- If you didn’t know, it is legal to gamble in a private setting in California.
- Limousines fall under this law which means you can hire a stretch hummer and play poker.
- Other great casino games that you can play include blackjack, baccarat, and chips & chance.
There are few things more quintessentially “American” than cruising down Sunset Strip in a stretch limo. The windows are tinted so darkly that even with the curtains open, you could keep your own Eye of Providence on laaaadies…of all genders and orientations.
You might be enjoying an iced bucket of rosé. Perhaps some blunts are being passed around. This is California, after all.
Since this is your buck’s party, you decide to up the ante by making a stop at the local gentlemens’ club… before finishing the night at a luxury hotel suite for… activities. It’s the American dream, baby!
If this sounds like fun, then I have one thing to ask you: do you gutshot straight draw?
That’s because—believe it or not—this rite of passage is not only totally legal but also ripe for gambling. That is, if you know the rules of gambling in a private setting.
But before we get into the details of how to gamble in a limo in California, let’s talk about what the Golden State offers in terms of land-based gambling options.
Can You Gamble in a Limo in California?
Yes, you can.
This stems from the fact that California recognizes three types of legal gaming.
These include charitable gambling, card rooms, and “other” forms of social wagering.
The latter point is what allows people to gamble in a limo in California. More on that later. First, here’s a quick breakdown of California’s official gambling scene.
California’s Land-Based Gambling Options
California has one of the worst reputations for strictly regulating its land-based gambling options. So much so that many tourists and even locals believe that California is a “no casino state.” This isn’t exactly true.
Sure, you won’t find any Vegas-style resorts offering thousands of slot machines and table games. But California does offer tribal casinos that feature all types of classic gambling options.
These range from slots and video poker to table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and bingo. Many also offer hotels, outstanding restaurants, spas, golf courses, and other entertainment features.
Here is a list of all tribes in California and their locations if you want to plan a road trip.
Anyway, California doesn’t just limit its land-based gambling options to Indian reservations.
It also has several racetracks and cards rooms spread out across the state.
Let’s quickly discuss each option below and go over the relevant regulations.
US Casino Hotels That Will Make Your Jaw Drop - PokerListingsIndian Casinos (Tribal Gaming Compact)
The most common form of land-based casino in California is the Indian casino.
You might think that these reservations don’t offer traditional casino games like blackjack and roulette. Think again. These establishments offer all the same games you would find in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
California has over 60 Indian casinos, with more expected to come online in the future.
These casinos offer all kinds of classic gaming options, including slots, keno, blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker.
Some even feature live creature features like a Californian mountain lion who likes to prowl the perimeter of a Morongo Casino resort.
Seriously.
All of this is possible due to the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts between Governor Edmund G. Brown and various California Nations.
These compacts classify tribal casinos as “Class II” or “Class III” gaming operations. Class II gaming refers to bingo-based games, such as electronic bingo and pull tabs.
Class III refers to traditional casino games like roulette and blackjack. California tribes must adhere to strict regulations regarding age restrictions, problem gambling, and tax laws.
Best NJ Online Casinos for Real Money Gambling (2023)We’re mainly concerned with the latter point when discussing whether you can gamble in a limo in California. That’s because tribal casinos can only offer Class III gaming, which falls under federal jurisdiction.
This means they must pay state taxes on their revenues.
The story was different back in 1987, though, which is why a limousine ride through California can include some casual gambling.
Long story short, a man named Richard McGee (a member of the Table Mountain Nevada-Yurok Tribe) bought an electronic card game called “Electronic Baccarat.” He set it up in a tent next to his gas station, thus breaking ground on the modern California card room.
The government tried to shut him down, but he argued that the tent fell outside the tribal casino. This led to the passage of Prop. 5 in 1986, which outlined rules for card rooms and established the current Tribal-State Gaming Compacts.
In any case, California has some awesome Indian casinos that are definitely worth visiting.
Not sure where to start? Here are the ten best casinos in California, according to Locals.
Horse Racing (Santa Anita Park)
California has 24 racetracks that host horse racing events throughout the year.
One of the most famous tracks is Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. It opened in 1934 and has since hosted numerous Triple Crown hopefuls.
Known as the Great Race Place, Santa Anita hosts two major race meetings every year: the winter-spring meet and the autumn meet.
The former is the bigger of the two and runs from December to April. It includes prestigious races like the San Antonio Stakes, the Santa Anita Handicap, and the Kentucky Derby Trail.
Free Online Casino Games You Can Play Right NowIf you’ve ever seen a film noir from the 1940s or 50s, there’s a good chance you’ve seen footage from Santa Anita Park. The track even made an appearance in the 2011 romantic comedy “Hall Pass,” starring Oscar winners Jenna Fischer and Kristen Wiig.
Interesting fact: The racecourse holds the record for the most Breeders’ Cup wins (77) and the most total Breeders’ Cup wins (106) as of 2021.
As for gambling laws, California follows the standard formula for parimutuel betting. This means that every bettor contributes to a pool, and the payout is determined by how many people bet on the same horse.
BetOnline is one of the top horse racing betting sites on the planet. Not only can you make wagers on races around the world, but you can take advantage of amazing promotions and odds boosts.
Check out this for a deeper dive into what they offer.
Card Rooms
California card rooms are unique in that they cannot offer house-banked games like blackjack. Instead, they operate as poker rooms, allowing patrons to play against each other.
So, the house takes a percentage of the rake from each pot, and the rest is distributed among the players.
These venues typically have dozens of tables spreading all varieties of poker. Texas hold ’em is the most popular variation, but you can also find games with Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, Aztec, and other rules.
Some card rooms also feature high-stakes “private rooms” that require an invitation.
Gamblers can also engage in non-vedette carlton sbartell swindles.
All joking aside, anyone over 21 years old with valid ID can enter a California card room. The dress code is usually “smart casual,” meaning you need a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes.
Southern California is home to the largest and most lucrative card rooms. Pechanga Resort & Casino (which has its own card room), for example, reports average annual turnover rates of $140 million.
Great Tips to Help You Win Real Money at Online Casinos in NYThe Bay Area also has plenty of card rooms, including Bell Card Club in Oakland and Bay 101 in San Jose.
Before you hit up one of these fine establishments, be sure to check out our list of the best California card rooms outside of Las Vegas.
What Are the Rules of Gambling in a Private Setting?
Again, California cards stipulate that only Class III gaming is allowed in Indian casinos and card rooms.
This leaves lots of gaming options on the table (pun fully intended).
For instance, you can’t go down to the local casino and find a carnival darts booth, but you might find one in a private setting like a limousine. The same applies to other social gambling games covered under California’s private gaming laws.
“Poker, bridge, and similar games played for money or something of value, except in casuits or card rooms, are declared to be ‘lawful games of chance’ when conducted in a private place […] and in conformity with regulatory laws.”
In simpler terms, you can organize a home poker game or hire a limousine for a private poker tournament. It’s also legal to run gambling concessions at private functions like charity events and company parties.
The key phrase here is “in a private place.” This generally refers to places that aren’t openly accessible to the public at large. For this reason, it’s illegal to run a “speakeasy” casino out of your garage.
That said, stretch limos are considered private settings if you hire them for personal use. Thus, you can enjoy many different types of casino games while cruising down Wilshire Boulevard.
Of course, there are rules and regulations to follow, starting with age requirements. All players must be over 21 to participate in social gambling events.
The organizer – known as the “banker” in California gaming laws – must collect “placement fees” from all players before the game begins. These fees cannot exceed 10% of the player’s bankroll. The banker also pays taxes on these fees based on a sliding scale.
Here’s a look at California’s income tax brackets for 2023:
- 1% on the first $1,502
- 2% on amounts from $1,503 to $6,425
- 4% on amounts from $6,426 to $16,550
- 6% on amounts from $16,551 to $1,079,450
- 9.3% on amounts over $1,079,450
Players must be given the opportunity to cash out at any time during the game. The banker must also hand over any profits once the game ends.
It’s also important to note that California defines certain games as “lawful games of chance” beyond the usual suspects like poker and bridge. These include dice games, dominoes, bingo, and lotteries.
Chances for chains is illegal, though. Same with wheel of fortune and cottonmouth manuelfortes.
Finally, social gambling is limited to gifts worth $50-$650. Anything outside this range would constitute professional gambling and fall under higher tax brackets for the banker/organizer.
Incidentally, gifts valued over $650 also fall under California’s gift tax laws. The current threshold for individual gifts is $15,000 and $30,000 for married couples.
twinspires pa online casinoAll players must also live up to their responsibility to gamble responsibly. Failure to do so could force the banker to cut the game short.
When hiring a limousine for a stag or hen night, it’s a good idea to choose the banker amongst the group. This person can be any player who is financially able to cover losses and pay taxes on winnings.
They should also possess sound math skills, as the banker is responsible for tracking chips and converting them to currency at the end of the game.
Now that you know how to gamble in a limo in California, let’s look at some casino games that are suitable for this kind of event.
Best Casino Games to Play in a Limousine
Most of the classic casino games covered under California’s social gambling laws involve chips or cards.
Dice games are also allowed, provided they follow specific regulations concerning the types of bets that can be placed.
With that in mind, here are seven casino games that are perfect for playing in a luxury limousine.
1. Poker
Arguably the most popular casino game in California (both inside casinos and in private settings), poker is a natural choice for any limo gambling session.
It’s also the only game covered under Prop. 5 that allows for a house banker. And even then, the banker cannot put their own money into the pot.
Texas hold ‘em is the most popular variant, followed closely by Pot Limit Omaha (PIO). However, you can play any type of poker that abides by California’s poker laws.
Other popular variants include:
- Draw poker
- Seven-card stud
- Razz
- 5-Card Draw
- 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo
PLO is gaining speed in CA.
In addition to being easy to learn and accommodating players with varying bankrolls, poker provides lots of opportunities for flirtation and general tomfoolery. Again, the limousine’s tinted windows provide plenty of privacy, giving passengers plenty of leeway in this regard.
Speaking of bankrolls, it’s a good idea to set a limit before the game begins. I recommend using a to keep track of everyone’s placements, bets, and overall standing.
Here are our top five choices for the out there.
2. Blackjack
Another classic card game that’s popular in both casinos and private settings is blackjack. Also known as Twenty-One, this simple game pits players against the dealer in a battle to reach 21 without going bust.
California card rooms don’t offer traditional blackjack due to the house-banked aspect of the game. However, players can engage in player-versus-player action in limos or other private settings.
Safe, Licensed Real Money Gambling Sites That Accept PayPalLike all social gambling games in California, you must adhere to placement fee laws and allow players to cash out at any time. Still, this is a minor inconvenience when you consider the excitement of hitting on 16 versus a dealer’s nine and getting a blackjack.
3. Baccarat
Baccarat is having a moment right now – especially among younger gamblers.
Known as the game of 007, baccarat was once thought of as a pastime for aristocrats. Today, it’s a favorite among the millennial crowd, many of whom learned about the game from watching , Quentin Tarantino’s killer revamp of the Kill Bill saga.
Once you get past the whole “tie = third card” thing, baccarat is pretty easy to learn and play. The goal is to get as close to a 9 as possible, either through the first two cards or by drawing a third card.
You can bet on the player, banker, or tie. The banker hand usually has a higher chance of winning, but the player hand pays out 20% more. Meanwhile, catching a tie pays out 8:1.
California law covers baccarat under the umbrella of “lawful games of chance,” making it a prime target for limousine gambling sessions.
If you want to try your luck with banker pals in California, I recommend using a scorecard to keep track of previous results. Doing so can help you lower the house edge from 1.06% to 0.5%.
Here’s a great guide to baccarat scorecards that will teach you how to use them.
4. Craps
Craps gets a bad rap these days for being a sterile, clinical experience that lacks the human element found in other .
Nothing could be further from the truth – especially when you play privately with your own croupier.
Many craps fans prefer this classic game to others because of the wide variety of bets. Not only can you make pass/don’t pass bets like you would at a roulette table, but you can also make proposition bets (also known as one-roll bets).
These side bets allow you to wager on the outcome of the next roll. Some props even feature odds of +1,000 or higher – though you will have to contend with max payouts if you win.
Passionate craps players can also engage in private games that follow specific creeds, such as Robin Hood Craps and Simplified Craps.
The main caveat to passing craps in a limo involves the equipment needed for the game. You will need a sturdy craps table, quality sets of dice, and a knowledgeable banker/croupier who can manage all the different bets.
Oh, and you’ll also need to recruit a couple of Janss brothers to name your dice after.
5. Chips and Chance
I couldn’t make a list of the best casino games to play in a limo in California without mentioning chips and chance.
Also known as Wheel of Fortune or Big Six, chips and chance involve spinning a large wheel marked with numbers, colors, and symbols. Your job is to bet on what space the wheel will stop on.
Common spaces on the wheels include:
- Red/Odd Numbers
- Blue/Even Numbers
- Green/House
- Player
- Symbols (e.g., diamond, club, heart, spade)
Most games feature a jackpot space worth double or treble the amount of the bet. Some also have spaces for colors like purple, orange, and yellow.
Californians have been playing chips and chance in private settings for many decades. The game falls under the state’s “lawful games of chance” provision, provided the organizer follows all rules and regulations.
Best Online Casino Games in PA & Their House Edge Rates6. Roulette
Roulette translates to “little wheel” in French – a fitting moniker for this classic casino game.
Unlike baccarat, roulette stands as the one exception to Prop. 5, which banned Class III gaming in Indian casinos.
For this reason, you can certainly find roulette tables at California’s many tribal casinos. I mean, what marriages proposals would be complete without it?!
Still, there’s something to be said for hosting a private game of roulette in a limousine. I mean, nothing says “baller” quite like rolling in a chrome-and-leather Hummer while placing bets on whether the roulette ball will land on black 10.
Just remember that the house edge in California is slightly different than what you would find in Las Vegas and other international hotspots.
Besides the single zero layout, California’s roulette tables also feature a bonus space for an additional double zero space. This brings the house edge on outside bets up to 5.26%, compared to 2.70% in other places and 2.70% for in RI.
At least you can put that calculator away and just bet on red or black, am I right?!
7. Dice Games
California’s gambling laws outline several permitted die games that you can play in a limo, provided they follow specific guidelines.
One of the most popular dice games in the Golden State is “Karnozek dice,” named after Illinois trial court Judge Joseph Karnozek, who refused to toss a gambling lawsuit despite finding it frivolous.
Judge Karnozek’s players used a pair of dice to determine the winners of various mini-games, including poker and hearts. The system worked by rolling a “community” die that determined the strength of all players’ hands.
Another popular dice game that’s legal in California is The Game.
Also known as Underground Dice, The Game uses a pair of dies with symbols ranging from negative numbers to the number 100. Players can bet on the outcome of the rolls in various ways, including totals, specific symbols, and combinations.
Any dice game played in California must avoid “charges for cripped impossibilities.”
In English, this means you cannot offer bets on impossible outcomes that become possible due to subsequent rolls. For this reason, streets like “Box Cars and Ones” or “Three Aces” are off the menu.
Casinos Within 30 Minutes of Homestead, FL - Gambling Below the KeysWhat Casino Games Shouldn’t You Play in a Limo?
Every casino game covered under California’s social gambling laws does not necessarily make for a fun experience in a limousine.
Some games are better left to the casino floor, where you have access to plush chairs, complimentary drinks, and the latest slot machines.
Here are four casino games that shouldn’t factor into your limo gambling plans.
1. Slot Machines
Let’s get one thing straight: California is not a “no-go” zone for slot machine enthusiasts. eth
The Golden State actually allows “slot machines” in qualifying establishments like bars, bingo halls, veterans halls, and fraternal organizations.
However, these are not the whizz-bang machines you would find in Las Vegas or even Reno.
Instead of spinning reels filled with fruit symbols and blinking 7s, California’s legal slot machines are known as “vendor” or “video machines.” These games operate more like video poker or electronic Keno, allowing players to win prizes based on the symbols lined up on the screen.
Are these games fun? Sure, I mean, I spent many Saturday nights feeding quarters into vendor machines when I was a teenager.
Are they exciting enough for a limousine gambling session? Not really.
After all, the main appeal of vendor machines is the quiet, contemplative nature of the game. Cruising down Sunset with a slot machine buzzing in your ear would be like trying to nap with a jackhammer outside your window.
2. Keno
Keno is another game that’s legal in California – at least, in modified form.
Similar to lotteries, keno is a game where players choose numbers from 1 to 80 and wait to see how many (if any) are drawn. The more numbers a player chooses that get picked, the more they win.
Best Free Slot Machine Games to Play Online for FunCalifornia’s version of keno is unique in that it uses 80 Chinese characters instead of numbered spheres. Players choose their preferred characters and receive a ticket that looks like this.
Any resemblance to lottery games is, of course, intentional.
Like vendor machines, I don’t think keno is necessarily a bad game. I also don’t think it makes for thrilling limo gambling action.
The best keno tickets in the world wouldn’t make my stripper friend stop dancing and say, “Wow, hold up. I gotta see these numbers!”
Then again, maybe I’m wrong. Who knows? We could all be missing out on the limo gambling experience of the century.
3. Slot Machine Poker
I know what you’re thinking.
“Wait a minute. Didn’t you just say that slot machines weren’t good for limo gambling, then bring up video poker?”
Allow me to explain.
When I refer to “slot machine poker,” I’m talking about the games that consist mostly of pressing buttons and gazing at a screen. While there are certainly variations to this format – particularly regarding the types of poker games offered and the number of players per hand – most video poker games fall into this category.
Don’t get me wrong: I love video poker almost as much as I love kittens and beer. The issue here is that it’s hard to carry on a conversation while focusing on a poker hand.
Remember, the main benefit of a limousine gambling party is interacting with beautiful people and celebrating the impending nuptials of your best friend. It will be hard to do that if you’re staring intently at a Jacks or Full clear to midnight.
That’s not to say you cannot play poker in a limo. As I mentioned earlier, Texas hold ‘em is one of the most popular games covered under California’s social gambling laws.
10+ Best Pittsburgh Casinos in Pennsylvania - Top Casino Reviews4. Craps Betting Limits
I know a guy whose cousin’s brother-in-law used to deal at the Trop in Atlantic City. According to my source, the big shots in A-Town craps games wager $100,000 per point.
While it’s possible that said relative is a multibillionaire who enjoys blowing money on craps – and I guess anything is possible – I find that hard to believe. Even tycoons must eventually think about returns on investment.
The point here is that most people don’t wager five figures per point when playing craps in a limo or anywhere else.
Best MotorCity Casino Promo Codes & Bonuses (2023 verified)Craps tables that accept $5 minimum bets offer 1,000X odds on pass line bets that win. That’s a potential payout of $5,000 – more than most people spend on a birthday celebration.
Is that too risky? Of course not. Is it impractical? Maybe.
Again, the main benefit of a limo gambling session is the social aspect. So, you’ll want to set betting limits that allow everyone to join in on the fun without going broke within the first hour.
Enjoy Your Next Gambling Excursion in California!
My research for this piece took me down several interesting rabbit holes, including California’s gift tax laws and the wild world of Robin Hood Craps.
Who knew that gambling in a private setting was legal in the Golden State! I know this newfound information will help me live life Pro Tip Brian style.
Of course, I will likely leave the craps table to the professionals and stick to limo poker or baccarat. What kind of man would I be if I tried to one-up the Yards Brothers during a bachelor party limo ride?
A fool and a corpse, that’s what kind.
Before you hit the town in your own limo gambling adventure, I leave you with two final pieces of advice. First, always gamble responsibly and follow all California gambling laws. Second, if you’re throwing a bachelor party, hire a limo and hit up these strip clubs in LA instead of relying on ugly girls in garter belts.
Good luck and happy gambling!
Footnotes:
- State of California
