Online poker is one of the most popular and exciting forms of gambling, but it is not legal in California. However, there are still some options for Californian poker enthusiasts who want to play online for real money or fun. In this article, we will review the current situation of online poker in California, the best sites to play at, and some tips and tricks to improve your game.

Why is online poker illegal in California?

Online poker is illegal in California because of Section 330 of the California Penal Code, which prohibits playing or betting on any game of chance that involves cards.

This law was enacted in 1872 and has not been updated since then, despite several attempts by lawmakers and interest groups to legalize and regulate online poker in the state.

The main obstacle to legalizing online poker apps in California is the conflict between different stakeholders, such as tribal casinos, card rooms, horse racing tracks, and online operators. Each group has its own interests and demands, and none of them want to compromise or share the potential revenue from online poker.

As a result, no bill has been able to pass the legislature or get enough support from the voters.

Where can you play online poker in California?

Even though online poker is not legal in California, there are still some ways to play online poker in the state. One option is to play on offshore sites that accept US players, such as Bovada, BetOnline, or Ignition. These sites are licensed and regulated by foreign jurisdictions, such as Curacao or Panama, and offer a variety of games, stakes, bonuses, and tournaments for online poker players.

However, playing on offshore sites also comes with some risks and drawbacks. For one thing, you are not protected by any US laws or regulations, so if you encounter any problems with the site or your account, you may have no recourse or legal action. For another thing, you may have difficulties with depositing and withdrawing money from these sites, as most US banks and credit card companies do not process transactions related to online gambling. You may have to use alternative methods, such as cryptocurrencies or e-wallets, which may incur fees or delays.

Another option is to play on social poker apps or sites that do not involve real money gambling, such as Zynga Poker, WSOP Social Poker, or PokerStars Play. These apps or sites allow you to play online poker for poker apps fun with virtual chips or coins that you can buy or earn through various activities. You can also compete with other players and win prizes or rewards.

However, playing on social poker apps or sites also has some limitations and disadvantages. For one thing, you cannot win any real money or cash out your virtual chips or coins.