Faro, roulette, fan-tan, and rondo were among the many casino games explicitly forbidden in 1872 by the California Penal Code. Curiously, the viral game of poker was omitted. One hundred and seventy-five tribal casinos and five mini-casinos make up the legal gaming infrastructure of California today.
Despite announcing a moratorium on new cardrooms in 1995, 66 are still running in various parts of California.
Options for Legitimate Gambling in the Golden State
As of right now, the following areas in California are officially gambling-friendly offering the following games legally:
State Lottery
One popular way of gambling in San Francisco, California, already approved through a referendum in 1984, is the lottery games. This operates through the supervision of the California State Lottery. Players need to buy scratch cards for the Powerball and Mega Millions draws.
Horse Racing Betting
The State of California, including San Francisco, permits horse races, whether pooled or parimutuel, betting. Satellite wagering facilities are also a part of this. Instead of wagering actual money with predetermined odds, parimutuel betting entails purchasing a ticket on the horse you intend to support. Gains are proportional to the number of persons possessing a winning horse’s ticket. The Santa Anita, Los Alamitos, Del Mar, and Golden Gate Fields track all host long racing meets once a year.
California’s gambling culture is primarily based on the 1933 referendum that authorized betting on horse races.
Poker Rooms
California does not prohibit card rooms from operating as long as they provide games where players compete against each other instead of the house. In most card rooms, poker is the game played most often.
The California Gambling Control Commission was founded in 1987 to oversee the operations of card rooms, following the 1984 establishment of laws for such establishments.
Casinos on Native American Land
California tribes that have received federal recognition are authorized to run casinos under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Currently, 61 different tribes in California run 63 different casinos, which together bring in over $8 billion annually from slot machines and table games.
Charitable Games of Lotteries and Bingo
Some registered nonprofit organizations can legally operate some types of gambling like raffles, poker, and bingo. Nevertheless, they are limited to hosting just one poker night every year.
Owning a Slot Machine in San Francisco: Illegal or Not
In other words, unless you possess a slot machine or can procure one over 25 years old (cough, antique store hustle, anyone?), you should not expect to have your very own Las Vegas in the comfort of your home. Slot machines are illegal in California, just like that lighter fluid you’re sure isn’t being used for evil. It would help if you thus refrained from playing slot machines at home unless you wish to face a visit from the fun police (and by fun, we imply not fun).
The Verdict: Plenty of Entertainment Even Without Slot Machines!
Even if slot machines in California aren’t exactly the Wild West, that doesn’t imply you can’t have a great time playing them. You can play traditional board games with loved ones, harness your inner MacGyver, design your own gambling games, or visit indigenous casinos. The excitement of the game and the experiences you get while playing are more important than any potential winnings. Let the fun begin by rolling the dice or shuffling the cards.