Online Fresno Poker Rooms in CA

Learn about California gambling laws and discover the top online cardrooms catering to Fresno players. Register today and enjoy cash games and tournaments.

Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Avatar Author Adrian Sterne
Fact checked by Dusan Jovanovic

Image of Fresno, California Online Poker SitesFresno may only be California’s fifth largest city, with a population of just over 542k, but it offers plenty of poker opportunities. Most are at the state’s tribal casinos, which have dedicated poker rooms, and provide live cash games and tournaments.

Unfortunately, the Golden State hasn’t legalized online poker. As a result, interstate poker sites in Fresno are off-limits. However, that doesn’t mean online poker enthusiasts are left high and dry. Since the legislation does not prohibit players from playing on international sites, Fresno players frequently join them.

Several attempts have been made to legalize online gambling over the past decade, but none have succeeded. While we wait for that dream to become a reality, we will examine what offshore poker sites offer, how to pick the best one, and more.

Best Online Poker Sites in Fresno, California

Although Fresno residents have over a dozen brick-and-mortar gambling venues offering poker action, many choose to register at international poker sites. The great thing is that offshore poker platforms accept players from Fresno and the rest of the state, featuring an array of cash games and tournaments. Users can also play for free and test their skills before switching to real-money games.

This is also a double-edged sword since not all outlets are reputable and licensed. That’s why we have tested many poker sites and rated their games, payment methods, reputation, security, and bonuses, before lining up the top-performing ones. Explore our list of reputable poker platforms below and join the one you like the most.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:
  • 100% Legal & Licensed
  • Verified Bonus
  • Mobile Friendly
  • Advertiser Disclosure

    Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions

  • Must be 18+ to participate.
crown # 1  Poker Site
BetOnline Poker
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  • 100% First deposit bonus
  • Top 3 in US player traffic
  • Great selection of games
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Payout speed 1-3 days
Deposit options
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Displayed 3 of 8 rooms

The Golden State is a popular poker destination, predominantly for its land-based casinos. However, the state doesn’t offer legal online poker for real money. Section 330 of the California Penal Code forbids this activity in the state and labels illegal gambling a misdemeanor. Moreover, operators in the state have been entirely prohibited from running online poker sites since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was enacted in 2006.

Under this federal law, online gambling platforms could not transfer funds to and from financial transaction providers. This is why so many online poker rooms have avoided Fresno and the rest of California.

State lawmakers introduced several bills to regulate online poker over the years, but to no avail. They first started drafting and introducing bills to the Senate and state Assembly in 2008. At that time, even one of the online poker giants, PokerStars, began lobbying for poker legalization in California. The next attempt was in 2012 when California lawmakers Roderick Wright and Darrell Steinberg proposed SB 1463, which would authorize internet gambling.

A few more bills followed, including AB 431 in 2015, introduced by Assemblyman Adam Gray, which never received a full-body vote. In 2016, Gray proposed another online poker bill, AB 2863, which also died in the Legislature.

Unfortunately, the state lost interest in online poker and shifted its focus toward sports betting in 2018.

Since legal online poker is unavailable, Fresno residents have three options: visit one of the 15 land-based Indian casinos offering live poker action, play the game at sweepstakes sites and social poker rooms, or join offshore casinos.

Fresno, CA Poker Laws

Law
Learning more about California gambling laws and regulations might be advisable before playing online poker on offshore sites.

You can find links to the most important Fresno and California legislative pieces below:

How to Pick the Best Fresno Poker Sites

Thanks to online poker’s explosive growth over the last decade and a half, players worldwide now have access to a wide range of online poker rooms. With so many poker sites, finding the best one can be challenging, especially if you have never played this game. This is why you must know what you are looking for. Learn what makes a great poker site by following our handy guide.

Licensing and Security

Licensing and Security

If you want to ensure that a poker site is legit and safe, check its license. It must be issued by a reputable gambling regulator, such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.

These agencies award permits only to reputable sites that demonstrate a commitment to the safety of their players. They regularly review businesses to make sure they’re properly run. You can find license details at the bottom of an offshore poker room’s webpage and on the official website of the regulatory body.

Game and Tournament Offer

Game and Tournament Offer

A poker site’s game and tournament diversity helps determine its quality. The more regular tournaments and cash games on offer, the better. No Limit Hold’em and Omaha Hi are prevalent on most websites. However, online casinos should offer more variants of Texas Hold’em and Omaha as well as less popular games like Razz and Badugi.

As for the tournaments, the site should have plenty every day, ensuring you will always have a chance to participate in an exciting and rewarding competition where you could win substantial prizes. There should also be tourneys for low and high rollers, with buy-ins of all sizes.

Rake and Player Trafic

Rake and Player Trafic

This is one of the essential criteria when choosing a poker site. We recommend you opt for platforms with a consistent flow of players rather than those with very few. When you sign up at an online poker website, you should be able to start playing immediately. You can observe how many players are active or how much traffic there is in a particular room to get a clearer picture. The same applies to tournaments. To generate valuable prizes, a sufficient number of players must participate.

Rake is another factor to consider. That’s the amount operators charge to allow you to participate in tournaments and other poker events. If you notice the rake is unreasonable, stay away from those platforms.

Promotions

Promotions

Bonuses and promotions often play a significant role in a player’s decision to play in a particular poker room — more so than games. A platform should have an enticing sign-up offer and ongoing promotions such as matching deposits, reloads, referrals, cashbacks, and freerolls. Also, read the fine print and check if the bonus terms are fair.
Mobile Compatibility

Mobile Compatibility

Online poker may be a good choice for those who are always on the go. Poker sites that accept Fresno players usually offer mobile-friendly designs, which means they can be accessed from any device and operating system (Android, iOS). On some platforms, you can download poker clients to your mobile device.
Payment Systems

Payment Systems

Choose a poker room that allows depositing and withdrawing via various banking options. Ideally, you should be able to use more than one method on both ends; that way, if your preferred option fails, you have backups. Great sites feature everything from bank transfers and e-wallets to credit/debit cards and cryptos. However, don’t forget about transaction speed and limits imposed by operators.
Customer Support

Customer Support

Any poker website should offer friendly and efficient customer service that is knowledgeable and capable of handling issues quickly. A variety of communication channels is also necessary, so email, live chat, and phone support must be available. Plus, a comprehensive FAQ section should answer common questions quickly.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker in Fresno, California

The number of players enjoying online poker continues to grow. But if you still prefer playing this game in a traditional setting, consider the many benefits you can reap when you switch to playing poker online.

  • Convenience — Online poker doesn’t require traveling to the nearest casino to play your favorite game. You can enjoy it from the comfort of your chair or on the go, provided you have an internet connection. Plus, no dress code is required.
  • Greater variety of games — Online cardrooms have vast collections of games from different suppliers, so there will never be a shortage of poker action. Whether you want to stick to Texas Hold’em and Omaha or try another variation, they’ve got you covered.
  • Easier access to tournaments — Live tournaments restrict players because they are not available 24/7. Conversely, online poker tourneys are active around the clock, and there will always be someone to play against.
  • Better promotions — New and existing players can boost their bankrolls with generous bonuses. That way, you’ll be able to try more games and increase your chances of winning. Operators usually treat players with welcome bonuses, rakebacks, cashback, and various tournaments.
  • Skill development opportunities — Online poker is a great way to practice your skills. Whether you are an inexperienced player or a poker pro, you can easily find an opponent that matches your skill level. Furthermore, you can use demo mode and hone your skills for free before you get more confident to switch to cash games.
  • Anonymous play — Many beginners favor the sense of anonymity online poker provides because they can play stress-free, blend in, and learn the ropes quickly.
  • More hands — Sitting at a poker table and thinking through every decision can be frustrating. Online poker is faster and allows users to play far more hands than live poker ever will.
  • Lower limits — Since online operators don’t have to pay rent and utility bills, they can offer cash games and tournaments at very low limits.

Famous Poker Players From Fresno, CA

Although many poker pros come from Fresno, Jonathan Dull, Jeff Lennon, Jerry Sanchez, and Danny Woolard are among the most notable.

Jonathan Dull is the best-known Fresno poker pro, earning over $650,000 in live tournaments alone. He has participated in over 50 poker tournaments, with his most significant cash being a $220,000 win. He was last seen at the $800 No Limit Hold’em — Deepstack 8-Handed (Event #53) when he finished 543rd in WSOP, Las Vegas. Dull is currently ranked 957th on the all-time money list.

Jeff Lennon has participated in almost 55 live poker competitions, earning $502,000. His last major win was in 2020 in the $400 No Limit Hold’em — Monster Stack (Event #8) event in the WSOPC Thunder Valley, Lincoln. Lennon is ranked as the 501st-best poker player in California.

Although Jerry Sanchez played at only two poker tournaments, he managed to amass more than $175,850. His last appearance was in the $160 No Limit Hold’em event in Binions Poker Classic, Las Vegas, where he finished 11th. Sanchez is ranked as the 1,516th-best player in California.

Woolard has participated in 18 tournaments, earning almost $200,000. His latest success was in the $400 H.O.R.S.E. (Event #5) event in WSOPC Thunder Valley, Lincoln, where he finished 4th. Currently, Woolard holds the 1,344th spot in California and 6,701st place on the US all-time money list.

Aside from the aforementioned poker players, Fresno is home to several others, including Isaac Settle, Richard Barstow, James Jeff, and Aramis Hayrapetyan.

Top Land-Based Poker Rooms in Fresno, CA

Fresno has 15 land-based casinos, but only three have dedicated poker rooms. One Club Casino is the most famous and biggest cardroom, hosting 31 tables. The venue has also partnered with WPT events several times. Furthermore, it offers many cash games and hosts daily, weekly, and annual tournaments. The buy-ins range from $10 to $200, and the tourneys attract many poker pros and casual players.

Nevertheless, all three poker rooms have many games, and players can enjoy Texas Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo Split, 3-Card Poker, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Mexican Stud, and several other variations.

Poker room Address Number of tables Tournaments
One Club Casino 3950 N, Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93726 31 Yes
500 Club Casino 771 W, Shaw Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612 20 No
Wanaaha Casino 2742 North Sierra Highway, Bishop, CA 93514 3 No

FAQ

Is online poker legal in Fresno, CA?

California hasn’t legalized online poker, but since its Penal Code doesn’t forbid or allow playing at international sites, players assume it is in a gray area. Consequently, many Fresno residents visit offshore poker rooms.

What cash games can I play on Fresno poker sites?

The sites we recommended offer various poker cash games such as No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and others.

Do Fresno online poker rooms offer bonuses?

Yes, they do. New members can enjoy welcome bonuses at our recommended sites, and existing players can participate in loyalty programs.

Are international poker rooms safe?

Of course. In addition to their long histories, licenses, and the latest safety precautions, many of these platforms guarantee fair games. You don’t need to worry when playing your favorite poker game at the reputable sites we’ve reviewed and recommended.

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Hi, I am the Chief Editor of top10pokersites.net, this site is dedicated to all thing poker. I have been working around the poker industry for the last 15 years, with different brands. The main purpose of this site is to keep you uptodate with the industry and offer you the best deals around.