Where Can I Play Poker Online For Real Money

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Playing online poker at partypoker is easy and safe, plus it only takes a few minutes to get started. Download our free online poker software, open an account, make your first deposit, get your poker. How to play poker online for money. Researchers say that majority of population prefer to spend leisure time in front of PC or using mobile phones (which can almost fully replace computer). For them online poker is another kind of entertainment after a hard day at work. But there are people who play poker online for money.

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.

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!

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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!

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.

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.

Where Can I Play Poker Online For Real Money

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

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

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.

Money

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

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.

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.

Online

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!

Massachusetts’ approximately 6.65 million inhabitants are among the most prideful citizens of any state in the nation, but when it comes to real money poker and legal gambling MA citizens haven’t got the widest range of betting options.

Home to the Boston Red Sox, the world-renowned educational institution Harvard University and the gorgeous Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts is an epicenter of culture, life and all things American, but definitely not a legit lawful poker or gambling establishment. Yet the one staple of modern American culture that is decidedly absent from The Bay State is the presence of a casino or real cash poker gambling room.

The betting and real money poker scene is about to change though. Over the course of the past two years, Massachusetts has loosened its stance on betting and gambling, so much so, that the prospect of online gambling and Internet poker coming to MA has become a real possibility. That’s great news for the real cash poker betting fans who’ve been stuck with very few legit gambling options up until now.

And although MA state gambling officials will likely finalize the state’s land-based casino and real money poker room plans before further entertaining the idea of regulated real cash Internet poker iGaming betting, Massachusetts stands a better chance than most of being one of the first ten states to open its doors to the virtual felt and provide real money poker websites for MA residents.

Those of you in The Bay State have it pretty easy going when it comes to gambling. Massachusetts punters will have no problem signing up for a real money US poker site account.

A Busy Two Years in Massachusetts Gambling History

Quick Jump

  • 5 The Facts
Since 2011, a whirlwind of gambling and poker betting related bills and legislation have been brought before the Massachusetts government. And while most offline gambling and Internet poker bills failed to generate much fanfare, the passage of one betting bill will undoubtedly change Massachusetts’ real cash gambling landscape forever.

H. 3807 was penned into state law in late-November 2011[1]. It allows the construction of up to three land-based casino resorts with real money poker rooms and one slots parlor. Since then, 11 Indian tribes and major gambling companies submitted proposals to have their brands associated with one of Massachusetts new casinos and poker gambling card rooms.

Of those interested in running real money poker and casino operations in MA, Mohegan Sun and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe have proven to be the frontrunners [2]. The two tribes, both of whom operate large real cash betting casinos in Connecticut, have upped their annual commitment to the citizens of Massachusetts, leading to Mohegan being unanimously approved by the people of Palmer Town to construct a $1 billion legal poker and casino resort within the town’s limits. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe will be up for a gambling and betting related referendum vote as early as November 2013.

Things have been equally busy on the Internet gambling and poker website legislation front. MA State rep. Dan Winslow made an ill-fated attempt to attach online gambling legislation relating to lawful real money Internet poker to H. 3807. Shortly thereafter, he tried to amend similar Internet gambling legislation to a 2012 budget bill. Once again, his efforts to bring MA poker fans legal poker websites to play at for real cash failed. Months later, a second attempt to amend an online gambling and Internet poker clause to a budget bill was met with similar results.

In 2013, MA State Senator Minority Leader Bruce Tarr introduced S. 1826, an amendment to a transportation bill that would permit state officials to provide iGaming lawful Internet poker licenses to online gambling providers. Tarr’s amendment would ultimately be rejected in July 2013 [3].

Experts in the poker website industry have indicated that the time for online gambling and real money poker betting legislation in Massachusetts isn’t ripe yet, but that after ground is broken on its land-based casinos and real cash poker offerings, it will be.

Another factor possibly holding Massachusetts legislators back is New Jersey. Until the Garden State can prove to its closest neighbors that online gambling and Internet poker is a viable real money-making machine, most New England and Mid-Atlantic states, including MA, will probably hold off on passing legislation on legal poker websites of their own.

Latest Massachusetts Poker News

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Sheldon Adelson will be courted once again by prominent 2016 GOP presidential candidates during next month's Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Spring Leadership Meeting.…
Massachusetts iGaming Effort to Carry OnBy Robert DellaFave
Despite losing the support of the American Gaming Association (AGA), Massachusetts plans to continue moving forward with its Internet gambling study.…
Online Gambling in Massachusetts on HoldBy Todd Wilkins
With three land-based casino licenses yet to be awarded, Massachusetts will likely hold off on further consideration of online gambling legislation.…
Online Gambling Under Consideration in MassachusettsBy Todd Wilkins
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will be awarding casino licenses this year, which has renewed talk that gambling expansion may include the Internet.…

Online Video Poker Real Money

Massachusetts Considers Online Poker BillBy Todd Wilkins
Lawmakers in Massachusetts have introduced a proposal calling for online poker to be legalized in the Bay State.…

Can Players from Massachusetts Play Online Poker?

Although there is no official law regulating Internet gaming and real cash poker websites in Massachusetts, that doesn’t mean its residents still can’t sit around in their pyjamas playing online poker at top Internet poker websites – quite the contrary. If anything, US-facing real money gambling online poker websites are more than willing to accept players from The Bay State. Take a look at our list of online poker real money website options for real cash players in MA looking for legit Internet poker websites to play at to find out which poker betting websites accept players from Massachusetts.

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Is Online Poker Legal in Massachusetts?

The Internet poker gambling and real money betting statutes of most states including MA haven’t been updated since before the inception of the Internet, let alone include statues specific to online poker and playing Internet poker. Therefore, many state laws regarding iGaming poker websites are up to interpretation, with Massachusetts gambling and legal betting laws proving no exception.

With that said, there is nothing in Massachusetts gambling or poker betting statues that explicitly states online gambling and playing Internet poker for real money is illegal. But before you start celebrating and throwing your real cash poker chips in the air, it is advisable that you seek the legal consul of a professional who knows about the lawful Internet poker scene in MA.

In the meantime, we’ve dissected facets of several Massachusetts gambling and poker betting statues, in an attempt to help you make a more informed decision regarding your options when it comes to finding a real money Internet poker websites to play at in MA:

  • “Gaming” not “gambling” is defined to include every act punishable under any law relative to lotteries, policy lotteries or policy, the buying or selling of pools or registering of bets. Apparently, in Massachusetts the word lottery is synonymous with betting and gambling. (Chapter 4, Section 7)
  • As expected, the penalties for permitting a non legit gambling operation in MA are harsher than for merely participating in an illegal gambling or real cash betting activity. Gamblers are subject to a fine of no more than fifty dollars or [imprisonment] for no more than three months while anyone who permits a game of something like Texas Hold’em poker can do up to one year of jail time.
  • Running a sizable gambling ring (Chapter 271, Section 16A) carries with it heavy levies in MA, including up to fifteen (15) years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In order to be guilty, the gambling or betting ringleader would have to be in charge of at least four persons so that such persons may provide facilities or services or assist in the provision of facilities or services for the conduct of illegal lotteries, or for the illegal registration of bets or the illegal buying and selling of pools upon the result of a trial or contest in Massachusetts.
  • The use of a telephone for gaming purposes is deemed illegal. The law was probably designed to combat sports betting and not legal real money poker gambling, but it can be loosely interpreted as a blanket law that would envelop online gambling and Internet poker betting. Penalties for placing phone bets include up to a $2,000 fine and as much as one year behind bars in an MA prison.

Massachusetts features plenty (soon to be more) facilities where gambling on real money poker games is considered legal and acceptable.

To read more about Massachusetts gambling and real cash poker betting laws [4] and other gaming related news, check out the “References” section.

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The Facts

The History of Gambling in Massachusetts

1934

1934

Betting on horse racing and dog racing was legalized.

1971

1971

The modern lottery was created and introduced to the state of Massachusetts in 1971. The first draw took place the following year and has grew ever since.

2007

2007

The rapid growth of gambling throughout Massachusetts saw the introduction of a casino expansion bill. Unfortunately, this didn’t make it into law and was not signed by the governor.

2011

2011

A casino bill passed under the Expanded Gaming Act. This resulted in three casino resorts and one slot parlor to be built and opened.

2013

2013

Play

Charitable gaming revenues were recorded and reportedly $66.5 million was the total annual gross from the year.

2014

2014

Potential arose for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to start plans on building a casino in the south eastern part of the state. This was a result of the federal tribal commission dropping objections to the proposed idea.

2015

2015

This was a big year for the state as it saw the opening of a slot parlor at Plainridge Park casino. Additionally, MGM Springfield and Wynn Everett are two casino resorts under development.

Unlike other pre-Revolutionary War colonies, the majority of Massachusetts early residents were vehemently opposed to lotteries and other forms of gambling like legal Texas Hold’em poker betting. Part of this unfavorable outlook on legit gambling in MA was likely due to the widespread presence of Puritans. By the 1800s Massachusetts’ betting stance had grown so strong that it would offer opposition to other states establishing real money lotteries and thus allowing legal gambling.

As it did in most north-eastern states, the Great Depression forced Massachusetts to loosen its haughty stance on gambling and legit poker betting, and by 1934 the State Racing Commission was created. Simultaneously, the Suffolk Downs [5] horseracing gambling track was built. Harness and greyhound racing tracks followed shortly thereafter. Betting real money in MA on greyhound racing has since been banned (2008).

Ironically, Massachusetts was also one of the first states to implement a statewide Lottery for its gambling hungry citizens. In the early 1970s, the state was desperately in need of a revenue infusion, and the lottery provided a welcome windfall of lawful gambling real money revenue.

Charitable and pari-mutuel betting are also legal in Massachusetts, and as of 2011 commercial casinos and real money poker gambling rooms became permissible in MA under state law. Tribal casinos and real cash poker card rooms, like those in Connecticut, are also deemed legal within Massachusetts borders.

To date, the only building labeled a casino in Massachusetts is Stockbridge Casino, which functioned as a social attraction and not a real money poker gambling facility. Today, Stockbridge Casino is a historic tourist attraction and not somewhere to go for a little real cash Texas Hold’em poker action.

Regulation Gambling Options in Massachusetts

Just because nearly every type of gambling and betting including real money poker gambling is legal in Massachusetts, doesn’t mean MA citizens have a plethora of options when it comes to where to do their lawful real money betting. If anything, they’re usually forced to drive into Connecticut or another neighboring state to get their gambling or poker betting fix. That will change soon, as within the next several years at least one commercial or tribal casino with a real money poker room will open its doors to the public.

In addition to the imminent construction of a full-scale casino resort, Massachusetts residents can purchase real cash lottery tickets from one of hundreds of authorized sellers, or participate in various charitable or pari-mutuel gambling and gambling settings. This is a great way for poker betting fans to satisfy their gambling itches before real money poker comes to MA in full force.

Poker players in Massachusetts can pick from an array of poker websites, none of which are regulated by the state.

Where Can I Play Poker Online For Real Money

The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of only a handful of east coast states that could support a viable intrastate Internet poker iGaming operation. Its population rivals that of New Jersey, and Massachusetts is the sixth most visited state in the US (New Jersey is ninth) meaning MA stands to make a lot of money out of its gambling population if it opens real cash legal poker websites [6]. The state of MA is also open to future Internet gambling and real money poker betting compacts with Pennsylvania and California, should those states legalize regulated online gambling and Internet poker as well.

However, all of MA state’s attempts to push iGaming Internet poker legislation thus far have fallen decidedly flat. Combine that with the state’s elongated land-based casino and real money poker room expansion efforts and it could be a while before the online gambling and real cash poker websites in MA issue is taken seriously. Although, once the time is right for Internet gambling to become lawful in MA, and it seems inevitable that it will be, Massachusetts should be in full support of expanding into the Internet gambling and real money poker websites market.

Fun Fact

“Action Dan” Harrington, the writer of Harrington on Hold’em – a series of real cash poker books that has helped hundreds of thousands of aspiring gambling poker players elevate their Texas Hold’em poker games – is a native of Massachusetts, indicative by his heavy Boston accent, and authentic green Red Sox cap.

Most famous for winning the prestigious poker betting tournament that was the WSOP Main Event in 1995 and making back-to-back final table Main Event appearances in 2003 and 2004, Harrington’s notorious real money poker squeeze play was on full display on national TV, and remains one of the most memorable hands in recent legit poker history.

The Bottom Line

Where Can I Play Poker Online For Real Money

Massachusetts, like so many other states in the area, is proceeding with caution into the world of lawful real cash Internet poker. Until its land-based casino and real money poker gambling room arrangements are settled, do not expect an online gambling Internet poker bill to pass through MA government. Even then, if New Jersey and Delaware fail to make headway in the iGaming Internet poker and real cash gambling market, Massachusetts might abandon its tentative plans to introduce online gambling and Internet poker websites completely.

But with Connecticut determined to expand into the virtual arena of real money poker websites, and the possibility of interstate Internet poker compacts looming, the next logical step for Massachusetts would be to throw its hat into the legal real cash poker websites mix – especially since it’s already in the process of building three facilities that could legally inhabit online gaming operations and legit real money Internet poker websites.

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References

[1] ↑Governor Patrick Signs Expanded Gaming Legislation

[2] ↑Two Connecticut Tribes Closer to Building Casinos in Massachusetts

[3] ↑Another Swing and a Miss for Massachusetts Online Gambling

[4] ↑Massachusetts Gaming Commission

[5] ↑Suffolk Downs

[6] ↑Statistic Brain: Tourism Stats

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