The Industry of Gaming has become a more widely accepted and utilized form of entertainment for many Americans. 

Californians can choose from a variety of gambling opportunities.  California has legal gaming that includes a state lottery, pari-mutuel horse wagering, off track satellite- wagering parlors, card clubs, Indian casinos, and charitable gaming. 

Much of the basic framework of gaming has been enacted by the people through constitutional amendments rather than by the legislature.  The Charitable game of Bingo, the State Lottery, Horse racing and a monopoly on slot machines for federally recognized Tribes on California Indian lands were all enacted through a vote of the public amending the State Constitution. 

California's gambling industry provides economic and employment benefits to many Californians.  Host communities may benefit economically from the development of a casino when attracting gamblers from other areas or by a variety of purchases, goods and services from local firms.

California recognizes the need for comprehensive regulatory oversight due to the propensity of the industry towards higher crime and other negative impacts on the welfare of the public and the good working order of government.  

This section provides a brief background on each of the arms of the gambling industry in California. Additional supplemental law and policy reports will be included and updated periodically.