Best California Sports Betting Sites for 2023 – Are CA Sportsbooks Legal Yet?

Welcome to the ultimate guide to California sports betting. In this article, we’ll help you launch your betting career by recommending excellent offshore sportsbooks you can join without breaking any California laws.

For those looking to understand the legal situation in CA thoroughly, we provide a detailed overview of applicable laws, explain the tension between Native American tribes and other industry players, and attempt to predict what the future holds for legal sports betting in CA. Read on to find out all about the legal state of California sports betting.

The Best California Sportsbooks in 2023

Online California Sports Betting at a Glance

Sports betting options in California currently come via offshore sites, as domestic sports gambling in the state of CA is yet to be legalized.  As for the sports betting market currently on offer in CA, then outlined below.

• Legal Sports Betting: In-Person (no current options), Online/Mobile (through offshore sites only)
• Minimum Sports Betting Age in California: 18 (through offshore sites)
• Offline Betting in Person: No current options
• Online Sportsbooks: Through offshore sites
• Live/In-Play Betting: Offshore sites only
• College Sports Betting: Offshore sites
• Horse racing: Inland (online and retail) and Offshore
• Estimated Sports Betting Revenue: To be set
• Permitted Sports Betting Operators: No current options
• Licensing Fee: Still to be determined
• Tax Rate: Still to be set
• Tax Funded: To be determined

Latest News on Online California Sports Betting Legislation

Californians voted for the Assembly and Congress in November 2022 on Proposition 26, seeking to legalize sports betting in land-based casinos and racetracks, and Proposition 27, which sought to legalize statewide mobile sports betting in California.

Both Propositions were defeated, meaning sports betting still remains strictly illegal in California.

To gain some perspective, let’s look at some of the major milestones CA has reached throughout the years and the most recent events that culminated in the November 2022 poll.

• 22 July 2023 – California lawmakers have one month left to the deadline for 2024 initiatives ahead of the following year’s general election. This would include bills about sports betting.
• 27 June 2023 – The 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians launch a free-to-play sports wagering software. Players can redeem credits that can be used inside the tribe’s casinos.
• January 2023 – After the defeat of both propositions in the ballots, CA sports betting has a long way to go for legalization. Technically, the earliest time another vote can take place is in 2024.
• 9 November 2022 – California’s move to legalize sports betting in the State gets rejected by voters.
• 28 October 2022 – Governor Newsom urges people to vote against the Prop 27 bill that will soon be passed. The Prop 27 bill is structured to legalize online sports betting within the state, but the Prop 26 bill is structured to legalize sports betting but only in tribal casinos.
• 13 October 2022 – The previous bill that was passed to legalize California sports betting had fewer votes than required. But Fanduel CEO and Draftkings CEO are hopeful that the Prop 27 bill about to be passed will usher in an era to legalize online sports betting in CA.
  
• 5 October 2022 – According to a UC Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies, recent poll support for propositions 26 and 27 is low, and there is a small chance voters will approve either measure. This lack of support is at least partly due to the negative ads run by supporters of both propositions.
• 21 September 2022 – According to the AP, parties advocating for and against local ballot initiatives to formally legalize retail and online sports betting have reportedly spent over $400 million – a record in the state for the most spent on a ballot initiative.
• 6 September 2022 – The Senate reviewed and passed Bill 910. This bill ratifies a gaming compact to the Tejon Indian Tribe, but it is still unclear at this junction whether or not sports betting will be allowed on the premises.
• 20 August 2022 – Nearly $360 million was raised by groups sponsored by online gambling businesses and tribal casinos on two propositions that would allow sports betting in California.
• 16 August 2022 – Democratic and Republican leaders in the California Senate and Assembly oppose Prop 27 as they fear it will benefit outside operators at the expense of tribal residents.
• 12 August 2022 – The MLB announces its support for Proposition 27, which will legalize online California sports betting if passed.
• 10 July  2022 – The California Democratic Party will oppose Proposition 27 and abstain from the Proposition 26 ballot.
• 5 July 2022 – Three tribes now support Proposition 27.
• 27 June 2022 – A second legal sports betting option is added to the ballot after officially reclassifying the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Solutions Act as an eligible measure for statewide ballots.
• 24 June 2022 – Over 80 groups endorse The Coalition for Safe Responsible Gaming, a measure that opposes CA sports betting.
• 16 June 2022 – Mike Carbassi, the Fresno City Councilman, says the tribal sports betting measure could lead to lawsuits against revenue-generating cardrooms backed by the state.
• 25 May 2022  – The California Teachers Association opposes the legalization of California sports betting.
• 30 March 2022 – The National Veterans Foundation, Marine Corps Veteran Association, and the Association of the United States Army groups in Northern/Southern California come out against the tribal retail sports betting proposal. This was according to a press release from the cardroom-funded Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies. 
• 25 March 2022 – Cardrooms come together to back a campaign to lobby against the tribal retail sports betting proposal. The concern is that tribes would have the ability to sue cardrooms for offering certain types of games privately.
• 17 March 2022 – Three tribes go on TV to speak out against the online betting initiative backed by sportsbooks hoping to get on the November ballot. 
• April 2021: Office of Secretary of State Shirley Weber confirms that 1,060,000 of the signatures collected by the coalition are valid, exceeding the minimum requirement of 997,139.
• December 2020 – The coalition collects and files over 1,400,000 signatures.
• July 2020 – Indian tribes fail to collect the required number of signatures but win the right to an extension.
• November 2019 – 18 of California’s Indian tribes form a coalition to file a petition to get California betting on the November ballot. The alliance must gather 997,139 signatures by April next year to put forth its petition.
• March 2018 – The Californians For Sports Betting group files a petition to legalize sports betting in licensed cardrooms. This petition, which clashed with Tribal interests, collected zero of the 623,211 signatures required to get the issue on the 2020 ballot.
• July 2017 – Adam Gray is back. He introduced legislation ACA 18 with the hope of amending the California constitution to allow for sports betting. This issue also flops.
• May 2016 – Democratic Assemblyman Adam Gray introduces legislation CA AB 1573. Although a total failure, the issue marked the beginning of California’s march towards legal sports betting.

The Best Sports Betting Sites California Listed 2023

We evaluated dozens of offshore sportsbooks to arrive at the following top-ranked platforms for online sports betting in California. All providers below offer a secure wagering experience and a full range of betting options, including parlays, teasers, prop bets, in-play betting, point spreads, and moneylines, to name just a few.

1. BetOnline – No.1 overall California sports betting site
2. Bovada – Flexible banking options
3. Everygame – California sportsbook with lots of value lines
4. BetNow – In-depth market coverage of many sports
5. BetUS – Best overall promotions for California sports betting
6. MyBookie – Unique prop betting options and cash rebates
7. Sportsbetting.ag – Great baseball coverage
8. Jazz Sports – Deep markets & great onboarding bonus
9. Lucky Block – Fantastic crypto sportsbook with a lucrative welcome bonus
10. Mega Dice – The best Telegram site with sports markets
11. XBet – Wide variety of lines for international sports
12. BUSR – Generous welcome bonus for California sports bettors

We recommend using cryptocurrency when using online sportsbooks in California, as crypto affords users an extra layer of security and allows users to stay anonymous while gambling. Furthermore, crypto delivers swift transaction times and no fees when depositing or withdrawing.

However, we understand many players still prefer to stick to more traditional payment options, which is why we have two links below to learn more about our top-rated fiat or crypto Missouri Casino.

Top California Sportsbook with Traditional Banking Options

Top California Sportsbook with Crypto

Best Online California Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Below, we will give you an in-depth look into the best California sports betting as of December, 2023.

1. BetOnline – No.1 Overall California Sports Betting Site

A top choice for California sports betting is BetOnline. The bookmaker is perhaps best known for its extensive range of bets on some of America’s favorite sports, including basketball, football, soccer, and baseball. BetOnline’s selection of prop bets and parlays is extensive across the board, and the site’s live betting and streaming services are unparalleled, along with their dedicated racebook.

In addition to the major leagues, this bookmaker covers all other bases and features in-depth market coverage of more niche sports like rugby, martial arts, and motorsports.

Add to that the standalone racebook that broadcasts top-of-the-range odds on all the major US track meets, the site’s bountiful selection of casino games, and whether you’re backing the 49ers or spinning the roulette wheel, we’re confident that you’re sure to enjoy your trip to BetOnline.

Regarding bonuses, BetOnline doesn’t disappoint: new players are treated to $1,000 in bonus funds, while loyal patrons can take advantage of BetOnline promo codes to use multiple recurring offers, such as re-deposit bonuses, cashback, and boosted odds. The sportsbook offers no less than 17 cryptocurrency alternatives if you prefer not to use a credit card. You can even use cashier checks, but those are not valid for any bonuses currently.

2. Bovada – Flexible Banking Options

Bovada has been operating since 2011 and has become one of the most recognizable and trusted betting brands in California. In addition to serving up lines on the most popular traditional sports like football and basketball, Bovada also has markets on many niche sports and extensive coverage of esports.

Furthermore, one of the company’s centerpieces is an advanced prop builder that simplifies creating and placing complex wagers. And, if you can’t find the bet you want to place on Bovada, you can request it using their #Whatsyawaver feature. Here, you can make a request for any bet, and they will do their best to accommodate you and enable you to place that bet, meaning the options are practically limitless.

What’s more, Bovada provides an integrated video streaming tool, enabling you to track matches in real time as you place in-game wagers. Streaming is available through both the dedicated mobile app and the browser-powered version of the platform.

Using Bovada promo code opens you up to more earning opportunities in free plays, free bets, bonuses, and promotions. To top things off, Bovada is one of the few betting sites that encourage cryptocurrency deposits by offering hundreds of dollars in bonuses to players who deposit using Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash.

3. Everygame – California Sportsbook with Lots of Value Lines

Everygame sportsbook has been around since the mid-1990s, and has headquarters in Antigua. What attracts bettors is the best reduced-juice lines around, while its in-depth coverage of sports like tennis, soccer, basketball and football.

Live betting is also available, and Everygame has adapted to this via a fantastic live betting platform. They have an excellent multiview feature for tracking the action and betting on multiple games.

Elsewhere, the Everygame promo codes, offer a generous matched deposit bonus when signing up – existing customers can take advantage of free plays, free bets, and cash value.

4. BetNow – In-Depth Market Coverage of Many Sports

While BetNow is a fairly new sports betting site, it has quickly built a loyal fanbase. The online sportsbook has juicy BetNow promo codes with low rollover requirements, ensuring some good value.

BetNow also offers a top-notch gambling experiencein the North American leagues: NBA, NFL, MLB, etc, although European sports are still limited despite some improvement by introducing more sports from different regions.

One area where BetNow goes the extra yardage is the banking options. You can fund your account via major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, while Bitcoin is one of the crypto options available. The minimum deposit is $20, and bettors can deposit up to $40,000 at a time.

5. BetUS – Best Overall Promotions for California Sports Betting

When it comes to sports betting in California, few betting sites can match the experience that BetUS brings to the gambling table. Founded in 1994 and regulated by the government of Costa Rica, BetUS is ahead of competitors when it comes to generous promotions and bonuses.

Another reason we like and recommend BetUS is its extensive selection of esports. You can bet on popular video games such as Overwatch, League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike, and Dota, as well as back your favorite players in Tekken, Warcraft, and a few other titles that other online sportsbooks usually miss.

One feature of BetUS that makes it stand out against its competition is BetUS TV. Easily accessible from the sportsbook, BetUS TV contains short but detailed videos of picks and predictions from industry experts for all major sports. There is also the locker room which is packed full of news, blogs, predictions, and betting tips that can tip the odds in your favor.

BetUS also excels in the payments department. We encourage you to use BetUS promo codes to take advantage of the initiatives this bookie offers. The bookmaker processes transactions via credit cards, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, and Matchpay, in addition to approving payouts in 48 hours or less.

Discover Our Top Betting Guides

The Best California Sports Betting Sites Compared

How We Choose the Best California Sports Betting Sites

Sports betting in California does not simply come down to good odds on the biggest markets. A site must be comprehensive in ticking every box that will make a difference to a player’s online betting experience.

Betting Markets

On an online sports betting site in California, there should be several markets for many sports and many different types of bets. This includes detailed props and futures, as well as live betting, which is quick to update with what is going on during play.

Competitive Odds

The odds across every important sport should be competitive when compared to their competition in the industry. If a site is consistently offering poorer value, then it will quickly lose customers, given Californians are free to sign up for as many offshore betting sites as they like.

Payment Methods

Beyond traditional bank cards and wire transfers, California sports betting sites should accept several cryptocurrencies and e-wallets, too. This is to cope with more modern demands for faster payouts, which come with both crypto and e-wallets, as well as bigger promotional bonuses.

Customer Support

Support should be offered thoroughly and speedily on each sportsbook site you come across. 24/7 live cats should be responsive to your needs, while phone operatives should solve your queries within half an hour. If there is an email form, you should expect the best sites to respond and aid your issue within 48 hours.

Bonuses & Promotions

Welcome bonuses and promotions are almost always so substantial that they are, of course, worthwhile on a sports betting site. Loyalty and reload offers should be consistent on a sports betting site, while the terms and conditions you face should be gentle for new customers.

Who Can Sports Bet in California

In California, sports betting is not legal. However, you can still make bets at our recommended offshore sportsbooks.

To wager with one of these sites, you must be 18 years of age or older, located in CA, and have a way to deposit and withdraw your funds.

How to Bet on Sports in California

Below is a step-by-step guide for betting on sports in California, starting with arriving at the homepage to making that first-ever bet. 

If you’re looking to learn how to bet on sports in Missouri, a step-by-step guide will take you through the beginning process.

1. Find the Registration Button

When you get to the homepage of the online sportsbook, you’ll find the registration button in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

2. Register for An Account

After clicking on the registration button, you’ll need to complete the registration process. Here, you will need to provide some personal information.

3. Go to the Promotions Page

After signing up for an account, go to the promotions page and find the new player welcome bonus. Figure out what your budget is and take advantage of it!

4. Make Your First Deposit

After signing up and finding the welcome bonus, look back toward the upper right-hand corner of the page, and here, you’ll find a link to get you to the deposit page. Once you’re here, you’ll see the available methods. Choose which one you want to use and complete the process.

5. Time to Bet

After making your first deposit, go back to the home page. There will be a menu along the left-hand side of most online sportsbooks. Decide which sport you want to wager on and locate the bet you want to make. When choosing the bet, the bet slip will populate with your choice. Input the amount you wish to wager and confirm your bet.

Is Sports Betting Legal in California?

As of December, 2023, sports betting is not legal in California. Some other gambling methods are available, such as cardrooms, trial casinos, and racetracks. 

If you want to bet on sports, you’ll be able to bet with ease at any of our recommended offshore sportsbooks.

When will Betting be Legal in California?

Sports betting is looking like it will be quite a fierce battle in California. Right now, there is one sports betting-related bill on the November 8, 2022, ballot that will legalize retail sports betting at tribal casinos.

As for online sports betting, there is nothing set to be on the ballot. However, seven sportsbooks started an initiative titled “California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act”, which includes provisions to send a percentage of revenue to mental health services and fight against homelessness.

The November 2022 Ballot to Legalize Sports Betting in California

Bill 26, which would have seen legalized sports betting at tribal casinos, and Bill 27, which would have seen online sports betting legalized, both failed to pass by a huge margin, with 83% of voters rejecting Bill 27. The reasons for this failure seem to be, for the most part, down to an ineffective advertising campaign and staunch opposition by most local Native American tribes.

The big defeat for legalizing California sports betting is a setback for legal sports betting, but it is by no means the end. It is likely that another bill will be put forward in the future, or gambling companies may try to work with the state legislature to pass a law on a new form of gambling. However, it’s not going to be until late 2023 at the earliest that sports betting will have another chance at becoming legal in CA.

Supporters and Opponents of the 2022 Ballot for Legal Sports Betting in CA

With 40 million or more people in the state, there are fireworks for supporters and opposers of sports betting. However, there appear to be more opposers of particular types of legalization measures than sports betting itself. 

Let’s outline all of the supporters and opponents for the 2022 ballot for legal sports betting in CA below.

Supporters

Legalizing sports betting in CA has multiple wrinkles to it regarding support and opposition. 

Here, let’s go through the supporters in a general overview. 

• Traditional Sportsbooks: Introducing their CA Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act, seven sportsbooks, including Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Penn National, and Wynn, are putting down $100 million to back their initiative. 
• Tribal Casinos: Up for vote on November 8, 2022, tribal casinos will look to bring sports betting to their retail outlets. 
• California Residents: In a poll by UC Berkeley, one-fifth of voters were unsure, but 45% were in favor compared to 33% were against it.

Opponents

The opposition to sports betting includes one of the supporters listed above. There are other sources of resistance as well, however.

• Tribal Casinos: Three of the 18 tribal casinos have said they will commit $100 million to end the “traditional” sportsbook’s initiative for mobile sports betting. 
• California Residents: 33% of votes in the UC Berkeley poll were against sports betting altogether

Finally, let’s look at the more complex opponent—cardrooms. With over 80 cardrooms in the state, these facilities were against the November 8, 2022, tribal casino initiative. The reasons are multi-faceted but include fear of losing business, tribal casinos becoming a monopoly, and the thought that tribes could privately sue cardrooms for offering certain types of games. 

Cardrooms also funded the Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies, including major veteran organizations against sports betting. 

Lastly, cardrooms filed a lawsuit against the November 8, 2022, measure, citing that they can only have one provision at a time. In contrast, the tribal casino initiative includes sports betting and other things related to table games.

Previous Sports Betting Bills in California

When it comes to sports betting getting on the November 8, 2022 ballot, initiatives proposed in the state must receive 997,139 signatures. 

2021

• California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act – Identical to the 2020 measure. 
• California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act – Initiative proposed by seven traditional sportsbooks offers to pay a percentage of revenues to mental health and homelessness services. 
• Age-Verified Trival Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Act – Would allow in-person and online wagering and was proposed by San Manuel. 

2020

• California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act –  Proposed by multiple cities in California.
• The California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act – The original summary date was January 21, 2020, but this is the tribal casino initiative that will be on the November 8, 2022 ballot after receiving the necessary near-million votes.
• SCA – 6 (2020)

2019

• ACA – 16 (2019)

2017

• ACA – 18 (2017)

Future of California Sports Betting

Given how consistent the push for legal, local sports betting has been in California since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, there is every chance that a regulated market in the state will open up within the next few years. It has now arrived in over half of the United States, so California could well follow suit. There is also every possibility that the state is sitting on a potential boom in terms of the market for sports betting in California.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in California

The California state income tax system has multiple levels to it, including 10 different brackets, as seen below: 

• Income of $0 is taxed at 1%
• Income of up to $8,809 is taxed at 2%
• Income of up to $20,883 is taxed at 4%
• Income of up to $32,960 is taxed at 6%
• Income of up to $45,753 is taxed at 8%
• Income of up to $57,824 is taxed at 9.3%
• Income of up to $295,373 is taxed at 10.3%
• Income of up to $354,445 is taxed at 11.3%
• Income of up to $590,742 is taxed at 12.3%
• Income of $1,000,000 or more is taxed at 13.3%

Potential Revenue of California Sports betting

As sports betting is not yet legal in California, all we have to go on in terms of the revenue the state could make are estimates. However, these are usually from very well respected sources who understand the potential of this industry within California.

Ultimately, analysts predict that of all states that have not yet legalized sports betting, California would stand to gain the most in terms of state revenue. A little over $4 billion is the projection from Eilers & Krejcik across online and retail sports betting, with online betting alone providing $2.8 billion of that figure.

Read Our Sportsbook Payment Guides

Payment Methods Available at California Betting Sites

If you want to make deposits or withdrawals, you’ll need to ensure you have viable methods available to carry out these transactions. Here are methods for crypto, eWallets, and more traditional ways.

Crypto Betting Sites

Offshore sportsbooks are massive advocates for crypto, offering numerous types of crypto to wager with and promotions catered specifically to crypto. Here are a handful of the more popular methods: 

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Dogecoin 
• Binance
• Avalanche
• Cardano
• Tether
• Litecoin
• Stellar
• Bitcoin Cash
• Shiba Inu

eWallet Betting Sites

With an eWallet, you can perform transactions by either linking your bank account to them and then making the deposit or submitting the withdrawal, or using a balance you have in your eWallet account. There are three major platforms to choose from:

PayPal

One of the oldest eWallets on the market. It was established in 1998 and is available for most casinos as a payment method.

Neteller

Close second in age, it was introduced in 1999 from Canada. It moved to the Isle of Man and is now under the Paysafe Group.

Skrill

Youngest but still much in the competition, it was a UK company, then known as Moneybookers. Also frequently seen in most casinos.

Traditional Payment Methods at California Betting Sites

If crypto and eWallets are not available to you, no worries; here are some more methods that you might be more familiar with that are viable to perform transactions with at offshore sportsbooks.

• Credit/Debit Cards
• ACH Transfer
• Online Banking
• Check my mail 
• Wire Transfer
• PayNearMe

Bonuses Available at California Sports Betting Sites

While wagering on your favorite teams is arguably the best aspect of playing at online sportsbooks, receiving bonuses and taking part in promos makes the experience much more enjoyable. These offers will offer site credits that you can use to wager and make even more money.

Here are some of the more prevalent offers you’ll find.

Deposit Bonuses

With a deposit bonus, you will receive a percentage match up to a certain amount of money on your first deposit. Using MyBookie as an example, you will receive a 50% deposit match up to $1,000. So, to get the total $1,000, you must deposit $2,000. 

Whatever amount you choose, there is a 10x wagering requirement. This means that you must wager whatever your deposit and bonus you receive multiplied by 10 to be able to withdraw the bonus funds.

Reload Bonuses

Reload bonuses are a lot like deposit bonuses. You may need to opt in or use a promo code on the deposit page. Going back to MyBookie, there is a 25% match up to $500 with a 5x wagering requirement.

Rebate Bonuses

A rebate bonus is a percentage of your losses repaid to you by the sportsbook. It is usually between the range of 6% to 8% depending on the bookmaker – it varies. MyBookie offers a 7% rebate bonus on horse race betting, for example. So, if you wager and lose $100, you can expect to receive $7 back via this kind of deal.

Risk-Free/Free Bet

A risk-free bet allows you to make a wager without running the risk of totally losing that bet when you lose. With this offer, if your wager loses, you will receive it back as site credit.

No Deposit Bonus

The best thing about a no deposit bonus is that you receive these bonus funds from creating an account. The amounts are not much, $10-$25, but they give a kickstart to a new online sportsbook account.

Grab The Best Promo Codes With Our Reviews

Available Sports Markets in California

California is a gigantic state, and there are an insane amount of sports teams. Here, we will go over the more popular sports to wager on in the state that are available at offshore sportsbooks.

Score with NFL Betting

The most popular ways to wager on the NFL include the moneyline, spread, and totals. However, you can also wager on props, futures, and many other things.

In general, the NFL and football betting is always the focal point of online sportsbooks so that you can bet with confidence at really any of our recommended offshore sportsbooks. 

Here are the NFL teams based in California:

• Los Angeles Chargers – Were previously the San Diego Chargers until 2016.
• Los Angeles Rams – Won the Super Bowl in 2022.
• San Francisco 49ers – Have won five Super Bowls in their history.

Get Off The Bench With NBA Betting

California is rich with NBA history, and at offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, you’ll be able to bet on your favorite team.  

The most simple bets on the NBA are moneyline, spread, and total. You find various futures like division winners, conference winners, and NBA Champions, as well as MVP and Rookie of the Year markets. Prop bets are huge in the NBA, with bets like Will a Player Score a Triple-Double, or Which Team Will Score First.

There are currently four NBA teams in the state: 

• Golden State Warriors – Won three NBA Championships in four years, including back-to-back years (2015, 2017, 2018) and most recently in 2022.
• Los Angeles Lakers – Have won 12 NBA Championships, including most recently in 2020.
• Los Angeles Clippers – The team started in Buffalo, New York.
• Sacramento Kings – Have never won an NBA title.

Kick Things Off With the Best MLB Home Run Bets

With more than 160 regular-season games, MLB is a great source for sports betting. Having been in business for over a decade, Bovada has always been a top-rated source for MLB betting in terms of odds and releasing odds for games swiftly. 

In Baseball, you can place moneyline bets like most sports. You can also bet run lines, which are like spreads you find in NFL or NBA betting, but in baseball, you bet on how many runs a team will win or lose by. Props are also popular in MLB betting with bets like will the game go to extra innings or will a player hit a home run.

• Los Angeles Angels – Played at Wrigley Field in 1961 and won a World Series in 2002.
• Los Angeles Dodgers – Won the World Series in 2020.
• Oakland Athletics – Relocated from Kansas City in 1968.
• San Diego Padres – Have never won a World Series.
• San Francisco Giants – Won three world series in five years (2010, 2012, 2014).

Don’t Slip Up, Bet on the NHL

The NHL may trail behind the MLB, NFL, and NBA when it comes to betting, but the postseason in the NHL is arguably one of the most exciting times of year to bet. 

Again, the bet types are similar to other sports like moneyline and totals. In hockey, you also have puck lines that work like spreads, and you are wagering on how many goals a team will win or lose by. BetOnline offers a few more markets than some competitors when it comes to the NHL, especially in terms of prop bets.

Right now, there are three NHL teams in California:

• Anaheim Ducks – Expansion team in 1993.
• Los Angeles Kings – Won two Stanley Cups in three years (2012, 2014).
• San Jose Sharks – Have never won a Stanley Cup since joining the league in 1991.

Bet on the NBA Stars of Tomorrow with NCAA Basketball

Few events initiate betting hype more than the March Madness tournament. During March Madness, also known as the “Big Dance.”  The top 68 college basketball teams battle it out over a month to be crowned champions. With games coming thick and fast and with it being a knockout-style tournament, there’s plenty of excitement and betting opportunities.

MyBookie is fantastic at staying on top of live bets for NCAA Basketball during March Madness and for games throughout the regular season, and you will find all the same bet types as in the NBA.

There are a plethora of NCAA Basketball teams in California, so here are three of the more notable squads:

• UCLA Bruins – Have won 11 national championships.
• USC Trojans – Made it to the Elite Eight in 2021. 
• Stanford Cardinals – Have an all-time record of 1549-1175 (.569 winning percentage).

Many Colleges to Choose From: NCAA Football Betting

While you’ll have the same ways to bet as you do in the NFL, there are a lot more future wager opportunities with NCAA Football betting as there are 130 NCAA Division 1 teams, split into 10 conferences and player trophies like the Heisman trophy up for grabs. 

Each sportsbook we ranked does an excellent job with college football, but MyBookie is quick to produce odds for the incoming slate of games.

Like basketball, there are an incredible amount of football programs in the state, so here are five popular programs: 

• UCLA Bruins – Won their first game against Stanford since 2008 during the 2021-2022 season. 
• USC Trojans – Won back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004.
• Stanford Cardinals – Last won a National title in 1940.
• Fresno State Bulldogs – Where Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Davante Adams went to college.
• California Golden Bears – Where Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers went to college.

Be a Master at Golf Betting

When it comes to betting on golf, the basic bets are betting on the outright winner, top-5, top-10, and top-20 finishes. Other popular bet types are head-to-head matchups. This works similarly to moneyline bets in other sports. With this bet type, you are betting on whether one player will finish higher than another player. Their placement in the rest of the field doesn’t matter.

There are other bet types available and the fields are large. The odds differ from one online sportsbook to the next; but MyBookie and BetUS seem to have more favorable odds, especially toward the favorites.

Gallop Your Way To Winnings with Horse Racing Betting

Horse racing wagering has been legal for many years in California. The main ways to bet with horse racing wagering are by betting to win, place, show, or with exacta, daily double, and picks 3-6 bets. 

There are several notable tracks in California, and BetUS, MyBookie, and BetOnline all have odds for these tracks and races all over the globe:

• Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack
• Cal-Expo
• Del Mar
• Ferndale
• Fresno
• Golden Gate
• Los Alamitos
• San Joaquin Fair
• Santa Anita
• Santa Rosa

Dribble to Victory with CA and International Soccer

California sports betting sites are your go-to when wagering on soccer. Whatever league or game you’re looking for is likely to be available at one of our top sportsbooks. You can wager on the MLS, EPL, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga plus many more leagues around the globe.

The most basic bets in soccer are again the moneyline, spreads, futures, and totals. Prop markets in soccer offer up some interesting opportunities, you can bet on the number of corners, whether there will be a goal before or after a certain minute, the number of cards in a game, plus many more.

California is home to some pretty good teams, including:

• LA Galaxy FC – The first MLS team to win five championships
• San Jose Earthquakes – Played in the first-ever MLS game and are two-time champions

Make Daily Lineups with Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports are legal in California. The leading two platforms to play this are DraftKings and FanDuel. With these platforms, you’ll create lineups from sports like the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, MLB, and more by using individual players assigned a dollar value.

You’ll be given a team salary cap. The game’s object is to enter a contest and build a lineup while staying under the salary cap and scoring the most points possible.

Common Types of Bets

The above sports, events, and bets you may have heard about before, but the individual terms for the formatting of bets may be less familiar to new sports bettors. We define each of these terms below, so you can learn which bets are for you.

Moneyline

A bet on the moneyline is one simply on who will win a match between two players and teams. The odds for moneyline markets represent the chances of each team winning, plus the tie in sports like soccer.

Futures

If you bet on futures, you are doing so on a market on the winner of an overall championship or division. For example, you may place a futures bet on the winner of the Super Bowl before the NFL season has even started in August.

Spread

The spread puts a handicap on two teams facing off against each other. The favorite receives a hypothetical negative number of points or goals to start with, while the underdog gets the same number as a positive. This type of market tries to make the contest more equal theoretically.

Totals

Totals bets are ones placed on a number of events happening during a match, for example the number of points scored by a basketball team, or goals scored in a soccer match. These usually take the format of an over/under market, where you bet against a theoretical middle ground.

Props

Prs are similar to totals in being bets on specific instances, although these will not be on a numerical value. These will be a yes/no bet on whether something will occur, for instance a buzzer shot in a basketball match or a hole in one during a golf tournament.

Live Betting with California Sports Betting Sites

Live Betting allows you to wager on contests that are actively in progress. The odds will shift for each team or participant in the game based on the performance happening when you check the odds. These can switch quickly, so you’ll need to act fast.

BetUS and MyBookie offer fantastic odds on live betting and are always on top of it.

Learn More About Betting With BBI Guides

How Does Online California Sports Betting Compare to its Neighbors?

With Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona bordering California, these states have legalized sports betting. Oregon has a state lottery-ran program, Nevada is home to Las Vegas, and Arizona has been progressing its online sports betting, including sportsbooks partnering with NFL teams.

More on California Gambling

On top of sports betting, there are many other ways to gamble in California, and our team has you covered with the information you may seek on casinos, horse racing, or more. 

• Real money online casino California
• Online Gambling in California
• Horse racing in California
• California Sports Betting Apps
• Casino Apps in California
• Online Poker in California
• California Lottery
• San Diego Online Casinos
• Palm Springs Online Casinos
• Los Angeles Online Casinos

California Legislative Resources

For residents of California interested in finding out more information on current legislation to do with sports betting and gambling in the state or would like to contact local and state representatives to express their opinions or concerns on the subject they can use the links below.

• California.gov

California Gambling Resources

If you believe that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, then we encourage you to get in contact with the NCPG California which can be contacted by phone, chat, or text and can provide advice as well as local information and treatment services in your area.

• NCPG Problem Gambling Resources in California

The Best California Sportsbook Betting Site

After examining the offshore sportsbooks available in CA, BetOnline is the best online sportsbook currently offered. 

There’s a 50% deposit bonus of up to $1,000 and several other promotions to claim, plus tournaments and a great selection of live-streaming sports to watch. The site also boasts an intuitive user interface, and the broadcast odds tend to be the best on the market. Click the link below to sign up, claim your bonus, and back your favorite CA sports teams at BetOnline today. 

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in California?

As of August 2021, it’s illegal for betting companies to operate out of California, but it’s NOT illegal for residents to use sportsbooks located overseas.

Why don’t the California gaming tribes have sports betting?

Because paragraph 337a of the California Penal Code states that “pool selling or bookmaking, with or without writing, at any time or place” is prohibited and punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine for a first-time offense. Regardless, gaming tribes have formed a coalition that aims to upend the status quo.

Where can I place bets in California?

You can place sports wagers through an offshore sportsbook, a DFS site, at a racetrack or related satellite facility, and through an advance-deposit wagering application.

Why is sports betting illegal in California?

Sports betting is still illegal in California because it has not yet been signed into law because of opposition from tribal landowners. Over the years, different bills have been passed to legalize sports betting in CA, but they have not been accepted. Many bettors are hopeful that 2023 might be the year sports betting becomes legal in California.

How old do I have to be to bet online in California?

While most retail casinos set the minimum age to either 19 or 21, California sports betting law states that you have to be 18 or older to bet.

What betting is legal in California?

Raffles, lotteries, land-based card rooms, tribal casinos, and horse race betting are all legal in California. On the other hand, offshore betting and daily fantasy sports constitute legal gray areas that attract billions of dollars from punters in California each year.

When is California going to have sports betting?

“Legal sports betting” is a spectrum, not a yes-or-no position. Currently, there is a critical amendment under vote, with an election date set for November 8, 2022. If the initiative passes, California-based Tribal casinos will be allowed to offer on-premises sports betting services. From there, online betting could be the next step on the road toward full legalization. Unfortunately, because of numerous conflicting interests, full-blown legal sports betting, like the one in New Jersey, is probably several years away for Californians.