Although it’s a widely popular activity with an estimated player pool of over 100 million in the US, online poker is only legally regulated in a handful of states. Considering the revenue and public demand that online poker attracts, many other state legislators are also working to legalize the sector in their regions. For instance, state lawmakers filed another bill in an attempt to legalize online poker in Ohio last year. Should it have passed, it would have made the state only the ninth to do so.
Interestingly, one state that hasn’t made any recent actions to legalize online poker is California. As of writing, the latest bill in favor of this was filed back in the 2016 legislative session. Regardless of this, though, California still has a vibrant online poker scene with many locals playing on offshore sites every day. However, since these sites are not regulated by any state body, it’s up to players themselves to vet these providers. So, what should Californians look for in their online poker platforms? We’ve listed a few aspects to factor in below.
Established site reputation
The online poker community is known for being discerning and transparent in both its praise and criticism. As such, it helps to look into a site’s public reputation. For locals looking to play online poker in California, Americas Cardroom is a very popular option. Since it was first launched in 2001, it has remained the US’ leading site thanks to its dedication to promoting fair and inclusive gaming. This includes offering 24/7 accessible tourneys with diverse buy-ins, regularly updated anti-cheating software, and secure banking methods that include cryptocurrency to suit different player preferences.
As further evidence of their trustworthiness, the site also has its roster of poker stars known for their prowess and credibility. The most famous of these ambassadors include none other than WSOP icon Chris Moneymaker and high-stakes player Tom Dwan, whose associations with the site are its own vote of confidence. By sticking to sites known for their reliability within actual poker circles, Californians can ensure they’re only playing on platforms that offer both style and substance.
Comprehensive cybersecurity measures
Cyberattacks are on the rise, with over 35 million Americans breached in 2024 alone. Given that online poker sites deal with real money and personal banking details, they are natural targets for many cybercriminals. Consequently, it’s vital that Californian players study an online poker site’s specific cybersecurity measures before joining it.
Apart from the usual need for passwords, leading online poker sites will also be secured with redundant authentication features. For instance, the global poker room GGPoker has enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) logins to prevent any data leaks. Known for their diverse online poker rooms, the operator has also collaborated with Amazon to monitor for fraudulent movements. This makes it easier for the site to flag and respond to suspicious or malicious entities. That said, it’s still best practice for players to employ extra safety measures on their end. For example, our article “Professional Approach to Cybersecurity” suggests using a VPN. This encrypts your online actions, thereby making it harder for your virtual traffic to be tampered with or exploited.
Compatible gaming formats
Lastly, Californians must consider whether a specific online poker provider offers games in a format compatible with their gaming device. After all, it’s hard to take advantage of even the most promising tournaments and promotions if the site is inaccessible. In California, mobile games are among the most preferred, with nearly 60% of the population owning smartphones.
Fortunately, there are a number of credible sites today that have expanded into mobile poker apps, too. One such site is from the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which is responsible for one of the most prestigious poker tourneys in Las Vegas. Recently, the poker brand was sold by its previous parent company, Caesars Entertainment. Before this sale, though, the company released a new US-only mobile app that became the first of its kind to share liquidity across four other states. As part of its mobile-friendly design, its interface and offerings have all been created to provide a world-class experience on this specific device. Among players in California, minding the format a site comes in can shape how enjoyable and immersive their online poker runs are.