Bingo in California: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in California?

Yes, but it’s a local decision. The California Constitution (Article IV, Section 19) lets cities and counties allow bingo for charitable purposes, and Penal Code 326.5 sets the statewide ground rules. A nonprofit can only run bingo where its city or county has adopted a bingo ordinance.

That makes California’s system unusually local. The California Gambling Control Commission points people to their city or county for bingo questions, and many local governments hand day-to-day oversight to the sheriff or police department.

Tribal casinos add a second layer. Under federal Indian gaming law, California tribes can run bingo on their land, and several keep dedicated halls.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in California?

At charity games, you must be an adult. Penal Code 326.5 says no minors may take part in any bingo game, which in practice means 18.

Tribal casinos set their own ages. Some California casinos admit guests at 18 and others require 21, so check the specific property before you go.

Can you play online bingo for real money in California?

No. California has not legalized online casino gaming, sports betting or internet bingo, and voters rejected two sports betting measures in 2022. Charity bingo must be played in person.

Free bingo apps remain legal. Our online bingo guide explains your options. If you’re worried about your gambling, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24/7.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in California?

No. AB 831, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2025, banned online sweepstakes gaming that uses a dual-currency system, effective January 1, 2026. It passed both houses without a single no vote.

The law reaches beyond operators to suppliers, payment processors and affiliates that promote the sites, and violations are misdemeanors. Major brands blocked California before the deadline. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer explains how those sites worked and why states are shutting them down.

What are the prize limits at California charity bingo?

Small, by design. Penal Code 326.5 caps the total value of prizes at $500 for each separate game, whether paid in cash or merchandise, and players must be physically present at the game to take part.

Those limits don’t apply at tribal casinos, which operate under federal law and set their own payouts. That’s why a weekly church game might top out at a few hundred dollars while a casino special can advertise far bigger jackpots.

Where can you play bingo in California?

Tribal casinos offer the most consistent schedules. Sycuan in El Cajon runs B.A.D. Bingo every Saturday night alongside regular sessions, Viejas in Alpine has matinee and evening sessions in its Bingo & Slot Parlor, and Chumash in Santa Ynez plays Sunday through Wednesday with monthly specials.

Charity games are spread across churches, veterans posts and community halls in cities that permit bingo. Venues we verified are listed below.

How to run a charity bingo game in California

Every step starts at city hall or the county:

1. Confirm your city or county allows bingo. If there’s no local ordinance, you can’t run a game there.
2. Check eligibility. Penal Code 326.5 limits bingo to qualifying nonprofits, such as charities, mobile home park associations and senior citizen organizations.
3. Apply for the local license and follow the ordinance’s rules on days, times and locations.
4. Use members as staff. Under the Penal Code, the game must be run by members of the organization, who can’t be paid for running it.
5. Respect the prize cap and money rules. State law limits prizes per game, and proceeds must go into a special account used only for charitable purposes.

If your group also wants to host a casino-night style fundraiser, that falls under a separate registration program run by the Attorney General’s Bureau of Gambling Control. Our bingo fundraiser guide covers planning. Crossing the Colorado River? Compare the rules in Arizona.