Steven has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor, specializing in crypto and sports betting. Throughout his career, he has contributed to major publications and now writes for Sportscasting, where he leverages his deep understanding of blockchain technology and the betting industry to deliver insightful and engaging content.
Get to know Steven Brown betterDavid has over 25 years of experience as both a writer and editor within the betting/newspaper industries, working with major publications such as The Guardian, Racing Post and Sky Sports Racing. With a diploma in sub-editing and law, and the author of four books, David now shares his knowledge with SportsCasting as a successful sports editor, writer and tipster.
All posts by David MyersCalifornia sports betting has seen some recent changes, and keeping up with the laws can seem daunting. To help, we created this complete guide to California sports betting in 2025. The guide covers gambling laws, reviews, and more. We’ll also explore the top California betting sites and let you know where to go.
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List of the Best California Sports Betting Sites in 2025
To make it easy for you to find the best sports betting sites in California (based offshore), we have done the research for you. Our reviewers and editors have examined each site’s strengths and weaknesses to compile our list of the top Cali sports betting sites.
- BetOnline – No.1 Best Overall Sportsbook in California
- BetWhale – Excellent for Live Betting
- Bovada – Top California Mobile Sportsbook
- BetNow – Covers All Popular US Sports Markets
- Everygame – 30+ Popular Betting Markets
- CoinPoker – Best Mobile Blockchain Sports Betting Platform
- MyBookie – Impressive Sports Betting Odds
- BetUS – Generous Welcome Packages
- Sportsbetting.ag – Huge Sports Market Variety
- XBet – Top Sportsbook with a Great Mobile Site
Top 5 Online California Sportsbooks Reviewed
If you’re looking to bet on sports online in California, there are more limits to your options than you would have in some other states. Essentially, you can only use offshore sports betting options. Because of this, picking the best new betting sites out there is even more important.
To help, we created a list of the best betting sites in California that residents can access and use to place sports bets.
1. BetOnline – No.1 Best Overall Sportsbook in California
Established 2004 License Panama Gaming Commission Headquarters St. John’s, Antigua, Barbuda Number of Sports 30+ Payment Methods Crypto, credit card Customer Support Live chat 24/7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-888-426-3661
Social media: Instagram, XMobile App Available No, site is mobile browser-optimized Our Verdict 9.8/10 BetOnline is the best choice for any California resident looking for an online sportsbook. The platform has been around since 2001, and while its sports betting options are newer, it still has built a reputation for being a trustworthy, safe, go-to betting platform among gamblers.
A big part of this comes from the wide variety of online sports you can bet on. Through BetOnline, you can seamlessly bet on all your favorite California sports teams, such as the San Francisco 49ers, LA Lakers, or the LA Galaxy soccer club. However, BetOnline goes above and beyond by allowing you to bet on lesser-known teams. You can bet on table tennis, handball, and badminton, among others. You can even bet on international sports, including cricket, making BetOnline one of the premier cricket betting sites. They also offer options for Aussie rules football and other global sports.
Besides offering a wide variety of betting options, BetOnline is also incredibly easy to use, with clearly labeled tabs that take you to all of its California online sports betting options. It accepts a wide variety of payment options, including cryptocurrencies, though some payments (like credit cards) do come with fees. The mobile optimizations allow it to function well on your phone.
BetOnline also offers an unparalleled degree of trust and service. The company has been in operation for decades and has served many local sports fans over that period of time. On the rare occasions when something does go wrong, they even have a variety of responsive customer service options you can contact.
BetOnline Sports Bonus:
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted? Sports Welcome 50% up to $250 free bets FREE250 1x $50 ✅ What BetOnline does well
- Excellent level of trust from years of operation
- Plenty of American sports & tournaments
- Extensive selection of betting markets
- Great bonuses and rewards
What BetOnline could do better
- Lower the fees for credit cards
2. BetWhale – Excellent for Live Betting
Established 2023 License Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros Headquarters Curaçao Number of Sports 30+ Payment Methods Crypto, debit/credit card, bank transfer, eWallet Customer Support Live chat 24/7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 855 470 0558
Help CenterMobile App Available No, site is mobile browser-optimized Our Verdict 9.5/10 In many ways, BetWhale is a standard sportsbook. It offers sports betting, information about the games, and solid odds. With BetWhale, you can easily bet on a random Lakers game or the entire LA Rams season.
One of the main reasons we’ve listed BetWhale as one of the best online betting sites in California is its approach to live betting. Live betting allows you to jump into and start betting on a game or multiple games already in progress. With this, you can bet on the go while navigating the busy streets of San Francisco in the back of a cab or enjoying a live game at the Dodger Stadium.
The other premiere feature of BetWhale is the website’s design and layout. Numerous other online sportsbooks bombard you with tons of flashy imagery and an excess of on-screen text. With all of this facing you at once, trying to find the options you are looking for is daunting.
Meanwhile, BetWhale has a streamlined and straightforward operation. The site is intuitive and easy to navigate, so you won’t have to fumble around trying to figure out how to place a bet. When making a deposit, most payment methods, including Visa, MC, BTC, Litecoin, Neosurf, Flexepin, don’t have any transaction fees. All of this makes BetWhale particularly attractive to anyone newer to online betting in California.
The only significant downside with BetWhale is that you can’t bet on quite as many sports with the site as you can with other websites. While this might be a problem for California sports bettors who appreciate obscure sports, it won’t have much of an effect on anyone who simply enjoys betting on popular games.
BetWhale Sports Bonus:
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted? Sports
Welcome125% up to $1,250 WHALECOME 10x $50 ✅ What BetWhale does well
- Engaging live betting options
- Streamlined and easy-to-use website
- No deposit fees for Visa and other payment options
What BetWhale could do better
- Offer a wider variety of sports options
- Offer a mobile app
3. Bovada – Top California Mobile Sportsbook
Established 2011 License Curaçao eGaming Authority Headquarters Curaçao Number of Sports 30+ Payment Methods Crypto, credit card Customer Support Live chat 24/7
Email: Integrated messaging
Help Center
FAQ page & community centerMobile App Available No, site is mobile browser-optimized Our Verdict 9.7/10 Bovada is another trusted Golden State sportsbook option that offers a top-tier sports betting experience. Its many years of experience have given the platform a reputation as a trusted online sportsbook where you can feel safe depositing your money. Plus, its customer service is prompt and always available.
When it comes to online sports betting, Bovada offers a lot. You can choose from bets on major games, like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL matches, and from plenty of other options, like international sports and even less popular sports. It also offers live betting for those California residents interested in fast-paced games.
Where Bovada stands out as one of the best betting sites in California is in mobile betting. Bovada’s mobile sportsbook is easier to use and navigate than many other mobile sportsbooks. The difference may be due to the effort Bovada puts into optimizing its pages for a mobile format. Even though it doesn’t offer a sportsbook app, the accessibility of its mobile site makes up for it.
What makes the mobile format so special is its presentation. When you load up the sportsbook, you’ll immediately see trending games, like NBA bets on the Golden State Warriors or MLB bets on the New York Giants. The mobile bet slip is also easy to fill out and easy to understand, so you can place your bets without worrying that you did something wrong.
Bovada accepts most popular payment methods, including Visa and Mastercard and the major cryptocurrencies. However, we wish it would offer Paypal and other eWallet options as well.
Bovada Sports Bonus:
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted? Sports Welcome 75% up to $750 BTCSWB750 5x $20 ✅ What Bovada does well
- Well-optimized mobile website
- A large variety of sports betting options
- Attractive crypto bonuses
What Bovada could do better
- Improve withdrawal times for fiat methods
4. BetNow – Covers All Popular US Sports Markets
Established 2005 License Curaçao Gambling Commission Headquarters Curaçao Number of Sports 10+ Payment Methods Crypto, credit card, bank transfer, eWallet Customer Support Live chat 24/7
Email: Integrated messagingMobile App Available No, site is mobile browser-optimized Our Verdict 9.5/10 California sports betting fans can access one of the most trusted US-focused sportsbooks in the sports betting industry. BetNow offers an extensive range of markets, competitive odds, and enticing features. You’ll find plenty of betting opportunities and options for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or even niche sports. With its US localized offerings, California fans will enjoy its wide range of markets covering the entire Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Dodgers season, with attractive odds. Want to secure your winnings before the game ends? BetNow’s early cash-outs give you greater control, even mid-game.
BetNow welcomes bettors from across the world via VPN, including California. There are crypto betting deposits and withdrawals for those who prefer digital currencies, a win for privacy-conscious bettors. BetNow’s huge promo range keeps the rewards flowing throughout the month. Whether you’re cheering for the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Angels, BetNow’s user-friendly platform, US focus, and early cash out betting make it a winning choice.
BetNow Sports Bonus:
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted? Sports
Welcome200% up to $200 CRYPTO200 18x $10 ✅ What BetNow does well:
- Extensive range of US sports markets
- Wide variety of generous ongoing promos
- Multiple locally convenient banking methods
What BetNow could do better:
- Limited betting lines for less popular sports leagues
- Less generous welcome bonus
5. Everygame – 30+ Popular Betting Markets
Established 1996 License Curacao eGaming Headquarters Curacao Number of Sports 15+ Payment Methods Cryptocurrency, Credit cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfer Customer Support 24/7 live chat
Phone: Callback Scheduled on the Site
Email: [email protected]Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized Verdict 9.5/10 Everygame is no stranger to the world of online gambling. It has been in operation for decades and has gained a good degree of trust over that time. While its California sports betting options are one of the newer aspects of its operation, it still manages to impress.
Where Everygame sets itself apart is in streamlining its approach to popular games. As soon as you get to the sportsbook’s main page, you will see options for football, baseball, basketball, and hockey games. These aren’t just bets on the LA Chargers or the Warriors, though, as the football bets include the UFL, the baseball bets include Korean and Japanese leagues, and basketball includes the NCAA, WNBA, Euroleague, and more.
Information about popular games is also readily available on the website’s sidebar. The sports coupon gives a straightforward list of upcoming games and possible bets. Meanwhile, the halftime betting options are just a click away.
Betting options are optimal, too. With Everygame, you can place bets as small as $1, which not every platform offers. Bets like these are a great way for a California resident to test the waters and get started with sports betting. While you can take advantage of welcome bonuses to stretch your initial deposit, the platform’s other rewards and bonuses are minimal.
These options pair nicely with Everygame’s responsible gambling features. With these, you can set betting limits or restrict yourself from certain games. These features make it easier to game responsibly while still enjoying yourself.
On top of all of this, Everygame is solid when it comes to payments. It accepts cryptocurrency, offers fee-free deposits with many payment methods, and has relatively quick withdrawals.
Everygame Sports Bonus:
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted? Sports
Welcome100% up to $500 WELCOME500 8x $20 Yes What Everygame does well
- Straightforward approach to popular games
- Intuitive and manageable platform
- Wide variety of betting options
What Everygame could do better
- Offer a mobile sports betting app
- Offer a better rewards program
Comparing the Best California Online Sports Betting Sites
With all of these California sports betting options available, it can be tough to differentiate them. So, we created a comparison table that makes the standout points easier to digest.
Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonus No. of Sports To Bet on Live Sport Betting Live Sport Streaming Betting App BetOnline 50% up to $250 free bets 30+ ✅ ❌ Full-scale sports betting BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 20+ ✅ ❌ Live betting Bovada 75% up to $750 (crypto), 50% up to $250 (fiat) 15+ ✅ ❌ Crypto users BetNow 200% up to $200 (crypto), 150% up to $225 (fiat) 30+ ✅ ❌ High parlay payouts Everygame 50% up to $1,000 (crypto), 100% up to $500 (fiat) 30+ ✅ ❌ Competitive odds hunters CoinPoker 150% up to $2,000 15+ ✅ ❌ Live betting on mobile & crypto MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip 15+ ✅ ❌ Live betting on the go BetUS 125% up to $2,625 30+ ✅ ✅ Sportsbook & Casino fans Sportsbetting.ag 50% up to $500 50+ ✅ ❌ Huge sports range Xbet 50% up to $200 30+ ✅ ❌ US Sports markets How We Select Our List of Top California Sportsbooks
When it comes to the process of how we rank gambling sites, we took our time to overview each sportsbook’s features and consider a number of different factors. We found the above platforms to excel in all of the following categories:
- Safety: When it comes to legal online sports betting in California, safety is a priority. We only included online sportsbooks with the appropriate gambling licenses from the relevant governmental authority. We also looked for gambling sites with the appropriate site safety protocols to prevent information from becoming compromised.
- Deposit & Payout Methods: We prioritized CA online sportsbooks that offered more deposit and withdrawal options. Specifically, we looked for sportsbooks that allow deposits and withdrawals in crypto.
- Bonuses & Promotions: Sites running worthwhile promotions or offering large bonuses ranked higher on this list. We paid particularly close attention to welcome bonuses, as these give newer users a great chance to try out the site and find out if it is really for them.
- Range of Sports: One of the most important features we considered was the range of sports you can bet on. We only included sportsbooks that allow you to bet on local teams. Beyond that, we placed some options higher if they offered a wider range of options.
- Depth of Markets: With online gambling options limited for most California residents, we understand that the depth of the markets available is important. So, we ranked online sports betting sites higher if their markets were deeper.
- Quality of Sports Betting Odds: Odds were relatively similar across most major CA sportsbooks. However, when differences occurred, we ranked the sharpest betting sites with more competitive odds.
- Mobile Interface: We looked for California betting sites that offer mobile apps. While this is not always an option, we still tried to prioritize options that optimized their mobile layout.
- Customer Service: We generally ranked California betting sites higher if they offered more customer service contact methods or if they offered customer service 24/7.
Bonuses & Promos Offered by CA Sports Betting Sites
One effective way to compare online sports betting options in California is by the bonuses and betting promos they offer. However, to do so, you need to know the different types of commonly offered bonuses and promos.
- Match deposit bonuses: One of the most popular types of bonuses is when the sportsbook matches a percentage of your deposit. Match deposits can be especially valuable when you first start betting. For example, they may offer to match 50% of your initial deposit up to $1,000, meaning if you deposit $2,000, you can claim that $1,000 bonus after meeting certain betting requirements.
- Reload bonuses: These bonuses are like deposit bonuses since they involve putting more money in your account. However, they happen after your first deposit. These reward you for continuing to fill your account.
- No deposit bonuses: These are incredibly attractive bonuses because they don’t make you do anything. They are usually smaller and may come with some restrictions, but the fact that top online casinos freely give them out makes them very desirable.
- Free bets: Some sites allow you to make a bet without putting down any of your own money. These bonuses may be part of a welcome promo or offered later as part of a rewards program.
- Crypto bonuses: Crypto bonuses can be the same or similar to any of the other bonuses listed here. However, you’re only eligible if you use crypto payments. For example, a deposit bonus may give you additional bonuses if you use crypto for your deposit rather than a credit card or other payment method.
Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses at the Best California Sportsbooks
The welcome bonuses at many of these California online sportsbooks are very generous. However, they can vary dramatically, offering anywhere from $200 to over $2,000.
Getting the full picture of what bonuses are available will let you directly compare each of these sportsbook options.
Sportsbook Sign-up bonus Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry date BetOnline 50% up to $250 free bets FREE250 1x $50 30 days BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 WHALECOME 10x $50 None Bovada 75% up to $750 (crypto), 50% up to $250 (fiat) BTCSWB750 5x for sports
30x for casino$20 180 days BetNow 200% up to $200 (crypto), 150% up to $225 (fiat) CRYPTO200, BN150 18x on Crypto
15x on fiat$10 None Everygame 50% up to $1,000 (crypto), 100% up to $500 (fiat) CRYPTO1K, WELCOME500 8x $20 90 days CoinPoker 150% up to $2,000 N/A 2x $10 30 days MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip MB100 10x $50 N/A BetUS 125% up to $2,625 JOIN125 14x $100 7 days Sportsbetting.ag 50% up to $500 WELCOME 10x $100 30 days Xbet 50% up to $200 XBWELCOME50 1x on bonus bets $50 N/A Sports Betting in California Overview
In CA, most traditional sports betting isn’t legal. Sports betting in California is more restricted than in other states but is still available via specific online sports betting sites.
However, there are some exceptions and forms of legal sports betting. For example, horse racing is legal, and you can make sports bets on horses within the state. In addition, California doesn’t place fantasy sports under the umbrella of sports betting and, thus, offers it as a separate option.
State Population 39 million Gambling Regulator California Gambling Control Commission Minimum Gambling Age 18 for offshore sportsbooks & tribal casinos without alcohol license, 21 for tribal casinos with the license Retail Sports Betting No Online Sports Betting No Fantasy Sports Yes Tribal Casinos Yes Online Casinos No Horse Racing Yes Taxable Winnings Yes, tax % based on total winnings Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
Currently, sports betting is illegal in California. Both in-person and online sports betting fall into this category. So, you won’t be able to bet on a football or basketball game in CA or virtually any other traditional sporting event.
The only sport you can legally bet on in the Golden State is horse racing. To bet on horses in California, you can go to a horse track and place your bets there, or you can bet online.
California also has an interesting situation when it comes to fantasy sports. Currently, the state does not consider betting on fantasy sports, like daily fantasy sports, to be a form of gambling.
While this is the current state of gambling, there is a chance that the situation will change at some point in the future. Ballot measures in the past have allowed residents to vote on legalizing sports betting or changing the current system in some way. For example, California Proposition 26 intended to legalize sports betting at American Indian gaming casinos but resulted in a majority vote of 66.98% “No.”
Despite the possibility of change, voters have soundly defeated most measures, and there are currently no roads to California sports betting available for the near future.
Who Can Bet on Sports in California?
As a whole, no one can bet on sports at California-based institutions. Since these institutions are illegal, they simply don’t exist.
If this ever does change, though, sports betting is likely to become like other forms of gambling in the Golden State. If this is true, it would open sports betting to citizens over the age of 18. Since this is already the case for horse betting, opening it up for other sports seems like a logical extension. The only thing that would prevent this is if a plan restricts sports betting to tribal lands, as some propose.
For now, the only way to bet on sports in California is through offshore sites.
Are Bet Winnings in California Taxable?
Yes, you must pay taxes on gambling winnings in California. Both California and the IRS tax these winnings alongside your income. The state employs a progressive tax rate system in the case of bet winnings; the more you win, the more you pay in taxes.
You should include winnings on both your state and federal tax returns. You can report your winnings in the “Other Income” section of your return.
The situation is the same for any winnings you gather from an offshore betting site as well.
Recent California Legal Sports Betting Updates
The past few years have seen a variety of developments in the world of California sports betting. While sports betting is still mostly illegal in California, a few efforts have sought to change this.
The flow of legalization proposals paints an interesting picture for sports betting. Looking at these, it is possible to see the roadblocks in the path to California sportsbook legislation.
- October 2024: James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indians Gaming Association (CNIGA), told the assembly at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) that a vote on legal tribal sports betting could be on the ballot maybe in “2026, but probably 2028.”
- March 2024: Proponents shut down their campaigns supporting the betting acts from 2023 due to a lack of support. Without these acts, it does not look like sports betting will be on the ballot in 2024.
- December 2023: California tribes quickly voice opposition to both new acts. Despite containing “Tribal” in the names of the acts, tribes state that no one consulted them or asked for input.
- October 2023: Sponsors propose The Tribal Gaming Protection Act and The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act. These measures would allow work to make sports betting possible on tribal lands in California.
- November 9, 2022: Californians voted down Proposition 26 and 27 in large numbers.
- November 8, 2022: Voters decide on California Proposition 26 and 27. These measures would help legalize online sports betting in California.
Can Residents of California Bet on Offshore Sites?
Yes, California residents can bet on offshore sites. Offshore sportsbooks present a unique option for California sports betting sites. These sportsbooks fall into a legal gray area in a state that otherwise has strict rules regarding sports betting.
California laws prevent California-based institutions from providing sports betting opportunities. However, the laws don’t necessarily target the act of betting itself. Because of this, these offshore betting platforms are an option for anyone looking for legal sports betting in California online.
It is worth noting, though, that offshore sportsbooks often fall under different regulations and may not have as much oversight as US sportsbooks. That said, many consider them to be safe betting sites, as long as it is a reputable site.
How To Bet in California at Online Betting Sites?
Placing a bet on an online betting site in California isn’t very difficult. If you want to start CA online sports betting, there is a process you need to follow.
- Pick a betting site: Browse through the list of California sports betting sites and find one that appeals to you. Make sure to only look at CA options, as they are different from options found nationwide.
- Sign up for an account: Once you’re on the website of your chosen sportsbook, you need an account. The site will have an option that says “Sign up” on the homepage.
- Provide information: To create an account, you’ll need to provide some basic information, like your name and age. You may also need to submit a form of ID.
- Make a deposit: Once you have an account, you will need to make a deposit so you have money available to make bets. Choose a payment method that works for you. Keep in mind any relevant bonuses when making this deposit.
- Use a promo code: Most sites have promo codes you can use. Make sure you use them; otherwise, you won’t get a bonus.
- Make a bet: With money in your account, you can start betting. Whether you want to place a major bet on the Lakers to win it all or want to bet on a specific 49ers player, you can choose your online sports wagering from here on out.
- Follow along with rewards programs: Many California online betting sites have rewards programs that give you bonuses as you place bets over time. Being aware of these and signing up for them opens up the potential for additional rewards.
Popular Sports and Competitions To Bet in California
While many California betting websites let you bet on dozens of sports, a few are far more popular than others.
- MLB: California is home to five MLB teams. You can bet on any or all of them with a California baseball betting site.
- NBA: With plenty of basketball teams in CA, it is easy to see why basketball betting sites are popular. NBA teams to bet on include the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.
- NFL: Football betting sites are some of the most popular betting sites in California. You can bet on everything from preseason games to the Super Bowl.
- Soccer: California residents looking to bet on soccer games can bet on local LA Galaxy games. They can also bet on international soccer matches or the World Cup.
- NHL: With a hockey betting site, you can bet on the Ducks, the Kings, and the Sharks. You can even bet on nearby teams, like the Kraken or the Golden Knights.
- Horse racing: Horse racing is the only sport you can bet on in person in California. However, with horse racing betting websites, you can bet on races all around the world.
- Tennis: Sports betting platforms let you bet on local tennis matches, like those at the Southern California open, along with individual matches across the U.S.
- Golf: Use the best California sports betting operators to bet on PGA championships and other big events in the golf realm.
Uncover Our Top Choices of Trusted Sportsbooks for Your Favorite Sports
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If you’re new to betting on sports in California, you should know that not all bets are the same. There are a variety of factors that go into placing smart bets and determining payouts.
- Moneyline: With this kind of bet, you are betting on the winner of the game. For example, a bet on the Kings to win is a moneyline bet. The odds for your bet will vary based on who the bookmakers predict will win.
- Spread betting: When betting with a spread, the predicted winner has to win by a certain number of points for the bet to pay out. If they don’t, an underdog bet wins.
- Parlays: These parlay bets tie two or more different bets together, only paying out if they both hit. You could bet that the Angels and the Lakers both win their games. Because of the added difficulty, payouts for these bets are often greater.
- Over/under: With an over/under bet, you are betting whether the total score for the game will be over or under an amount predicted by bookmakers. If you’re right, you win.
- Prop bets: Proposition bets, or prop bets, specifically look at the performance of a team or player. For example, you could bet on the number of goals a specific Sharks player gets or the number of touchdowns the 49ers will make.
- Live bets: Live bets are bets you make while the game is ongoing. Because of this, the odds and payouts on these bets are often very different.
California Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Wagering Options
Because of legal limitations, there are no mobile sports betting apps or mobile wagering options that let you make sports bets in California. However, offshore betting sites give residents a potential option.
Almost all of these work via a web browser rather than an app. However, you can also access these CA sportsbooks by going through your mobile device’s web browser.
Many offshore sportsbooks have taken time and effort to optimize their web pages for mobile devices. Because of this, they often greet you with an app-like experience when you load up the site on a web browser.
However, there are options with less optimized mobile websites. These will be difficult to use on a mobile device and are better if you use a desktop or laptop computer.
Alongside desktop and mobile websites, there are also CA mobile sportsbooks that use other apps. For example, TG.Casino works through the Telegram app. These will vary greatly depending on the app’s operation.
Popular Home Teams in California
California is home to a host of popular teams in many sports, including multiple NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA teams.
- LA Kings: The LA Kings won the NHL Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. However, in the past five years, they have either failed to qualify for the playoffs or got eliminated in the first round.
- LA Chargers: The LA Chargers have had a rough recent history with the NFL. In the past five years, they only made it to the playoffs once.
- San Francisco 49ers: In recent years, the San Francisco 49ers have been a dominant team in the NFL, making it to the Superbowl in 2020 and 2024 and nearly making it to the Superbowl several other years.
- LA Dodgers: The Dodgers reached the MLB World Series in 2017 and 2018 and won in 2020.
- San Francisco Giants: The Giants won the MLB World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Since then, though, they have yet to make it to the World Series again.
- LA Clippers: The Clippers have struggled in the NBA for a while now. Their conference finals appearance in 2021 was their most notable series in recent history.
- LA Lakers: The Lakers hold the record for the NBA’s longest winning streak. Their most recent success was in 2020 when they won their 17th championship.
- Golden State Warriors: The Golden State Warriors are the most recent NBA dynasty. The Warriors, who began as the Philadelphia Warriors in 1946, boast 7 NBA championships. The franchise won titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022 with such stars as Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson.
- Anaheim Ducks: Founded in 1993, the Anaheim Ducks appeared in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals and the 2003 and 2007 Western Conference Finals. The team has 6 division champions, but have not yet lifted the Stanley Cup.
- San Jose Sharks: Founded in 1991, the San Jose Sharks appeared in the 2016 Western Conference finals. The Sharks also have won 6 division championships, but have never appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals.
- LA Galaxy: From 2009 to 2016, the Galaxy dominated the MLS, winning or placing in the top five each year. Since then, though, their record has been less impressive.
Retail Gambling Outlets in California
While California law prohibits land-based casinos within the state, these same laws do not apply to California tribal lands. Rather, tribal lands are subject to different laws than state lands and can legally operate casinos.
Because of this “loophole,” you can find a few in-person casinos on tribal land within the state of California. Viejas Casino & Resort is perhaps the most popular option; it’s located in Alpine, CA, and features thousands of slot machines, a range of table games, and more.
Other Betting Options in CA
California sports betting isn’t the only kind of betting available to residents. Anyone looking to broaden their gaming horizons can also look into:
- Online casinos: While California doesn’t technically allow online casinos, there’s a gray area surrounding the use of offshore casinos. You can bet on your favorite California sports teams on the offshore casinos listed above.
- Tribal casinos: Casinos located on tribal land within California, such as Viejas Casino & Resort, are technically legal and can let you play all of your favorite casino games in person.
- Poker: Poker is one of the available gambling options in California. The state has over 70 licensed poker casinos or “cardrooms,” such as The Palace Poker Casino in Hayward and Oceanview Casino in Santa Cruz.
- Horse racing: You can place bets on the outcomes of horse races at numerous California racetracks, such as Santa Anita Race Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course. Santa Anita Race Park alone holds races such as the Santa Anita Derby, Sunshine Millions Day, Santa Anita Handicap, and, in many years, the Breeders Cup.
- Fantasy sports: California doesn’t regulate betting on daily fantasy sports (DFS), and you can do so with any of the offshore casinos above along with U.S. sports betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.
The Future of Sports Betting in California
Sports betting is currently illegal in California. Despite recent efforts to legalize online sports betting, this doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t change.
One of the major roadblocks to legalizing sports betting in CA is opposition from the state’s tribes. The tribes were against the 2022 ballots to legalize sports betting and the most recent proposal for legalization. Many deemed their opposition instrumental in sinking both efforts.
However, their opposition to the most recent efforts was, at minimum, partially due to the fact that they were unaware of the effort and no one consulted them on it. If a group worked with the tribes to find a compromise, their assent could lead to the passage of sports betting legislation.
Nearby States to California Sports Betting Alternatives
While California restricts sports betting in several ways, nearly all surrounding states have fewer restrictions. Because of this, placing a legal sports bet can be as easy as taking a road trip.
- Nevada: Sports betting in Nevada is the top alternative for California. There, destinations like Las Vegas cater to all sports betting.
- Oregon: Most forms of sports betting are legal in Oregon, with a few exceptions, such as betting on college sports. However, you can get past some exceptions by betting at certain tribal casinos.
- Arizona: As the state recently legalized in-person and mobile sports betting, Arizona sports betting is another option.
Responsible Gambling
It is important to always gamble responsibly. Never bet money you can’t afford to lose or bet in an unsafe way.
Some online California casinos offer features you can use to practice responsible gambling. For example, Everygame casino lets you set weekly spending limits and exclude yourself from certain games. Setting these early makes it easier to game responsibly.
The state itself also offers a fantastic array of help. The Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General website lists a number of helpful links. Meanwhile, you can always call the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline for help.
In extreme cases, California even offers a self-exclusion program you can use to bar or limit yourself from gambling.
Conclusion: Best Betting Site for California Players
Considering legality, comparing bonuses, and evaluating features are all important when choosing a good betting site.
When it comes down to it, BetOnline stands out as the best of the best. We based this decision on extensive research into California betting sites. From dozens of betting markets to attractive welcome offers, prompt customer support, and a simple interface, there’s plenty of value to be found there for Californians.
Key Features Tons of different sports are available
The site is easy to use
Great bonuses and promotions
A history of trusted business
Diverse selection of betting markets
CA Sports Betting FAQs
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
Outside of horse racing, sports betting is not legal in California. However, offshore sports betting websites are a potential option for residents.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
It is illegal to run a sports betting website in California. However, offshore sports betting websites skirt this law by being located outside of California.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal in CA?
California law does not specifically ban offshore betting sites.
What Are the Best California Sportsbooks?
The best California sportsbooks are based offshore, which include BetOnline, BetWhale, Bovada, Everygame, and TG.Casino.
When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in California?
California sports betting will probably not be legal for at least the next year or two. After that, it’s impossible to say what the future holds.
Steven has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor, specializing in crypto and sports betting. Throughout his career, he has contributed to major publications and now writes for Sportscasting, where he leverages his deep understanding of blockchain technology and the betting industry to deliver insightful and engaging content.
Get to know Steven Brown betterSteven has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor, specializing in crypto and sports betting. Throughout his career, he has contributed to major publications and now writes for Sportscasting, where he leverages his deep understanding of blockchain technology and the betting industry to deliver insightful and engaging content.
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