Is online casino gaming legal in California?
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While online casino gaming has become more legalized and prominent throughout the United States, not every state has jumped on the bandwagon just yet. Especially if you never gambled as a California resident or if you are about to become legal gambling age, you may be wondering if online casino gaming is legal in California.
No, casino gaming with the intent to earn real money is unfortunately not legalized in California currently. Wagering on casino games is against the law and not possible because there are no legally regulated online casinos for people in this state to engage in these activities. You unfortunately cannot make a hit in Blackjack, spin a slot reel, or make bets in a virtual roulette room from the comfort of your home if you are a California resident.
Hence, this means that you cannot legally gamble at an online casino while physically located in California. You would have to visit an American state or another country around the world where online gambling is permitted if you are a California resident interested in online casino gaming.
Log on to the online casino if you plan to be in the area to enjoy a remote casino gaming experience during your stay. If you are within legal limits, you can safely and legally make wagers on the available betting and casino games on their platform such as slots and even table games such as roulette, Blackjack, and baccarat.
What States Allow Casino Gaming for Real Money?
New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut are the only six states that have legalized online casino gaming among the 50 states throughout the country. Hence, most states that have legalized online casino gaming are stationed on the East Coast except for Michigan in the Midwest.
While it takes over 30 plus hours to get to either of these states to engage in legal online casino gaming, you can travel to legally play casino games at in-person or social casinos. You may be lucky if you have family or friends in the legal states where you can enjoy online casino gaming whenever you visit them throughout the year. Otherwise, you’d always have to do an in-person casino experience if you do not regularly vacation away from your California residence.
What Other Forms of Gambling Are Legal in California?
Besides casino gaming at in-person and social casinos, there are other ways you can enjoy gambling as a California resident such as:
- Playing scratch-off tickets.
- Purchasing jackpot tickets.
- Wagering at local Indian casinos.
- Engaging in gameplay in cardrooms.
- Charitable gaming.
- Horse race betting.
Is Sportsbook Betting Allowed in California?
Sportsbook betting is not legalized in California. The only sport that you can bet on as a California resident is horse racing.
Sorry NBA fans who love spectating the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and the Los Angeles Clippers. To the fans of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers, we apologize as well. Again, if you are visiting any of the six states that allow online gambling during your favorite sports season, you can make your wagers for your favorite California teams while you are physically there.
Why Is Online Casino Gaming Not Legal In California?
California’s state legislature has not taken the steps to regulate online gambling yet. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 is still in effect, making it so that casino gaming continues to be illegal in California until it is reversed.
Conclusion
If you are a California resident, while you cannot enjoy online casino gaming, you can at least go to in-person casinos nearby or choose another state or foreign country where online casino gaming is legal to enjoy it.
It's important to gamble responsibly, set limits, and seek help if gambling becomes problematic. Individuals struggling with gambling addiction must seek help and support as soon as possible. Admitting the problem and reaching out for help is the first step towards recovery and a healthier, happier life.
This article was written in cooperation with HighRiser Digital Marketing
