Best Online Live Poker Sites

7/7/2022by admin

California is known for having one of the largest casino industries in the country. There are a huge number of land-based casinos offering poker rooms and games. In recent years, more residents in CA have been looking at ways to play real money poker online. Today, our team of gambling experts is going to explain how you can find the best real money California poker sites currently operating.

PokerNews has been reviewing online poker sites since 2003 and is the leading poker website in the world. Our team of experts have reviewed all the websites where you can play online poker for free. All of the above Virginia State online poker site bonuses are subject to change at any time, should any of them be of interest to you please visit the respective Poker sites website for full terms and conditions of any bonus listed. Finding The Best Poker Sites In Virginia; Why You Should Try Online Poker. Best Online Poker Sites for Non-US Players Black Friday may not have shut down poker sites for the rest of the world, but it did cut out a large percentage of the player pool. As legislation changes and some players move to new parts of the world, the poker economy in places like Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, and South Africa continue to.

Not interested in reading about all of this? No problem. Below are some of the best poker sites in California that are operating right now. Check them out now and see what’s available!

RankGambling SiteDeposit BonusGet Started
#1100% Up To €400Visit Site

As many already know, a huge number of great poker sites are available in California right now. Some of you may have a difficult time choosing which one to join. We’ll help out by offering a few steps you can take to find a safe and fun poker website.

It can be a little difficult finding information on the legality of these websites. Later on down this page, we’re going to dive into the legal situation surrounding online poker gambling in California.

There are some great poker gambling options in California. This includes online poker options!

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Here’s How to Find Great California Poker Sites

As we’ve already said, California is home to a huge number of great poker websites. In fact, most of the ones operating here today are safe. But some, unfortunately, have gained reputations for being a little shady.

It’s important to be able to tell the difference. There are a few features that only the best California poker sites will offer. Below are some steps you can take to ensure that the site you join is safe.

Compare Reviews From Trusted Sources


One of the very best ways to learn about CA poker sites is to read in-depth reviews about them. There are reviews out there for just about every single online poker site. A good review will let you know about a site’s payment options and available games.

You can take a look at our gambling site reviews page today. We’ll be the first to let you know if a site is worth playing through or not. It’s always a good idea to read information about these California poker sites before you decide to join them.

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Spend Time Looking at Different Payment Systems

Nothing is more about your safety when gambling over the internet. It’s very important to only play through sites that will protect your money. Make sure you spend time looking at the payment options available at a few different poker sites in California.

The best poker websites allow deposits to be made using debit and credit cards. Generally speaking, online poker sites usually only allow withdrawals to be made using Bitcoin. The most crucial thing is finding sites that will always allow you to collect your winnings.

Make Sure the Games You Want to Play Are Available

As most gamblers know, there are many different forms of poker out there. Some individuals love one kind of poker game and others like a different one. All California poker sites are known for offering different poker gambling options.

This may seem obvious, yet you should always make sure the site you are interested in playing at offers the poker games you want to play. This should be easy to find out. Most internet poker websites list their games directly on the site’s homepage.

Look for Promotions and Bonuses

Promotions have helped many California poker sites grow over the years. Essentially, these are online casino bonuses that help to add money into your account. We think it’s a good idea to check out all of the different promotional offers being offered through different sites.

Some of these can seriously boost the amount of money you have to gamble with. Others can actually make it difficult to collect your winnings. Spend a few minutes looking at the promotions that different real money California poker sites are offering right now.

Why Poker Sites in California Are Becoming More Popular

It’s become very clear that the online gambling industry is growing rapidly every year. More people are recognizing how fun and easy it is to make wagers online. This is especially true with online poker gambling.


There was a time when poker games were freely available to play online. Eventually, the government passed laws that made it more difficult for poker sites to operate in the country. Despite this, the industry continues to grow every single month.

One of the main reasons people play poker online is the convenience that these websites offer. There are a huge number of land-based casinos that have poker rooms in CA. Not everyone wants to make the drive to one of these places just to place some bets, though.

California poker sites allow you to play from anywhere in the state with an internet connection. Most also offer solid mobile gambling platforms that allow you to gamble using a phone. The convenience of these sites are attractive for gamblers across the state.

The sheer number of poker games has also helped this industry grow quickly. Many who are new to this form of gambling are astounded to see how many different games are available online. Some poker sites in California are known for offering more games than others.

There are a huge number of different reasons why online poker gambling is growing more popular. It’s a fun option and more people are starting to realize its value. Check out some of the sites we recommend at the top of this page to see for yourself why the industry is booming right now.

List of Land-Based Real Money Poker Rooms in California

California, like many other states in the country, allows Native American casinos to operate. Today, there are a huge number of these in the country, most of which offer real money poker games. Below are the names and locations of the 10 best land-based poker rooms in the state of California.

  • Viejas Casino Resort: Alpine
  • Pala Casino Resort and Spa: Pala
  • Win-River Resort and Casino: Redding
  • Pechanga Resort and Casino: Temecula
  • Cache Creek Casino Resort: Brooks
  • San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino: Highland
  • Thunder Valley Casino: Lincoln
  • Morongo Casino Resort and Spa: Cabazon
  • Red Hawk Casino: Placerville
  • Barona Resort and Casino: Lakeside

All of the poker rooms above are fantastic. They all offer great poker gambling options and some host tournaments for hefty jackpot prizes. If you’re in any of the cities above, make sure to check out the local casino!

Legality of Poker Sites in California

California is known for being a liberal state. In many ways, this liberal attitude is applied to the gambling industry. There are many real money casinos throughout the state of California, most of which help to bring valuable revenue to the local economy.

Laws towards real money online poker sites in California are a little ambiguous. It’s a shame, as there have been several attempts to start regulating the state’s internet poker industry. Unfortunately, none of these have made it through the House and Senate.

As of now, there are no laws in the state that explicitly prohibit online poker gambling in California. There are, however, laws set in place that ban residents in the state from operating poker sites. For that reason, all of the poker websites here are based in other countries.

SB 678, a bill presented in California back in 2013, would have officially legalized and regulated online poker. This was eventually pushed away due to lobbying from Native American tribes in the state who worry these sites will take away from their revenue.

The main point to keep in mind is that no laws in the state even mention online gambling. And because of the lack of specific legislation, most believe it’s allowed.

Will I Get in Trouble for Playing at Poker Sites in California?

It’s highly unlikely. California is a gambling-friendly state and no laws are set in place here that prohibits playing at California poker sites. As long as you aren’t operating your own poker website here, you’ll probably be fine.

*We are not lawyers. Reach out to a law professional for more information about the specific online casino laws in California.*

Here’s How to Stay Safe Playing at California Online Poker Sites

Relatively speaking, the US online poker industry is fairly new. These poker websites have only been operating for a couple of decades and many are just beginning to understand how the industry works. For that reason, some have concerns about safety when first getting into online poker gambling.

The great thing is that almost all online poker sites in California are completely safe. Those that aren’t are generally blacklisted. Below are just a few simple tips that will help to ensure your online poker gaming experience is nothing but fun.

Make Sure to Join a Reputable Poker Site

As long as you do this, there’s a very good chance you’ll never encounter any issues. Joining a bad site, however, can be disastrous. Always research the real money California poker sites that you’re interested in before deciding to join it.

Don’t Get Carried Away With Your Betting


Sometimes, bettors themselves are their own worst enemies. It can be easy to wager too much too quickly, and many end up losing more money than they anticipated. We recommend that you keep track of how much you are betting and make sure you are properly managing your poker bankroll. If you realize things are getting out of hand, take a break for a little while.

Utilize Customer Support When Necessary

Our team believes that a good customer support system is one of the most important features of a gambling site. With that in mind, you should always use this feature when you come across an issue. The best California poker sites will always be available to answer your questions.

Understand How All Promotions Work

Free

Promotions are incredible tools to boost the amount of money you have to gamble with. Sometimes, however, these can make it very difficult to collect your money. It’s very important that you understand how all promotions work before you use them. If you don’t you may end up with some annoyances.

Stick to the Games That You Understand

Poker

One of the best ways to avoid losing large amounts of money is by playing games you actually understand. As most already know, there are a huge number of different poker variations available today. Only playing the games you understand will help your chances of winning.

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By keeping these five tips in mind, there’s a good chance you’ll never come across any issues while playing at poker sites in California.

FAQ About Online Poker Gambling in California

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Will Lawmakers Ever Choose to Regulate CA Online Poker Sites?

It’s unclear. Over the past decade, there have been many different bills presented to legalize and regulate internet poker gambling. None have been approved. It seems likely that this will change over the next few years.

How Much Real Money Can I Win Playing at Poker Sites in California?

This all depends on you and your gambling style. Some are able to win a huge amount of money every single month. Your odds of winning will increase when playing the games you know about and understand.

What Are the Best Online Poker Sites in California?

Many seem to have their own opinion on this. For now, our team highly recommends both Bovada and Ignition Poker. These sites are safe and offer some great poker gambling options for all of their members.

Best online live poker sites 2020

Is Online Poker Easier Than Land-Based Poker Gambling?

That’s difficult to say. Some professionals claim that it’s a different experience, as you aren’t able to read players in-person. In reality, though, the ability to win is exactly the same. In terms of convenience, online poker sites are significantly easier.

Why Should I Play at California Poker Sites?

The choice to play online poker for money in California is always yours! If you love playing poker but don’t enjoy making the trip to a local land-based casino, these poker sites are probably the best option for you. Check a few of them out and you’ll see why they’re growing so popular.

Conclusion on Real Money California Poker Sites

California is a great state to be a poker fan in. Right now, a huge number of fantastic online poker gambling options are available here. In time, these websites may become regulated and taxed by the state.

Laws towards the online poker industry can change extremely quickly. Feel free to follow our gambling news page for updates on the legal situation as it changes. We’ll let you know when the state’s regulations regarding online poker rooms are updated.

Reach out to our team with any additional questions. Good luck placing your real money poker bets!

888 Poker is one of the big players in the online poker world.

They have been around for almost 20 years which gives them a stellar trust in my book.

888 Poker is especially suitable for new and amateur players.

Why?

Firstly, because they offer a no deposit bonus of up to $88 – this is unmatched in the industry. T&Cs apply.

Secondly, since they have a reputation for attracting just new and amateur players, it is easier not to lose your money, but rather win some while playing on 888 Poker.

In my 2020 case study of 888 poker I managed to turn $50 into $600, see screenshot below.

Hands: 20,699 Won: $600

888 Poker will offer you state of the art gameplay on practically any device you want to play on (PC, MAC, Android, iPhone, etc.).

The main drawback of 888 Poker is that they are quite strict on which players are allowed to play. US players are for example not allowed, but for you guys, we have Americas Cardroom.

You can now read my in-depth full review of 888 Poker or jump right into the action yourself.

Americas Cardroom is one heck of a cool poker site.

I will tell you why:

This poker site accepts US players playing poker with real money. And, if you are not a USA player, there is nothing to worry about. Americas Cardroom is open for players all over the world with no restrictions.

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It has one of the absolute best first deposit bonus systems I’ve ever seen.

You will receive $2 to $6 free real money cash EVERY DAY for 20 consecutive days.

This means that even if you lose all your money the first day, you will receive a steady stream of real money for the next 20 days.

Best Site For Online Poker

If you enjoy playing on your mobile device, you have great options, on both Android and iPhone through their web app.

I would say that for new players who can take advantage of the incredibly generous bonus, this is site is your best option.

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In my 2020 case study of Americas Cardroom I managed to turn $25 to $430, see screenshot below.

For more information and thoughts about Americas Cardroom check out my in-depth review or go crazy and play there right now.

Unibet is one of the big poker players out there. They have been around since 1999 and that long history gives them a stellar trust in my book.

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Their first player bonus package is really nice and offers you free cash in the form of tournament tickets, in addition to a nice €200 play-through bonus.

They support players from almost all over the world and you can play on any device, be it on your computer or mobile phone. That way you never miss out on poker when the urge sets in.

In my 2020 case study of Unibet poker, I managed to turn $50 to $515, by playing 20,707 micro cash hands.

For more information and thoughts about Unibet Poker check out my in-depth review or go crazy and play there right now.

Top 50 Best Online Poker Sites

#

NAME

HIGHLIGHTS (T&C Apply)

PLAY NOW

1888 Poker
  • $88 free no deposit
  • 100% up to $400 on first deposit
  • Play on any device
  • Plenty of new players
2Americas Cardroom
  • Get 20 days of free cash up to $50
  • 200% bonus up to $1000 on first deposit
  • Lightning-fast withdrawals
  • Accepting players worldwide, including USA
3Unibet Poker
  • €200 playthrough bonus
  • 4 weekly €500 welcome freerolls
  • €20 worth of poker tickets
  • Global trustworthy brand
4GGPoker
  • 200% bonus up to $600 on first deposit
  • $100 freeroll every hour
  • Wide range of game innovations
  • Popular with Asian poker players
5Party Poker
  • Free $30 on your first $20 deposit
  • Play on any device
  • Amazing software
  • Stellar reputation
632Red Poker
  • 200% bonus up to €1,000 on first deposit
  • Tons of amateur players
  • 30% rakeback
  • Unique software
7Winner Poker
  • 200% bonus up to €350 on first deposit
  • 60% bonus up to €300 on second deposit
  • A lot of players online at any time
  • Great software by industry leader
8Vbet Poker
  • Up to 50% rakeback
  • Tons of unique promotions
  • Frequent freeroll tournaments
9Tiger Gaming
  • 100% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • $10,000 in freerolls
  • Play on any device
  • Free poker odds calculator
10TonyBet Poker
  • 100% bonus up to €2,000 on first deposit
  • Up to 80% rakeback
  • Support all devices
  • Grinderz league 2.0
11Titan Poker
  • 200% bonus up to €1,500 on first deposit
  • New depositors token package worth €12,000
  • Rakeback unlimited
12Betsson Poker
  • 100% bonus up to €2,000 on first deposit
  • Freerolls for new players for 4 consecutive weeks
  • Loyalty program with up to 30% cashback
13Sportsbetting Poker
  • 100% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • $10,000 in freerolls for new players only
  • Play on any device
  • Free odds calculator
14Pokerstars
  • $30 free play
  • 100% bonus up to $600 on first deposit
  • Quick withdrawals
  • Fully licensed and regulated
15PokerKing
  • 200% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • Russian players allowed
  • Withdrawals within 48 hours
  • All forms of gambling
16Nordicbet Poker
  • 100% bonus up to €2,000 on first deposit
  • Weekly €1500 new player tournaments
  • Players from the Nordic countries
17Full Tilt Poker
  • $30 free play
  • 100% bonus up to $600 on first deposit
  • Quick withdrawals
  • Same owner as Pokerstars
18bwin Poker
  • 100% bonus up to €100 on first deposit
  • Many new players
  • Reputable brand
19Bovada Poker
  • 100% bonus up to $500 on first deposit
  • Accept USA players
  • Anonymous poker tables
20Bodog Poker
  • 100% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • Soft games
  • Lots of players online
21Black Chip Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • USA players allowed
  • Withdrawals within 48 hours
  • Lots of tournaments
22Betsafe Poker
  • 100% bonus up to €2,000 on first deposit
  • Exclusive new player tournaments
  • VIP blackgold rewards
23BetOnline Poker
  • 100% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • USA players allowed
  • $10,000 in freerolls for new players only
  • Play on any device
24BetKings Poker
  • Free $1,000 on first deposit
  • Fish buffet – new player level-based reward program
  • Unique welcome package unlike any other site
25BetFair Poker
  • 200% bonus up to €200 on first deposit
  • €500 in freeroll tickets
  • 35% rakeback
26BestPoker
  • No deposit bonus up to $2,000
  • $1000 freeroll available every hour
  • The largest asia poker network
27William Hill Poker
  • Up to £100 on first deposit
  • Twister discovery pack
  • 10 bonus spins
28bet365 Poker
  • Up to €365 for all new players
  • Well known brand
  • Play on any device
29Betclic Poker
  • Large First Deposit Bonus to New Sign-ups
  • Excellent 10-Level VIP System For All Players
  • Large & Reputable Company Behind It
  • Possibly The Best iPoker Loyalty Program
30Expekt Poker
  • Large First Deposit Bonus to New Sign-ups
  • Excellent 10-Level VIP System For All Players
  • Large & Reputable Company Behind It
  • Possibly The Best iPoker Loyalty Program
31Intertops Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • 24 free casino spins
  • Play in your browser
32RedStar Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $2,000 on first deposit
  • Daily freerolls
  • Fish party
33Ya Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • USA players allowed
  • Withdrawals within 48 hours
  • Lots of tournaments
34PAF Poker
  • €10,000 new player freerolls
  • PAF organized poker cruises
  • Fish party
35True Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • USA players allowed
  • Withdrawals within 48 hours
  • Lots of tournaments
36Sky Poker
  • £10 free in Tournament Tokens
  • Get £40 worth of Tournament Tokens
  • Sky Poker Tour
37Ladbrokes Poker
  • 200% bonus up to £1,200 on first deposit
  • €2,500 weekly points race
  • No download instant play
38Guts Poker
  • €1,000 welcome bonus
  • 30% rakeback
  • Fish party
  • Exclsuive guts poker chase
39Grosvenor Poker
  • £20 in tournament tickets on first deposit
  • Deposit over £100 and get a £1,000 bonus
40Borgata Poker
  • Daily $10,000 tournament
  • Daily tournaments
41Natural 8 Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $1,688 on first deposit
  • Tons of promotions
  • New exciting site
  • Excellent gameplay
42Betcoin Poker
  • 200% bonus up to 1 BTC on first deposit
  • The real crypto poker
  • Many tournaments
43NetBet Poker
  • €20 cash for free
  • 200% bonus up to €1,500
  • VIP club
  • Play on any device
44Coral Poker
  • Deposit $10 and get $10 in tickets and bonuses
  • Deposit $20 and get $30 in tickets and bonuses
  • Daily $1,200 freeroll tournament
  • Coral loyalty cashback
45Global Poker
  • Free $20 gold coin package on account verification
  • Global Poker championships
  • Weekly bonuses
46GreySnow Poker
  • €500 guaranteed Warrior’s Welcome Freeroll
  • Earn Up to 50% Rakeback
47Run It Once
  • 100% bonus up to €600 on first deposit
  • Up to 110% rakeback
48CoinPoker
  • Decentralized Poker Powered by Cryptocurrency
  • 1,000 CHP welcome bonus
49Ignition Poker
  • 200% bonus up to $1,000 on first deposit
  • Exclusively for US players
50Paddy Power
  • 100% Matched Deposit Bonus up to €200 for Poker
  • Up to €25 in free Twister Tokens
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