Technically speaking, all percentage games are forbidden by California Penal Code 330. But things don’t end there for California residents: in that state, the term percentage games take on a slightly different meaning. That makes blackjack, craps, roulette, slots, and most other casino games “percentage games” in the eyes of California law. To understand California poker law, you first have to wrap your head around the concept of a 'percentage game,” a phrase often used in the state’s laws related to gambling.įor the most part, the phrase percentage games refers to those games in which the game’s operator (the casino or the game host) is a part of the action and earns money using a house edge or advantage thanks to mathematics.
In the United States, vague gambling laws are not uncommon. Which Laws Legalize Poker and Gambling in California? Unfortunately for those who enjoy playing poker, state law in California is often really vague. Statutes on the books regarding casino gambling, lottery games, and sports betting are complex, and on some level, it would require a law degree and plenty of experience to work your way through all the various rules and regulations in place. Laws related to playing poker in California are no different. Is Online Poker / Gambling Legal in California?Ĭalifornia’s size and population density makes any legal issue really complex.