If playing poker in crowded casinos or on low-traffic poker sites just won’t cut it, it’s time to check out the best online poker California sites.
We have looked at everything that matters in online poker: the number and quality of tournaments, the number of players, the size of GTD prize pools, the rakeback deals, and the trustworthiness of the software.
And guess what? Ignition is still the king of online poker, with the most action-packed cash games and tournaments.
But don’t take our word for it. Look at the other top online poker real money California sites and see for yourself.
Best Online Poker Sites in California
Ignition: Best overall
Cafe Casino: Non-stop poker tournaments
Slots.lv: Fun video poker games
BetOnline: Top pick for mobile
Red Dog: Classic poker games
Slot Madness: Good for tri-card variant
Wild Casino: Top choice for multi-hand poker
7bit Casino: Excellent for crypto players
mBit Casino: High RTP poker games
Whether you want to join huge poker tournaments with guaranteed prizes or have fun with a game of Three Card Poker, our list of best online poker sites has something for everyone. Let’s dive in and see what they have to offer.
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1. Ignition – Best Online Poker Room in California Overall
Pros:
$3,000 poker and casino welcome bonus
Anonymous table gaming
Tons of daily tournaments
Well-established site
Fast-fold poker available
Cons:
Limited banking options
No official rakeback
Ignition is a casino and poker site that was established in 2016. This site is excellent for casual and pro players. There’s also the benefit of anonymous table gaming, which makes it an ideal choice for players eager to learn the poker trade.
Online Gambling Selection: 4.9/5
When it comes to player traffic, no site on this list produces the numbers that Ignition does. This is mostly due to the availability of anonymous table gaming, which protects newbies from sharks and helps seasoned pros play in peace.
You can log in at any time of the day, and there will always be thousands of players searching for a game. And who wouldn’t want such a poker site where finding tables is the least of your worries?
The site also doesn’t allow shady third-party tracking software and has anti-HUD online poker software. This goes a long way in guaranteeing a trustworthy playing environment where everyone can freely enjoy their love of poker.
Bonuses: 4.9/5
While Ignition has fewer regular promos than other sites, their main welcome bonus is an absolute treat.
If you make your initial deposit using crypto, you can get up to $3,000 in bonus funds. If you use a credit card, this amount is lowered to $2,000.
These are combined bonuses, split equally between the poker and casino sections. For example, with the $3,000 crypto bonus, you’ll get a maximum of $1,500 on casino games and online slots and a maximum of $1,500 on the site’s poker section.
When playing poker, you’ll unlock $1 of the bonus each time you earn 30 Ignition Miles, and these can be achieved only by playing cash games or joining tournaments.
Even though Ignition doesn’t officially offer rakeback, this $1,500 poker welcome bonus makes up for it.
Banking Variety: 4.7/5
Ignition Casino offers a decent set of banking options for its players. Those who prefer old-school methods can use credit cards, a voucher code, or a gift card.
Players who prefer digital coins can choose among Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Bitcoin Cash.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.7/5
Players who go for this site are guaranteed a solid poker-playing platform. There have been previous complaints about the site’s software over the years, but the company recently updated its platform, resolving most of those issues.
The site’s aesthetics could also do with some improvement. Sure, Ignition boasts a fantastic logo, but the site's overall design is a bit bland, if we’re being honest. Fortunately, this has no direct effect on your poker playing, especially on mobile.
>> Claim a $1,500 poker welcome bonus [Ignition]
2. Cafe Casino – Best California Casino Online Poker Tournaments
Pros:
Around a dozen video poker games
A few jacks or better poker variants
Up to $2,500 welcome offer
Exciting Cafe Casino perks
Hot drop jackpots
Cons:
Basic website design
Needs a few more crypto options
Cafe Casino is a vibrant online poker destination that offers a diverse and engaging selection of games, bonuses, and banking options to cater to the preferences of its diverse player base.
Online Gambling Selection: 4.7/5
Cafe Casino offers a diverse selection of high-quality games, including classic table games and modern video slots. Partnering with top-tier developers ensures top-notch graphics and fair gameplay through certified RNGs.
Bonuses: 4.85/5
The platform stands out with generous bonuses, welcoming new players with a 350% match bonus of up to $2,500. Ongoing promotions, referral bonuses, and the Cafe Casino perks create an exciting and rewarding gaming experience.
Banking Variety: 4.8/5
Cafe Casino prioritizes flexible and secure financial transactions, offering various payment methods such as credit cards, bank transfers, and popular e-wallets. Encryption technology safeguards sensitive player information, ensuring a secure gaming environment.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.75/5
Cafe Casino's mobile browser version enables a seamless gaming experience on smartphones and tablets. The platform's responsive and user-friendly design allows you to enjoy your favorite games conveniently, whether at home or on the go.
3. Slots.lv – Best Video Poker Games of all California Poker Sites
Pros:
Over 400 high-quality casino games
200+ slots, dozens of progressives
Same-day payouts
Exciting bingo rooms
Cons:
Few live dealer games
No live online poker rooms
For just under ten years, this online casino has been a popular destination for those who enjoy a good mix of table games and slots. And they are providing you with two different welcome offers to choose from!
Online Gambling Selection: 4.7/5
Whether you want to play slots, exciting table games, video poker, or specialties, you can do so at Slots.lv. They are, perhaps, most known for their large offerings of progressives.
You can also play at the live dealer tables, but unlike BetOnline's or Ignition’s live casino, there are only a few options here.
Some of the most standout casino games are:
Progressive Slots - Cyberpunk City and Gold Rush Gus
Table Games - Let ‘Em Ride Jackpot Poker and Teen Patti Rapid
Specialties - Bingo Goal (jackpot) and Keno Draw
Live Dealers - Early Payout Blackjack and Super 6
Bonus: 4.8/5
Like Ignition, you have two welcome packages to choose from at Slots.lv.
On your first-ever deposit with Bitcoin, you can claim a $3,000 welcome package. This is a 200% match on your first deposit.
If you prefer making your first deposit via credit card, you can still claim a valuable $2,000 welcome package. This is a 100% match for up to $2,000 on your first deposit.
All deposit bonuses have wagering requirements of 35x.
Banking Variety: 4.8/5
For deposits and payouts, Slots.lv offers credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, USDT, Litecoin, and Ethereum. You can also collect withdrawals via bank wire and check by courier.
Not only is this a great variety of banking methods, but if you choose Bitcoin Cash or Litecoin for withdrawals, winnings are delivered within an hour!
Mobile Compatibility: 4.7/5
The mobile site's design is very clean, making navigation a breeze. And the gameplay itself is fast and accurate.
The only drawback to using Slots.lv on mobile devices is a delay with waiting for a page to load. But if you are on the go, this mobile casino will certainly do the job.
>> Claim a $3,000 welcome offer [Slots.lv]
4. BetOnline – Best Online Poker Tournaments in California
Pros:
Excellent slot & table game variety
Renowned sportsbook w/ 40+ betting markets
Live poker w/ high-traffic tournaments
100% welcome package for first three deposits
30+ live dealers
Fast Bitcoin payouts
Seamless mobile performance
Cons:
Significant non-crypto payout fees
For over a decade, since 2011, BetOnline has remained one of the most recognizable names in the online gambling world. They are a one-stop shop for gambling, offering online casino games, live dealers, live poker, and they are known as one of the best sports betting sites.
Online Gambling Selection: 4.85/5
No matter what your favorite online gambling activity is, chances are, BetOnline provides it. Of their 120+ slots, most are highly popular, mainstream titles.
They also provide marvelous table games, specialties, video poker games, over 30 live dealers, and more.
Standout Casino Games:
Online Slots - Codename: Jackpot and Golden Buffalo (Hot Drop Jackpot)
Table Games - Three Card Poker and Jackpot Caribbean Hold’em
specialties - Go-Go Bingo and Bingo Ribeirinhos Jackpot (progressive)
Live Casino - Early-Payout Blackjack and European Auto-Roulette
Like Ignition, BetOnline is a famous online poker destination, offering lucrative GTDs, sit-and-go tournaments, turbos, knockouts, and more.
This is also a sought-after platform for sports bettors. BetOnline offers a robust sportsbook with dozens of sports betting markets, including international sports and novelties, like entertainment awards shows.
Even better, most of their sports betting options have the best odds of any sportsbook, including their esports and a racebook options.
Bonus: 4.75/5
BetOnline offers new players a whopping 100% poker welcome bonus of up to $1,000. You can get it for a $50 minimum deposit with the code POKER1000. You can also grab free tournament tickets.
Aside from the poker welcome bonus, you can enjoy a $1,000 sports bonus with 5x wagering requirements. To claim this incredible offer, just enter code BET1000 on your first-ever deposit using crypto.
Banking Variety: 4.7/5
This sports betting site does not offer the large range of deposit options as many other California online casinos, it does cover all the major bases: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, credit/debit cards, and the unique and convenient option of Zelle.
Unfortunately, credit cards are attached to significant fees, so other methods to fund your account are highly suggested.
For payouts, BetOnline offers all the crypto options mentioned above plus Bitcoin SV, USD Tether, and check via courier. Bitcoin payouts are delivered within an hour.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.6/5
The gameplay is fast and accurate, and the library available via the mobile casino is impressive. The navigational process is not as smooth on handheld devices versus the PC browser casino, however.
For certain areas of the casino, like slots and live dealers, the games are arranged in a way where a player may find themselves scrolling for longer than they would like. But this is a minor inconvenience compared to all the great offerings you will have at your fingertips.
>> Enjoy up to $1,000 poker welcome bonus [BetOnline]
5. Red Dog – Best Classic Casino Poker Games for California Players
Pros:
Several classic poker games
Wide range of progressive slots
260% deposit match bonus
Exciting live dealer games
No banking fees
Rare specialty games
Cons:
No bingo games
Only $1,000 maximum deposit
Named after its cute cartoon mascot, Red Dog is a wonderful online gambling platform for those who enjoy slots and live dealers. We recommend downloading their casino client to take advantage of their full catalog, though the in-browser option still provides many of their games.
Online Gambling Selection: 4.7/5
Red Dog offers top-quality video poker games, including a wide range of progressives, excellent table games, specialties, slots, and live dealers.
The Tri Card Poker and Perfect Pairs Blackjack are the most popular table games. There are over two dozen video poker games to enjoy, including Deuces Wild, Oasis, Triple Edge, and more.
Bonus: 4.6/5
New players can claim a deposit match of a whopping 260%. This bonus comes with 35x wagering requirements, and the minimum deposit required is based on the banking method you use: $10 for Neosurf, $30 for credit cards, and all other methods are $20.
Banking Variety: 4.6/5
This is one of the top gambling sites for banking methods, offering players a great variety of deposit options: credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, Litecoin, USDT, and many more crypto options.
There are only three options for payouts, but they cover some major options: bank transfers, Bitcoin, and credit/debit cards. And there are no banking fees for both deposits and withdrawals alike.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.5/5
There is no mobile app for Red Dog, but their mobile casino provides just as many instant play games as the PC version. The layout is simple, easy, and intuitive, allowing players to easily select what they want to play.
How We Ranked the Top 5 Poker Sites in California
To truly compare online poker sites, you need hands-on experience. We downloaded every app we could find, logged into standalone mobile clients, and spent several hours at each site to get a clear understanding of the mobile experience and an overall feel for the site.
Specifically, we looked at the following:
Poker Game Selection
Functionality is important, but so is the availability of your favorite games. We evaluated each online poker site based on its cash game offerings (both in terms of game type and stake), single- and multi-table tournaments, and any special features a site might offer.
Bonuses and Promotions
All California poker sites offer some sort of bonus to lure in new players, but they’re not all equally valuable. Some promise bigger rewards, others are easier to claim, and so forth. We looked at the bonus package in total to see which ones were truly valuable to new and existing players alike.
Banking Options
Banking options are an oft-overlooked factor in determining a site’s viability. We examined what kind of deposit and withdrawal options were available, as well as how long transactions take and whether any fees are involved.
Why Is Ignition California’s Top Real Money Online Poker App?
After beginning our testing, it quickly became clear that Ignition was a cut above the other sites. Here are a few of the features that earned it the top spot in our rankings:
Lots of Mobile Action: You can easily play up to four tables simultaneously on your phone or tablet. If you don’t like being bored, then you can be sure to have constant action at Ignition.
Big-Money Bonuses: The $3,000 deposit match is definitely attractive, but the bonuses don’t stop there. They also have jackpot SNGs that can give you 1000x your buy-in, as well as regular reload bonuses and other promotions.
Mobile-Friendly Design: There’s little difference between playing on your phone or tablet and your PC at Ignition. You have access to a huge pool of games, and the action is quick, smooth, and easy to follow.
Aside from being a favorite in California, Ignition is also the best poker site in Pennsylvania.
Why Should I Play Poker Online in California?
For many players, the idea of making big-money decisions on their iPhone is still a little intimidating. However, modern poker sites have taken great pains to make their mobile offerings as player-friendly as possible.
Here’s what you’d be missing out on if you didn’t play on a poker app:
Action Anywhere, Anytime
Let’s face it — how often do you have the time or patience to sit at your computer and grind out a few hundred hands? If you’re like most modern players, the answer is “not often.”
With a high-quality mobile app, you’re always only seconds away from being in a game. That means you can play whenever suits you — waiting at the DMV, sitting on the couch while your spouse watches The Golden Bachelor, playing while pretending to work, or even driving on the freeway…(ok, maybe not that last one).
Never Miss a Game
When that $200k guaranteed MTT runs longer than you expected, you just have to let your partner access the computer. You don’t have to log out and watch helplessly as your massive stack is blinded off. With the mobile app, you simply need to log back on with your phone and get right back in the game.
Incredible Convenience
Have you ever sat in a desk chair for the entirety of a six hour session? By the time you’re done, you have no feeling in your legs, your posture is shot, and you feel like you’ve just suffered through 12 rounds with Tyson in his prime. Clearly, this can take the fun out of the game (especially if you lose).
If you’re playing on your phone, though, you’re not tethered to a single spot. You can get up and go sit on the couch, lie in bed, enjoy dinner, or even relax in the bathtub (please turn your camera off first, though).
The convenience can’t be beat. Once you’ve started playing on an app, you may never want to go back to the desktop version of your favorite site.
Can You Actually Win Real Money on Poker Apps?
Yes, you can win real money playing on a poker app — provided you’re good enough, of course.
All the major poker sites work with vendors like Visa, MasterCard, or even crypto wallets like Bitcoin to ensure fast and secure transactions. Every player at the table will have to deposit real money before playing, so you know they’re good for any losses that might occur.
Do Poker Apps Really Cash Out Your Winnings?
Yes, you can cash out your winnings from a poker app. Be aware, though, that you may not be able to cash out using the same method you used to deposit, so read the fine print in the cashier page.
Poker apps also require a minimum to cashout, which could vary depending on the method you use to receive your winnings. Crypto is always the recommended way to go, and the minimum cashout usually starts at $15 or $20.
Is Poker a Game of Skill or Luck?
Luck and skill are both involved in poker. The easiest way to explain it is that luck has a huge role in who wins and loses in the short term (any player could get pocket bullets), while in the long run, the skilled players are usually the ones who take home the most money.
This is good news for players of all skill levels, though. There aren’t very many games in which a complete amateur can dominate a seasoned pro, making poker fun for everyone, regardless of how good they are.
However, the pro can take solace in the fact that they’ll come out ahead in the long run.
How Do Poker Deposit Bonuses Work?
Poker deposit bonuses are a little different from regular casino bonuses. The basic idea is the same — the casino will match your initial deposit up to a certain percentage, and then you have to “work off” the bonus to claim it.
With casino bonuses, this is called a playthrough requirement, and it involves gambling a certain amount more than the bonus (usually about 35x more).
Poker bonuses, on the other hand, are usually based on the amount of rake you contribute.. After you’ve contributed a certain amount over all your hands, the site will release a small amount of the bonus — usually $5 or $10 at a time, making the bonus more attainable.
Guide to Playing Poker Online in California – FAQs
Do California Poker Apps Work on All Mobile Devices?
You can play poker on all mobile devices, but that doesn’t mean all poker apps will work. You must check with the site to see which devices are compatible.
Playing poker from another state? Check out this guide to NJ poker apps.
Does Playing Poker on a Mobile Device Use a Lot of Data?
No, you won’t waste all your data playing poker (unless you play a ton of poker).
Playing while connected to Wi-Fi won’t use any data, but if you don’t have a connection handy, an hour of online poker usually only takes about 1 MB of data.
Can I Play Multiple Tables on California Poker Apps?
Yes, most apps allow you to play more than one table. The easiest way to do this is usually by cascading the tables, and then when it’s your turn on a table, that screen will pop to the front.
Which is the Best App for Playing Real Money Poker in California?
Ignition has the best real-money poker app around today. The mobile experience rivals the desktop version, and you’ll enjoy the same great games and features on your phone.
Comparison of the Top 5 Poker Apps for California Players
Ignition: You can play as many as four tables simultaneously on your mobile device, and since the buttons are large and easy to use, there’s little risk of an expensive misclick. You’ll also be eligible for a bonus of up to $3,000 on your first deposit.
Cafe Casino: Enjoy non-stop poker tournaments at Cafe Casino. Sign up for an account and get a 350% match bonus of up to $2,500.
Slots.lv: You’ll never run out of fun video poker games at Slots.lv. Join today and enjoy a casino welcome bonus of up to $3,000.
BetOnline: If you want to enjoy your favorite casino game on the go, BetOnline is the best option for mobile poker. Plus, there’s an exclusive poker welcome bonus of up to $1,000.
Red Dog: Missing the old-school feel of classic poker games? Head to Red Dog Casino and score the 260% welcome bonus while you’re at it.
How to Sign Up for an Online Poker App Account in California
Registering an account on a poker app is as easy as doing it on your desktop. We’ll show you how, using Ignition as an example.
1. Start the registration
Head to Ignition Casino’s homepage
Click the orange “Join” button in the upper right-hand corner
Fill out the registration form
Check the box at the bottom
Click “Register”
2. Head over to your email
The site will send a verification email to the address you provided (some apps will send a code to your phone instead)
Open the email or text and click the link inside or copy the registration code
If you clicked a link, you’ll be redirected back to the poker website. If you copied a code, you’ll have to enter it on the site or app
3. Make a deposit
Choose a deposit method
Enter the amount you’d like to deposit
Pick your bonus or enter the code
Make your deposit
That’s it! You’re all set to play online poker on your phone or tablet!
Are You Ready to Use the Best Real Money Poker App in Cali?
Installing a poker app on your phone is like having a casino in your pocket, minus all the surly drunks and aging cocktail waitresses.
Right now, the best California online poker app on the market belongs to Ignition, as it’s extremely player-friendly. There are several other sites giving Ignition a run for its money, though, so don’t be afraid to shop around until you find one that works for you.
Have fun at the tables, and be sure to gamble responsibly. And don’t worry — if you win, you should be able to get an aging cocktail waitress to go through your pockets soon enough.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There's no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffers from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are 21+. Also, check with local laws if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
https://www.ncpgambling.org/
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
