California Online Poker: Legal Status, Restrictions, and What Players Should Know

California is the most populous US state, but real‑money online poker is not legally available here.

California does not regulate or license real‑money online poker sites, meaning players cannot legally access platforms such as PokerStars, GGPoker, or WSOP Online within the state. Despite periodic discussion around gambling expansion, there is currently no approved framework for legal online poker, and no immediate change is expected.

In addition, California has enacted new restrictions affecting sweepstakes‑style online poker. In October 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that bans dual‑currency sweepstakes poker models where players can redeem virtual currencies for real cash prizes. The law took effect on January 1, 2026, significantly limiting the availability of these platforms in the state.

Some poker sites have since adjusted their operating models, repositioning themselves as training or free‑to‑play platforms. While these sites may continue to offer poker gameplay, their legal status and permissible features remain uncertain, and players should exercise caution. Pokerfuse does not recommend or endorse any site operating in legal gray areas.

Training and free‑play poker platforms do not offer the ability to win real money. However, they can still be useful for learning basic poker concepts, such as hand rankings, betting structures, and game flow, without risking real funds.

Can I Play Online Poker in California?

No. California does not regulate or permit real‑money online poker, and recent legal changes have further restricted sweepstakes‑style poker platforms that previously operated in the state. As of now, Californians do not have a clear, lawful way to play online poker for real money.

A state law banning dual‑currency sweepstakes poker models took effect on January 1, 2026. The law prohibits platforms that allow players to redeem virtual currencies for real‑world cash prizes. While some operators have attempted to adjust their business models in response, those approaches remain legally untested, and their long‑term compliance under California law is uncertain.

Similar legislation in other states has already resulted in operators withdrawing from the market, underscoring the legal and regulatory risk surrounding these models. Pokerfuse does not recommend relying on platforms operating in legal gray areas or under unresolved legal scrutiny.

Free‑play and training poker sites remain available and can be used to practice poker fundamentals without risking real money. Offshore and unregulated online poker sites also exist, but they are not licensed in California, offer no consumer protections, and are not recommended.

Why Online Poker Is Not Legal in California

California’s long‑running failure to legalize online poker is not due to a lack of interest, but rather a complex set of political and commercial conflicts that have proven difficult to resolve. Unlike smaller states that were able to move quickly, California’s gambling ecosystem is large, fragmented, and highly competitive.

One of the central obstacles has been disagreement between tribal casino operators and private cardrooms. Tribal governments hold significant influence in California gaming policy and have historically sought to protect exclusivity over certain forms of gambling. Cardrooms, meanwhile, already operate legally across the state and have pushed for a framework that would allow broader participation in any future online poker market.

Efforts to reconcile these competing interests have repeatedly stalled legislation. Over the years, multiple online poker bills have been introduced, revised, and debated, but none have secured the level of consensus required to pass. Disputes over licensing eligibility, revenue distribution, and the role of existing gambling operators have consistently derailed progress.

Ballot initiatives have also failed to provide a path forward. High costs, conflicting proposals, and well‑funded opposition campaigns have made voter‑led solutions difficult. In contrast to some other states, California voters have rejected recent gambling expansion initiatives, including multiple sports betting proposals, underscoring the challenges of advancing complex gaming measures through the ballot process.

As a result, California remains without a regulated online poker framework. Until lawmakers are able to align the interests of key stakeholders and establish clear regulatory standards, real‑money online poker is expected to remain unavailable in the state.

Real Money Online Poker in California

Real‑money US online poker is not legal in California. The state does not license or regulate online poker operators, and players cannot legally deposit or withdraw real money on regulated US online poker platforms while physically located within California.

Although several states have established regulated online poker markets, California has not adopted a similar framework. Past legislative efforts to legalize online poker have failed to gain sufficient consensus among lawmakers and key stakeholders, leaving the state without a lawful path for real‑money online play.

Some offshore and unregulated online poker sites continue to accept California players. These sites operate outside US regulatory oversight and are not licensed by the state. Pokerfuse does not recommend using offshore poker sites due to the lack of consumer protections, financial safeguards, and legal recourse in the event of disputes or withheld winnings.

Free‑Play and Training Poker in California

While real‑money online poker is not legal in California, free‑play and poker training platforms remain available. These sites allow players to participate in poker games using virtual chips only, with no ability to wager, win, or withdraw real money.

Free‑play poker is typically used for entertainment or basic learning. Players can practice hand rankings, table positions, betting mechanics, and overall game flow without financial risk. Because there is no real money at stake, gameplay dynamics often differ significantly from real‑money poker environments.

Some poker brands and social gaming platforms offer free‑to‑play poker modes, along with standalone poker training and simulation sites. These offerings are legal in California as long as they do not include any mechanism to convert virtual chips, credits, or rewards into real‑world cash or prizes.

Free‑play and training poker should not be confused with real‑money online poker. They do not provide a path to gambling for money and are best viewed as casual or educational tools rather than substitutes for a regulated online poker market.

Live Poker in California

While online poker is not legally available in California, live poker is widely offered across the state. California has a large and well‑established live poker scene, with dozens of licensed cardrooms operating under state oversight.

Live poker games are regulated by the “California Gambling Control Commission”: (CGCC). Cardrooms operate on a fee‑based model, where players pay a per‑hand or per‑hour charge rather than the house taking a percentage of each pot. All cardroom owners and employees must be licensed, and games are subject to regulatory compliance and enforcement.

For players interested in where to play, the types of games available, and how live poker operates in California, see our dedicated guide to Poker in California, which covers cardrooms, rules, and live poker options in detail.

California Online Poker Frequently Asked Questions

Is real‑money online poker legal in California?

No. California does not regulate or license real‑money online poker. Players cannot legally deposit or withdraw real money on online poker sites while physically located in the state.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in California?

California has passed legislation restricting dual‑currency sweepstakes poker models that allow players to redeem virtual currencies for real‑world cash prizes. The law took effect on January 1, 2026. As a result, the legality of sweepstakes‑style poker platforms in California is limited, and players should not assume these sites are lawful or permitted to operate.

Are offshore online poker sites legal or safe to use?

Offshore online poker sites are not licensed or regulated in California or elsewhere in the United States. Pokerfuse does not recommend using offshore sites, as they offer no consumer protections, no guaranteed safeguards for player funds, and no meaningful legal recourse if disputes arise.

Can I play poker online for free in California?

Yes. Free‑play and training poker platforms are legal in California as long as they do not involve real‑money wagering or the ability to redeem virtual chips or rewards for cash or prizes. These platforms are intended for entertainment or practice only and are not considered real‑money online poker.