California Online Casinos

California is one of the few states that has not legalized real-money online casino gambling or sports betting. And while the Golden State may not legalize online casinos any time soon, it could give online sportsbooks the green light by the end of 2024.

Though you cannot bet real money at California online casinos, you can still play at sweepstakes casinos.

Play your favorite casino games, including slots, table games, and even live dealer games using Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins, and potentially redeem the latter for real cash prizes.

Can I Gamble Online In California?

Yes – though not at real-money California gambling sites.

The only way Californians can play online casino games, such as slots, table games, video poker, bingo, and live dealer games, is at sweepstakes casinos.

Play at Sweepstakes Casinos in California

Sweepstakes casinos offer a library of games that you’ll find at real-money casinos, like Big Bass Bonanza, Madame Destiny MegaWays, and DaVinci Diamonds.

Instead of depositing funds, you’ll play with Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins. Though these coins have no real-world value, Sweeps Coins won in gameplay can be redeemed for cash prizes, usually at a rate of 1 SC for $1 (USD).

When you play in Gold Coins Mode, you’ll play just for fun. Try out games and see which ones you like best. Switch to Sweeps Mode to play with Sweeps Coins and potentially win prizes.

Some sweepstakes casinos in California use their own branded terms for Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Fortune Coins Casino uses “Fortune Coins” instead of Sweeps Coins, but these virtual currencies work similarly.

Minimum redemption rates may also apply. For example, you need to win at least 100 SC at Zula Casino before you can redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes. At Stake.us, you don’t need to win a minimum number of Sweeps Coins, but you must play them at least 3x before you can redeem them.

Can I Win Real Money at California Sweepstakes Casinos?

Though you won’t deposit or bet with real money at California sweepstakes casinos, you may be able to redeem free Sweeps Coins for cash prizes.

The only caveats? You can only redeem Sweeps Coins won in gameplay, and casinos set minimum redemption amounts for gift cards and cash prizes.

Are California Sweepstakes Online Casinos Legit?

Yes, though California online sweepstakes casinos aren’t regulated by the state, these sites fall under the oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Some sites have been operating for over a decade, are owned by publicly traded companies, and have partnerships with game developers that work with both sweepstake casinos as well as real-money casinos.

My California Online Casino Experience

Sweepstakes casinos in California offer a similar experience to real-money online casinos. So much so that there are some sweepstakes casinos that I’d rather play at than their real-money counterparts.

Since developers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt design games for both sweepstakes and real-money casinos, I get the same high-quality graphics, clear sounds, and exciting features that I’d expect to see at sites like BetMGM and Caesars Palace.

While most real-money gambling sites have welcome promotions, not every platform is a no-deposit bonus casino. Most sites require you to deposit money to play.

In this area, sweepstakes casinos excel. The vast majority of sweepstakes casino sites give you free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins just for joining.

Few sweepstakes casinos offer a dedicated app for mobile gameplay, but you can still play casino games on your mobile browser. All platforms are optimized for mobile play, though some execute mobile sites better than others.

Personally, I enjoy playing casino games on my laptop more than on my smartphone because I find gameplay to be much more immersive on a larger screen.

But when I’m playing games on the go, mobile sites offer the next-best experience.

California Sweepstakes Casino List

Best California Sweepstakes Casinos

Even though the state has yet to legalize real-money gambling, you can play at all U.S. sweepstakes casinos in California, as long as you meet the minimum age requirements.

Some of the best California sweepstakes casinos online include Chumba Casino, Global Poker, High 5 Casino, and Stake.us – among others.

Zula Casino

Sister site to Fortune Coins and the soon-to-launch Sportzino social sportsbook is another one of my favorite sweepstakes casinos, Zula Casino.

It’s available to players in California and features games by popular iGaming designer Pragmatic Play.

Play with Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins, the latter of which can be redeemed at a rate of 1 SC for $1 – once you’ve won a minimum of 50 SC.

Chumba Casino

Owned by VGW, which also owns sister sites Global Poker and LuckyLand Slots, Chumba Casino is probably the most well-known social casino out there.

It offers hundreds of slot games, as well as table games, video poker, and live bingo. It partners with big-name developers, such as Pragmatic Play and NetEnt, and it offers one of the best player experiences out there.

Global Poker

Global Poker makes this list simply because it’s the only dedicated social poker room.

Though some sweepstakes casinos allow you to play poker against a computer, Global Poker is the only social casino in California that offers player-to-player poker. Play in daily tournaments and ring games, or play slots with Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins.

High 5 Casino

One of the few sweepstakes casinos that offer live dealer games – and also one of the few with a dedicated mobile app – is High 5 Casino.

It launched back in 2012, so it’s also one of the most established sweepstakes sites.

You can play with Gold Coins if you want to play just for fun or with free Sweeps Coins if you want to potentially redeem Coins for cash prizes. High 5 also offers Diamonds, which can be redeemed for Boosts to win more Sweeps Coins.

Pulsz Bingo

I love sweepstake sites with unique themes, so I had to include Pulsz Bingo on this list, as it’s the only one that specializes in bingo games.

Its sister site Pulsz Casino launched in 2020 and both platforms are one of the few that offer a dedicated app for Android phones.

To play games at Pulsz Bingo, simply enter one of five themed bingo rooms. Or, play more than 400 slot games.

Stake.us

Another one of the few sweepstakes casinos that offer live dealer games is Stake.us, which has a partnership with developer Beter Live, as well as three live dealer games exclusive to the platform.

Stake takes the term “social casino” literally as it encourages players to connect in chat rooms.

The VIP program is one of the most extensive offered by a sweepstakes casino, offering five tiers of rewards. If you make it to the top two tiers, you’ll even get your own dedicated VIP host.

Unfortunately, the minimum age to play at Stake.us is 21 years old. This is rare for sweepstakes casinos, where the minimum age to play is usually only 18 years old in California.

WOW Vegas

The final sweepstakes casino in California I wanted to call out is WOW Vegas, which offers hundreds of slot games by Pragmatic Play, Betsoft, and 3 Oaks.

If you’re looking for a site that specializes in slot machines, WOW Vegas is a solid choice. Not only are there some of the most popular games available here, but WOW updates its selection regularly, scoring the rights to new online casino games as well as fan favorites.

How to Choose the Best California Sweepstakes Casinos

I’d argue that welcome bonuses, player experience, and game selection are all equally important factors to consider when choosing a casino.

I know some players like to target sweeps cash casinos with the best welcome bonuses, which I totally get. It’s important to maximize redemption potential.

But now that there are so many sweepstakes casinos, it’s possible to get your free Sweeps and enjoy playing with them, too.

In the process of choosing the best California sweepstakes casinos, don’t forget to consider player experience, game selection, redemption requirements, and special features, too.

Welcome Bonuses

Because there are so many sweepstakes casinos these days, welcome bonuses are an important factor to consider before pledging allegiance to any one site.

Get free Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins to check out platforms, game selections, and player experience.

With a great welcome bonus, you can get a feel for the site, without making any initial Gold Coin purchases.

Player Experience

If you don’t enjoy playing at an online casino, is it even worth signing up for an account?

Player experience is just as important as welcome bonuses and game selection. If you’re spending all your free time waiting for games to load or an answer from tech support, you won’t have any time to actually play games.

Check out the sweepstakes casino site, read reviews, and find out if the platform is worth your time.

Game Selection

Game selections vary pretty extensively at online casinos. Some sites offer hundreds or thousands of slot machines, while others only have the rights to a few dozen.

The quality of games is another factor to consider. Are popular games available? Do the games offer high-quality graphics and sounds? Do you enjoy playing these games, or could you get a better experience elsewhere?

Sweeps/Gold Coins Modes

There are two general modes of gameplay at sweepstakes casinos: Gold Coins Mode and Sweeps Mode (though some sweepstakes casino sites use their own branding for these types of gameplay).

Play in Gold Coins Mode if you want to play just for fun. Play in Sweeps Coin Mode to potentially redeem free Sweeps Coins for prizes.

A few online casinos, such as BetRivers.net and the Chumba Casino free play app, only offer free play or “just for fun” mode and no way to redeem Sweeps Coins for gift cards or cash prizes.

Special Features

A lot of online casino games offer special features, such as jackpots, progressive jackpots, bonus rounds, and MegaWays. These features can extend gameplay and make games more exciting.

Minimum Redemption Amounts

Only Sweeps Coins won in gameplay are eligible for redemption at sweepstakes casinos, and you must win a minimum number to redeem them.

Minimum redemption amounts vary, though the most common minimum redemption amounts are 10 SC for gift cards and 50 SC to 100 SC for cash prizes.

California Casino Apps vs Desktop

There aren’t many California casino apps available right now, though you can play at every sweepstakes casino using your mobile browser.

Sweepstakes casinos use HTML5 websites, which optimizes games for mobile play.

Whether you choose to play on your desktop or smartphone is really a matter of personal preference. Some online casinos do a much better job of optimizing gameplay for mobile browsers, though you’ll find that most mobile sites mimic desktop gameplay pretty accurately.

Playing on a desktop or laptop computer can be slightly more immersive than playing on your phone, as screens are much larger. Yet, it’s not as easy to play on your laptop when you’re on the go.

Sweepstakes casinos with dedicated apps include:

• High 5 Casino

• McLuck Casino

• Pulsz Casino

• Chumba Casino Lite (for fun only)

• Funrize

• Funpointz

• LuckyLand Slots

Desktop/Laptop Gameplay Pros & Cons

Desktop/Laptop Pros:

• Immersive gameplay

• Play wherever your laptop is accessible

• Available at all sweepstakes casinos

• Stunning graphics/sounds

• Play hundreds of games

• Check your Gold Coins/Sweeps Coins balances

Desktop/Laptop Cons:

• Not convenient for on-the-go play

Mobile App Gameplay Pros & Cons

Mobile App Pros:

• On-the-go gameplay

• Easy purchases/redemptions

• Favorite games you love most

• Similar to desktop/laptop experiences

• Play hundreds of games

• Check your Gold Coins/Sweeps Coins balances

Mobile App Cons:

• Apps not available at every sweepstakes casino

• Some apps only available for Android or iOS

• Smaller graphics/fonts

How To Download a California Casino App for iPhone

If you’re an iPhone user, you can download any sweepstakes casino app that’s available for iOS devices in the Apple Store. You may also be able to find a link on the sweepstakes casino site that will take you directly to the available app.

Follow these steps to download sweepstakes casino apps for your iPhone:

1. Open the Apple Store on your iPhone.

2. Search for the sweepstakes casino.

3. Click “Get” and confirm your installation.

4. Open the app once it downloads and sign into your account.

How To Download a California Casino App for Android

Android users can follow similar steps to download sweepstakes casino apps in the Google Play Store.

Follow these steps to download sweepstakes casino apps for your Android:

1. Make sure the app is in the Google Play Store by searching for it.

2. If the app is available, click “Install”.

3. Log into the app once it’s downloaded.

If there is an app that’s not available in the Play Store, you may be able to download it directly from the sweepstakes casino site and follow the instructions to sideload it onto your Android device.

Don’t forget to allow automatic app updates so your gameplay isn’t interrupted by bugs or issues!

How Signup Offers Work at California Online Casinos

Signing up for an online casino in California is as easy as filling out some basic information.

The best part? You’re rewarded for signing up at new online sweepstakes casinos with welcome bonuses that could include free Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins.

Just a few types of welcome offers could include no-deposit sweepstakes bonuses, first-purchase promos, and bonus plays.

Most sweepstakes casinos in California offer at least a no-purchase offer for Gold Coins. Try out the platform and play games just for fun without making a purchase.

Many of the casinos on this list also offer free Sweeps Coins to try out Sweeps Mode. If you win enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash prizes.

To claim welcome bonuses, you need to use the “Claim Offer” or similar type button to get to the sweepstakes casino site and sign up for a new account, using the instructions in the next section.

How to Sign Up to a California Sweepstakes Casino

Most California sweepstakes casinos make it easy to sign up for an account. The signup process is similar for most sites, though some platforms require more information than others to collect a signup bonus and start playing.

To sign up for a sweepstakes casino, you’ll need to follow similar steps to the ones detailed below:

1. Click the “Claim Offer” or similar type button to get to the promo page or homepage.

2. Click the “Join Now” or similar type button.

3. Enter your personal information, such as your name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number.

4. Enter the promo code (if applicable).

5. Verify your email address and phone number.

6. Verify your identification/mailing address.

7. Claim your Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins.

Banking Options

Banking options vary, but the most common payment and redemption options include major credit cards, e-wallets, online banking, debit cards, and gift cards, including:

• Visa

• MasterCard

• PayPal

• Skrill

• Trustly Banking

When you make a purchase, Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins are usually made available immediately.

Free Sweeps Coin redemptions can take a few business days to complete, though redeeming a large number of Sweeps Coins may take up to 10 business days.

Some sweepstakes casinos charge a fee for redemptions, though most only require you to win a minimum number of Sweeps Coins before you can redeem them.

Can You Earn VIP Rewards From a California Online Casino?

Yes! Some of the sweepstakes casinos on this list offer VIP reward programs.

Similar to reward programs at land-based casinos, you’ll earn points for playing games. Climb tier levels and potentially redeem points for prizes. This could include tournament entries, free Sweeps and Gold Coins, or swag.

Depending on the site, you may need to manually sign up for a VIP reward membership, but most sweepstakes casinos in California automatically enroll players.

Casino Games

Though you can’t play casino games with real money at sweepstakes casinos, you can redeem Free Sweeps Coins won in gameplay for real money prizes.

The games available at these sites are similar to the ones you’d find at online casinos across the country. Some of the most popular games at sweepstakes casinos in California include slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games.

Slots

Slots are the most popular games at online casinos, which comes as no surprise. These games are immersive, and slot machine rules are easy to follow.

Video slots have come a long way in the past decade. Long gone is the monotony of pulling a handle and waiting for a payout. Features like jackpots, progressive jackpots, bonus rounds, and MegaWays keep gameplay exciting.

Some of the most popular slots at sweepstakes casinos are the same games you’ll find at real-money casinos in California, including:

• Divine Fortune

• Gonzo’s Quest

• Wheel of Fortune

• Dead or Alive

• Starburst

Tables Games

Nearly every sweepstakes casino in California offers table games. Though you’ll play against a computer, the graphics and sounds are so immersive that you won’t even miss the dealer.

Some of the most popular games include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

Blackjack

The rules of blackjack are simple. Place your bet, and the computer will deal your cards. Choose whether you want to hold or hit. Whoever gets closest to 21 without going over wins.

Roulette

Another game with easy-to-follow rules is roulette. Place your bet on a numbered tile, and the computer spins the wheel. If the ball lands on the corresponding number and color, you win.

Baccarat

Place your bet on the banker, player, or tie. The computer deals cards for the banker and player. If the hand you placed your bet on has the highest value, you win.

Video Poker

Video poker is a fast-paced variation on the classic casino game. Only one hand is traditionally played in most video poker games, and you’ll play against a computer.

A few variations of video poker include:

• Jacks or Better

• Deuces Wild

• Double Bonus

• Ultimate X Poker

• Five-Play Draw

Bingo

Several casinos in California offer bingo rooms, though you won’t find this game at every sweepstakes casino. Sites like Pulsz Bingo offer several variations.

Purchase a bingo card with Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins. As number/letter combinations are called, your cards are automatically daubed. Whoever gets bingo first, wins.

Keno

Playing keno is similar to playing the lottery. On your keno card, choose your numbers. If the numbers you choose match the winning numbers, win a prize.

Live Dealer

Live dealer games at online casinos offer an immersive experience. Enter a live dealer room to join a game. Before the next game starts, place your bets.

These games are filmed live in a sound studio, designed to look like a casino. The dealer will act just as they would in a land-based casino.

Some of the most popular live dealer games at sweepstakes casinos include:

• Texas Hold’em

• Blackjack

• Roulette

• Baccarat

The rules are the same as they would be in traditional gameplay, though many sweepstakes casinos offer game variations.

We are seeing live dealer games being introduced more and more and the newest sweepstakes casinos.

What Are the Stakes at Sweepstakes Casinos in California?

This depends on whether you’re playing with Gold Coins or free Sweeps Coins and the individual sweepstakes casino.

At McLuck Casino, the minimum stake for a spin on Big Bass Halloween by Pragmatic Play is 70 GC or 0.20 SC. The maximum stake for this game is 777,770 GC or 100 SC.

Most sweepstakes casinos, including McLuck, have a redemption rate of 1 SC to $1 (USD), but this isn’t the case at every site.

California Gambling Sites vs. Land-Based Casinos

Overall, playing at a California gambling site is similar to playing at land-based casinos, even at sweepstakes casinos.

The game selection, player experience, and payment methods are all streamlined. The best part is that you can play casino games wherever you choose, whenever you want.

Game Selection

Game selections at sweepstakes casinos are somewhat similar to what you’d find on a land-based casino floor.

The biggest difference? All of the games are easily accessible on the homepage.

Choose a game category or search for your favorite slots, table games, video poker, or live casino games to play instantly.

At sweepstakes casinos, you’re in charge of finding your favorite games. You may even be able to filter games by minimum/maximum bet amounts and iGaming developers.

Player Experience

You’re not going to be transported to the casino floor at online casinos, but there are some ways in which the player experience is better online than it is at a land-based casino.

Since sweepstakes casinos use HTML5 sites, the gameplay is as seamless as your internet connection or cell service.

Mobile Gameplay

At online casinos, the games go wherever you go. As long as you’re playing casino games in California (or any other non-restricted state), you’re free to play wherever you like, as long as you want.

Purchases/Redemptions

There’s no need to visit a casino cage for deposits and withdrawals at sweepstakes sites.

Purchase Gold Coins with major credit cards, debit cards, or e-wallets.

Redeem Sweeps Coins using your same purchase method at most sites, or opt for a gift card to major retailers.

VIP Rewards Programs

At land-based casinos, you usually need to manually sign up for VIP reward programs and keep track of your own spending and tier status.

Most sweepstake casino VIP reward programs are compulsory, meaning you’re automatically enrolled into the program when you sign up for a player account.

Track your tier status and qualifying actions in your account rewards tab.

Do I Have To Live in California to Gamble Online?

You don’t need to live in California to play at sweepstakes casinos online. In fact, most of these sites accept players who live across the U.S. (and sometimes Canada) – except for Washington State and Quebec.

Some sweepstakes casinos also don’t accept players in Idaho or Nevada, but player eligibility depends on the site.

If you travel to a state that has legalized real-money online gambling, you don’t need to be a resident of that state to play!

How Do CA Gambling Sites Acquire My Location?

Most of the California sweepstakes casinos use your computer’s IP address as well as iPhone or Android location services to determine your physical location while playing games.

You also need to verify your account before you can redeem Sweeps Coins. To do so, you’ll be required to submit a photo of the front and back of your government-issued ID and possibly a selfie.

You won’t be able to redeem Sweeps Coins if the address on your ID is in a restricted state.

Do You Always Need to Download GeoComply Software?

Because the only online casinos in California are sweepstakes casinos, you won’t need to download GeoComply software.

But if you’re playing at a real-money online casino in a state where online gambling is legal, you may need to download special software.

How Old Do I Need To Be to Gamble in CA?

This depends on the sweepstakes casino site. At most sites, you need to be at least 18 years old, but some sites require you to be 21 years old.

Responsible Gaming In California

California online casinos offer several player safety options, including self-exclusion, purchase limits, and purchase limits.

Nearly all the sweepstakes casinos on this list offer basic information on player safety. Many also offer player safety tools, including:

• Purchase limits

• Account closure

• Self-exclusion

Some sweepstake casinos, such as Stake.us, offer “break-in-play” options, where you can request to take a break for a preset amount of time, such as 24 hours, one week, or one month.

You can also request an account closure.

Key California Online Casino Laws and Tax Information

Players are responsible for paying taxes on any casino winnings – and that includes any winnings made at sweepstakes casinos in California.

Depending on the amount you win, the sweepstakes casino may withhold taxes. Or, you may be responsible for declaring your winnings on your tax return. Sweepstakes casino winnings are subject to both state and federal taxes.

Sweepstakes winnings of more than $5,000 are taxed 24%, though this does not apply to bingo, slots, or keno winnings.

Either way, you’ll still need to report these winnings to the IRS.