Best Poker Sites in California in 2024

Mila Kraljevska

Poker Expert

Updated: 2 September 2024

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Online poker in California is flourishing, providing residents the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting real-money games across numerous platforms. These sites appeal to a broad spectrum of players, offering everything from high-stakes challenges to more relaxed gaming experiences.

As the state progresses towards more regulated online poker environments, players benefit from enhanced security and a regulated framework, ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, California’s online poker sites offer a rich and engaging poker landscape.

List of Top 10 Poker Sites in California

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CoinPoker	150% Welcome Bonus up to $2,000	150% Welcome Bonus up to $2,000 33% Weekly Rakeback Anonymous, Instant Withdrawals Crypto Poker No Payment Fees 150% Deposit Match Offer	10 CoinPoker	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
Ignition	100% Poker & 100% Casino Mixed Funds Bonus	100% Poker & 100% Casino Mixed Funds Bonus Quick seating on poker tables Complete poker hand history - up to 24 hrs Tournaments with up to $200K in prizes	9.5 Ignition	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
ACR Poker	100% up to $2,000 Welcome Bonus	100% up to $2,000 Welcome Bonus $2000 in Welcome Bonus cash Super-Fast withdrawals Secure US platform since 2001	9.6 ACR Poker	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
Black Chip Poker	$2000 Poker Welcome Offer	$2000 Poker Welcome Offer $2000 in Bonus Cash for Newcomers Varied selection of tournaments Top variety in Texas Hold'em and Omaha	9.4 Black Chip Poker	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
BetOnline	100% up to $1,000 Sign-up Bonus	100% up to $1,000 Sign-up Bonus Exclusive poker jackpot surpassing $30,000 Progressive Bounty and Sunday Major tournaments Modern client with excellent visuals and features	9.8 BetOnline	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
Bovada	100% Bonus up to $500	100% Bonus up to $500 Zone Poker and anonymous tables User-friendly and intuitive poker client $2 million prizes through weekly poker tournaments	9.7 Bovada	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
Ya Poker	100% up to $2,000 Welcome Offer	100% up to $2,000 Welcome Offer Impressive welcome offer Easy to use poker client Top variety in cash games and tournaments	8.4 Ya Poker	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED
SportsBetting	100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus	100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus	7.8 SportsBetting	Play Now NO CODE REQUIRED

The Best California Online Poker Sites Reviewed

Discover the best online poker sites in California, each meticulously evaluated for game variety, security, user experience, and bonus offers. Perfect for players seeking reliable and entertaining online poker action.

CoinPoker – Best for Secure, Blockchain-Powered Gaming

CoinPoker revolutionizes online poker through its commitment to security and fairness, leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology. This platform not only ensures a secure gaming environment but also enhances fairness, making it a preferred choice for poker enthusiasts worldwide.

Poker Game Selection:

• Texas Hold’em: A staple in the poker world, offering games for all skill levels.
• Omaha: Known for its complex strategies and multiple hand possibilities.
• Tournaments: Regular tournaments cater to various skill levels with a wide range of buy-ins and competitive structures.

Site Features:

• Cryptocurrency Payments: Specializes in cryptocurrency transactions, providing an extra layer of security and speed.
• Additional Gaming Options: While poker is the primary focus, CoinPoker also offers casino games and has a sports betting section.\

Buy-In Limit:

• Cash Games:
• NLH tables range from ₮0.02/₮0.05 to ₮1,000/₮2,000.
• PLO and PLO5 tables range from ₮0.02/₮0.05 to ₮10,000/₮20,000.

• Tournaments:
• Regular tournament buy-ins from ₮100 to ₮25,000.
• Special events like the Cosmic Spins range from ₮0.25 to ₮100.

Player Incentives:

• Welcome Bonuses: Offers 100% welcome bonus of up to ₮1,100.
• Loyalty Program: Offers a starting rakeback of 33% to reward regular and dedicated players.

CoinPoker’s use of blockchain technology not only secures transactions but also ensures transparency across all games. The site’s focus on crypto payments not only attracts a tech-savvy audience but also promotes quicker and more secure transactions compared to traditional methods.

Combined with a solid selection of games and robust player incentives, makes CoinPoker a standout platform in the online poker scene. Whether you are a casual player or a professional, CoinPoker offers a fair and secure environment for all your poker needs.

BetOnline – Best for Comprehensive Betting and Gaming

BetOnline redefines online gaming with a robust platform that seamlessly integrates sports betting, casino games, and a dynamic poker room. Using advanced software, BetOnline ensures a user-friendly and secure environment for all players.

Poker Game Selection:

• Main Variants: Texas Hold’em and Omaha dominate the offerings.
• Tournaments: Features daily and weekly tournaments, including the popular $150,000 Sunday Major.
• Special Games: Windfall Sit ‘n Go, Boost Poker, and Six Plus Hold’em.

Site Features:

• Mobile Compatibility: Offers a high-quality mobile experience on iOS and Android without a dedicated app.
• Banking Options: Supports a wide range of methods including cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and e-wallets for both deposits and withdrawals.

Buy-In Limit:

• Cash Games:
• Minimum: $0.01/$0.02
• Maximum: $5/$10

• Tournaments:
• Regular buy-ins range from $0.55 to $215.
• Special events like the $150,000 Sunday Major and others can have higher buy-ins, typically up to $109, with occasional higher stakes tournaments available.

Player Incentives:

• Welcome Bonuses: Offers a 100% deposit bonus for poker of up to $1,000 with a minimum deposit of $50.
• Jackpot: Enjoy the Jackpot Windfalls to grab a bonus of up to $75,000.

BetOnline is known for its reliable payouts and has been a trusted name in online gaming since 2001. With continuous updates and dedicated 24/7 customer support, BetOnline remains a top choice for US players and those around the world looking for a comprehensive betting experience.

BetOnline’s platform is regulated and licensed, ensuring safe and fair play across all games. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious gambler, BetOnline provides a rich and engaging environment to suit all your gaming needs​

Bovada – Best for Diverse Poker Experiences

Bovada stands out as a premier destination for poker enthusiasts with its extensive selection of games and tournaments. The platform is particularly known for its user-friendly mobile interface, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices. With robust security measures and multiple banking options including cryptocurrencies, Bovada provides a reliable and convenient gaming environment for all players.

Poker Game Selection:

• Texas Hold’em: Available in No Limit, Fixed Limit, and Pot Limit formats.
• Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo: Available in both Pot Limit and No Limit varieties.
• Zone Poker: A fast-fold option that increases hands played per hour, available for both Hold’em and Omaha.
• Special Games: Includes Jackpot Sit & Go’s with potential multipliers up to 1200x.

Tournament Offerings:

• Buy-ins: Range from micro levels at $0.50 to high-stakes options up to $200.
• Types: Regular tournaments, Knockout Tournaments, Turbo Tournaments, and the Monthly Milly with substantial prize pools.

Site Features:

• Mobile Compatibility: Offers a fully optimized mobile experience without needing a dedicated app.
• Banking Options: Includes a variety of methods such as Bitcoin, credit cards, and direct bank transfers, ensuring fast and secure transactions.

Player Incentives:

• Welcome Bonus: 100% match up to $500 for new poker players.
• Regular Promotions: Includes bonuses for both the casino and sportsbook sections, with special events and tournament guarantees.

Bovada’s commitment to a user-friendly platform extends to features like anonymous tables and a quick seating option, enhancing privacy and reducing wait times. Its commitment to fair play and customer satisfaction is evident, providing a well-rounded gaming experience that caters to a diverse player base.

Ignition – Best for High-Traffic Tournamets and Diverse Gaming Options

Ignition Poker distinguishes itself as a leading online poker platform, renowned for its engaging and competitive environment that attracts a wide spectrum of players from across the United States.

Known for seamlessly blending high-stake opportunities with accessible beginner games, Ignition facilitates a vibrant poker community. Its commitment to high-quality, fast-paced gaming experiences makes it a favorite among players looking for reliable and exhilarating online poker action.

Poker Game Selection:

• Main Variants: Offers popular games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
• Special Games: Features unique options like Zone Poker for faster play.
• Tournaments: Known for its $2M Guaranteed Week and the Super Millions Poker Open among other high-traffic events.

Buy-In Limits:

• Cash Games: Ranging from micro stakes at $0.02/$0.05 to higher stakes up to $30/$60.
• Tournaments: Includes a wide array of buy-ins, from low-cost seats at $1 to more substantial entries for major events.

Site Features:

• No-Download Required: Modern software allows players to jump into games directly via web browsers on desktop or mobile devices.
• User Interface: Features a clean, intuitive layout that enhances player navigation and game selection.
• Banking Options: Supports multiple payment methods including credit cards and cryptocurrencies, ensuring fast and secure transactions.

Player Incentives:

• Welcome Bonus: Up to $3,000 for new players, with enhanced bonuses for Bitcoin deposits.
• Promotions: Features the $2,500 Weekly Poker Freerolls and a Bad Beat Bonus to help players recover from tough losses.

Ignition Poker’s rich tournament schedule and diverse game offerings create a lively and engaging atmosphere for poker lovers. With its high player traffic, Ignition ensures that games are always available, catering to a wide range of poker preferences. This platform not only provides a seamless gaming experience but also fosters a competitive yet friendly poker community.

Legal Status of Poker in California

The legal environment for poker in California is regulated by California Gambling Control Commission, with distinct regulations governing live and online gameplay:

• Live Poker:

• • Legally recognized across the state.
  • Operated in numerous card rooms where games are player-banked, meaning players bet against each other rather than the house.

• Online Poker:

• • There is no state-regulated online poker in California currently.
  • Repeated legislative efforts to legalize and regulate online poker have not been successful, often stymied by disagreements among key stakeholders such as tribal casinos and commercial card rooms.
  • As a result, Californians often turn to offshore poker sites, which operate in a legal gray area. These sites are not regulated by California but are typically licensed in their own jurisdictions.

• Consumer Protection and Legislation:

• • The absence of state regulation for online poker means less consumer protection for players.
  • Ongoing legislative discussions continue to seek a regulatory framework that would allow for safe, legal online poker in California.

The distinction between the well-established legality of live card rooms and the unresolved status of online poker remains a significant issue. Stakeholders are still working towards potential solutions that could introduce a regulated online poker market, aiming to enhance player safety and state revenue.

How We Rate California Poker Sites

When evaluating California poker sites, our approach is comprehensive and methodical, ensuring players have access to only the best platforms.

Each aspect is critically analyzed to provide a reliable guide to help players make informed decisions about where to play. This systematic review process helps ensure that all recommended sites meet our high standards for quality and fairness.

Poker Selection

The diversity and quality of poker games available on a site are crucial. We examine the range of poker variants offered, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and more specialized games like Stud or Draw Poker.

The presence of both cash games and various tournament formats, including Sit & Go’s, multi-table tournaments (MTTs), and high-stake events, are also key factors in our evaluation. This ensures players have access to games that match their skill level and betting preferences.

Player Traffic

Player traffic is a critical component in our evaluation of California poker sites. High traffic ensures that games are available at all hours and supports a wide range of stakes and poker formats.

We assess both peak and off-peak traffic, as well as the presence of recreational and professional players, to ensure a balanced and dynamic poker environment. This factor significantly affects the competitiveness of games and the overall player experience on the site.

Poker Bonuses, Rakebacks and Freerolls

We carefully evaluate the incentives offered by California poker sites, focusing on the attractiveness of their poker bonuses, rakeback programs, and the availability of freeroll tournaments.

These factors are significant because they can greatly enhance player profitability and overall experience. We look at the size and frequency of bonuses, the fairness of rakeback percentages, and the value provided by freerolls to assess how well a site rewards its players for their loyalty and play.

Payment Methods

Our assessment of California poker sites includes a thorough review of the payment methods they offer. We evaluate the variety, security, and speed of both deposit and withdrawal options available.

This includes checking for major credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency options, ensuring that players have access to convenient and swift financial transactions. We also consider any associated fees and the overall reliability of each payment system to ensure players can manage their funds effectively and securely.

Support Quality

In our review of California poker sites, we critically assess the quality of customer support provided. This includes evaluating the availability and responsiveness of support channels such as live chat, email, and telephone.

We also consider the professionalism and helpfulness of the support team, and whether they provide multilingual support for diverse player bases.

Additionally, we look at the presence of comprehensive FAQs and support documentation to help players resolve common issues independently. This thorough analysis ensures that players receive the assistance they need in a timely and effective manner.

Mobile Apps

When rating California poker sites, we thoroughly evaluate the functionality and user experience of their mobile applications. Key factors include app stability, ease of navigation, game availability, and the overall smoothness of gameplay on mobile devices.

We also assess whether the apps provide full feature parity with their desktop counterparts, including access to all games, customer support, and secure banking options. This ensures that players can enjoy a seamless and engaging poker experience on the go.

Advantages of Online Poker in California

Online poker in California offers several benefits to players, enhancing the gaming experience significantly:

• Convenience and Accessibility:

• • Players can access games from the comfort of their own homes or on the go, eliminating the need to travel to a physical casino.
  • Online platforms operate 24/7, providing flexibility for players to engage in poker at any time that suits their schedule.

• Variety of Games:

• • Online poker sites typically offer a wider range of games than physical casinos, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and more exotic poker variants.
  • Players can find games at all stake levels, from micro-stakes to high-stakes tables.

• Opportunities for All Skill Levels:

• • Both novice and experienced players can find suitable games, with many sites offering tutorials and practice tables for beginners.
  • Advanced players can participate in larger tournaments and high-stakes games that might not be as readily available in brick-and-mortar casinos.

• Promotions and Bonuses:

• • Online sites often provide various bonuses, including sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and loyalty rewards, offering extra value to players.
  • Frequent freerolls and guaranteed prize pools are available, giving players more ways to win.

• Lower Costs:

• • Playing online eliminates many of the costs associated with physical casinos, such as travel expenses and tipping dealers.
  • Online tables typically have lower rakes and tournament fees compared to their offline counterparts.

Best Poker Games in California

California offers a vibrant poker scene, featuring a mix of popular and unique games tailored to meet the preferences and skill levels of every player.

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant, both in California and globally. It features a simple structure where each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards), and five community cards are placed face-up on the table.

The game progresses through four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. Players aim to make the best five-card hand using any combination of their hole cards and the community cards.

This game is renowned for its strategic depth and is a staple in both casual settings and major poker tournaments, offering a perfect blend of skill and luck that attracts both beginners and professional players alike.

Omaha

Omaha is another highly popular poker game, especially favored in California for its action-packed gameplay. Similar to Texas Hold’em, Omaha deals each player four private cards and reveals five community cards on the table.

However, unlike Texas Hold’em, players must use exactly two of their hole cards along with three community cards to make their best five-card hand. This rule significantly increases the complexity and potential hand combinations, making Omaha a game favored by players seeking a more challenging and strategic poker experience.

The game typically comes in two forms: Omaha High, where the highest hand wins, and Omaha Hi/Lo, where the pot is split between the highest and lowest hands.

Seven Card Stud

Seven Card Stud is a classic poker variant, once the most popular before Texas Hold’em took over. Each player receives three cards initially—two hidden and one exposed.

The game includes a total of seven cards, with four more dealt subsequently (three exposed, one hidden). Players must make the best five-card hand using their individual seven cards.

This game demands sharp memory and strategy, as there are no community cards and players must keep track of the cards already revealed to anticipate opponents’ hands.

Poker Apps in California

In California, the availability of poker apps has transformed the way players enjoy their favorite card game, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. Here are some key features and benefits of poker apps in California:

1. Convenience: Poker apps provide the ultimate convenience, allowing players to indulge in their passion for poker without being tied to a desktop computer or a physical casino.
2. Variety of Games: From traditional Texas Hold’em and Omaha to unique variants and fast-paced tournaments, there’s something for everyone.
3. Player Traffic: Players can easily find opponents to compete against, whether they’re looking for casual games or serious competition.
4. Bonuses and Promotions: Many poker apps offer enticing bonuses and promotions to attract new players and reward loyal ones.
5. Security and Fairness: Trusted poker apps focus on secure gaming with advanced tech and rigorous testing for transparency.

Depositing and Withdrawing at Online Poker Sites

When it comes to managing funds on online poker sites, players have several options for depositing and withdrawing money. Some of the most popular types include:

1. Credit/Debit Cards: Widely accepted for both deposits and withdrawals, popular options include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
2. E-Wallets: Digital wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller offer fast and secure transactions.
3. Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers provide a convenient way to move funds directly from a bank account to a poker site.
4. Cryptocurrency: Increasingly popular for its anonymity and security, options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are accepted by many sites.
5. Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards such as Paysafecard allow for discreet transactions without the need for bank accounts or credit cards.

History of Online Poker in California

The development of online poker in California reflects its complex legislative narrative intertwined with a rich cultural affinity for the game. Since the early 2000s, when internet poker began to gain global traction, California has grappled with regulatory challenges.

The state’s history is peppered with numerous legislative attempts to formalize online poker, reflecting the strong local interest and the potential economic benefits. These efforts have often been complicated by the diverse interests of tribal entities and commercial operators, each guarding their stake in the lucrative gaming market.

Despite these complexities, the enthusiasm for poker has not waned. California remains a critical hub for poker players, with its vibrant card rooms and historic gaming culture.

Legislative progress has been slow, and while regulated online poker has not yet been realized, the state continues to be a focal point for discussions about the future of online gaming. As stakeholders strive to find common ground, the history of online poker in California continues to evolve, promising potential growth and transformation in the coming years.

Elevate Your Game with California Online Poker

In wrapping up, California’s online poker scene offers unparalleled excitement and opportunities. For the ultimate experience, we recommend CoinPoker. 

With its innovative features and robust community, CoinPoker ensures that every hand you play in California is filled with excitement and potential for success. Join CoinPoker today and take your game to new heights!

FAQs

Mila Kraljevska

Poker Expert

Mila is a Texas Hold'em player with years of experience in amateur poker tournaments. She enjoys sharing her insights into the best online poker sites with most valuable rakeback deals and bonuses.

View all posts by Mila Kraljevska