Sports betting is not legal in California in the way most bettors expect it to be for the near future. The state has no California-licensed online sportsbooks, no statewide mobile betting apps, and no legal retail sports betting market. Major regulated operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN BET do not operate in California.
That doesn’t mean Californians have no options. Some forms of gambling are legal under California law, and many residents choose to bet through offshore sportsbooks that accept California players, even though those sites are not regulated by the state of California. This guide explains the current legal status, why legalization has stalled, what gambling is allowed today, and what realistic options exist for Californians.
Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in California
Sports betting is not legal or regulated in California. The state does not license online sportsbooks, does not allow California mobile sports betting apps, and does not permit retail sportsbooks at casinos or racetracks.
Here’s what that means in practical terms for California bettors:
- No California-licensed sportsbooks exist, online or in person
- Mobile betting apps such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN BET are geo-blocked in California
- California regulators do not oversee sports wagering, payouts, or dispute resolution
- Pari-mutuel horse racing is regulated separately and does not fall under sports betting law
Despite the lack of a regulated market, many California residents still place bets using offshore sportsbooks that accept players from California. These platforms operate under licenses outside the U.S. and are not regulated by California, meaning users do not receive state-level consumer protections.
If you’re looking for a practical overview of where Californians typically bet today, see our main California page.
Why Sports Betting Is Still Illegal in California
TL;DR:
- Tribal gaming exclusivity plays a central role in California gambling policy
- Tribes and commercial sportsbook operators have not agreed on a single market model
- Voters were presented with competing ballot measures and heavy negative advertising
- Public confusion and distrust reduced support for legalization
California’s sports betting debate is driven less by demand and more by how a future market would be structured. Tribal governments hold strong gaming rights in the state, overseen by the California Gambling Control Commission, and any expansion of sports betting typically requires their support. At the same time, national sportsbook operators have pushed for online and mobile access, creating conflict over control, licensing, and revenue distribution.
Horse racing is regulated under a separate legal framework in California, with online pari-mutuel wagering permitted through approved platforms (horse racing), underscoring how limited the state’s online betting exceptions currently are.
The result has been stalled progress. Without alignment between tribes, lawmakers, and potential operators, California has not been able to present voters with a clear, unified plan for legal sports betting.
California Sports Betting Timeline (Key Events)
California’s sports betting debate has evolved slowly since federal restrictions were lifted, shaped mainly by conflicts between tribal gaming interests, lawmakers, and commercial sportsbook operators. While many states moved quickly after PASPA was repealed, California followed a far more cautious and fragmented path that has repeatedly stalled progress.
| Year / Date | Initiative / Event | Outcome / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| May 2018 | PASPA repealed by U.S. Supreme Court | States were given the authority to legalize sports betting individually. California lawmakers and tribal groups began informal discussions but took no immediate action. |
| 2019–2020 | Early legislative attempts | Several sports betting related bills were introduced in the state legislature but failed to advance, largely due to disagreements over tribal exclusivity and online betting. |
| 2021 | Tribal retail betting proposals | California tribes formally pushed for retail-only sports betting tied to tribal casinos and horse racetracks, excluding statewide online wagering. |
| November 2022 | California Proposition 26 | Voters rejected the measure, which would have legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks while expanding tribal gaming rights. |
| November 2022 | California Proposition 27 | The online sports betting initiative backed by commercial operators was overwhelmingly rejected, signaling strong voter resistance to the proposed framework. |
| 2023 | Post-election reset | Following the 2022 defeats, lawmakers and stakeholders paused major efforts, with no new ballot initiatives advancing during the year. |
| 2024–2025 | Stalled legislation | Discussions continued behind the scenes, but no bill or ballot initiative gained enough support to move forward, keeping sports betting illegal statewide. |
The failure of both 2022 ballot measures was a defining moment for California sports betting law. Voters rejected competing visions from tribes and commercial operators, leaving no clear path forward and making lawmakers hesitant to revisit the issue without unified tribal support.
As things stand, there is no approved framework and no active ballot measure addressing when sports betting will be legal in California. Until tribal interests, legislators, and operators align on a single proposal, the current deadlock is expected to continue.
What Happened With Prop 26 and Prop 27?
California voters rejected both major sports betting ballot initiatives in 2022, and those outcomes continue to shape the state’s approach to legalization today. Keep an eye on the latest California sports betting news for any notable changes.
Proposition 26 (Retail Sports Betting)
Proposition 27 (Online and Mobile Sports Betting)
Both measures failed in part because they competed directly against each other, creating voter confusion and an aggressive advertising environment. Without a unified proposal supported by key stakeholders, neither initiative gained enough trust to pass.
When Could Sports Betting Become Legal in California?
There is currently no confirmed timeline for legal sports betting in California. As of January 2026, no new ballot initiative has been approved and no regulatory framework is in place.
The earliest realistic path to legalization is generally viewed as 2027 or later. Any future launch would depend on a new ballot measure and successful agreement between tribal governments, lawmakers, and potential sportsbook operators.
- A new statewide ballot initiative reaching voters
- Clear agreement on tribal participation and market control
- Defined rules for licensing, taxation, and enforcement
Until those conditions are met, California residents should assume that sports betting will remain unavailable through state regulated sportsbooks. Headlines suggesting an imminent launch should be treated cautiously unless a formal measure is actively moving through the ballot process.
What Gambling Is Legal in California Right Now?
Even without legal sports betting, California has one of the largest gambling markets in the country. Several forms of gambling are explicitly permitted under state law, each operating under its own regulatory framework according to the DOJ Bureau of Gambling Control.
Tribal Casinos
Cardrooms
California Lottery
Horse Racing and Pari Mutuel Betting
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Online Casinos and Sweepstakes Games
Can You Bet Online in California Today?
Californians cannot bet online through state licensed sportsbooks because California does not regulate or authorize online sports betting. There are no approved mobile sportsbook apps operating under California law.
That said, Californians still place online bets in a few different ways:
- Legal online pari mutuel horse betting through approved horse racing platforms
- Offshore sportsbooks that accept California players but are not regulated by the state
Offshore sportsbooks operate under licenses outside the United States and do not fall under California gambling regulation. While many residents use these platforms, players should understand that consumer protections differ from those offered by state regulated gambling markets.
If you want a practical walkthrough of how Californians typically place bets today, including registration and payment methods, see our guide on how to bet on sports in California.
Are Offshore Sportsbooks Legal or Safe for Californians?
Offshore sportsbooks are typically licensed outside the United States and operate in jurisdictions where online sports betting is permitted. These sites may be available to California residents, but they are not licensed or regulated by the state of California.
Because offshore sportsbooks fall outside California’s regulatory framework, state agencies do not oversee account disputes, payouts, or consumer protections. Any issues are handled under the sportsbook’s own terms and the rules of its offshore regulator.
Many Californians choose offshore sportsbooks because they offer access from within the state, a wide range of betting markets, and flexible payment options, including cryptocurrency. At the same time, using offshore sites carries additional risk compared to betting with a state regulated sportsbook.
Players who choose to use offshore sportsbooks should focus on established brands with long operating histories, clear licensing information, and a consistent record of paying out winnings. Starting with small deposits and testing withdrawals is a common best practice.
Can You Use a VPN to Bet on Sports in California?
Using a VPN to place sports bets is generally a bad idea. Most regulated sportsbooks prohibit VPN use in their terms and conditions, and attempting to bypass geo blocking can lead to account suspension, voided bets, or confiscated funds.
Even if a VPN appears to work temporarily, sportsbooks use multiple methods to detect location, including device data, account behavior, and payment checks. If a sportsbook determines a VPN was used to access a restricted market, winnings may not be paid.
A VPN does not change California gambling law, and it does not make betting on state regulated apps legal from within California. For users exploring betting options, understanding the legal status of offshore sportsbooks is far more important than attempting to bypass location restrictions.
For a full breakdown of VPN risks and safer alternatives, see our guide to VPN sports betting in California.
Taxes and Age Limits for Sports Betting in California
Sports betting winnings are considered taxable income in the United States, including for California residents. This applies whether bets are placed through a regulated platform or an offshore sportsbook. Californians are required to report gambling winnings on their federal tax returns, even if no tax form such as a W-2G is issued. Offshore sites typically do not provide U.S. tax documentation, so players are expected to keep their own records of betting activity.
The legal gambling age connected to sports betting in California is 21. This age standard comes from tribal casino rules, which set the benchmark for any permitted sports wagering activity in the state. Reputable offshore sportsbooks also restrict accounts to users aged 21 or older and may verify age during withdrawals or account reviews.
This page does not provide tax or legal advice. Gambling tax obligations and age enforcement can vary by situation, so bettors should consult official IRS guidance or a qualified professional if they are unsure about their responsibilities.
Responsible Gaming in California
Before you go, a quick reminder: if you choose to gamble in California or anywhere else, it’s important to do so responsibly. Gambling should be entertainment, not something that creates stress or long-term problems.
California’s tribal casinos place strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Under state requirements, these casinos must provide tools and resources for players who may be losing control. This includes options such as voluntary self-exclusion, on-site information, and clearly displayed resources like free helplines for anyone struggling with gambling-related issues.
Hopefully you never need this support, but it’s important to know that help is available and accessible if gambling starts to feel overwhelming.
For those looking for additional information on gambling help and around responsible gambling, the following organizations may be helpful:
- Gamble Aware –A non-profit organization offering education, tools, and support for individuals affected
by gambling problems. - International Center for Responsible Gaming –A research-focused organization dedicated to understanding gambling behavior and promoting
safer gambling practices. - 24/7 Gambling Support Line – A 24-hour helpline that provides confidential support and guidance for anyone experiencing gambling-related harm.
California-specific resources
- California Council on Problem Gambling – A statewide organization that offers education, referrals, and multiple support options for individuals affected by problem gambling.
- State of California Gambling Help – Official state resources and documentation related to responsible gambling and consumer protections in California.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline – A directory of phone numbers and support services available to California residents seeking immediate or long-term help.
