The Westside has always been associated with a laid-back vibe and tech-savvy locals who like to do things responsibly, especially when it comes to online casino apps. We are talking about places like Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, where many people are online casino fans who like to place online bets just for fun.
However, online casino gaming isn’t legal in California, including the Westside. So, what does this mean for online gambling enthusiasts? Well, this hasn’t stopped some residents from exploring legal workarounds like sweepstake casinos, horse racing apps, or even going on a third-party betting app outside of California.
But this is a shady strategy, and it is really important to stay safe while betting, just to make sure you are not getting scammed. So, how are Westside residents using casino apps exactly? And how can you be safe?
Let’s find out.
The Legal Part of Betting
First things first: online casino gambling, like poker, blackjack, or slots, is not legal in California. The state has always had a hard stance on online casino betting, and it all comes down to California’s constitution and Penal Code, which bans most forms of gambling unless specifically permitted, like tribal casinos, cardrooms, or horse racing.
Even online sports betting got shot down by voters in 2022, and there isn’t a sign that the state will change anytime soon.
But this doesn’t mean that westsiders are out of options. There is still parimutuel horse racing betting apps and sweepstake casinos that use virtual currencies, unlike real money casino apps that require you to deposit USD.
Sweepstakes casinos can also charge you money for the tokens you buy, used for gambling, but the risk is lower, and there is usually some sort of prize involved.
Why Westsiders Are Betting Anyway
Well, even though there are plenty of legal restrictions regarding online casino apps, people still love online betting.
This means that they are forced to come up with a solution that will help them bypass the legal restrictions and still find online casino apps where they can gamble with real money. However, playing in a casino that isn’t permitted by the state comes with plenty of risks.
First of all, this sits in the legal “grey zone” where Westsiders won’t get into trouble if they play in an offshore casino, but their safety isn’t guaranteed. This means that if, for whatever reason, you end up getting scammed or you lose your money, the state cannot be held responsible.
Westsiders aren’t going all-in blindly. They’re drawn to the entertainment but know the risks—legal, financial, and emotional. That’s why they’re leaning on practical strategies to keep betting safe and fun, treating it like a casual hobby, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
Setting Boundaries
Even if you manage to find an online casino platform where they allow Westside residents to register, you still need to minimize your risks as much as possible. After all, we are talking about online gambling, where you can lose a lot of money if you are overexcited and start betting irrationally.
So, the first step you need to take when you start online betting is to set limits and boundaries.
Most professional bettors use bet limits or profit/loss limits. What does this mean? Well, you come up with a figure that is going to allow you to enjoy betting, but also wouldn’t spoil your day if you lose the money.
Let’s say that you have $500 to spend on entertainment, and allocate only $50 to online casino betting. That way, even if you lose that weekly gambling money, it won’t hurt your lifestyle.
Some bettors also have betting limits, where they don’t put more than 5% of their gambling budget on a single bet, which stretches out their gambling sessions.
Choosing Safe Platforms
Now, the important part, since online casino betting isn’t available in California, how can you make sure that you find a legit online casino platform? Well, you have two choices. Either go with sweepstakes casinos, which aren’t regulated as casinos, and you can access them whenever you want, or go for an offshore online casino that allows Westside residents.
But before you choose an offshore casino, make sure you understand the risks. Since we are talking about casinos that are not regulated by California, it means that you can run into some shady organizations created to take your money.
So, when choosing an offshore casino, make sure you go for a brand that has years of experience and a reputation, and it is also legal in other US states. Also, check for online reviews and whether or not the casino has a gambling license.
Remember, there are a lot of casinos that promise big things, especially in the crypto gambling industry, so make sure you always do your research before depositing your money.
Tech Tools for Staying in Check
The apps themselves are stepping up with built-in safety nets, and Westsiders are all over them. Horse betting apps use AI to flag unusual patterns—like betting big after a losing streak—and might nudge users to take a break.
Sweepstakes platforms offer “cool-off” periods, where you can lock your account for a day or a month. Some locals even use external apps to block gambling sites if they need a hard stop.
So, yes, it is quite difficult for Westside residents to gamble online, and even if they manage to find the right app, they still need to worry about their safety. Therefore, make sure you take all the necessary steps before depositing real money.
