News
The Legal Poker Debate: Will Online Poker Finally Be Legalized in California?

While online poker is a billion-dollar global industry, its legality in California remains a bone of contention. However, there has been a wave of change in America’s gaming segment in the past few years, thanks to the recently struck-down PASPA and online accessibility.
Let’s dig deeper into the Golden State’s poker culture from the past to the present.
A History of Poker Laws in California
Californians played poker in the saloons as early as the Gold Rush of the 19th century. Cities like San Francisco were famous for their vibrant gambling scene in the 1800s. Indigenous California tribes have been operating and managing poker games in the state.
Further, the state legalized some forms of poker in the 1930s, such as draw and stud gambling. With this ruling, poker card rooms expanded in the Golden State, which became prime venues for law-abiding poker action.
In the late 1990s, playing online poker in a legal gray area became a reality for Californians. The California Constitution and Penal Code did not clearly authorize or prohibit such operations. Hence, this legal loophole allowed poker enthusiasts to play the card game on licensed offshore casino sites.
In the same year, attempts were also made to officially legalize poker. A landmark court decision allowed all forms of offline poker within the state, removing any confusion surrounding the earlier poker bans.
Hence, land-based poker games are legal in California now, with around 88 licensed card rooms operating legally. What about online poker gaming? Let’s find out!
Current Legal Barriers to Online Poker in California
Strict legal and political opposition to the legalization of online poker gaming is the foremost obstacle in California. Further, mandates on tribal gaming and card rooms sometimes overlap with poker regulations. Section 330 of the California Penal Code currently bans online poker within the state border.
California’s tribes hold exclusive rights to operate casino-style gambling, granted by compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). They argue that online poker infringes on these rights, mainly if non-tribal entities operate these gambling platforms.
Moreover, various consumer protection organizations fuel this resistance as they consider any form of gambling an addictive habit. Such critics argue that regulating online poker could promote overexposure and make gambling too easy for otherwise highly vulnerable people.
Hence, there have been endless legislative stalemates with no agreement on what to do about it.
Stakeholders in the Legalization Debate
Several groups play key roles in shaping California’s poker scene:
Tribal Casinos
California’s Native American tribes generate billions annually through land-based casinos. Many tribes view online poker as a competition that could impact their monopoly on gambling.
Legislators
Californian lawmakers try to balance consumer protection and compliance with federal regulations before lifting the ban on online gambling.
Card Rooms
California’s cardrooms operate under different rules than tribal casinos. The owners of these facilities usually advocate for the legalization of online poker to expand their customer base.
Economic Benefits of Legalizing Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California could yield substantial economic benefits:
- Tax Revenue: Licensed online poker markets would add hundreds of billions in tax revenues to the state annually. This revenue could fund other public services within the state, such as education and infrastructure development.
- Consumer Protection: California can regulate this industry to guarantee safe and fair play for its residents. It’ll also help reduce the problems that offshore unregulated platforms bring.
The Future Outlook for Online Poker in California
While progress has been slow, there are signs of hope for online poker fans in California.
For example, some tribes are willing to support online poker legislation under the exclusivity clauses. This step will ensure native tribes have a significant stake in the market. Public support for online gambling also appears to grow, driven by the success of legalized sports betting in other states.
The signs are promising, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The legal and political complexities mean that online poker California enthusiasts may need to wait longer to play their favorite card game online hassle-free.
Social Advantages of Legalized Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California isn’t just about revenue and market growth. There are obvious social benefits, too. A regulated environment assures responsible gaming practice via mandatory self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and esports support for players to manage their habits.
Additionally, legalization is likely to fund problems associated with gambling addictions. States with regulated online poker markets generally allocate a certain portion of tax revenue toward mental health services and addiction treatment. These measures ensure that gambling remains a source of entertainment without becoming an issue for society.
FAQs
- Is online poker currently legal in California?
No, online poker is not explicitly legal in California. While residents can play on offshore platforms, these sites operate outside state jurisdiction and lack regulatory supervision.
- Which are the best offshore poker gaming sites?
Californians can play real-money poker games on Bovada, Ignition Casino, and ACR Poker, which are regulated offshore casino sites.
- Are there any pending bills for online poker legalization?
Though past bills were introduced, very few survived the legislative process and were passed into law. Hence, the legalization of online poker is still pending in California.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, history has been kinder to poker gaming culture in California. With relaxed laws on traditional poker rooms, the online poker market also looks forward to positivity. It’s easy to see the benefits of online poker legalization, including more tax revenues and adequate consumer protection.
However, some issues still create roadblocks in the game’s legal battle. Complicated laws, tribal autonomy, and gambling addiction concerns put barriers to the legalization of online poker in California. For now, the state’s cardrooms and offshore casino sites are the only viable options to satisfy their poker gambling desires.
News
More transparency, better tools, a brighter future: MiglioriCasinoItalia revolutionizes the market with new features

MiglioriCasinoItalia is evolving, introducing a new suite of features set to transform how users choose where to play online. Already a benchmark in the Italian comparison space, the platform is now doubling down on transparency, responsibility, and advanced tools to help users make more informed decisions.
There are four key new features introduced to the platform. The License Comparator allows users to compare operator licenses instantly, clearly distinguishing between those regulated by ADM and those operating without Italian official authorization. Alongside it, the License Checker enables users to verify the status of an operator’s license in real time.
Soon to be released is the Casino Comparator, a feature that will allow users to compare multiple casinos side-by-side, based on key factors such as welcome bonuses, payment methods, and game selections. With an intuitive interface and customizable filters, users can view platform differences in seconds, making the selection process faster and more efficient.
Rounding up the update is the Playtest Report section, which adds depth to each casino review by showing the team’s hands-on experience with each operator — tested games and achieved outcomes—to ensure an even greater level of transparency.
These innovations come at a pivotal time for the industry. While Italy’s online gaming market is growing, it is also facing increasing regulatory pressure. The new online gambling reform is expected to fully take effect in September, after a deadline extension. This change signals a radical shift on the horizon: higher licensing costs, fewer authorized operators, and a more competitive market. In this changing landscape, MiglioriCasinoItalia positions itself as the go-to, trustworthy guide users can always rely on, providing tools designed to simplify their decision-making.
“Our mission has always been clear: to provide users with concrete, accessible, and up-to-date tools to help them choose where to play — empowering informed decisions,” says Angelo Vecchione, Website Manager of MiglioriCasinoItalia. “These features were developed through close observation of user behavior and from a strong vision for the industry’s future.”
“As the number of licensed operators decreases and their individual market share rises, having a clear and trustworthy go-to resource becomes crucial,” Adds Paolo Strano, Affiliate Manager and market expert at MiglioriCasinoItalia.
MiglioriCasinoItalia has evolved beyond a simple comparison tool: today, it guides, informs, and empowers.
The future of gambling won’t wait. With MiglioriCasinoItalia, users are already part of the next generation of casino comparison.
Awards
MightyTips is shortlisted for Sportsbook Affiliate of the Year at SBC Awards Europe

MightyTips has been nominated for the Sportsbook Affiliate of the Year award at the SBC Awards Europe 2025. This is the second successive year that the iGaming hub has been shortlisted in this category, where it will compete against industry giants such as Flashscore, Gentoo Media, and North Star Network.
The nomination recognises MightyTips’ increasingly prominent position within the sector and its contribution to the affiliate landscape following a year of significant growth, including an expanded portfolio of multilingual sites, increasing its total to 19 by the end of 2024.
The brand has also launched the MightyQs interview series, which focuses on partnerships between sportsbooks and big sports names. Furthermore, MightyTips has struck upon several collaborations with notable iGaming operators such as 888Starz and Roobet.
Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR at SEOBROTHERS, said: “Being nominated for the Sportsbook Affiliate of the Year award is a testament to the hard work, knowledge and dedication of the MightyTips team. We continue to go from strength to strength, and everyone involved should be proud of their achievements over the last twelve months. We will continue to deliver high standards, and we cannot wait to see what we can accomplish over the next year.”
SBC Awards Europe
The SBC Awards Europe will take place on June 12th, 2025, on the final day of the SBC Summit Malta at the Hilton Malta. It will reward operators, affiliates, suppliers, and game developers throughout Europe who have contributed significantly to the sports betting and iGaming landscape.
This year’s awards have attracted a record-breaking number of nominations. Each entry is assessed by a hand-picked judging panel of industry experts. The ceremony will welcome 400 guests from across the sector, with awards handed out in 34 categories.
News
EEGS Launches its First Affiliate Webinar of 2025: Exploring the Affiliate’s Role in Responsible Gaming

The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is proud to announce the first edition of its Affiliate Webinar series for 2025, taking place on May 13 at 2:00 PM CET. Titled “Balancing Compliance and Conversion: The Affiliate’s Role in Responsible Gaming,” the session will explore the critical role affiliates play in today’s iGaming environment and the increasing importance of responsible practices in performance-driven marketing.
The webinar session will be led by Gjorgje Ristikj, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the affiliate space. As the Founder of Gamblers Connect and Co-Founder & CEO of RankRadar, Gjorgje brings a wealth of knowledge from co-founding the first Macedonian Poker Affiliate website to leading award-winning projects like Gamblers Connect and consulting in iGaming Affiliate Management. He will share practical insights drawn from real-world examples, industry trends, and proven campaign strategies.
The webinar will cover a wide range of timely topics, including the evolving landscape of affiliate marketing, the importance of aligning with responsible gaming principles, and navigating today’s increasingly complex compliance requirements. Attendees will also learn how to leverage tools and technologies to support compliant and transparent operations.
Whether you’re an affiliate, operator, or marketing professional in the gaming industry, this session promises actionable strategies for balancing ethical practices with business performance.
Registration is free and open. All participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance after the session.
Secure your spot today and join the conversation on the future of affiliate marketing in iGaming: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FopPMF04SZ6uDB5AEBf_PA
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