2024’s Best California Online Poker Sites – Top CA Poker Rooms for Real Money (Updated)

In an industry famous for controversy, finding legitimate California online poker sites is crucial.

That’s why we’ve sifted through dozens of places to play online poker in California – ranking them for reputation, cash game traffic, tournament variety, bonuses, and more.

A little spoiler: we ranked Black Chip Poker as the best online poker site in California for its incredible bonus, super smooth downloadable app, and the best customer support around.

That said, there’s plenty more quality in our list of top California poker sites.

Let’s find your next California online poker room.

Is Online Poker Legal in California?

Online poker is not yet allowed in California, meaning that the state doesn’t issue licenses to poker operators. Instead, Cali residents can explore offshore poker websites that are licensed in other jurisdictions.

These platforms are licensed and regulated out-of-state and offer safe and secure poker platforms.

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1. Black Chip Poker – Best Real Money Online Poker Site in California Overall

Pros

• Up to $2,000 in bonus funds
• Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud
• 20+ year reputation in California online poker
• Rewards for regular Sit & Go players
• Great small stakes cash games
• Massive Sunday tournaments

Cons

• No anonymous tables
• Cashout fees on some options

Black Chip is no stranger to the scene, having been around for nearly 20 years. It has spared no time in becoming the best poker site in California.

It has made immense improvements over the last decade, always staying up to date with poker trends, and is easily one of the best online poker sites you can entrust your bankroll with.

Online Poker Offerings – 4.9/5

As is the case with most modern online poker sites, Hold’em is far and above the most commonly played game here — though you will also have access to Omaha and even 7-Card Stud.

The poker app is sleek, stylish, and easy to use. If we had one major complaint it would be the lack of anonymous table support. In fact, the best online poker site in California openly supports a variety of HUDs so unless you’re also really into the HUD life, this might not be the best choice for you.

Tournament player? You can look forward to huge GTD tournaments: $100,000 GTD, $250,000 GTD, $300,000 GTD, and $500,000 GTD are up for grabs.

Welcome Bonus – 5/5

New players will get a 100% match up to a $2,000 welcome bonus.

Similar to the other top poker bonuses we’ve covered, you won’t get the bonus cash up front, but will instead unlock it over time by playing real money games — in this case, you unlock $1 for every 27.5 Black Chip Award Points you earn playing.

There are plenty of other exciting offers like the Daily Double, a Mystery Bounty feature, and more.

Deposit Methods – 4.8/5

California players can load up their accounts via credit card, MoneyGram, Skrill, Neteller, and a respectable number of cryptocurrencies.

2. America’s Cardroom – Highest Traffic of All California Poker Sites

Pros

• Up to $2000 welcome bonus
• Wide range of banking options
• Dozens of daily tournaments
• Downloadable desktop app
• Deposits of up to $25,000
• Plenty of video poker games
• Instant payouts

Cons

• Games invisible without an account
• Visually busy homepage

With some California online poker sites making players wait several days to get paid out, it’s encouraging to see America’s Cardroom rewriting the rulebook and getting things done instantly.

Online Poker Offerings – 4.7/5

We recommend downloading the America’s Cardroom desktop app to play live poker. It’s a fantastic piece of software in itself, and the actual gameplay is very impressive, too, thanks to some great live dealers and impressive payout potential.

We enjoyed the packed tournament schedule in particular. America’s Cardroom has dozens of tournaments to participate in every day, covering a wide range of fees and potential prizes to suit all kinds of players.

You can also go to the regular casino section to play various video poker games if you so wish. There’s a good range of choices here, but you won’t be able to see any of the options without an account.

Welcome Bonus – 4.9/5

America’s Cardroom offers one of the strongest online poker welcome bonuses. It’s a 100% matched deposit of up to $2000 – all you need to do to trigger it is put down at least $25.

There are a lot of poker bonuses to enjoy at America’s Cardroom. Other exciting promotions include plenty of freerolls every single day. With such generous offers, America’s Cardroom is popular beyond CA. In fact, it’s the best New York online poker site.

Deposit Methods – 4.9/5

Players at this online poker real money California site will benefit from various payment methods, including credit cards, Bitcoin, and e-wallets.

The max deposit here for most payment methods is a massive $25,000, which shows that America’s Cardroom is a great fit for high roller players. But you don’t have to pay a fortune here, as players can get involved for as little as $10.

But the most exciting thing here is that all payouts will be processed instantly. You should never have to wait more than a few minutes to get your winnings at America’s Cardroom.

3. Ignition – Best Poker CA Site Welcome Offer

Pros

• Up to $1,500 bonus for online poker
• Feature-rich online poker app
• Weekly freeroll promotions
• Fully anonymous tables
• Fast-fold ‘Zone Poker’ feature
• $100,000 guaranteed tournament weekly

Cons

• Credit card deposit fees
• Low weekly payout limits on some methods

Ignition’s welcome offer is hands-down the best online poker bonus in California.

Not only does this CA poker site have great bonuses and exciting tournaments, but the downloadable poker app is built to run beautifully on PC, iOS, and Android devices, letting you experience the best poker room possible from wherever you are most comfortable.

Online Poker Offerings – 4.8/5

Ignition’s online poker options are all built around Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Hi/Lo. You’ll find plenty of tables to join in 6 or 9-seat configurations with a variety of limits available.

There’s even a practice mode so that way if you’re new to the game (or looking to expand your poker playing horizons) you can do it without burning through your bankroll.

In addition to cash games you’ll have access to Zone Poker, which instantly moves you to a new table when you fold (which gives you a chance to play significantly more hands-per-hour than standard games), Sit & Go games and Jackpot Sit & Gos — for players looking for more substantial prizes.

Ignition also hosts a ton of tournaments for high rollers and casual players, with all manner of buy-in and bet limits up to $100,000 in GTD money — and thankfully a filtering system perfect for finding the ideal tournament for you.

With so many tournaments available at all times and high bet limits, it’s also one of the best poker sites in Michigan.

And with fully anonymous tables (one of our favorite Ignition features) you won’t have to worry about other California online poker players learning your play habits and exploiting your style, giving you one of the most fair poker experiences around.

Welcome Bonus – 5/5

Ignition has the best online poker bonus in California. All new players get a combined welcome offer of up to $3,000.

The best part is that you can exclusively use half of the welcome bonus on poker while the other half is reserved for slots and other casino games.

To get the maximum bonus amount, you should deposit using cryptocurrency. Fiat depositors can still get bonus cash up to $2,000.

Deposit Methods – 4.8/5

This online poker California real money site accepts credit cards, and e-wallet deposits through MatchPay, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.

There are no fees attached to crypto deposits, but Ignition’s credit card transaction fees start at 15.9% and go up from there, so we recommend playing with some form of cryptocurrency since you’ll also get a bigger bonus.

4. Bovada – Best California Poker Online Site for Knockout Tournaments

Pros

• 100% match up to $500
• Easy-to-use poker app
• $1.5 million in GTD tournaments
• Great selection of bounty tournaments
• Find your perfect table in two steps
• Zone Poker and other features available

Cons

• Smaller bonus than some competitors
• High fees on credit card deposits

Next up we have Bovada. While primarily known as a powerhouse in the CA sports betting and horse racing industry, Bovada also offers an excellent collection of poker rooms for serious poker players.

Considering it is a sister site to Ignition Casino, you can expect the same sterling support and a similar suite of features here.

Online Poker Offerings – 4.9/5

As stated above, you’ll find a very similar collection of poker options at Bovada. This means you’ll have access to a wide range of Texas Hold’em and Omaha tables, prime for all skill levels.

And with Bovada’s Quick Seat system, you’re never more than two steps away from finding a cash game.

One of our favorite aspects is Bovada’s attention to detail when it comes to Knockout Tournaments. These tournaments not only have a significant prize pool as the end goal, but players will earn a bounty on every player they knock out.

There are also a variety of Knockout Tournament games available including the classic Knockout format, Sit & Go Knockout games (which combine the best of both worlds), and Progressive Knockout tournaments where the more players you knock out, the higher your bounty gets — with the winner claiming their own bounty as well.

Welcome Bonus – 4.7/5

Bovada offers players who use the PWB500 promo code a 100% match on their first deposit good for up to $500 in bonus cash.

This bonus has no rollover requirements but instead is unlocked by earning Poker Rewards points by playing real money poker games.

For every 150 points you earn, $5 of your bonus will be unlocked until you’ve unlocked the whole thing, but you’ll only have 30 days to do so, so make sure you get right on it.

Thanks to this variety of exciting offers and tournaments, Bovada is also one of the best poker sites in Pennsylvania.

Deposit Methods – 4.8/5

This California online poker site accepts Visa and Mastercard deposits, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.

There are some fees on credit card deposits, though, and it can vary from one card to another, so make sure you do your homework before making any deposits.

5. BetOnline – Best CA Online Poker Site for Crypto Users

Pros

• 100% match up to $1,000
• Great poker bonuses are available
• Poker odds calculator tool
• Bad beat jackpot feature
• Sunday majors up to $150,000 GTD
• Tons of crypto banking options
• Great weekly leaderboards

Cons

• High fees on some deposit options
• The best bonuses favor sports betting

BetOnline offers a stellar poker experience that is hard to beat — especially for cryptocurrency bettors, thanks to the surprisingly wide range of accepted forms of crypto.

Couple that with several poker-focused bonuses and BetOnline really helps you stretch your Bitcoin or fiat currency.

Online Poker Offerings – 4.8/5

While we don’t like the table browser as much as we do Ignition Casino, BetOnline still manages to offer a very intuitive experience, making it easy for you to find practice and cash games with relatively few clicks.

In addition to your standard cash games and tournaments, you’ll find plenty of Sit & Go tourneys and a ton of fast-paced Windfall format tournaments which offer an exciting multiplier feature to really amp up your potential winnings.

Add to that one of the best bad beat bonuses we’ve seen (taking the sting out of getting a win swept out from under you), and BetOnline does poker well.

Welcome Bonus – 4.8/5

New poker players from California can get a 100% match-up to $1,000 bonus when they use the POKER1000 promo code.

BetOnline also offers weekly leaderboard offers with $100,000+ in prizes, a rarely-seen but appreciated poker reload bonus and other exciting promotions for poker players.

They’ve also got a great bonus for sports betting in California up to $1,000.

Deposit Methods – 4.8/5

This real money online poker site accepts most standard fiat deposit methods including credit cards, money orders, bank transfers, and so on, but what impressed us was its dedication to cryptocurrency.

You can load up your account with Bitcoin, Avalanche, Binance, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polygon, Ripple, Shiba Inu, Solana, Stellar, Tether, Tron, and USDCoin — and all of those options have very low minimum deposit limits.

Best Online Poker Sites California – Our Ranking Criteria

Online Poker Offerings

Whether we’re looking for top New Jersey online poker sites or those in CA, we look at what sort of poker is available. We check if they offer Seven Card Stud, Texas Hold’em, or Omaha Hi/Lo. We also consider other noteworthy features like games, GTD tournaments, and more.

Welcome Bonus

The best online poker sites know that a good welcome bonus is the best way to get new blood in the door.

That’s why we’ve read all the fine print to make sure that each of our California online casinos on this list offers you a generous starting bonus of some sort, to ensure you can hit the ground running.

Deposit Methods

Whether you’re playing poker in New Jersey or California, having quick and easy banking options is important.

We considered the variety of banking options available and the processing times for each, so whether you want to deposit with cryptocurrencies or a debit card, you’ll have all the options.

Security and Fairness

In California and beyond, the security and fairness of online poker sites are the most important. We thoroughly examine each site’s encryption and data protection practices to protect your personal and financial details.

Additionally, we check their fairness measures, such as using random number generators and undergoing independent audits, ensuring a trustworthy and unbiased gaming experience.

Customer Support

We assess how responsive and helpful each site’s customer service is. Factors like 24/7 availability, multiple contact options (including live chat, email, and phone), and quick problem resolution are key. Our focus ensures you get timely and effective support when you need it.

Mobile Experience

We evaluate each site’s mobile compatibility, including the availability of dedicated apps or well-designed mobile websites.

Our reviews focus on user interface, game availability, and overall performance on smartphones and tablets, aiming for a smooth and enjoyable mobile poker experience.

We used the same benchmarks to find the best online poker sites in Illinois and Ohio.

Why Is Black Chip the Best Online Poker Casino in California?

If you want to play online poker in California, Black Chip Poker is the best CA online gambling site. Let’s have another look at its standout features.

• Generous Welcome Bonus: One of the most compelling features of this real money online poker site is its generous welcome bonus. New players are greeted with a 100% match up to $2,000. This bonus, unlocked progressively as you earn Black Chip Award Points, substantially boosts your bankroll.
• Diverse Poker Games: The best online poker real money California site caters to different preferences. It offers the ever-popular Texas Hold’em, and players can also test their skills at Omaha and 7-Card Stud. This variety ensures that all poker players find something to enjoy regardless of their preferred game.
• Long-Standing Reputation: For over 20 years in the California online poker scene, Black Chip Poker has established a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. Its continuous adaptation to the evolving world of online poker is a testament to its commitment to providing a quality experience.
• Exciting Tournaments: Tournament fans have plenty to look forward to with Black Chip Poker. The site hosts massive Sunday tournaments and offers substantial guaranteed prize pools up to $500,000. These tournaments cater to various buy-ins, accommodating players with different bankroll sizes.

How to Play Online Poker in California – All You Need to Know

New to online poker? Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player looking to explore the world of online poker in California, here’s a quick guide to get you started.

Understanding Poker Hands

Before diving into the online poker scene, it’s crucial to understand all of the poker hands. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different hand rankings, from high cards to royal flushes.

Knowing the hands will massively enhance your decision-making when playing online poker.

Basic Strategies

Having some kind of strategy behind your poker game can help you to stay in control and therefore improve your chance of winning.

Learn when to bluff, how to read your opponents, and the importance of position. A well-thought-out strategy can make all the difference!

Technical Requirements

Ensure that your computer or smartphone can handle the processing power of your poker game. Also, you’re going to need at least 1 Mbps of internet bandwidth to be able to handle live poker games.

Participating in Tournaments

Tournaments add more excitement to online poker and increase your chance of winning some cash. There are tournaments for all kinds of players out there, no matter how much you want to spend.

Online Poker Etiquette

Maintaining proper etiquette is important in the online poker community. Be respectful to fellow players and read any rules for each individual online poker site.

Community Forums

Engaging with the online poker community through forums and discussion groups is always fun. You can share experiences, seek advice, and stay updated on the latest trends and strategies, which could help you improve your game.

California Online Poker – FAQ

What is the best online poker site in California?

Black Chip Poker is the best online poker site for California players. It stands out with its impressive welcome bonus, offering up to $2,000 for new users. The platform offers a range of poker games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, suited for all player types.

Which California online poker site has the best bonus?

If you’re looking for tons of bonus cash to take to the poker tables, we think Black Chip Poker offers the best welcome bonus. With a 100% match good for up to $2,000 in bonus funds, that’s enough play to give pretty much all poker players a leg up.

Can I play poker online on my mobile device?

Yes, you can play online poker using your phone, tablet, or other mobile device. Virtually all online poker sites offer flawless mobile compatibility, while others offer feature-rich, downloadable mobile apps that make it easy to enjoy cash games and tournaments.

Can you play online poker in California?

Yes, you can play online poker in California by using offshore online poker platforms like Black Chip Poker and America’s Cardroom, which operate with legitimate licenses from jurisdictions like Curacao and Malta.

What do online poker tournaments look like?

Online poker tournaments give players the chance to win even more prizes while playing poker by competing against other players on a larger scale.

Top Online Poker California Sites – Quick Comparison

Black Chip Poker: Our pick for best overall, this long-standing poker site offers a great blend of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud in one of the sleekest poker apps we’ve seen. Sign up today for $2,000 matched on your first deposit.

America’s Cardroom: If it’s fast payouts you’re after, you’ll find them at America’s Cardroom. They process withdrawals instantly and offer a stunning 100% up to $2,000 matched deposit welcome bonus.

Ignition: Ignition offers exciting cash games, anonymous tables, and a fast-paced Zone Poker. Sign up today to get up to $3,000 welcome offer.

Bovada: If you like claiming bounties by knocking out other players, Bovada’s exciting Knockout tournaments are a perfect fit. Sign up today to get a 100% match up to $500.

BetOnline: BetOnline is our favorite crypto poker site for Hold’em and Omaha cash games. Use POKER1000 to get up to $1,000 in bonus cash today.

So, What Are the Best Online Poker Sites in California?

Now that you know where to find the best sites for playing online poker in California, it’s time for you to get on out there and deal yourself in.

While we think that Black Chip Poker is the best of our offshore online poker sites, letting you play cash games, thrilling tournaments, and more with its stunning app, we understand that it might not be what you’re looking for — luckily for you, we’ve dug up several other fantastic choices.

No matter which California online poker room you decide to play at. However, it’s important to remember to focus on having fun and to always wager responsibly.

 

DISCLAIMER: 21+ only. Online gambling comes with many risks. The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Players are advised to gamble responsibly and only use funds they can afford to lose. Remember, online gambling is only intended for entertainment purposes and is not a solution to any financial difficulties.

Gambling laws and policies vary from one region to another. Some sites mentioned in this review may not be accessible in your area. Always do your due diligence and check your local gambling policies. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

We are committed to providing our readers with accurate and timely information. The details mentioned in our review may be subject to change as casinos seek to improve their sites to offer their players a better gambling experience.

If you suspect you’re becoming addicted to gambling, seek help immediately by contacting the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

The following resources may be helpful as well:

• https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/