Live Poker in California: A Comprehensive Player’s Guide

California is the beating heart of live poker in the United States, home to some of the most famous cardrooms in the country and a vast network of tribal casinos offering regular cash games and tournaments. From long‑standing poker rooms in major metropolitan areas to regional venues across the state, live poker plays a central role in California’s gambling landscape.

While live poker thrives, real‑money online poker is not legal in California. The state does not license or regulate online poker sites, and there are currently no authorized platforms operating under California law. Players interested in online poker can find a detailed explanation of the legal situation in our California Online Poker guide.

This page focuses exclusively on live poker in California, explaining how the state’s poker rooms operate, how games are regulated, and what players can expect when playing poker in person across the Golden State.

Is Online Poker Legal in California?

No. Real‑money online poker is not legal in California. The state does not license or regulate online poker operators, and there are currently no authorized platforms operating under California law. Legislative efforts to create a regulated online poker market have stalled for years in the state legislature.

In addition, California enacted new restrictions in 2025 that further limit online poker‑style gaming models. The law prohibits certain online formats that previously allowed players to redeem virtual currencies for real‑world prizes, reinforcing the state’s prohibition on real‑money online poker activity.

As a result, Californians do not have any lawful options to play online poker for real money. Players can still enjoy free‑play social poker games for entertainment or participate in licensed live poker games offered at tribal and commercial venues throughout the state.

California Gambling Laws and Poker

California’s gambling laws permit live poker to be offered in licensed cardrooms and regulated tribal casinos throughout the state. These venues operate under a long‑established legal framework that allows poker games where players compete against one another rather than against the house.

At the same time, California law does not permit online gambling for real money. The state does not license online poker or casino operators, and unlicensed poker conducted for profit is prohibited under the California Penal Code. As a result, poker played for real money in California is limited to in‑person, land‑based venues operating under state or tribal authority.

Tribal gaming and the California Lottery are governed by separate legal frameworks and remain unaffected by restrictions on online gambling.

California Gambling Law: What’s Legal

California cardrooms are regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC), which was established following the passage of the Gambling Control Act. Under this framework, cardroom owners, managers, and employees must be licensed by the state, and games are subject to ongoing regulatory oversight. The law also allows for licensed third‑party providers to offer proposition player services in certain cardroom games.

State law permits poker games to be played in private residences, provided the host does not charge a rake or receive compensation for hosting. The host may participate in the game. California law also allows charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct poker events, as long as they comply with state guidelines governing charitable gaming.

Some land‑based casinos in California also offer video poker‑style machines. These are generally classified as Class II gaming devices and function more like bingo‑based games than traditional poker.

How Private Cardrooms Have Operated

Poker has a long history in California that predates statehood. The game spread rapidly during the California Gold Rush, as an influx of settlers and prospectors helped establish a vibrant gambling culture, particularly in cities like San Francisco.

In 1879, amendments to the California Constitution imposed broad restrictions on gambling. While some poker variants were explicitly banned, draw poker was treated as a game of skill rather than chance. A 1911 opinion by the California Attorney General affirmed the legality of draw poker, allowing cardrooms to continue operating under that interpretation.

Over time, California cardrooms adopted a distinctive operating model. Players compete against each other rather than the house, and instead of charging a rake, cardrooms collect fees on a per‑hand or per‑hour basis. This “pay‑to‑play” structure remains a defining feature of live poker in California today.

Legal clarity around poker variants has evolved alongside the game. In 1990, the California First District Court of Appeal ruled in Tibbetts v. Van Kamp that Texas Hold’em is a separate and distinct game, helping solidify its place in California cardrooms. The state has also contributed original poker variants to the broader game, including Pai Gow Poker, which was created in California in the 1980s.

Poker in California Today

Live poker in California is built around a large network of licensed private cardrooms that operate across much of the state. While California is geographically vast, cardrooms are concentrated in major population centers, making live poker accessible to most residents within a reasonable driving distance.

Where California’s Private Cardrooms Are Located

Private cardrooms are found throughout California, with the highest concentration in the Los Angeles area, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and San Diego. According to the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC), there were more than 80 active licensed cardrooms statewide as of early 2024, spread across over half of California’s counties.

This broad distribution has helped make live poker a core part of California’s gambling landscape, supporting both small local rooms and some of the largest poker venues in the world.

How Collection Fees Work in California Cardrooms

Unlike poker rooms in most other states, California cardrooms are prohibited from taking a rake or percentage of the pot. Instead, cardrooms charge players a collection fee to participate in games. These fees are typically assessed on a per‑hand or per‑hour basis and must be clearly disclosed before play begins.

Collection fees vary by cardroom, game type, and stakes level. Higher‑limit games generally carry higher fees, while lower‑stakes games are structured to remain accessible to recreational players. This pay‑to‑play model is a defining feature of California poker and is designed to keep cardrooms compliant with state gambling law while allowing players to compete against one another rather than the house.

Games Commonly Available in California Cardrooms

No‑Limit Texas Hold’em is by far the most widely offered poker game in California, accounting for the majority of both cash games and tournament action. Many cardrooms also spread a variety of other poker variants, depending on player demand and local preferences.

Commonly available games include Omaha and Omaha Hi‑Lo, various lowball formats, stud variants, and California‑origin games such as Pai Gow Poker. Tournament schedules are typically centered on No‑Limit Hold’em, with buy‑ins and structures designed to accommodate both casual and experienced players.

The Scale of California’s Live Poker Scene

California is home to some of the largest poker cardrooms in the world, particularly in Los Angeles County. Several venues operate hundreds of poker tables, hosting round‑the‑clock cash games and regular tournament series. This scale sets California apart from most other US states and reinforces its reputation as one of the most important live poker markets in the country.

A List of Private Cardrooms in California

The table below provides a reference list of licensed private cardrooms operating in California. The information is based on publicly available data from the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) and reflects the number of active cardroom licenses and approved poker tables by county.

Cardroom availability and table counts can change over time due to licensing updates, renovations, or regulatory action. This list is intended to illustrate the geographic distribution and overall scale of California’s live poker market rather than serve as a ranking or recommendation of individual venues.

Figures shown are derived from publicly available California Gambling Control Commission licensing data and are intended for reference purposes.

Poker in California FAQ

Is live poker legal in California?

Yes. Live poker is legal in California when played in licensed cardrooms and regulated tribal casinos. These venues operate under state or tribal oversight and must comply with California gambling laws and regulatory requirements.

What types of venues offer live poker in California?

Live poker is offered primarily in licensed private cardrooms and tribal casinos. Cardrooms operate under state regulation, while tribal casinos offer poker as part of their sovereign gaming compacts. Both types of venues host cash games and tournaments.

How do California cardrooms make money if they cannot take a rake?

California law prohibits cardrooms from taking a percentage of the pot. Instead, players pay a collection fee, typically charged per hand or per hour. Fee schedules vary by venue, game type, and stakes level and must be disclosed before play begins.

Where are most of California’s cardrooms located?

Cardrooms are distributed across much of the state, with the highest concentrations in the Los Angeles area, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and San Diego. This makes live poker accessible to players in most major population centers.

Are home poker games legal in California?

Poker games played in private residences are generally permitted as long as the host does not charge a rake, collect fees, or otherwise profit from hosting the game. The host may participate as a player, but the game must remain purely social.

Are tournaments common in California cardrooms?

Yes. Most cardrooms regularly host poker tournaments, typically centered on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em. Tournament schedules, buy‑ins, and structures vary by venue, with options available for both recreational and experienced players.

What are some of the largest poker cardrooms in California?

California is home to several of the largest poker cardrooms in the world, particularly in Los Angeles County. These venues operate dozens or even hundreds of tables and host around‑the‑clock cash games alongside major tournament series.

When are California cardrooms usually open?

Most cardrooms operate daily, and many are open 24 hours a day. Hours can vary by location and local regulation, so players should confirm availability directly with individual venues.