The California Gaming Industry
California, also referred to as the Golden State, is famous for its impressive beaches, vineyards, tall palm trees, and many other exciting things visitors can do. Another industry thriving in the Golden State is its gaming industry. Therefore, if you were wondering how the gaming industry is doing, you are in the right place. Please keep reading for more.
Gambling Laws
The first thing one should know is the legislation that directs gambling activities in the state. First, sports betting is prohibited in California, and they would have to amend their laws for that to happen legally. Additionally, Indian nations, Card rooms, and racing courses have their own interests in putting up a legal contest.
Card rooms oppose legal sports betting. Native Americans prefer that sports betting remains in casinos controlled by their own gaming nations and tribes. Therefore, the California sportsbooks sector’s future is still in doubt, and there is no clear way forward at the moment. In the meantime, offshore betting platforms and fantasy sports channels are what Californians gamble on online.
Online Gambling
California does not issue online gambling licenses. Therefore, no business or individual can provide bookmaking services within its borders. However, you will find online gambling sites California residents use because they are not prohibited. The gambling activities they engage in on these sites include sports betting and online casino gambling. Moreover, the offshore sites attract more people to their platforms using perks such as welcome bonuses and matched deposits.
Sports Gambling
As mentioned above, sports betting is illegal in the state of California and might remain so for a while. Nonetheless, the residents of the state can wager on offshore sites.
Online Casino Gambling
The State of California does not have a legally sanctioned internet gambling casino. Therefore, gamblers in the state turn to offshore casinos to play poker, blackjack, and roulette. The offshore casino operators use several incentives to attract more players.
Land-Based Gambling
Because of the current gambling legislation in the state, physical casinos are prevalent. Around 60 casinos are operating in California. They might not be as popular as those in Las Vegas, but they are strategically located for the population.
Native American Tribes. They are run under strict rules. For example, they only admit people who have reached the legal drinking age of 21. It is a strange law as the legal gambling age is technically 18.
Horse Racing
The Golden State boasts more than ten racetracks making it one of the top places in the country. As a result, it is a popular destination for horse racing fans.
The other legal gambling opportunities you can find in the Golden State include:
- Card rooms: the state has around 70 card rooms. Popular games are Baccarat, Blackjack, non-banked poker, Chinese poker, and Pai gow.
- Charitable gambling: non-profit groups offer Bingo games, raffles, and poker evenings.
- Pari-mutuel horse wagering: all bets on races are put together in a pari-mutuel. The pool winners are distributed. It is the only option to place real money wagers on sports.
- Daily fantasy sports: California does not authorize DFS as interactive gambling. Therefore, it is not illegal.
- Indian gaming: the Golden State only permits Native Americans to provide casino gaming.
What Does The Future Hold?
California has a thriving gambling industry. In the coming days, you should expect more regulations that are friendly to casino gambling in the state. Moreover, the casino operators will add more top-rated games and wheels and will attract more players. Experts also predict that sports betting will reach its legal peak in the foreseeable future. Therefore, California gambling fans should expect the industry to continue its upward trend.