Online Sacramento Poker Rooms in CA

California has strict gambling laws that allow only brick-and-mortar tribal casinos and some other forms of gambling (horse race wagering, lottery, charitable gaming, social gambling, and card rooms).

However, the Golden State isn’t so lenient towards online gambling and poker.

Despite this legal hurdle, poker fans hailing from Sacramento, CA, are free to visit sweepstakes sites or play poker on offshore poker platforms.

If you’re wondering if offshore platforms are legal, don’t worry — neither California nor the federal government prosecute individuals who choose to partake in virtual poker (as long as they aren’t hosting the site).

So, even though online poker options in The River City are limited, there are still ways to play the game, and this article will tell you where, when, and how.

Best Online Poker Sites in Sacramento, California

Sacramento residents are deprived of options when it comes to US poker sites. Nevertheless, they can get in on the action in numerous offshore-licensed poker rooms. The key is to find a reliable platform that will not rip you off.

This is where we step in! We’ve picked out the best from dozens of online poker sites for Sacramento folks.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:

Is Online Poker Legal in Sacramento, CA?

Poker has gained momentum in CA since the start of the 20th century. Following the passage of IGRA in 1988, The Golden State saw the opening of many tribal casinos, many of which host regular cash games and tournaments, including in the Sacramento area.

However, The Golden State doesn’t allow online gaming and virtual poker. State senators and lawmakers have gone to bat for bills that would legalize this game but to no avail. The latest push for online gaming legalization came in 2017 in the form of AB 1677, sponsored by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. This bill, too, failed, and the state legislature has since turned their attention to the legalization of online sports betting (which hasn’t seen much success either).

Currently, legal gambling forms in Sacramento, California, include only charitable gambling, tribal casinos, pari-mutuel wagering, state lottery, social gambling, and card rooms.

Although internet poker isn’t allowed in California, poker fans from The River City aren’t short of options. They can play a few rounds at land-based casinos, enjoy free gaming at sweepstakes websites or Global Poker, or hit offshore-regulated poker rooms at their leisure.

If you decide to play your favorite card game in an online poker room, go for one that’s reputable and safe.

Sacramento, California Poker Laws

According to California Penal Code Section 330, all games based on banking or percentage are illegal, which, in a broad sense, would entail online poker. However, the state rarely prosecutes players for engaging in online gambling.

So, before you head out to the vast world of offshore poker rooms that cater to Sacramento residents, make sure to study the following documents:

• Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988
• Penal Code Section 330

How to Choose the Best Online Poker Room in Sacramento, CA

When you load a virtual poker room, you usually don’t look further from the game selection and the bonus page. But don’t let the glitz and glam fool you — scratch beneath the surface. If you don’t know how to choose a poker room where everything is above board, you can use the following criteria.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker in Sacramento, CA

More and more sharks from The River City are swimming into online poker waters, and it’s no wonder why. With so many benefits these sites offer, staying away is difficult.

• Convenience – Who wouldn’t want to enjoy their favorite game from the comfort of their armchair or while killing time waiting for the bus? Exactly. That’s a perk only online gaming can give you. Plus, you can forget about spending time and gas money driving to and from a land-based poker establishment.
• Better gaming portfolio – You’ll rarely find a brick-and-mortar poker room that offers as many games and tournaments as a typical online platform.
• Higher player traffic – With more players online at any time, your chances of grabbing a virtual table spot increase manyfold. Furthermore, better player traffic means more frequent and varied games and tournaments.
• Wider range of buy-ins – Whether you prefer low- or high-stakes games, online poker rooms will keep you satisfied.
• Lower rakes – Similar to buy-ins, online poker rooms generally take smaller rakes than their land-based counterparts, giving players a chance to win a more significant chunk of the pot.
• Various bonuses and promotional offersIt’s always nice to boost your bankroll with bonus funds, but don’t skip T&C pages — they’ll tell you if the deal is actually worth it.

Famous Poker Players From Sacramento, California

California’s All-Time Money list boasts many household names, but only one River City shark is among the top ten.

Justin Cuong Van Tran (J.C.) is second on California’s All-Time Money list. To date, he has participated in almost 200 events, 82 of which are WSOP or WSOPC. One of his greatest achievements was a cashout of $2,106,893 when he finished fifth in the 2013 WSOP $10,000 No-Limit Hold ’em main event. Tran has won two bracelets, three rings, and $13,378,131 in live tournaments.

Other notable names include Steve Gee, Tony Bracy, and Anthony Swift.

Sacramento, California, was also the final destination of semi-professional poker player Kevin “Racks” Roster. He became terminally ill from sarcoma and moved to Sacramento from New Jersey because CA allows physician-assisted death. Before his passing, Roster participated in the 2019 WSOP event to cross it off his bucket list while raising awareness about sarcoma and the lack of options for people suffering from this and other terminal illnesses.

Best Land-Based Poker Rooms in Sacramento, California

If you find yourself in need of some poker action in The River City, feel free to visit the following Native American casinos with dedicated poker rooms.

Name	Address	Number of tables	Cash games	Tournaments
Capitol Casino	411 North 16th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811	10	Yes	Yes
Limelight Card Room	1014 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816	3	Yes	Yes
Stones Gambling Hall	6508/6510 Antelope Road, Citrus Heights, CA 95621	11	Yes	Yes
Thunder Valley Casino	1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648	24	Yes	Yes

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