California has the biggest live poker scene in America and zero legal online poker. Commerce Casino, Hustler, Bay 101 - massive rooms with constant action. But online? Nothing legal. California poker players use offshore sites while the state’s politicians fight over who controls a future market.
Here’s where the actual action is.
California’s Poker Paradox
California facts:
- Biggest poker state by live play volume
- Most card rooms in any US state
- Zero legal online poker
- Years of failed legislation
The live scene thrives. Online remains offshore-only. The tribal casinos and card rooms can’t agree on who gets what, so nobody gets anything legal.
Bovada - Anonymous Tables
Bovada is the primary offshore option for California players:
Poker features:
- Anonymous tables (new seat every session)
- No HUDs, no tracking
- Cash games and tournaments
- Zone Poker (fast-fold)
- Mobile poker app
Why it dominates:
- Soft games (recreational players protected)
- Fast withdrawals via crypto
- Integrated with sportsbook and casino
- Been serving US players since 2011
The anonymity is the selling point. You can’t be hunted or tracked.
BetOnline (Chico Network) - For Grinders
BetOnline runs on the Chico Network, which is the opposite of Bovada:
Key differences:
- Persistent usernames
- HUD compatible (PokerTracker, HEM)
- Can track opponents over time
- Build reads and databases
Why choose it:
- Better for serious players
- Track your own stats
- Find and exploit weak players
- Tournament guarantees
If you’re using software and grinding, BetOnline/Chico is the better environment.
Americas Cardroom - Tournament Focus
ACR is the third major option:
Strengths:
- Massive tournament guarantees
- The Venom ($10M+ guaranteed)
- Million Dollar Sundays
- OSS (Online Super Series)
Weaknesses:
- Site has had some reputation issues
- Occasionally clunky software
- Less recreational traffic
For tournament grinders focused on large GTDs, ACR is worth considering despite its quirks.
Traffic Comparison
| Site | Cash Traffic | MTT Traffic | Rec Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| BetOnline | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| ACR | Low | High | Low |
Bovada has the most recreational players. ACR has the biggest tournaments. BetOnline is middle ground.
Software and Features
Bovada:
- Clean, simple interface
- Zone Poker for action junkies
- Anonymous = no HUD
BetOnline:
- Full HUD support
- More traditional interface
- Hand histories exportable
ACR:
- Feature-rich but dated
- Rabbit hunting, straddles
- Run it twice available
Choose based on how you play. Recreational? Bovada. Serious grinder? BetOnline. Tournament focused? ACR.
Stakes Available
All three sites offer:
- Microstakes ($0.01/0.02 up)
- Low stakes ($0.05/0.10 to $0.25/0.50)
- Mid stakes ($0.50/1.00 to $2/4)
- High stakes (limited traffic)
For California players used to $1/3 or $2/5 live, online equivalents play differently. Start lower than you think.
The Card Room to Online Transition
California live poker plays bigger:
- $1/3 NL with $300+ buy-ins common
- $2/5 action at major rooms
- High-stakes at Commerce, Hustler
- Lots of splashy recreational money
Online is:
- Smaller in terms of big blinds
- More technically proficient opponents
- Faster decision-making required
- Less physical reads, more bet-sizing tells
Don’t assume live success translates directly. Online has different skill requirements.
Banking for Poker Deposits
Crypto is essential:
- Works 100% (credit cards fail 50%+)
- Faster deposits and withdrawals
- Often better poker bonuses
Set up Bitcoin via Cash App before your first deposit. The convenience is worth the initial setup.
My Recommendation
For recreational California players: Bovada
- Soft games, anonymous tables
- No tracking means no hunting
- Integrated with sports/casino
For serious grinders: BetOnline (Chico)
- HUD support for tracking
- Build reads on opponents
- More traditional poker environment
For tournament players: ACR or BetOnline
- Biggest guarantees at ACR
- Good MTT schedule at BetOnline
FAQ
What’s the best online poker site for California?
Bovada for recreational players (soft, anonymous games). BetOnline for grinders (HUD compatible). ACR for tournament players (massive GTDs).
Is online poker legal in California?
Not regulated or licensed. Offshore sites operate in a gray area. No California resident has been prosecuted for playing online poker.
Why doesn’t California have legal online poker?
Card rooms, tribal casinos, and politicians can’t agree on who controls the market. Multiple legislative attempts have failed. The live scene thrives while online remains unregulated.
Can I use a HUD at California online poker sites?
Depends on the site. Bovada is anonymous (no HUD). BetOnline and ACR allow HUDs. Check site terms before using tracking software.