Nationally, commercial gaming revenue after winnings shrank by more than 25% between 20. The gambling industry, like many, took a hit during the pandemic. But after Nevada, California has the most slot machines of any state – one measure of the state’s betting industry. Nevada, right next door, is undoubtedly the national capital of all things gambling. In California, you can bet on a horse race, buy a lottery ticket, put money on poker in a card room and play slots at a tribal casino all in the same – potentially expensive – day.