide

Facts About Gambling & Online Casinos in California

California doesn’t shy away from allowing people to gamble. There are no laws specifically banning gambling as a whole, instead the state makes some forms of gambling illegal. Craps is one of the illegal forms of gambling. For legal casino games in California, you need to focus on tribal casinos, horse betting, card rooms, and an impressive list of state lottery games. Each of these pulls in plenty of revenue for the state. In fact, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported California’s tribal casino revenues were almost $7 billion in 2012.

History of Gambling in California

Horse betting is one of the oldest forms of legal gambling in California. Card rooms and poker games started in 1850, and are the oldest form. As of 2015, there were almost 100 card rooms in California. Legalized in 1933, horse betting has had a lengthy history. After the closure of a popular track in 2013, the state was left with five racetracks and dozens of establishments offering off-track bets.

The next big change came in 1984 when Proposition 37 established the California State Lottery. Proceeds go into the state’s education fund. Games range from scratch-off tickets to lotteries like Daily 3, Daily 4, Daily Derby, Fantasy 5, Hot Spot, Mega Millions, Powerball, and SuperLotto Plus.

Casinos soon followed when Proposition 1A passed in 2000. This allowed tribes to form compacts with the state and build casinos on Native American lands. As of 2014, there were 68 tribal casinos spread across California.

Age Restrictions for Gambling in California

It’s best to check with an individual casino before you head out. Some casinos and tracks allow people 18 or older. However, if the establishments also serve alcoholic beverages, only those who are 21 or older are allowed within the California casino.

California’s Casino Gambling Outlook

The state is pretty amenable to allowing people to play in online casinos. The debate on legalizing online poker remains. In 2015, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians introduced a bill to a Los Angeles assemblyman in hopes of legalizing online poker. The goal is to keep revenue in the state and avoid losing money to online poker sites established in other areas.

Local Casinos

With more than 60 casinos in California, it’s hard to list them all. Here is a small sampling of the California casinos you’ll find.

Colusa Casino Resort

North of Sacramento, Colusa Casino features more than 1,250 video slots, a variety of table games, a poker room, and a bingo hall with 750 seats.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California

Valley Center is home to Harrah’s Resort, an expansive casino with more than 1,700 slot machines, a spacious poker room, and many table games. Backed by the Harrah’s brand, you won’t be disappointed.

Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort

Located in Northern California, this casino has 1,700 slot machines, 36 table games, and 6 poker tables. While craps is illegal, this casino offers a playing card version that’s plenty of fun.

Pechanga Resort Casino

Temecula, a city north of San Diego, is home to Pechanga Casino. This large casino is home to more than 3,800 video slot, poker, and keno machines. There are also 140 table games, a poker room, and a bingo hall in this California casino resort.