Best sweepstakes & social casinos in California for 2024

Legalities of CA gambling and sweepstakes

So what are sweepstakes, exactly? If you’re a California native, the term and the concept of sweepstakes casino might sound foreign. You can walk into any of the state’s 85 commercial casinos and go home with pockets full of money, so why would you care? Because it’s fun.

In California, sweepstakes are the closest thing to legal online gambling. We’ll explore what that means below, but let’s define sweepstakes first.

Sweepstakes casinos in the US provide the same gambling experience as traditional casinos, but with one notable exception: you don’t wager or win real money. Players don’t have to pay to play, and they can’t cash in their winnings. Instead of actual money, you use virtual currency.

The yes’s, no’s, & maybe’s of California sweeps gambling

When it comes to gambling, California is the land of many firsts, and that’s only fitting, given the state’s self-proclaimed entitlement to mischief, fun, and absolute freedom. America’s first gambling clubs were opened right here during the Gold Rush, triggering a gambling boom.

Just as significant was the birth of Native American casinos, which started sprawling in California during the 70s. Indians’ unique political situation allowed them to fight for their right to defy both state-wide and federal laws, resulting in the signing of the 1988 Tribal Casinos Act.

In addition to giving life to US gambling clubs and tribal casinos, California is also home to the world’s first-ever floating casino, a few kilometers off the Santa Monica coast. Floating casinos are the industry’s swankiest gem – you can see them sparkle in lawless international waters.

The state of gambling in California today is worthy of its two-century-old legacy. Save for games whose outcome is decided by the spin of the wheel or roll of the dice, virtually all types of gambling are allowed – in one form or the other. To put it bluntly, nothing is strictly forbidden.

Namely, the two main types of gambling in California are tribal casinos and card rooms. All land-based casinos are legal, but these two have monopolized the CA market.

Other gambling activities, such as sports betting, horse racing, and poker, are heavily affected by this monopoly. CA operators don’t like competition. Any gambling venture that could present a business risk to tribal casinos and card rooms is immediately red-taped.

Take sports betting, for example. Many attempts have been made to legal land-based sportsbooks in the state, but they’ve all failed because Indians wanted exclusive rights.

Land-based horse racing and poker are allowed in California, with poker also available exclusively in tribal establishments and card rooms. The state’s government has regulated the lottery since 1984 – at least 34% of all revenue from the lottery goes to CA schools.

Online gambling remains unregulated in the Golden State, which is slang for “not strictly legal, but not prosecuted either.” All types of online gambling involving real money that are available in California are run by offshore operators. Playing at these sites always comes with a risk.

If the California sun has made you too lazy to dress up and go to a real casino, you can still play online – though only for fun. Social gambling and sweepstakes are very much legal. As far as we know, no sweepstakes casinos are illegal on the California hot soil.

The state of sweepstakes in California vs the rest of the US

The long and complicated history of gambling laws in the United States leads back to 1961 and John F. Kennedy. Even though the law was rewritten several times since game providers everywhere, from New Jersey to San Francisco, are still affected by what happened back there.

What the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 aimed to do was take away the power of telecommunications from gangsters operating the gambling clubs from behind the curtains. That it did, and much more. Kennedy’s law made hosting a betting service via electronic wires illegal.

Sixty years later, with the internet’s dominance over anything electronic or wired, the 1931 Wire Act had immense consequences on gambling in the US. Yes, even in California.

However, unlike California, 30 other states now authorize online gambling due to the 2011 rereading of the Wire Act. We have the states of New York and Illinois to thank for making the Department of Justice revisit Kennedy’s law and clarify what is regulated by it and what is not.

In 2011, the Department of Justice surmised that the federal gambling law concerned only online sports betting. So, all other types of online gambling were proclaimed legal.

Notably, the first states to jump on the wagon after 2011 were New Jersey and Nevada. What California card rooms and tribal operators can take from this is that online gambling isn’t a threat to commercial land-based casinos. It’s a way to expand an industry in a modern way.

Until then, sweepstakes will continue to provide an entertaining alternative to real casinos. These sites are legal in 49 US states, including California and excluding Washington.

California gambling laws and regulations you should know about

If you plan to indulge your inner gambler like a true Californian, we recommend the unexciting old approach – stop what you’re doing and study the law. Playing with money is always in a grey area, so be smart and know what you’re getting into.

• California Penal Code 330 et seq;
• Bus and Prof Code 19400 et seq;
• Gov’t Code 98001 et seq.

Gambling in California was initially authorized by the Gaming Registration Act in 1984, but this mainly defined the state’s official stance towards legal card rooms. Since this wasn’t enough to follow the gambling industry’s boom, another law was passed in 1997.

Besides card rooms, the 1984 Act also legalized state-wide lottery, while horse racing and charitable bingo were authorized before that – in 1933 and 1976, respectively.

The 1997 Gambling Control Act finally went into effect in 1999, and the California Gambling Control Commission was formed. The timeline of regulations and laws detailing the legality of gambling facilities on Indian grounds is even longer and very much in favor of tribes.

When it comes to online gambling, a single small step was made in the positive direction in 2018, when the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, thus allowing the state of California to legalize online sportsbooks. Sadly, it was in vain.

Several bills to legalize sports betting, either in tribal casinos or online, have been launched and denied since. The latest attempt was the California iGaming bill in 2021, which was voted against by Californians in 2022. That marked the final blow for legal online gambling in CA.

According to California Penal Code Sec. 330, “every person who plays or bets at or against any (…) prohibited games, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable by a fine not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment.”

In other words, cashing out your poker funds from an offshore site could technically put you in jail. Luckily, it’s highly unlikely this will ever happen to you. The state has no resources to – or interest in – pursuing individuals for gambling-related misdemeanors in California.

If you’re confused by disclaimers and ambiguities, you have a lot of reasons for that. Unfortunately, that’s the reality of being a gambler in a state like this, where governing laws are too unclear, broad, or intentionally vague. So we want to try to simplify all that.

According to the governing laws and regulations, the only type of online gambling that is 100% legal in California is horse racing betting with selected operators.

In case you’re not into that, you have limited options left. Number one, you can play all your favorite games in offshore casinos, which is always risky. These operators count on the fact that gambling is illegal where you live, and the law won’t be on your side in case of fraud.

To make things worse, the state of California could decide to take legal action against you should you get caught using a casino app or gambling at an online site for money.

The law prohibits “any banking or percentage game played with cards, dice, or any device, for money, checks, credit, or other representative of value.” The “device” in this definition could legally be applied to the computer or mobile phone you use for gambling.

Sweepstakes casinos are option number two. Even though the California law doesn’t specifically address sweepstakes, it allows social gambling. These two share the same legal premise – the absence of real money deposits and prizes – which makes sweepstakes not illegal.

What to play in CA sweepstakes casinos 🎰

Historically, slots and card games have been integral to the Californian gambling experience. It’s only natural that their sweepstakes versions are in high demand, too. Other sweepstakes games that CA gamblers love playing include roulette, lottery, and bingo.

Slot machines

Slot machines are a Vegas-style casino staple. These games are a beloved pastime in states where land-based gambling is legal, such as California. Not everyone can play poker and win. Sweepstakes slots, however, offer a brisk encounter with Lady Fortune to anyone who tries.

Some of the best CA sweepstakes casinos to play slots are Wow Vegas casino and Stake.US.

Card games

Poker Online, Online blackjack, Texas hold ’em, and baccarat remain California’s most popular casino card games. They can be found in card rooms, Indian gambling resorts, sweepstakes sites, and in many variations with unique rules and winning strategies.

You can play excellent card games at CA sweepstakes casinos like Golden Hearts Games and McLuck Casino.

Roulette

Even though they offer a host of gambling options, CA casinos aren’t allowed to host any games of luck where the outcome is decided with a ball or a dice, which includes roulette. That may be why Californian gamblers enjoy playing sweepstakes roulette as much as they do.

If you like roulette, you can play it for sweep coins at High 5 Casino and Rush Games.

Popular bonuses at CA sweepstakes casinos

Ask anyone who prefers sweepstakes over traditional gambling, and you’ll always get the same answer – there’s no feeling as electric as snatching a good bonus. Luckily, CA sweepstakes casinos boast incredible bonus options for all players, so you can experience that firsthand.

Welcome bonus

Sweepstakes casinos are known for showering new players with welcome bonuses. California is a busy market for them, with fierce and relentless competition. Generous welcome bonuses are a way for these casinos to attract visitors, so many offer whopping amounts.

CA sweepstakes casinos with the best welcome bonuses are Gambino Slots and NoLimitCoins casino.

Daily logins

The ultimate goal of any casino is to retain as many players as possible. That’s even more important in the sweepstakes market, where newcomers don’t have to commit to a single operator. Daily bonuses are a simple yet irresistible trick – they always make us return for more.

Great examples of sticky daily login bonuses can be found in Funzpoints casino and TaoFortune casino.

Loyalty programs

Returning to your favorite casino every day is one thing, but staying forever loyal to a specific gambling brand is a whole different ballpark. That’s what operators are trying to achieve with loyalty programs. Being a casino’s VIP club member gets you special perks and bonuses.

One of the casino that has the best loyalty program bonuses in California is Sweeptastic.

What payment options are available at CA sweeps? 💳

There are several things that separate great online casinos from average ones. Obviously, there are game variety and bonus offers. Licensing and security are just as important, as we’ll discuss later. However, there’s also something that players often overlook – payment choices.

The variety of payment and withdrawal options is significant for creating an enjoyable online casino experience, and the same goes for sweepstakes sites.

Remember, sweepstakes are only legal if they offer an alternative mode of entry (AMOE). If they don’t let you play for free, sweepstakes operators are just as unlawful as regular online casinos. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t purchase more virtual coins if you want to.

When researching convenient payment options at the CA sweepstake casinos you like, don’t forget to check security features like encryption and transaction speed.

Payment systems at sweepstakes California

Cash is out of style in California’s busiest cities like LA. The most popular casino payment methods in the Golden State are trendy new digital wallets, contactless credit cards, and mobile payments. However, options like online banking, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Skrill are still in everyday use.

That being so, experienced Californians are more likely to choose sweepstakes casinos that offer these payment systems for convenience and speed but also increased security.

How to redeem cash prizes in CA sweepstakes casinos 💰

After all that talk about the legalities of gambling and sweepstakes in California, you will be surprised to learn that it is not only possible but technically legal to win real money prizes in US sweepstakes casinos. How so? Well, it’s a little loophole known as the two-currency mode.

Sweepstakes casinos run on virtual tokens called Gold Coins (their name may vary from one site to the next), but they also have so-called Sweepstakes Coins that can be redeemed for real money. It’s legal because you can’t buy these coins – you can only get them for free.

For example, you’ll receive Sweepstakes Coins every time you purchase Gold Coins. Some sweepstakes casinos offer them as part of their welcome bonus package or with other promotions, and if that’s not enough, you can also win Sweepstakes Coins in contests and games.

The cash prize redemption process is more or less the same at all CA sweepstakes sites that offer this option. In most cases, you can access your Sweepstakes Coins balance from your account page, where you can submit a request together with the required information.

The usual steps for accessing real money prizes at sweepstakes are:

1. Every operator has unique rules about accumulating and redeeming Sweepstakes Coins, so familiarize yourself with them first. It might include terms and conditions such as Sweepstakes expiration period, wagering requirements, and minimum redemption threshold.
2. You should be able to see how many Sweepstakes Coins you’ve accumulated on your balance page. Sometimes, that’s a separate section easily accessible from the casino’s home page. Other times, you’ll have to navigate to your account or profile and check there.
3. After you ensure you have enough Sweepstakes Coins to withdraw a cash prize, choose how many of them you want to cash out. Pay attention to the site’s minimum redemption amount. Most sweepstakes casinos have thresholds for how much money you can win.
4.  This next step depends on the casino’s specific cash prize redemption policy. You will most likely be asked to submit your ID for verification along with your payment information. Remember, you must be 18 or older to play at sweepstakes casinos in the state of California.

Most importantly, don’t be nervous about it. Converting Sweepstakes Coins to real money is usually a user-friendly and straightforward process, as long as you follow the rules set by the casino, and if you get sweaty palms, don’t worry – you’re not doing anything illegal.

Choosing the best legal sweepstakes casinos in CA

Californians are blessed with options in both life and gambling, but having too many choices can feel overwhelming, too, as it requires research and selection. While we can’t help you make important life decisions, we can at least help you pick the best CA sweepstakes casino.

So try to forget about games and bonuses for a second. The crucial factor for choosing a good casino is something else – player safety, followed by reputation and legality.

Before you open an account at a new sweepstakes place, please take some time to research the operator behind it. The information about the casino’s license and the regulatory bodies overseeing its operations should be transparent and easily accessible. If not, it’s time for due diligence.

Sweepstakes online casino reviews on our site can speed things up and tell you everything you need to know. Make no mistake, this is crucial for having a fun sweepstakes experience.

Other things you should factor in when choosing a CA sweepstakes casino are:

• The number and quality of games – This is a massive part of choosing a new casino. Of course, this depends on what types of casino games you like in the first place. Most players choose variety, but you might want to go for specialty.
• Bonuses, promotions, and events – When casino bonuses, promotions, and special events are in case, the more is always the merrier. Again, you should consider this in combination with your favorite games, as some bonuses are subject to specific wagering requirements.
• Visual experience and navigation – Land-based casinos provide a full sensory experience. The best sweepstakes sites aim to recreate that through website design, attractive visuals, and sound effects. They also combine recognizable casino aesthetics with user-friendly UXs.
• Convenient and safe payments – Many sweepstakes have expiration periods for Sweepstakes Coins. The last thing you want is your winnings to go to waste just because the casino doesn’t offer your default online payment system or charges a cheeky fee for cashing out.
• Practices ensuring player safety – The best CA sweepstakes casinos care about their players as much as they care about their revenue. They do this by providing responsible gambling options such as purchase and time limits and the possibility to take a break from playing.
• Availability of customer service – You need to contact your casino’s representative? Reputable sweepstakes allow you to do that fast, using the most convenient communication channel. 24/7 real-time player support should be enabled via live chat and phone.

Sources

• State of Play 2024. American Gaming Association.
• Will, Y. (2024 January 8). Where Is Sports Betting Legal? A Guide To All 50 States. Forbes.
• Amanda, C. (2023 Aug 25). 53% Of Americans Use Digital Wallets More Than Traditional Payment Methods. Forbes Advisor.
• California Penal Code 330 et seq. California Legislative Information.
• Bus and Prof Code 19400 et seq.  California Legislative Information.
• Gov’t Code 98001 et seq. California Legislative Information.