Are you looking to play online poker in California? Despite not exactly being he poker capital of the world and the fact that online poker is heavily regulated in California, don’t worry – there are plenty of good options! Enter offshore poker sites: They allow you to play your favorite poker games like Hold’em and Omaha, and win big prizes in weekly or monthly tourneys.
Which offshore site to choose then? The best way to find a site with good games, rakeback & promotions is to research which online poker rooms offer what you’re looking for, then compare them side-by-side. You may also want to look at reviews from other players who’ve played on these sites before. Luckily for you, we’ve done meticulous research on all available offshore sites so you don’t have to test them all by yourself. Instead, you can read this guide and get a good picture on what are the top alternatives.
This guide is for all of those who are interested in playing poker online in California and want to know about the best poker sites for this purpose. We will look at what features make a poker room good, as well as the most popular cash games & tournament formats that are played on these sites.
Latest poker industry updates for California players
Latest poker industry updates for California playersBefore we dive into playing online poker in California, let’s quickly clear that on our site Beasts of Poker you can find up-to-date information on how the game of poker is evolving, as well as what’s happening in the poker industry. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to online poker in the US or anywhere else! Let’s get started with the legal aspects:
Is online poker legal in California?
Well, the online poker industry in California is not legal per se. You see, the state of California has a history of being strict with gambling and the online poker industry is no different in this sense. The California State Legislature has been debating whether to legalize online poker in the state since 2013. As you might have guessed already, that debate is still ongoing and there are no signs of it coming to an end anytime soon. There are many reasons why this hasn’t happened yet and some of them are:
- The lack of consensus among legislators about how much revenue should be generated from licensing fees
- The fear that legalizing online poker will lead to more gambling addiction among people
- The fear that minors will be able to gamble on the internet without parental consent
However, even though poker players in California are only allowed to play poker in land-based establishments, there’s a way around it if you want to play online from the comfort of your home. Poker players in California can still play poker online on several offshore gambling platforms that support US players. Wondering what are the top-rated poker platforms you should try out if you reside in California? Read on to learn more:
What Online Poker Sites Can I Play in California?
Online poker is enjoyed by many people across the world. California residents are no exception. Due to certain laws in the state, however, it is difficult for residents to find a poker site that they can participate at. Luckily there are still a few offshore poker sites available for US players to play for real money. Here are some of the sites where you can play online poker in the comfort of your home.
Bovada
Better than a casino and more fun than the track, Bovada is your one-stop shop for online gambling. The site targets casual poker players in the US instead of pros. With betting on horse racing, the largest poker room, over 200 casino games, and the opportunity to bet on sports, there’s something for everyone at Bovada.
Indeed, Bovada Poker is one of the top-rated poker sites you can play if you reside in California. They offer an awesome variety of games, fast payouts and massive player pools (over 1000 cash players).
The site’s ease of use and functionally make it tick. This makes it one of the best sites to play on your mobile device, desktop, and in-browser. They also offer a 100% up to $500 poker bonus for new players. Download their app today & start playing!
Pros
- $2,000,000+ in weekly prizes
- The largest poker network in the USA
- Compete with the best of the best against a field of thousands
- $1,000,000+ tournament available monthly on Zone Poker variant
- Available to play anytime and anywhere
- There is a fast-fold poker variant called Zone Poker, which allows you to play at multiple tables at the same time. same time
- Available on mobile
Americas Cardroom
Americas Cardroom is a safe, secure, and responsible online poker site where you can enjoy the thrill of the game without risking any of your money. They have a selection of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud games and many more. This is one of the few poker platforms where you can increase your bankroll with little investment. Various micro stake tournaments are available, as well as freerolls you can join for cheap change. For instance, America’s cardroom has low cash game tables at $0.01/$0.02, as well as high stake tables as well.
Pros
- Lowly priced cash games tables
- Loads of freeroll options
- Get a 100% match up to $2,000 on your first deposit of $25 or more.
- No need to enter any bonus code. Just make your first deposit and you’re good to go!
- Deposit using your credit card and get the money in your account instantly.
- New players can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus.
BlackChip Poker
BlackChip Poker is one of the best places to play poker online. They’re actually a sister site to ACR, which makes their reputation a good one amongst players. They offer a wide variety of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud. They also offer generous guarantees for many of their tournaments. New players will get a fantastic welcome bonus of $2,000.
Pros
- Massive $2,000 Deposit bnous
- Fast games: BlackChip Poker provides fast games with speedy tables so you can play your favorite game at all times.
- Excellent customer service: BlackChip Poker provides excellent customer service so you’re never left in the dark about your account or any other issue that might arise.
- Innovative features: BlackChip Poker has innovative features like push notifications, multi-language support, and more!
BetOnline
You have several options when it comes to playing poker in California. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, there’s never been a better time to give BetOnline.ag a try. Betonline is one of the top poker sites to consider if you’re a California resident because the site has many poker tournaments available each day and it’s easy to use. Enjoy over 30 unique games titles such as Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, 5-Card Draw and Pai Gow when you join the site.
Also, they offer a quality mobile playing experience, so you can play poker anywhere, anytime – with the best prices and the widest variety of games around.
Pros
- BetOnline’s deposit bonus will get you playing with 100% more money. You’ll get a hefty 100% match up to $1000 on your first deposit
- Deposit options in a variety of currencies and flexible payment methods. They have deposit options like Visa, Skrill, Neteller, and many more
- Their games are among the most beatable, so no worries about going broke too quickly.
- BetOnline has one of the biggest networks, giving you access to more players and games than anywhere else.
- Their traffic is ranked 3rd among sites that allow players from the US, which means a smooth experience if you’re coming from the States.
Ignition
Play poker at the best online poker site, Ignition Poker. Remember the days when you could play poker for free? We have good news – they’re back again. Well, sort of. Ignition Poker is back with a weekly freeroll on Thursdays with a prize pool of $2,500! Play all day every day with 100% up to $2,000 welcome bonus and one hour guaranteed cash games. The winners are those who always play, even if they don’t always win!
- Ignition will match your deposit up to $1,000.
- Join a poker game with as little as a penny and enjoy weekly poker tournaments with no investment
- The choice is yours, you can play Ignition Poker either via your browser or by downloading the free app.
- Random players are assigned to the same table, which means you may be playing against your boss or your spouse. Nobody knows who you are, so you can play your hands with complete freedom.
Here’s a good recap video of gameplay on Ignition:
Everygame Poker
Find your next stop for poker at Everygame, formerly known as Intertops Poker. They have the all the popular cash games formats and MTTs for all levels of players, from casual to professional stakes (well, you can play casually at high stakes if you’re rolled for it!). You’ll basically enjoy a huge variety of games from the classic Texas Hold’em and Omaha to more exotic variants such as Seven-Card Stud, 5-Card Draw and 7-Card Stud. And you get to play real money poker tournaments with guaranteed prize pools.
Pros
- One of the best poker rooms for beginners and low stakes players.
- Customize your table with a variety of options, from sound effects to background images.
- A huge selection of tournaments is available, no matter what your bankroll is.
- Get a hero’s welcome and get an instant 100% match bonus up to $1,000 on your first deposit.
Sportbetting.ag
Sportbetting.ag is a trusted, licensed, and regulated online poker platform with over 50 games. They have buy-in and signature tables ranging from $5 to 200$ for players of various levels and skill sets.
With hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed tournaments, you can play at your own pace or take on the competition in a daily or weekly event. Whether you’re an experienced player looking for a tough table or a beginner looking for the right one, we have the game for you.
They’ve got the best mobile poker experience for iPhone or Android. You’ll be up and running in a couple of minutes with our fast, secure, and reliable platform.
Pros
- 100% first deposit match bonus up to $1000.
- Great selection of the world’s most popular poker games.
- Constant innovations to keep the game fresh and exciting.
- No delays in receiving your winnings after deposits and withdrawals!
Juicy Stakes Poker
You’re looking for one of the best poker sites on the internet. You’ve found it. Enjoy Juicy Stakes Poker with many bonuses and promotions, including VIP points, free chips, and more. At Juicy Stakes there are many regular promotions, freerolls, free blackjack bets, reload bonuses, etc.
Pros
- Play on a well-designed website that allows instant gameplay and downloadable software.
- You can deposit funds and withdraw with any of the major credit cards, or use a variety of e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill.
- Play from your desktop or from your mobile device.
- Take advantage of our rewarding bonuses and promotions, plus freerolls and satellites to exclusive live events.
- Whether you’re from the US or Australia, you can play for your chance to win!
- Allows for deposits through a variety of payment methods.
- Many tournaments, as well as frequent promotions and bonuses.
Making a Deposit To Play Online in California
Making a Deposit To Play Online in CaliforniaYou need to deposit funds in your account before you can play for real money. There are a variety of payment options to choose from. You can use your credit card, debit card or PayPal account. There are also some other options for depositing money like Neteller and Skrill.
In order to make a deposit, you will need to create an account with your online poker room. You will be prompted to enter your personal information, which includes your name, address, and phone number. After that, you’re good to go!
You will also have to provide a valid form of identification in order to verify your identity. This can include a driver’s license or passport. Once you have submitted this information, the casino may request that you provide proof of age (in the form of a birth certificate or passport). If you are under 18 years old, they may ask for parental consent before they can process your deposit.
History Of Poker In California
In the late 1800s, poker became a popular game among gold miners in California (yep, they had plenty of money to play with!). The game was born out of the need for entertainment during their free time. Due to its popularity, many home games up in the area. The earliest recorded form of poker was called “stud-horse” which was a type of three-card stud game where players could discard any number of their cards and replace them with new ones from the deck. Nowadays the most popular game in California is No-Limit Hold’em.
Advantages of Playing Online Poker in California
Play in the comfort of your home
You can play any poker game you want without having to drive to an establishment. With a free poker app like Hold’em Free Poker, you can play any poker game you want, whenever and wherever you want.
Play poker on your schedule
Poker is a game of chance. You can never predict what cards you’ll be dealt, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play poker and win. You can play poker on your schedule with live casino games, mobile games and more.
Learn how to play poker by watching YouTube videos on your computer or tablet
YouTube poker videos can teach you the rules of the game, how to play poker hands, and how to strategize your way to victory. There are also a plethora of informative videos on different variants of poker such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Five Card Draw and Razz.
Never worry about your friends making fun of you for playing poker for a living
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who is doing this – although nowadays playing poker for a living is much more acceptable in the society! There are many prestigious poker tournaments in the world, which have been running for decades and have given thousands of players a chance to live their dreams. The players compete for millions in prize money and every year, new players join the ranks. You’re living the dream by playing cards for a living, or making an honest side income. The point is, when you play online, you’re anonymous – period.
How to Choose the Right Poker Site in California
A couple of factors go into choosing the online poker room that fits you best. Let’s quickly walk through them:
Variety of games available
Poker websites offer a variety of games, stakes, and versions to suit different tastes. Analyzing the variety of games available on a poker website is important to ensure that you are using the right game for your skill level and your bankroll.
Traffic statistics of the site
One of the most important factors in poker, besides the actual game, is your online traffic. A reliable site will have a high number of visitors per day. If you are looking for a new poker site, it is useful to check the traffic statistics before signing up. A poker site’s traffic statistics are a great way to see how much the site is growing. It is important to analyze the long-term growth trend and short-term fluctuations of a poker site.
Read the terms of a poker website before signing up
When it comes to signing up for a new poker website, you need to be aware of the terms of use. Most sites will give you some form of bonus, but they’ll also have rules that go along with it. Some sites may not allow you to withdraw the bonus until a certain amount of rake is generated, so make sure to read the small print!
Safety and security
There are a few things to look for in an online poker room to ensure it is safe and secure. First, you should make sure that the poker room is licensed and regulated by a credible regulatory body. For example, if the poker room is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, then it is safe. The poker room should also have a money-back guarantee, which ensures that if you are unhappy with the poker room for any reason, you can get your money back. Additionally,
Good welcome bonus
It’s critical to find a poker room that offers a good welcome bonus. This will help you get the most out of your play and boost your bankroll.
Poker rooms offer different kinds of bonuses and they are not always the same. It’s important to find a room that offers a sizable bonus so that you can maximize your winnings right off the bat.
Does the poker site offer a fair game?
Poker is a game of chance in the short run. But it’s mainly a game of skill when you look at the result in the long run. Skills is what separates the good from the great.
It’s essential to check that the poker site offers a fair game so that you can keep your winnings, and not get taken for a ride by dishonest players. Check that the site has a license and a certificate of their RNG from a third party. Picking the right poker site is essential to a fair game.
Is the site licensed and regulated?
It is important to look for a site that is licensed and regulated as this will ensure the company is legitimate. This will protect you from scams and other fraudulent websites.
Ask your friends what poker site they recommend
If you’re looking for a site to play poker on the internet, ask your friends which site they use and why. If they also play poker in your state, they may know a wonderful resource to help you make the right. If you don’t have friends who play online poker, besides reading this review you should scan some Reddit comments on each site – they can prove to be valuable on which sites to play on and which ones to avoid!
Do a Google search and read different reviews of poker sites
Picking the right poker site can make all the difference between a good and bad poker experience. You’ll want to make sure you pick a site that is not just easy to use, but also one that’s secure in terms of game integrity and withdrawals – not to forget the juicy games and a reliable customer service!
Check out the poker site deposit and withdrawal methods (really important!)
This is a vital part of ‘due digilence’ when playing online poker anywher in the US. Deposit and withdrawal methods for poker sites vary from site to site. Some deposit methods are instant, while others like bank transfer can take a few days. It’s important to pick a site with the most suitable deposit and withdrawal methods for you. You want to jump into the action and play poker right away without waiting!
Most sites mentioned above have many different deposit and withdrawal methods for their players. Some of these include PayPal, credit cards, bank transfers, Bitcoin, and more.
Check out the poker site FAQs before signing up
You can read the FAQs to find out all the details you need to know before you sign up for a poker site. The FAQs will explain how to get started from downloading the poker client, making a deposit, how to contact the customer support and more.
Try and learn as much as you can about the poker room you’re considering before joining. You should know what games are offered, what times they are offered and if you’re playing poker on your computer, the speed of the graphics. Researching the history of the poker room is a wise idea.
How to Play Online Poker in California
This is easy – let’s set up an account at your chosen poker site in 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Begin the Registration Process at the site of your choice
Find the ‘Join Now’ or ‘Register’ button on one of our suggested California poker sites
Step 2: The first step in getting started is to complete the registration form.
Fill out your email address, a password of your choice, and then fill out the rest of the form so we have all of your basic information.
Step 3: Make the First Deposit
Deposit funds into your account and enjoy the welcome bonus offered by your site of choice.
Step 4: Join a Poker Table
You’re now ready to play as many cash games and tournaments as you like. You can play right in your browser or download the client to enjoy poker anytime & anywhere.
Conclusion
As the third most populous state in the US and with the largest economy in the US, the state of California has been the home to some of the most popular poker players in the world. This includes names like Jamie Gold, Men Nguyen, David Rheem, David Pham.
As of now, players in California can play poker online through offshore gambling platforms. The sites reviewed above are safe, secure and tested to provide you with the highest quality gaming experience if you’re a poker player. Pick your choice and play some cards!
