California has the largest adult gambling market in the U.S., with tribal casinos, card rooms, state lottery, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports available statewide. Sports betting remains illegal as of 2026.
If the urge is hitting right now
California Council on Problem Gambling · 1-800-GAMBLER · 24/7
Put a lock between you and the apps.
California's program, California Voluntary Self-Exclusion (BGC), is free and binding on every licensed operator in the state. Enroll below, then read how self-exclusion works so you know what it does and doesn't stop.
How self-exclusion works →Block the phone, not just the account.
A closed account reopens in a minute. A block on the device, with the passcode held by someone else, buys you the hour you need.
Block gambling apps and sites →Talk to one person this week.
A counselor in California who treats gambling, a Gamblers Anonymous meeting tonight, or someone who has been where you are. All three are free to find here.
Find help in California →Sports betting is not legal in California. The 2022 ballot measures (Prop 26 and 27) both failed. Tribal gaming, cardrooms, lottery, and parimutuel horse racing are legal; mobile sports betting is not.
California Voluntary Self-Exclusion (BGC)
Binds all state-licensed gambling establishments (cardrooms, tribal casinos that participate). Minimum 1 year; lifetime option.
Enroll or learn more →Start with California's self-exclusion program, California Voluntary Self-Exclusion (BGC), which is free. Binds all state-licensed gambling establishments (cardrooms, tribal casinos that participate). Minimum 1 year; lifetime option. Then put a block on your phone so the apps and sites can't be reopened on a bad night, and talk to one person this week: a counselor who treats gambling, a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, or someone in recovery. Cope Compass lists California providers and meetings free, and the app gives you a two-minute check-in and people to talk to any hour.
Sports betting is not legal in California. The 2022 ballot measures (Prop 26 and 27) both failed. Tribal gaming, cardrooms, lottery, and parimutuel horse racing are legal; mobile sports betting is not.
Yes. California Voluntary Self-Exclusion (BGC). Binds all state-licensed gambling establishments (cardrooms, tribal casinos that participate). Minimum 1 year; lifetime option. Enrollment is free and runs through the program's own site, linked above.
Yes. California Council on Problem Gambling runs a confidential helpline for California, listed on this page with its hours (24/7). If you'd rather start with a person who gets it, Cope Compass's urgent help page covers who to call or text and what to do in the next hour, free and private.
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Between calls, Cope Compass is free. Get the app