Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.

In California, gaming law encompasses the regulation of various forms of gambling, including but not limited to casinos, lotteries, horse racing, card games, and bingo. The state operates its own lottery and oversees private gambling establishments through the California Gambling Control Commission, which enforces the state's gambling laws and regulations. Tribal gaming is also significant in California, governed by compacts between the state and federally recognized tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). California does not currently permit sports betting, but there have been efforts to legalize it through legislation or voter referendums. The state prohibits certain forms of gambling, such as off-track betting and online gambling, with some exceptions for horse racing. The federal statute 18 U.S.C. §1955, which criminalizes illegal gambling businesses, applies in California as it does nationwide. Additionally, California Penal Code sections 330 et seq. outline various offenses related to illegal gambling activities within the state. It's important to note that gaming laws are subject to change, and anyone seeking to engage in gaming activities should consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with current regulations.