California Online Poker 2023 – Compare the Best Real Money Poker Sites in CA

Comparing Poker Sites in CA

Players in California will find a litany of options available to meet their needs for CA online poker. Let’s take a closer look at the best online poker choices for players to join:

Is Online Poker Legal in California?

Though online poker is unregulated in California, offshore poker sites are legal to play. No one has ever been prosecuted for betting at these sites from a US location, so it is completely safe to play with each of our recommended sites.

Online poker is gaining momentum as far as being legal in every state. As of right now, there are only six states that offer regulated, legal online poker where players can play for real money. But much like the sportsbook realm, the doors are slowly beginning to open.

Players can partake in poker action at a variety of casinos throughout the state so long as they are 21 years or older. Poker is allowed in licensed cardrooms, either standalone or in casinos.

What are the CA Poker Laws?

Online poker in California is currently illegal, but there is good news for poker fans. Playing in person at a casino or poker room is legally permitted. Better understanding the poker laws in California, here are some of the forms of gambling that are currently legal in California:

• Cardrooms (including poker)
• Horse racing
• Lottery
• Charitable gaming

When Will Online Poker be Legal in California?

As it stands, there is no definite timeline as to when CA online poker will be legal. A recent bill failed to be passed in the November midterm elections. There is talk that the focus will be on presenting a bill in time for the 2024 elections, though nothing is certain. Until then, online poker in California will remain illegal.

The Ballot to Legalize Online Poker in CA

Currently, there is no active bill working its way through legislation. There have been a plethora of prior attempts but no clear timeline in place as to when California online poker may become legalized. It is expected that the next bill will surface in time for a 2024 vote.

Previous Online Poker Bills in CA

The push to legalize CA online poker has been going on for well over a decade. With origins dating back to 2008, supporters and legislators have been pushing to make it a legal option for players in the state. There have been a few bills of note that have shown potential throughout the years.

2012

• SB 1463 – Introduced in early 2012, the bill (if approved) would legalize online poker while also keeping future interstate pacts in mind.

2013

• SB 678 – Officially titled the Authorization and Regulation of Internet Poker and Consumer Protection Act of 2013, this bill would legalize online poker only.
• Internet Poker Consumer Protection Act of 2013 – Introduced in June 2013, the Act would legalize online poker, but not sports betting or casino games, and included a set launch date for all operators.

2014

• SB 1366 – This bill was introduced in 2014 and was largely a copy of the 2013 SB 678 submission.

Tax on Online Poker Winnings in California

The great thing about offshore poker sites is that they are not subject to taxation. Because they are licensed and operated in countries outside of the United States, there is no ability to regulate and tax winnings therein. Just another major benefit for those looking for a poker site to play at.

Players spending their time at casinos will face a flat 24% tax for winnings. Anything over $5,000 will be subject to income tax withholding. These include poker tournaments, lottery, sweepstakes, and other wins.

Regulated CA Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites

When choosing a poker site, it all comes down to regulated poker sites versus offshore. Regulated sites are available in states where online poker has been legalized. Since that is not the case in CA, players have to turn to poker sites based primarily outside of the United States. There are a few other major differences:

• Formally licensed sites are “ringed-in” for every state
• Licensed apps/sites have headquarters in each state
• Offshore sites aren’t 100% legal for play in the United States
• Licensed sites usually have partnerships with casinos
• Offshore sites are a little more restricted for deposit and withdrawal options

Will California be Ring-Fenced or a Shared Player Pool?

As we watch California online poker news for more updates, there are several questions that come to mind. With states being able to restrict player access, it begs the question of what the player pool will look like when the day ultimately comes that California online poker comes to fruition.

There are two ways in which the player pool can be created: shared or ringed-fence. The shared pool is self-explanatory in that all players across various states are available. Having said that, states are capable of creating restrictions. Should online poker become legal in CA, it is likely that players may only be able to play with others from within the state only.

How to Play Online Poker in California

The good news for those who want to play California online poker is that there is no shortage of offshore sites to choose from. Even better, signing up and getting started is just as simple.

Step 1: Signing Up

Using BetOnline as our example. Before you can begin playing, you must first sign up for an account. Click the “join” button at the top of the page and fill out some basic information.

Step 2: Input registration details

Players will need to enter their name, email, zip code, and date of birth.

Step 3: Make a Deposit

Playing real money online poker in California of course implies making a deposit. When you have registered your account, the only step between you and online poker is making a deposit. Choose your deposit total and method, by clicking the easy-to-follow buttons. You should receive a confirmation of your deposit if it is successful.

Step 4: Start Playing

With money in your account, it is time to start playing. Enter the poker room, choose the “real money” option, and choose your favorite game. Available games are sorted by hold’em, its variations, and Omaha. It can be sorted by game type, stake, or the number of players so you can find the perfect game for you.

Types of Poker Games Available at California Poker Sites

As we await California online poker news, brushing up on the various game types can be quite helpful. The primary game of note is no-limit Texas Hold’em, though that is just one of a litany of games. It is important to note that there are some places that offer games like stud or other poker variations, but they are not necessarily common across all poker sites.

No-Limit Hold’Em

Known as the “Cadillac of poker”, no-limit Texas Hold’em is the game that exploded in popularity in the early 2000s. Each player begins with two hole cards, with a round of wagering to follow. The next round sees the flop, a trio of community cards. Another round of betting follows, with a single card (the “turn”) coming after. Yet another round of betting leads to the “river”, the final community card. Players have one more chance to bet, leading to potentially explosive hands each time.

Pot Limit Hold’Em

The rules are the same for this version of hold’em, though there is one major difference. Instead of there being no limit on betting, players can only bet as much as there is in the pot. Pot limit doesn’t have the potentially explosive aggressiveness that no-limit does, but still has the foundation of Texas Hold’em to draw from.

Omaha

The structure of Omaha is very similar to that of Texas Hold’Em with one crucial difference: Omaha has two extra hole cards. Players are dealt four cards, to begin, with the same rules as hold’em to follow. It adds extra chances and can make following the action even more exciting. There are usually pot limit options available, though some sites do offer no-limit Omaha.

Poker Site Bonuses Available for California Players

A major part of online poker right now, and when there is CA online poker, centers around bonuses. Bonuses are the best way to entice new players to join a particular site. Most of these bonuses come in the form of a deposit match or free wagers awarded for signing up and/or making an initial deposit. There are a few types of bonuses worth noting.

Match Deposit Bonuses

The match deposit bonus is a sign-up bonus for new players. The idea is that most sites will match the deposit, usually capped at a minimum and maximum, at 100% up to a certain amount. For instance, a match deposit bonus could be for a 100% match up to $500 with a $25 minimum deposit. Since players are typically making a deposit anyway, it is a great way to double up your deposit.

No Deposit Bonus

The no-deposit bonus is a welcome bonus that online poker rooms and casinos offer to bring in new players. Compared to the match bonus, which requires a deposit, these require no action from the player other than signing up. It is meant to entice new players to sign up with one poker room over the others available.

Free Roll Tickets

Online poker sites offer what is known as free roll tickets. These are free entries into certain tournaments without an investment from the player. For instance, BetOnline runs daily open-to-all free rolls worth more than $800. There are generally no caps on these free rolls, which means that a lot of players are hoping to turn their free tickets into real money.

Making Deposits & Withdrawals at CA Poker Sites

One of the most important things to consider when playing CA online poker is making deposits and withdrawals. With so many options to choose from, finding the best means for your needs comes down to knowing the available selections.

Crypto at Poker Sites

With as popular as cryptocurrency has become, sites accepting it as a payment option has become standard. The top offshore sites will offer payment with not only Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, but Ethereum and Dogecoin as well.

Traditional Payment Methods

Not everyone has an interest in cryptocurrency. Traditional methods like bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards are simple and effective to use. Check with your bank or cardholder to make sure that you can make deposits with your preferred method; some will block transfers to one of our offshore sites.

eWallets at Poker Sites

eWallets like Skrill have become a popular option that lets players deposit and withdraw money quickly. Right now, none of the best poker sites offer eWallets, though it is something that could come in the relatively near future. For now, players are left with traditional and cryptocurrency payment methods.

Deposit Options Available at the Best CA Poker Sites

Funding your account is simple, allowing you to get going on all the best poker action in a matter of moments. Players can make deposits with bank transfers, debit and credit cards, and several cryptocurrency options.

Withdrawal Options Available at the Best CA Poker Sites

Getting your money out from one of our offshore sites is simple and easy. With options available like debit and credit cards, bank transfers, and even Bitcoin, there are no shortage of ways to get your money.

Playing on California Poker Apps & Mobile Sites

Since California online poker is not yet legal, playing through offshore sites has become the norm. In states where online poker has been legalized, there are apps available that give players convenience when playing on the go.

Offshore sites don’t have apps but they do have mobile-friendly sites to accommodate. Despite having to go to their website, these online poker rooms make playing easier than ever. Quick-click tournaments, easy navigation, and more make playing on the go simple. Even better, these sites are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in California

1. Raise Pre-Flop: If you are going to join the pot, raise preflop to avoid being nickel and dimed out of your money.
2. 3-Betting: Strong bet, also known as 3-betting, preflop when you have a premium hand. A pair of face cards are as strong as it gets and re-raising preflop will make tight players bow out.
3. Start with Low Stakes: If you aren’t an advanced player, start with lower stakes. The learning curve can be quite steep when you’re playing for more money right out of the gate.
4. Reduce Distractions: Most online players are playing at home, which means that there are a ton of distractions available. Keep your focus and see your play improve before long.
5. Learn to Bluff: The cards don’t always come to you, so making the most of what you have is key. Deciding when to bluff takes time but can become an invaluable tool in your repertoire.

Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in California

Though the game itself is largely the same, there is the question of what differences there are between in-person and online poker. There are advantages to each, but there are a few crucial differences and benefits to playing online.

For starters, online poker offers the chance to utilize real-time data. You can keep track of hands as they play out, utilize cheat sheets from around the internet, and really hone your game in an effective way. There are also signup bonuses that can help to bolster your bankroll before you even start.

There is no matching the flexibility and speed that online poker offers. Sitting down at a table, you are stuck in your seat waiting for each hand to play out. With online poker, things play out faster and you can join several games at one time. Not to mention the fact that you can compile notes on players and gather as much information as possible.

Finally, there is the matter of your play. There are no tells to worry about, though trends can become apparent. Players who build their games on reading body language won’t have any clear advantage while behind their screens.

Live Poker in California Casinos with Poker Rooms

There is nothing like sitting down at the table with other players and enjoying the ambiance of being right there at the table. And there is a litany of live poker rooms available in California.

There are hundreds of poker rooms available depending on what city you live in. With so many options, you need help choosing among the best live poker rooms available. While you wait for CA online poker to become a reality, here are the best live poker rooms to meet your needs.

Bicycle Casino

Perhaps the best place to play live poker in California. “The Bike” has more than 185 card tables covering its floor, making it the largest card room ever. There are tons of players at any given time, with low-end stakes, recreational players, and even a few professionals here and there.

• 888 Bicycle Drive, Bell Gardens, CA
• Open 24 hours

Hustler Casino

The late Larry Flynt began the Hustler casino and it has since become one of the largest poker rooms in Los Angeles. Though it doesn’t have the high-stakes action that some of the others do, it is a great place to play. With plenty of soft games, players of all backgrounds and experiences can enjoy a hand or two.

• 1000 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA
• Open 24 hours

Commerce Casino

With more than 150 tables to choose from, you will find no shortage of action at Commerce. What they are best known for is hosting the WPT L.A. Poker Classic, which is one of the focal events for the World Poker Tour. There are a plethora of cash games always available and even some of the pros turn up from time to time.

• 6131 East Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA
• Open 24 hours

Hollywood Park Casino

Just a short walk from the new SoFi Stadium, this poker room has more than just its location going for it. It is also the home of Norman Chad, long-time announcer for ESPN’s WSOP coverage. Though there are fewer tables (51) than the others, there are daily tournaments and stakes games for players of all bankrolls.

• 3883 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA
• Open 24 hours

Famous California Poker Players

Given how large the state is, it only stands to reason that there would be a few important names in the poker community from the Sunshine State. Two names, in particular, stand out.

• TJ Cloutier: Cloutier, 83 years old, became a master of tournament play with frequent appearances and wins at the World Series of Poker. He has bracelet wins across six tournaments (1987, 1994 x2, 1998, 2004, 2005). He has also had four top-five finishes in the Main Event of the WSOP.
• Jerry Buss: Another veteran of the game, the 80-year-old Buss is perhaps more famous for another reason: he is the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, Buss has made his name grow even larger in the poker room, representing California well.

The Best Poker Site in California

Players looking for the best CA online poker need to look no further than BetOnline. Finding a safe, reliable, exciting means by which to play poker can change your online poker experience for the better. With our help, players will have no shortage of options to choose from.

Though there is some tough competition, BetOnline is the best option available right now. Bovada is a close second, but there is no topping the superior customer service, a plethora of tournament options, and low-stakes games for players who want to have fun. When it comes to online poker in California in 2023, BetOnline is the way to go.

  This article was written for Business 2 Community by Noah Strang.
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Author: Noah Strang

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Noah is a sports-focused freelance writer with years of experience. In terms of iGaming experience, he's worked with a bunch of the top brands around the world including Ontario Bets and Covers. He graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada where he started his sports writing career. …

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