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California should be the go-to place for sports betting. It has the biggest population in the country at 39 million AND the biggest presence of pro sports teams in the “Big Four” with a whopping 15 pro teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Unfortunately, that’s not the case because California STILL has sports betting banned across the state — and don’t seem to be budging on it either.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean California bettors can’t get action. Offshore betting sites exist for this very reason — and they work perfectly fine in the state. We’ve tried them and it’s a safe and sometimes even better option than licensed sports betting apps. You’re going to want to keep on reading for an in-depth guide to California sports betting!
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Quick California Facts
| Sports betting laws | ❌Not Available |
|---|---|
| Popularion | 39M |
| Minimum gambling age | 21 |
| Retail sports betting | ❌Not Available |
| Online sports betting | ❌Not Available |
| Mobile sports betting | ❌Not Available |
| Online horse racing | ✅ Available |
| DFS | ❌Not Available |
Is Sports Betting Legal In California?
Sports betting is NOT legal in California. It is one of 12 states that have yet to legalize in the United States.
But it’s not because they haven’t tried to pass a bill. In November 2022, Proposition 26 and 27 ended up on the ballot for California voters. The complementary bills would have legalized sports betting under rule of local Native-American tribes — which already operate physical casinos in the state. It’s estimated around $500 million was spent by the tribes and others to promote this bill and get it passed.
The result? An overwhelming failure. Prop 26 was voted down by 67 percent of voters. Prop 27 fared even worse, only getting 17 percent of the votes. And with that, California voters made it evident there’s little appetite for legal sports betting among them.
There's been little traction to get betting passed since then, understandably so given how bad the vote was. There’s hope the tribes can sign a compact with the state and bypass a vote altogether together — similar to what the Seminole Tribe did in Florida — but that only if California lawmakers want to go that route. Given how unpopular betting was with voters, that’s a big risk for lawmakers too.
All this is to say California legalized betting probably isn’t happening anytime soon. But again, offshore betting sites are available. Since they’re not based in the United States, they don’t have to abide by the same rules, thus work perfectly fine in California. As we’ll explain later in this article, offshore betting sites might be even better to use than legally licensed options.
Latest California Legal Betting Updates
Even without legal sports betting, there’s still plenty of news happening in the state of California around the issue. Here are some recent headlines you should be most aware of:
- July 23, 2024: Google updated its advertising policy to permit daily fantasy sports (DFS) ads on web browsers in California. DFS operates in a legal gray area in the state, meaning it is neither explicitly legal nor illegal.
- June 5: San Diego Padres player Tucupita Marcano became the first player since Pete Rose to be banned for betting on the sport. A’s pitcher Michael Kelly was also banned a year and the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani was embroiled in his own controversy with betting.
- May 29: Frank Sizemore, vice president of strategic partnerships at FanDuel, outright said California’s betting future is solely in the hands of local tribes — and not commercial operators like themselves.
- May 14: Ohtani’s former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, pleaded guilty to stealing $7 million from Ohtani, and using it to bet on sports through a local bookie.
- April 30: Construction began on a brand-new rail line that’ll connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The target date of completion is 2028. If betting remains banned in California til then, this train ride might be the easiest way to bet on sports legally or inside the state of California.
Latest California Betting News
Jul 23, 2024 12:15 AM
San Francisco Giants Players Opened Up About Threats from Fans Aggrieved by MLB Bets
Jul 9, 2024 05:33 AM
All Eyes on California Sports Betting Debate Following Recent United States Supreme Court Decision in Florida
Jun 25, 2024 05:45 PM
Will Legalization of California Sports Betting Require Constitutional Amendment?
Jun 1, 2024 07:07 PM
Will Underage Gambling Concerns Prevent California Sports Betting Legalization?
Best Sportsbooks In Each Category
| Best overall |  |
|---|---|
| Best bonuses | BetUS |
| Most unique bonuses | BetNow |
| Top VIP program | MyBookie |
| Best reputation | Bovada |
| Best sportsbook | BetOnline |
| Best casino | Everygame |
| Best mobile app | XBet |
| Best for new players | Bovada |
| Best for high rollers | BetUS |
| Best up-and-coming sportsbook | XBet |
Top 7 Sports Betting Sites
Here’s a short list of the top 7 offshore sportsbooks for California bettors:
- BetUS - Extensive range of betting options across multiple sports.
- Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
- BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
- XBet - Quick payouts and responsive customer support.
- BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
- MyBookie - Innovative prop bets and creative wagering opportunities.
- Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
#1 BetUS
BetUS California Pros & Cons
- Massive free-play bonuses
- Deep betting menu
- 7-day expiration on free play
- High rollover requirements
BetUS ends up on this list for one major reason: their promotional bonuses. Simply put, no other sportsbook gives out the type of free play they do — and it’s not even close. This free play results in free betting and that’s never a bad idea for a bettor.
We can’t possibly mention every BetUS deal cause there are dozens of em. However, we will point out a few popular ones to level-set how much money is at stake playing here. The first is the sign-up bonus, which when maxed out, can reach $2625 in free play. There’s also a referral bonus that can top $6000 in free play.
We’ve been around this industry enough to know numbers like these are almost unheard of. Most betting sites might offer $1000 in free play as a sign-up bonus and BetUS almost triples that. Referral bonus? Maybe $200, not an eye-popping $6000. Before you think that BetUS offers are “too good to be true”, we can assure you, these are as legit as can be.
Of course, BetUS is a good all-around platform beyond just giving out free play like candy. Its sportsbook has all the bets you’re probably looking for, and at competitive prices too. A bettor could realistically do all their sports wagering and not miss out on anything.
Between the big-money bonuses and the deep sportsbook, BetUS has become our top recommendation for California bettors. It’s hard to go wrong with this site.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2 Bovada
Bovada California Pros & Cons
- Extremely trustworthy
- Simple and clean betting experience
- Site looks rather dates
- Cheap bonuses
We get it, offshore sportsbooks don’t always have the best reputation. The word “offshore” probably conjures images of wealthy people hiding money and dodging taxes. Certainly, there have been some “bad apples” that’ve done damage to the industry’s reputation. But we’re here to say Bovada is, without question, one of the most truthworthy brands around.
Bovada has been around since the early 2010s and has become one of the biggest brands — both in name value and userbase. Ask yourself, would that happen if they weren’t reputable? Of course not. No, it only happens if Bovada provides a top-end service and it does.
The key to Bovada’s success is simplicity. The platform is barebones, but that’s not a bad thing. With a straightforward design and user experience, they’ve made using Bovada strictly about the betting. Load times are fast and the site just works like it’s supposed to as a result of it.
The sportsbook is well-stocked too. Not only will you find the top sports leagues, but some obscure ones too. Things like cricket, curling, rugby, and more are readily available to bet on here. It’s a one-stop-shop of sorts.
We especially recommend Bovada to newbie bettors. That’s because the site is easy to pick up even if you’re new to this online betting thing. Experienced bettors and high-rollers have a place here too, but first-timers will really take a liking to Bovada.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3 BetOnline
BetOnline California Pros & Cons
- Huge sportsbook menu
- Solid promotional bonuses
- Could use more contests
All of the sportsbooks on this list have stocked-to-the-brim betting menus, particularly in sports, or else they wouldn’t make this list. However, among them, BetOnline has the single-best bet selection of all. This is multi-faceted too.
First of all, BetOnline might quite literally have the most betting markets of all. Everything we ever needed — from Canadian Football League to Belarusian soccer to ping pong games — seemingly had bets available on here. Everything! It’s honestly impressive. At a certain point, it just gets fun to toss money into some random event for the sake of it.
Moreover, all these different sports have many bet types there for the taking too. Yes, the classic moneyline, spread, and over/under bets are there. However, the real fun is in the prop or futures markets. This is where BetOnline separates itself from the pack with a wide-array to special bets.
All these bets, mind you, are offered at bettor-friendly prices. The reality is, these days, betting lines across sportsbooks are near identical. It used to make sense to “line shop” but it’s harder to find value. BetOnline is in line with most other bookies odds-wise, however, if there’s ever a discount, BetOnline is more likely to have it.
At the end of the day, California bettors are here to bet on sports and bet on sports some more. When you have as deep a sportsbook as BetOnline, the core essentials are covered.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4 XBet
XBet California Pros & Cons
- Top-notch betting app
- Great live betting system
- Bonuses are pretty vanilla
- Could use better casino options
The mobile betting experience has taken over the industry (more on this later). It’s a trend that isn’t going to go away anytime soon either. For this reason, XBet ends up high on our recommendation. Out of all the betting apps we’ve tried, and we’ve tried hundreds, XBet grades out as one of the best.
First of all, the app just flat-out looks good. If you’re going to bet on this for a long time, it might as well look good — and it doesn’t on XBet. Many competitors have outdated apps, reflective of their websites that were built in the early 2010s. However, XBet looks not only modern but even forward-looking.
Trust us though, the app design isn’t just for cosmetics. No, it’s also for a smooth betting experience. Despite an app jam-packed with bonuses, games, and features, XBet almost always works without a hitch. You can glide around XBet without any type of error or lag whatsoever.
Speaking of lag, there’s none of it when betting in-play on XBet. None! This is a rarity in the industry. Look, the mechanics of live betting is harder than most bettors realize — a lot can wrong when updating odds in a game happening in real time. However, on XBet, the bettor won’t ever realize it because it works even better than it’s supposed to.
The last thing we’ll say about XBet is this: it’s going to continue to stay ahead of the curve. And if you’ve been around this industry long enough, you know change or a new trend is always around the corner. We’re confident XBet will adapt with the times, heck, they’ll lead the path to the new horizon. It’s never a bad idea to hitch your wagon to a bookie like that.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5 BetNow
BetNow California Pros & Cons
- Wide-array of promotions
- Only sportsbook rebate in the business
- Improved in-play betting experience
- Sportsbook odds can be a little pricy than competitors
Promotional bonuses are how BetNow ends up on this shortlist. But unlike BetUS which is all about big money, BetNow goes about their promos more uniquely. First of all, they offer a ton of variety, which is not the norm in this industry.
For starters, there are four different welcome bonuses. Most bookmakers offer one and only one — whether you’re a high roller or a complete newb. That doesn’t make sense; but that’s why BetNow offers four distinct ones, each with different max bonuses and rollover rates. That way, bettors can decide what works best for their needs.
There are also three reload bonuses and three rebate programs. We want to hone-in on the latter because BetNow is the only sportsbook that we know of that offers a sportsbook rebate. That’s right, a refund on net sports-betting losses. It’s hard to be one-of-a-kind in this copycat industry yet BetNow manages to with this promotion.
Outside of unique offers, BetNow presents a good betting platform. Like we’ve mentioned about other sites on this list, the betting menu isn’t lacking — whether that’s sports, casino, or horse racing. It’s hard to ever get bored with this amount of betting options.
The last thing we’ll say is BetNow has vastly improved its live-betting experience. Not only are more live bets offered across the major sports and leagues, but more than that, the experience is top-notch. It too rarely lags, even in sports like basketball where the live lines are changing all game long. The improvements made here really round out the site’s playing experience.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#6 MyBookie
MyBookie California Pros & Cons
- Excellent VIP program
- Well-stocked casino and sportsbook
- VIP program is invite only
- Platform could use a new look
If you end up loving MyBookie, it’ll be because you joined their VIP program. This is really where MyBookie stands out from the crowd. Many betting sites have tried and failed to mimic the “comp” programs you’d find in Las Vegas casinos. MyBookie is one of the few rewards programs that holds its own though.
Here’s why it’s such a stand-out program: cause it’s not open to just anyone. MyBookie has gone the exclusive route and made the VIP program invite-only. Many bettors will scoff at it, but you can’t provide the benefits that MyBookoe does at scale.
What benefits you ask? Most of all, exclusive bonuses — from risk-free bets to free casino spins and a whole lot more. There’s also cashback on betting losses, as much as $1000 on the high end. Prioritized payments are also a thing for VIP members for those quick turnaround times.
So how does one go about entering the MyBookie VIP program? Welp, you got to be a consistent bettor. They’re not just going to give away the perks we mentioned above for casual bettors. No, you have to bet there for a long period of time and if we’re being honest, wager with volume. We probably won’t have to remind you, but this is a business and they only want to invest in bettors that’ll return that investment with high volumes.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#7 Everygame
Everygame California Pros & Cons
- Awesome casino
- Most soccer/football betting options around
- Mobile app needs some catching up to do
- Bonuses don't pay all that much
Everygame was once known as Intertops. When you backtrack that history, it’s one of the most tenured betting sites around. It ends up on this list because it’s a well-rounded experience.
A lot of the things we’ve mentioned about the previous sites — diverse bonuses, large betting menu, slick mobile app — also apply here. It’s not that Everygame does any of these exceptionally well, but all have a place on site. Added together, it really makes for a top-end experience.
If there is one area in that Everygame stands out to us is in its casino offerings. First of all, there are multiple casinos here, and even a live dealer one. Gaming options are absolutely everywhere, whether you’re on a computer or mobile phone. Casino betting is a perfect complement to the sportsbook.
Speaking of which, the Everygame sportsbook holds up pretty damn well too. Everygame is European-based, which means the football (soccer if you’re American) betting selection here is almost second to none. Often, Everygame will marry their promos based on the sport — a double-whammy for football bettors.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Ceasars?
None of these betting apps are legally allowed to operate in California. Unlike offshore betting sites, these three companies — along with the likes of ESPN Bet and Fanatics Sportsbooks — have to play by the rules, and the rules specifically say they can’t operate in California.
Try the apps on your phone and they’ll geo-block you from betting. Each app has technology built-in that maps exactly where you are. If that tech pins you within state borders, it won’t allow you to lock in a bet. This tech is so that even VPNs can’t bypass it so don’t try to get cute with it.
Latest California Betting News
Jul 23, 2024 12:15 AM
San Francisco Giants Players Opened Up About Threats from Fans Aggrieved by MLB Bets
Jul 9, 2024 05:33 AM
All Eyes on California Sports Betting Debate Following Recent United States Supreme Court Decision in Florida
Jun 25, 2024 05:45 PM
Will Legalization of California Sports Betting Require Constitutional Amendment?
Jun 1, 2024 07:07 PM
Will Underage Gambling Concerns Prevent California Sports Betting Legalization?
Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In California
Even if betting was 100 percent legal in California, you wouldn’t be able to throw money on outcomes like politics or entertainment in a licensed betting app. You see, when you get a state license, you also get regulated. One of the most common regulations found in the country is only sports can be bet on.
Thankfully, no such restrictions apply to offshore betting sites. Everything — and we mean everything — is on the betting table here including presidential results, entertainment show outcomes, WWE endings (yes, even though it’s scripted), and more.
Betting Apps In California
These days, bettors prefer to use mobile apps to lock in sports wagers. Apps are easily available on your phone, and make it easy to bet on the move — anywhere and everywhere. Offshore betting sites are riding this trend too, including the seven we mentioned before.
We wrote up a special guide to California betting apps that covers this topic more in-depth. It’s a lengthy topic, which deserves its own guide. Check it out for a full look at mobile betting in California.
Start Betting In California — Our Guides
If you’ve somehow landed on this page as an inexperienced (or first-time) bettor, then you’re in good hands.
We have in-depth guides to all things betting. At first, it may seem confusing, but we can assure you, it’s not that bad — especially if you read through our writings. The following five guides are good starting points in your betting journey too:
- Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
- Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
- How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
- Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
- Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out
Payment Methods Available For California Sportsbooks
Offshore betting sites accept a full gamut of payment methods these days — credit cards, debit cards, checks, and crypto. The latter is unique because again, regulated bookmakers can’t touch crypto with a ten-foot pole. Only offshore betting sites support crypto coins.
Here are quick links to more pages on offshore payment methods:
- VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
- Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
- Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
- Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.
California Casinos And Resorts
There are several tribal casinos serving California. A lot! — but then again, the state has a large land mass so they end up spread out, from South to North.
| Casino | Phone Number | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrah’s Northern California - Amador County | N/A | 4650 Coal Mine Road | Ione |
| Jackson Rancheria Casino - Amador County | (209) 223-1677 | 12222 New York Ranch Road | Jackson |
| Feather Falls Casino - Butte County | (877) 652-4646 | 3 Alverda Drive | Oroville |
| Gold Country Casino & Hotel - Butte County | (530) 534-9892 | 4020 Olive Highway | Oroville |
| Colusa Casino Resort - Colusa County | (800) 655-8946 | 3770 Highway 45 | Colusa |
| San Pablo Lytton Casino - Contra Costa County | (510) 215-7888 | 13255 San Pablo Ave | San Pablo |
| Elk Valley Casino - Del Norte County | (888) 574-2744 | 2500 Howland Hill Road | Crescent City |
| Lucky 7 Casino - Del Norte County | (866) 777-7170 | "350 North Indian Road | Smith River" |
| Redhawk Casino - El Dorado County | (888) 573-3495 | 1 Red Hawk Boulevard | Placerville |
| Mono Wind Casino - Fresno County | (559) 855-4350 | 37302 Rancheria Lane | Auberry |
| Table Mountain Casino - Fresno County | (800) 541-3637 | 8184 Table Mountain Road | Friant |
| Bear River Casino - Humboldt County | (1-800) 761-BEAR (2327) | 11 Bear Paws Way | Loleta |
| Blue Lake Casino - Humboldt County | (877) BLC-2WIN | 777 Casino Way | Blue Lake |
| Lucky Bear Casino - Humboldt County | (530) 625-4211 | Highway 96 | Hoopa |
| Cher-Ae Heights Bingo & Casino - Humboldt County | (800) 684-2464 | 27 Scenic Drive | Trinidad |
| Quechan Resort Casino - Imperial County | (1-888) 777-4946 | 525 Algodones Road | Winterhaven |
| Red Earth Casino - Imperial County | (760) 397-8144 | Hwy 86 & Black Diamond Rd | Salton City |
| Winnedumah Win's Casino - Inyo County | (760) 878-5160 | 135 South Highway 395 | Independence |
| Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino - Kings County | (559) 924-7751 | 17225 Jersey Avenue | Lemoore |
| Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino - Lake County | (800) 809-3636 | 1545 East Highway 20 | Nice |
| Konocti Vista Casino - Lake Count | (800) 386-1950 | 2755 Mission Rancheria Road | Finley |
| Twin Pine Casino - Lake County | (800) 564-4872 | 22223 Highway 29 | Middletown |
| Diamond Mountain Casino - Lassen County | (530) 252-1613 | 900 Skyline Drive | Susanville |
| Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino - Madera County | (866) 7-946-946 | 711 Lucky Lane | Coarsegold |
| Hidden Oaks Casino - Mendocino County | (707) 983-6896 | 76700 Covelo Road | Covelo |
| Sho-Ka-Wah Casino - Mendocino County | (707) 744-1395 | 13101 Nokomis Road | Hopland |
| Red Fox County - Mendocino County | (888) 473-3369 | 200 Cahto Drive | Laytonville |
| Desert Rose Casino - Modoc County | (530) 233-3141 | 901 County Road 56 | Altura |
| Thunder Valley Casino - Placer County | (916) 408-7777 | 1200 Athens Avenue | Lincoln |
| Agua Caliente Casino - Riverside County | (888) 999-1995 | 68960 E Palm Canyon Dr | Cathedral City |
| Augustine Casino - Riverside County | (888) PLAY2WIN | 84-001 Avenue 54 | West Coachella |
| Cahuilla Creek Casino - Riverside County | (909) 763-1200 | 52702 Highway 371 | Anza |
| Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino - Riverside County | (800) 827-2946 | 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway | Indio |
| Morongo Casino - Riverside County | (800) 252-4499 | 49750 Seminole Drive | Cabazon |
| Pechanga Resort & Casino - Riverside County | (877) 7112-WIN | 45000 Pala Road | Temecula |
| Soboba Casino - Riverside County | (866) 4-Soboba | 23333 Soboba Road | San Jacinto |
| Spotlight 29 Casino - Riverside County | (760) 775-5566 | 46-200 Harrison Place | Coachella |
| Tortoise Rock Casino - San Bernardino | (866) 377-6829 | 73829 Base Line Rd | Twentynine Palms |
| Havasu Landing Resort and Casino - San Bernardino | (800) 307-3610 | 1 Main Street | Havasu Lake |
| Barstow Resort & Casino - San Bernardino | N/A | I-15 off Lenwood Rd Exit | Barstow |
| Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino - San Diego | (888) 722-7662 | 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road | Ladeside |
| Casino Pauma - San Diego | (877) 687-2862 | 777 Pauma Reservation Road | Pauma Valley |
| La Jolla Slot Arcade - San Diego | (760) 742-0460 | 22003 Highway 76 | Pauma Valley |
| Golden Acorn Casino - San Diego | (619) 938-6000 | 1800 Golden Acorn Way | Campo |
| Harrah’s Southern California - San Diego | (877) 777-2457 | 777 Harrah's Rincon Way | Valley Center |
| Jamul Casino - San Diego | (619) 315-2250 | 14145 Campo Road | Jamul |
| Pala Casino Resort & Spa - San Diego | (877) 946-7252 | 11154 Highway 76 | Pala |
| Santa Ysabel Resort & Casino - San Diego | (760) 787-0909 | 25575 Highway 79 | Santa Ysabel |
| Sycuan Resort and Casino - San Diego | (800) 279-2826 | 5485 Casino Way | El Cajon |
| Valley View Casino - San Diego | (760) 291-5500 | 16300 Nyemii Pass Road | Valley Center |
| Viejas Casino - San Diego | (619) 445-5400 | 5000 Willows Road | Alpine |
| Chumash Casino Resort - Santa Barbara | (800) 728-9997 | 3400 East Highway 246 | Santa Ynez |
| Win-River Casino - Shasta County | (530) 243-3377 | 2100 Redding Rancheria Road | Redding |
| Pit River Casino - Shasta County | (888) 245-2992 | 20265 Tamarack Avenue | Burney |
| Graton Resort and Casino - Sonoma County | N/A | Wilfred Avenue and Stony Point Road | Rohnert Park |
| River Rock Casino - Sonoma County | (707) 857-2777 | 3250 Highway 128 East | Geyserville |
| Rolling Hills Casino - Tehama County | (888) 331-6400 | 2655 Barham Avenue | Corning |
| Eagle Mountain Casino - Tulare County | (800) 903-3353 | 681 South Tule Road | POrterville |
| Chicken Ranch Bingo & Casino - Tuolumne County | (800) 75-BINGO | 16929 Chicken Ranch Road | Jamestown |
| Black Oak Casino - Tuolumne County | (877) 747-8777 | 19400 Tuolumne Road North | Tuolumne |
| Cache Creek Casino - Yolo County | (888) 77-CACHE | 14455 Highway 16 | Brooks |
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Yuba County | N/A | 3317 Forty Mile Road | Wheatland |
California Sports Betting Timeline
Despite there being no legal sports betting in California, there’s been a lot of movement on the issue over the years. Here are the biggest events that got us to where we are today:
2024
- July 23, 2024 - Google revised its ad policy, now allowing daily fantasy sports (DFS) advertisements on web browsers in California. DFS exists in a legal gray area in the state, operating without explicit legalization or prohibition.
- April 30, 2024 - The commencement of construction marked the inception of a novel high-speed rail network linking Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Scheduled for inauguration in 2028, the railway promises enhanced accessibility for Californians to legal sports betting, should it not debut within the state prior to its launch.
- April 7, 2024 — Indian Gaming Association Chairman Victor Rocha said that “retail sports betting will be back on the ballot in California in 2026, with mobile to follow in 2028 if all goes to plan.”
- March 20, 2024 - A betting scandal rocked California as renowned athlete Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s legal team alleged that Mizuhara had stolen at least $4.5 million from the player to pay off gambling debts.
- January 7, 2024 — The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), comprising prominent US gambling operators, opposes two sports betting ballots in California and will not provide financial support for either initiative.
2023
- December 1, 2023 - DraftKings introduced the DK Horse betting app in California, providing state bettors with a fresh mobile betting choice for major horse racing events.
- November 2, 2023 - Tribal leaders in California have opposed the two ballot initiatives to legalize sports betting, openly criticizing the proposals.
- October 5, 2023 - Golden Gate Fields racetrack in Berkeley will stay open until June 2024 to hold another year of horse races before closing down.
- September 5, 2023 - Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley will cease operations permanently this December. The horse racing track's closure looks to increase the attendance at Santa Anita.
- August 2, 2023 - Native American tribes in California advocated for legislation that would allow them to legally challenge card games such as blackjack offered at casinos.
- July 3, 2023 - The 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians has launched a new social betting platform that allows users to participate in online sports wagering without real money. You can earn credits through the platform and use them at the tribe's casinos.
- June 12, 2023 - The Oakland Athletics announced a preliminary agreement with Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, signaling their intention to move the team to Las Vegas.
- May 5, 2023 - During a conference, Jason Robins, the CEO of DraftKings, expressed his belief that legalizing sports betting in California would take considerable time.
- March 23, 2023 - As lobbyists advocate for the legalization of mobile betting, state representatives are analyzing its widespread success throughout the country.
- February 28, 2023 - Will the pummelling of California sports betting in 2022 stop any upcoming ballot pushes in the future?
- January 27, 2023 - It is expected that California will vote to approve online sports betting legal – what to expect.
2022
- December 14, 2022 -With the clear rejection of Proposition 27, those in the industry need to change their strategy for working with tribes to legalize online sports betting in California.
- November 23, 2022 – The future of sports betting looks bleak, given the lack of movement in 2022.
- November 9, 2022 – Gambling giants are the losers following California rejecting a betting bill. There is hope for the industry to overturn a referendum outcome in the biggest US market in 2024.
- November 8, 2022 – Both Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 failed to expand legal sports betting in California in the Midterm elections
- October 30, 2022 – Special interest in ballot propositions is making things complicated regarding sports betting legalization in California.
- September 30, 2022 - Dueling California sports betting propositions appear headed for defeat, poll finds.
- August 27, 2022 - California's sports betting propositions break state spending records.
- August 8, 2022 - Analysts have predicted that both California sports betting ballot questions will be defeated.
- August 1, 2022 - Just last week, a Tribe-Sponsored advert aimed at attacking opponents to Prop 27 was published, claiming those opposing the Prop liars.
- July 28, 2022 - A recent lawsuit has come to light that could change gambling in casinos in California.
- July 1, 2022 - In a sports betting spat, tribes tout big backers against online giants, with Dolores Huerta leading things.
- May 18, 2022 - The General Election in the United States and local elections in California with local measures such as the Draft Kings, FanDuel and BetMGM-backed measure for legalizing sports betting in California and a competing measure from the California Native Tribes - both measures collected enough signatures to be on the ballot.
- May 17, 2022 - The Golden State Warriors are the only California team left in either the NBA or NHL playoffs. The Edmonton Oilers eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in 7 games, and Dallas Mavericks beat Phoenix Suns also in 7 games. Mavericks and Warriors will now battle for the Western Conference title and the ticket to the 2022 NBA Finals against the winner of Eastern Conference Finals, Miami Heat or Boston Celtics.
- April 15, 2022 - California voters get their opportunity to legalize sports betting in November, when the California Native Tribes' measure is on the ballot. This would legalize dice games and sports betting at Native American-operated casinos.
- March 8, 2022 - A lawsuit to invalidate a retail sport betting ballot proposal has been filed because the Supreme Court declined to hear it.
- February 25, 2022 - Over a fifth of California voters are undecided on sports betting, according to a survey from UC Berkeley. At least one sports betting option will be on November's ballot.
- February 9, 2022 - Three tribes are looking to bring forward a sportsbook-backed ballot initiative to put mobile sports betting on the November ballot.
- January 18, 2022 - The fight to control sports betting in California gets picked up by an article in the New York Times.
2021
History Of California Legalization Efforts
The progress with legal sports betting in California has been a relatively short journey. Here's how things broke down over the years.
First progress with the amendment in 2020
Within days of the PASPA ruling, California Assembly member Adam Gray announced his desire for a pro-sports betting amendment. Shortly after, California State Senator Bill Dodd joined the movement, planning to shape a bill for inclusion on the November ballot. The first sports betting hearing in California was held in January 2020, and it didn’t seem promising in terms of approval in 2020 at least.
Other states have a different approach toward sports betting. You can check out the full list of US states here.
It’s projected that sports betting in California could be worth $2.5 billion per year (including online betting revenue) in California, which is wild to think that there is even an ounce of hesitation from elected officials. There are a number of great sportsbooks near Los Angeles operating today, which provide a great range of betting markets and very competitive odds.
An initiative backed by 18 Native American tribes wants to limit sports betting to physical casinos and racetracks and ban online gambling in California. This is not a shared viewpoint shared with supporters of online sports betting websites.
2024 and looking forward
It’s assumed that sports betting won’t be legalized until at least 2026 after two ballot measures in favor of sports betting were rejected in November 2022 and then none appeared during the 2024 state legislature meetings So, Californian sports bettors still have a little way to go before they can legally bet on sports in Californian casinos or sportsbooks.
Currently, gambling in the state is regulated and limited to card rooms, tribal casinos, the state lottery, horse racing, and charitable gaming. California has 69 Native American casinos, hosting 70,000 slot machines and more than two thousand table games.
The California State lottery includes Mega Millions and Powerball, which is always well received.
Horse racing is a big deal in California, which is home of Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita tracks, making horse betting a huge revenue stream.
California's Tribal Initiatives to Legalize Sports Betting
The last ballot initiative that faced voters in November 2022 was a tribal initiative. It would have allowed for sports betting at tribal casinos and horse tracks throughout the state.
However, one of the major drawbacks of this initiative was that it would not allow for any online sports betting sites to be licensed in the state. Bettors would still have needed to use the same offshore sportsbooks they have been using, but no new ones would be licensed. The timeline set out by this initiative for mobile sports betting would be five years.
The problem is that California is huge, so getting to a tribal casino is not always practical. Plus, it would not extend sports betting to card rooms, which the tribes have argued violate their compacts. With all of this said, a November 2022 online sports betting bill also appeared on the California ballot. Both of these measures were rejected. Fast forward to 2024, and the legalization of California sports betting still appears to be years away.
Betting On California Sports Teams
As we said at the top, there’s no shortage of pro and collegiate teams in the Golden State. All the ones were about to mention are widely available at the best offshore sportsbooks. Here’s what’s out there:
Betting On California NFL Teams
The NFL commands the most betting action by a large margin. Among the three California-based NFL teams, it’s the San Francisco 49ers that get the most looks. Los Angeles-based Rams and Chargers are getting there, but they don’t have the privilege of calling California home as long as the Niners have.
Betting On California MLB Teams
When it comes to all of California, the most popular team might just be the Los Angeles Dodgers. Therefore, they command their fair share of action in MLB betting. There’s also the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Padres, and the Los Angeles Angels. The Oakland A’s will soon be leaving the state and going to Las Vegas.
Betting On California NBA Teams
Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings all fight for attention in California. But make no mistake about it, this state is divided in half — Lakers for the South and the Warriors in the north.
Betting On California NHL Teams
Hockey might not seem like a sport that would be popular in a cool-and-sunny weather state like California, but the sport has surprisingly caught on. Here, the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and the San Jose Sharks all fight for attention and betting dollars.
Betting On California NCAA Teams
There are dozens upon dozens of college programs in California. No way we’re going to name them all, however, just know the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins are the “top dogs” among fans and bettors alike.
Other Types Of Betting In California
As we’ve mentioned, casino betting is legal inside California — so long as it’s done on native-owned casinos. It’s not hard to find these establishments. Inside them, you’ll find a bevy of casino games, from slots to table games. Pretty much everything you’d find in a Las Vegas casino will also be offered here.
Daily fantasy sports betting IS allowed in California too. So technically speaking, DraftKings and FanDuel do operate in California, but not for their sportsbooks.
As for horse-race betting, this too is allowed in California — and actually online too. Several apps, including DraftKings and FanDuel, take in bets for it inside their horse-racing platforms. Of course, horse-race betting can also be done in-person at one of the few racetracks in the state.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
Want a guide just like this for the other 49 states in the United States? We got you! Here are quick links to our most popular guides:
Responsible Gaming In California
Last thing before we let you go: if you’re going to be gambling in California (or elsewhere), please do so responsibly. This should be fun hobby— not a life-changing issue.
California’s tribal casinos certainly take this topic seriously. By state law, these casinos have to offer a wide-range of features for bettors that lose their track. Features include an ability to self-ban from gaming and posters or signs that give resources (a free hotline, for instance) for those struggling to control their gaming habits, among others.
We sure hope it never gets that bad for you reading this, but just know, help is available if you look for it.
"For those seeking additional resources on responsible gaming, consider these organizations: BeGambleAware, Problem Gambling Coalition, Gambling Therapy, and Addiction Center. You may also find the following websites helpful:
Gambling Addiction Support Network https://www.gamblingaddictionsupport.org/ A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) https://www.centerforresponsiblegaming.org/ The Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line https://www.gamblinghelponline.org/24-7-helpline/ A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems."
California-specific ones:
California Council on Problem Gambling - https://calpg.org/ - An organization to help gamblers escape via a variety of different help channels.
State of California Gambling Help - https://oag.ca.gov/gambling/responsible - A range of helpful documentation and organizations to help gamblers in the state.
National Problem Gambling Helpline - https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/california/ - A few numbers that can help gamblers find help.
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