How to Bet on California Teams (49ers, Dodgers, Warriors…)

Short answer: California still has no state-licensed sportsbooks, so fans who want to bet on California teams (49ers, Dodgers, Warriors, Lakers, and more) typically use offshore sportsbooks that accept CA players.

This page breaks down where Californians bet, the markets you’ll see (spreads, moneylines, totals, props, futures), and real examples for major local teams across the NFL, NBA, and MLB. This is not about using DraftKings or FanDuel in California, regulated apps like those are generally blocked because the state hasn’t launched legal online sports betting.

What you’ll find on this page:

If you want the full context on California gambling options (what’s available now and what isn’t), start here: California sports betting guide.

Legal Snapshot: Betting on California Teams in 2025

As of 2025, sports betting is not yet legal or regulated in California. There are no state-licensed sportsbooks operating in the state, and no legal mobile sports betting apps available for California residents.

Voters rejected both Proposition 26 (retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos and racetracks) and Proposition 27 (statewide mobile betting) in the 2022 election. Since then, no new ballot measures have successfully moved sports betting forward, and lawmakers have not agreed on a replacement framework.

Because of that, California sports fans currently fall into one of three groups:

This page focuses on the third option, which is how most Californians who want to bet on local teams actually do it today.

California sports betting status (2025):

For a full legal breakdown, including why major betting apps are unavailable and what could change in the future, see our detailed guide: California sports betting laws explained.

Where Californians Actually Bet: Offshore Sportsbooks

Because there are no state licensed sportsbooks in California, offshore sportsbooks are the main way fans bet on local teams. These sites are licensed outside the United States, have long track records serving U.S. players, and offer full betting menus for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports.

Californians use offshore books to bet on everything from weekly 49ers spreads to Dodgers World Series futures and live Warriors player props. The experience is similar to regulated apps, but betting is done through a mobile friendly browser instead of a downloadable app.

What a good offshore sportsbook should have:

• Years of experience accepting U.S. bettors
• Deep coverage of NFL, NBA, and MLB markets
• Strong live betting and same game parlays
• Fast payouts with crypto and card deposits
• A clean mobile site that works on any device

These are some of the offshore sportsbooks most commonly used by California bettors:

You can compare all offshore options that accept California players here: offshore sportsbooks guide.

Individual reviews:

• Bovada sportsbook review
• BetOnline sportsbook review
• BetUS sportsbook review
• MyBookie sportsbook review

Betting on California NFL Teams (49ers, Rams, Chargers)

NFL betting is the most popular way Californians wager on local teams. Action is heaviest on San Francisco 49ers betting odds, but the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers also attract consistent betting interest throughout the season.

Because there are no legal California sportsbooks, all NFL betting in California is done through offshore sportsbooks that accept CA players. These sites post full weekly lines, player props, live betting markets, and season long futures for every NFL team.

Common NFL markets California bettors use:

Example NFL bet on a California team:

Futures are also popular with California NFL bettors, especially bets on the 49ers to win the NFC or the Super Bowl before the season begins.

For a full breakdown of NFL betting markets, odds formats, and strategy, see our complete guide: NFL betting guide.

Betting on California MLB Teams (Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Angels)

MLB betting is extremely popular with California bettors because of the long season and the volume of daily games. Most action centers on Los Angeles Dodgers betting odds, but the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels also draw steady interest throughout the year.

Offshore sportsbooks offer full MLB coverage for California players, including daily game lines, in game betting, player props, and season long futures. This gives fans plenty of opportunities to bet whether they prefer single game action or long term positions.

Common MLB betting markets for California teams:

• Moneyline for picking the outright game winner
• Run line using the standard -1.5 or +1.5 spread
• Totals on combined runs scored
• Player props such as hits, home runs, and strikeouts
• Futures including World Series, league titles, divisions, and season win totals

Example MLB bet:

Los Angeles Dodgers moneyline vs San Diego Padres
Odds: -145
Stake: $100
Potential payout: $168.97 (profit $68.97)

Many California bettors also like placing futures early in the season, such as Dodgers World Series odds or division winners, then supplementing those positions with smaller daily bets as the season progresses.

To learn more about MLB betting formats, odds, and strategy, see our full guide: MLB betting guide.

Betting on California NBA Teams (Warriors, Lakers, Clippers, Kings)

NBA betting is extremely popular in California, especially for fans following the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. Among these, Golden State Warriors betting odds and Lakers markets attract the most consistent action.

Offshore sportsbooks offer full NBA coverage to California bettors, including pregame lines, live betting, same game parlays, and a deep menu of player props. Because NBA games have frequent scoring and lineup changes, many bettors prefer in game betting and props over traditional sides.

Common NBA betting markets for California teams:

• Point spread for backing a team to cover
• Moneyline for picking the outright winner
• Totals on combined points scored
• Player props such as points, assists, and rebounds
• Same game parlays combining spreads, totals, and props
• Futures including NBA title, conference winners, and season awards

Example NBA bet:

Golden State Warriors -4.5 vs Sacramento Kings
Odds: -110
Stake: $100
Potential payout: $190.91 (profit $90.91)

Live betting is especially popular with California NBA bettors, since offshore sportsbooks update odds after nearly every possession. This allows fans to react to momentum swings, foul trouble, or late game rotations.

For a complete breakdown of NBA markets and betting strategy, visit our guide: NBA betting guide.

NHL and College Betting on California Teams

In addition to the NFL, NBA, and MLB, many Californians also bet on local teams in the NHL and college sports. Offshore sportsbooks provide solid coverage for both, with markets that mirror what bettors see in regulated states.

California NHL teams commonly bet on include:

• Los Angeles Kings
• Anaheim Ducks
• San Jose Sharks

Typical NHL betting markets:

• Moneyline for picking the game winner
• Puck line using the standard -1.5 or +1.5 spread
• Totals on combined goals scored
• Futures such as Stanley Cup, conference, and division winners

College betting is also available through offshore sportsbooks, covering major California programs like USC, UCLA, Cal, and Stanford. Bettors can usually find spreads and totals for football and basketball, along with limited futures depending on the operator.

Important note on college betting: rules vary by sportsbook. Some offshore sites restrict player props or specific markets for college sports, so bettors should always check what is allowed before placing a wager.

For a deeper look at hockey markets and odds formats, see our full guide: NHL betting guide.

How to Place a Bet on a California Team Step by Step

Betting on a California team through an offshore sportsbook is straightforward, even for first time users. The process is similar across most sites that accept California players.

1. Choose an offshore sportsbook that accepts CA players and offers strong coverage for the sport you want to bet
2. Create an account by entering basic information and verifying your email address
3. Make a deposit using a debit card or cryptocurrency, depending on the sportsbook
4. Navigate to your sport, such as NFL, NBA, or MLB, and find your California team
5. Select a betting market, like moneyline, spread, total, prop, or future
6. Enter your stake and confirm the bet in the betslip
7. Track your bet and withdraw winnings once the event is settled

Step by step example:

Futures, Parlays, and Props on California Teams

Beyond single game bets, many Californians like wagering on futures, parlays, and player props involving local teams. These bets can be more exciting, but they also come with higher risk and more variance.

Futures betting involves picking a team to achieve something over a full season. Common examples for California teams include:

• San Francisco 49ers to win the Super Bowl
• Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series
• Golden State Warriors to win the NBA title
• Division or conference winners

Futures offer larger payouts, but your money is tied up for months and outcomes can change quickly due to injuries, trades, or schedule difficulty.

Parlays combine multiple bets into one ticket. Some bettors stack multiple California teams on the same day, while others build same game parlays using spreads, totals, and props from one matchup.

• 49ers moneyline + Warriors spread
• Dodgers run line + game total over
• Same game parlay with team spread and player props

Player props focus on individual performance, such as passing yards, home runs, or points scored. Props are popular because they allow bettors to back specific players even if they are unsure about the game outcome.

Because futures, parlays, and props are harder to win than single bets, most experienced bettors keep stakes smaller and avoid chasing longshot payouts just because they support a local team.

Managing Bankroll When You Bet on Your Own Team

Betting on your favorite California teams can be fun, but it also increases the risk of emotional decision making. Familiarity and fandom often lead bettors to overestimate their team or chase losses after a bad result.

Practical bankroll rules to follow:

• Use a fixed staking plan, usually 1 to 2 percent of your bankroll per bet
• Set daily and weekly loss limits before you start betting
• Avoid doubling up after a loss to try to get even
• Keep futures and parlays at smaller stake sizes
• Be cautious with live betting after bad beats or emotional swings
• Separate fan loyalty from bet sizing and decision making

Betting should enhance watching games, not add stress or financial pressure. If betting stops being enjoyable or feels out of control, it is important to step back.

Support and resources are available here: California problem gambling help.