California Gambling and Lotteries Laws

California operates a state lottery and participates in nation-wide “mega-lotteries,” while several Native American reservations within the state operate privately owned casinos.

Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors

| Last reviewed June 20, 2016

Legally Reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

Fact-Checked

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

State-sponsored games of chance, such as lotteries, have proven effective ways to raise tax revenue.

What casinos and lotteries have in common is their regulation through state laws, which define the manner in which lotteries and casinos may be operated. For instance, California law requires 34 percent of lottery revenue to be spent on public education. This section covers California laws pertaining to the state lottery, casinos (allowed only on Indian reservations), and gambling in general.

Learn About California Gambling and Lotteries Laws

California Gambling Laws

Laws governing the manner in which people in California may gamble, such as on Indian reservations or horse tracks, with information about the types of games allowed and other matters.

California State Lottery Laws

The details of California laws governing the organization and function of state-sponsored lotteries, such as the requirements for how lottery revenue is distributed and time limits for claiming prizes.