Best California Online Casinos in April 2025

List of the top California online casino bonuses

The best sweepstakes casinos in California are listed below. As more casinos enter the market, we will expand the list and provide more of the top bonuses and promotions for new users.

Are online casinos legal in California?

Real-money online casinos are banned in California, according to California Penal Code Section 330. Sweepstakes and social casinos, however, operate legally under a different framework. Unlike real money online casinos, their sweepstakes counterparts use virtual currencies — Gold Coins for gameplay and Sweeps Coins for redeemable prizes — which creates a legal grey area exempt from current gambling laws.

The traditional gambling landscape in California is dominated by tribal-owned land-based casinos. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry that generates around $20 billion each year while supporting over 180,000 jobs and bringing the state around $6 billion in tax revenue. The tribal casino representatives continue to block online casino legalization, leaving sweepstakes casinos like WOW Vegas and Real Prize as the only option for Californians looking to play casino-style games online. 

California online casinos reviewed

The sweepstakes casino scene has been thriving over the past several years, with dozens of legit operators up and running in the state of California offering great bonuses, free spins, and fast payouts. Below is a snapshot of five industry leaders and the closest option California players have to the best casino apps.

1. Real Prize California

450,000 GC, 72 SC + 700 VIP Points

Terms and conditions apply.

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Real Prize is a well-established sweepstakes casino that hosts 500+ casino-style games sourced from reputable software studios like Pragmatic Play and Relax Gaming.

The sheer size of the catalog isn't the biggest, but the variety is on point. It covers online slots, including popular releases known for their high payouts, like the Money Train series. You will also find bingo options, poker rooms and classic table games, instant win titles, and a suite of live dealer releases powered by ICONIC21.

Among the best casino bonuses in the market today, Real Prize offers users a top option. The daily login bonus grants players 5,000 GC with 0.3 SC on the side, and the first purchase deal is among the biggest ones in the industry: 625,000 GC, 125 SC, and 1,250 VIP points for $100. The platform supports major credit and debit cards, bank transfers, Skrill, and gift card redemptions.

2. WOW Vegas California

1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 Free Sweepstakes Coins

Terms and conditions apply.

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WOW Vegas is an industry veteran on the sweepstakes casino scene, known for its massive selection of over 1,800 games and partnerships with popular celebrities like Paris Hilton. The list of providers covers a lot of ground, including heavyweights like Pragmatic, BGaming, and NetEnt, as well as some fast-growing names like NoLimit City.

All newly registered players receive a three-tiered no deposit bonus worth 250,000 WOW Coins + 5 SC on sign-up. There’s also the first purchase pack of 1.5 WOW Coins + 30 free SC for $9.99. You can also spin the Daily Wheel for up to 30 SC per day.

The operator regularly updates its catalog — in fact, the latest games from all featured software providers become available moments after they are released. The dark-blue interface is very easy to navigate, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding the titles you’re looking for. 

Customer support can be reached 24/7.

3. Crown Coins California

200% More Coins on First Purchase + 2 FREE SC

Exclusive Offer 🚀

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Crown Coins stands out on two fronts — with its high-quality slots and the mobile optimization for iOS users. The casino has clearly made a strong impression on Apple sweepstakes players, racking up over 20,000 App Store reviews and earning a stellar 4.8/5 rating.

The platform supports all major credit and debit cards, bank transfers, Skrill, and Apple Pay. As you can see, the whole experience feels tailored for iOS players, from navigation to payment flow.

The platform hosts online slots and jackpot games from the likes of Booming, Slotmill, and Relax Gaming. Crown Coins is also one of the few sweepstakes casinos that host Microgaming slots, with jackpots soaring north of 40,000 SC. Table games and live casino rooms are lacking, though, which might be a deal-breaker for some.

The longer you play, the more rewarding the daily bonus system becomes, with up to 40,000 GC and 1 SC available each day. Gold Coin packs are affordable, and the first purchase deal boosts their value by 200%. 

The site also offers phone support — something most sweepstakes casinos lack these days.

4. Stake.us California

550,000 Gold Coins, $55 SC + 5% Rakeback

Terms and conditions apply.

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Stake.us is one of the biggest names in the sweepstakes casino space — easily a top 3 platform in terms of recognition and player volume. It hosts over 1,500 games and covers all gaming categories: slots, table games, live dealer games, scratch cards, keno, plinko, crash, poker, dice, and even crypto exclusives.

The app is crypto-centered. You can handle your purchases and redemptions with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, Dogecoin, and the stablecoin Tether (USDT). You can also claim your winnings via Prizeout gift cards. 

Stake.us features one of the best-developed VIP programs around, with benefits like rakeback, custom promos, and exclusive perks. Still, regular promos might be its strongest suit, including the 50m GC daily race and the Stake Cash Giveaway.

New players get 250,000 GC and 25 SC right out of the gate — the largest no-purchase welcome bonus in terms of free SC value.

5. McLuck California

57,500 Gold Coins + 30 SC

⭐ Exclusive offer

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McLuck is one of the most mobile-friendly sweepstakes casinos out there, with fully native apps for both iOS and Android. Players also appreciate the minimum redemption threshold of 75 SC.

This site is one of the top spots for slot players, as it hosts games from Novomatic, Spadegaming, Slotmill, and many other notable developers. Its in-house jackpot system, called McJackpot, is a highlight for thrill seekers. With a $0.10 opt-in, the biggest seeding sits at 200 million GC or 100,000 SC.

This sweepstakes casino also offers live dealer rooms, but there are no RNG online table games. The welcome bonus includes 7,500 GC and 2.5 SC, which is decent but nothing to write home about.

The daily bonus is progressive, starting at 1,500 GC + 0.20 SC on Day 1 and going up to 1,250 GC + 0.35 SC for the third consecutive daily login. Not the largest SC count, I have to admit, but the eight-tiered VIP program makes up for it a bit, with weekly coin drops, exclusive reload boosts, and personalized rewards across the board.

When it comes to banking, McLuck lets players use Visa, Mastercard, Diners, and bank transfers. Alternatively, you can opt for mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and just like with many other sweepstakes casinos, gift card redemptions are also an option.

Best California sweepstakes bonuses

How we rate and review California online casinos

Many different factors contribute to our rankings of the best California online casinos. Users have many different needs and preferences when selecting a casino to play with, but the best options have many of the same characteristics. 

Bonuses and promotions

The most important factor for many new online casino users, bonuses and promotions are the main way sweepstakes casinos do their best to stand out in the industry. SBR sorts through all of the available options to find the best bonuses and promos for new and existing users, and our rankings reflect our findings. We also make sure to dive deeper into the terms and conditions associated with each bonus to make sure we don't complete our rankings based on the face value of a promo.

Casino games and software

Aside from bonuses and promos, the best California online casinos offer a greater variety of games than their competitors. Quantity and quality are both important when considering which operator to sign up with, and a good site should offer live dealer games, table games, and a great variety of slots titles.

Payment options and policy

The best California online casinos offer players a variety of deposit options. Some operators use cryptocurrency, others use a combination of crypto and traditional payment methods like credit cards. We also know that users prefer the fastest payout online casinos, so we make sure to rank them accordingly. 

Available California online casino games

Sweepstakes casinos offer casino-style games that match the offerings of traditional land-based and online operators. These include the best online slots, table games, and live dealer options.

Online Slots 🎰

Online slots make up the majority of the gaming catalog at sweepstakes casinos. Beyond the basics, sweepstakes operators are now expected to offer advanced mechanics like bonus buy, Hold & Win, and cluster pays. Megaways slots with dynamic paylines are also an option on sites like Real Prize and Stake.us.

Blackjack 🃏

Blackjack remains the go-to table game across sweepstakes platforms, thanks to its low house edge and straightforward gameplay. Most sites offer standard and multi-hand versions, but the overall selection is usually limited compared to slots. Some platforms, like WOW Vegas, only offer blackjack through live dealer rooms — you won’t find any RNG-based versions here.

Roulette 🔄

Roulette games are also popular for their simplicity. In this luck-based game, the outcome is entirely based on chance, so players don’t have to develop strategies like with blackjack. In most cases, American Roulette is readily available, but the best sweepstakes casinos also host European and French Roulette games, which have significantly higher RTP rates.

Poker ♦️

Full poker rooms are rare on sweepstakes sites; however, some platforms, like Stake.us, offer them for a more traditional experience. More commonly, you’ll encounter video poker titles such as Jacks or Better or Caribbean Stud. These are easier to run, which is why they are widely available across sweepstakes casinos.

Live dealer casino games 🤵‍♀️

Live dealer games are either available as classic table games with real croupiers on the other side of the screen or as popular game shows. Either way, you get a mix of convenience that comes with online casino gaming and the social interaction typical of land-based venues. 

Craps 🎲🎲

This high-energy casino classic is known for its fast-paced nature. In its sweepstakes version, players place bets on the roll of two dice within a virtual setup that perfectly replicates the thrill and action of traditional craps. The communal aspect at the low house edge makes this game an easy crowd favorite.

Baccarat ♣️

Baccarat is another staple at sweepstakes casinos known for its simple rules and straightforward gameplay. In it, players have the option to place bets on three potential outcomes — the player hand, the banker hand, or a tie. Some sweeps sites host other popular variants, as well, like Punto Banco.

How to play online casino games in California

In California, you can only play casino-style games online by joining sweepstakes casino sites. The sign-up process is similar to regular real-money online casinos, just follow the steps below.

1. Select an online casino

Check the sweepstakes casino sites available in California. All legit sites have strong geo-blockers that will restrict access if the platform is not available in your area. After considering the available options, visit the site through your desktop or mobile browser. Some platforms offer dedicated mobile apps.

2. Register online

After visiting the sweepstakes casino of your choice, click the sign-up button, usually located in the header menu. Fill out the sign-up form with your personal info, including your name, email address, and phone number. Once you’re done, you will need to verify your email address and phone number to access the lobby in most cases.

3. Claim a bonus

Many sweepstakes casinos will allocate the welcome no deposit bonus automatically after you’ve signed up. In some cases, though, you will need to manually claim the promo, usually by clicking a button that pops up on the screen. Daily login bonuses are also available, and you are free to claim one on the first day despite having snagged the welcome deal moments ago.

4. Make a purchase (optional)

Purchases are not mandatory at sweepstakes casinos, and you can play for free without ever spending a dime. However, you can buy Gold Coin packs that typically include free Sweeps Coins. In most cases, the casino will throw in a first purchase bonus as an incentive. Gold Coin packs are purchased in the Coin Store; just select your coin pack and follow the on-screen payment instructions.

5. Start playing

You can now check the available casino-style games and take your pick. Use Gold Coins to test the grounds because sweepstakes casinos give them in bulk. When you’re ready, switch over to Sweeps Coins — you’ll have fewer to work with, but any winnings from SC play can be redeemed for real cash prizes.

6. Redeem for cash prizes

You will need to wager your available SC balance at least once for it to become redeemable. Also, you will need to accumulate the minimum redeemable amount, which is usually 50 to 100 SC, to be eligible to make the request for real cash prizes. Some platforms lower that bar to 25 SC if you choose to redeem your winnings through gift card prizes instead.

Online casino payment methods in California

Depending on the site, payment methods at sweepstakes casinos can include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, mobile wallets, and even crypto at Stake.us.

Deposits are not available in the traditional sense like on real-money casino sites, but players can purchase Gold Coin packages that typically unlock free Sweeps Coins. After registering an account, the purchases only require a few steps:

1. Navigate to the section of the website where you can make a purchase.
2. Select the coin pack that suits you best.
3. Set the payment method and follow the steps required to finalize the purchase.
4. Use your newly acquired GC and SC to play casino-style games.

When it comes to withdrawals, you will need to accumulate a set amount of redeemable SC in your account to be eligible to make a real cash prize request.

At most sweepstakes casinos, SC become redeemable after you’ve played through them once, but some sites require as much as 3x rollover. The minimum amount of redeemable SC required ranges between 50 and 100 in most cases.

1. Play casino-style games using your SC. Keep wagering until you have the minimum amount of redeemable SC in your account (50–100 SC, depending on the site).
2. Open the redemption section of your sweepstakes casino profile.
3. Select the method. Some platforms allow gift card redemptions with significantly lower minimum requirements.
4. Initiate the redemption and wait for your real cash prize.

California online casinos latest developments

April 1, 2025: A lawsuit has been filed in Orange County targeting sweepstakes casinos. The suit specifically targets Stake.us, claiming the platform is running an illegal gambling website within the state lines.

March 5, 2025: On a podcast hosted by Indian Gaming Association conference chair Victor Rocha, some tribal gaming stakeholders vocalized their intent to try and regulate sweepstakes and DFS gaming in California.

Jan. 27, 2025: At the ICE conference in Barcelona, California tribal leaders announced their intention to target legal iGaming in the state in 2028.

California gambling laws

California's gambling laws offer a strict regulatory framework that only allows limited forms of wagering: tribal casinos, state lotteries, and card rooms. Online gambling remains banned except for sweepstakes casinos like McLuck and WOW Vegas, which operate legally under alternative gaming structures.

Gambling winnings in California are taxable, both at the federal and state levels. Players must report any amounts won, including those from sweepstakes casinos, on their state income tax returns. Most venues provide a W-2G form for significant prizes to simplify the tax filing process. Depending on the income bracket, Cali residents face up to 13.3% state tax.

State-specific laws like the California Gambling Control Act only regulate brick-and-mortar gambling locations. They offer no legal framework for real-money online casinos, which remain illegal state-wide. Attempts were made to legalize online gambling through ballot measures, albeit unsuccessfully.

Gambling laws will likely continue to evolve, but current regulations leave sweepstakes casinos as the sole option for online casino gaming in California.

California sports betting

While stakeholders attempt to sort out the future of gambling in California, online sports betting remains illegal in the state. Like online casino companies, California gaming laws currently prevent online sports betting operators from launching their products to residents.

Two ballot measures legalizing California sports betting were struck down in a vote in 2022, leaving DFS sites and social casinos as the best California sportsbooks users can access.

Online casinos in other states

While real money online casinos are not yet legal in California, there are currently six states where they are. Users can take advantage of WV online casino bonuses, NJ online casino bonuses, PA online casino bonuses and Michigan online casino bonuses if they are physically located within those states. Real money online casinos are also legal in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Find out more using the links below:

• NJ online casino
• PA online casino
• West Virginia online casino
• Michigan online casino

For those in Canada, check out:

• Online casino Canada (not for residents of Ontario)
• Online casino Ontario