In this comprehensive guide to sports betting in California, we’ll review the best California sportsbooks that you can sign up for without breaking any California laws. All our recommended betting sites are located offshore and will accept US bettors.
We’ll also give a thorough explanation of the relevant local laws, explain the conflicts between Native American tribes and other industry players, and make an attempt to predict what the future of legal sports betting in CA will be. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about sports betting in California.
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BetOnline |
50% Match Deposit Bonus Worth Up To $1,000 |
50% Match Deposit Bonus Worth Up To $1,000
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BOL1000
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This offer is subject to a 30-day time limit. Odds of at least 2:1 apply. This offer is limited to one bonus per new customer and first time deposit. |
Bovada |
75% Crypto Deposit Bonus Up To $750 |
75% Crypto Deposit Bonus Up To $750
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BVD1000
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Use code BVD1000 with your first deposit. Wagering requirement: 5x for sports and horses, 30x for casino. Deposit using credit card or Bitcoin. Withdrawing before requirements are met forfeits bonus money and any winnings from the bonus money. Casino games are excluded. |
Betnow Sports |
100% up to $1000 Welcome Bonus |
100% up to $1000 Welcome Bonus
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BN150
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Terms and conditions apply. 18+.To claim your 150% bonus, select BN150 when you process your initial deposit with MoneyGram, Zelle and Card deposits. Min. $10 deposit required and max. bonus is $225, 20X rollover. |
Everygame |
100% up to $500 Welcome Bonus |
100% up to $500 Welcome Bonus
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WELCOME500
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Bonus valid only in casino red with bonus codes: INSIDERS1and INSIDERS2. Minimum deposit of $20 USD applies. General terms and conditions apply. |
BetUS |
Up To $2,500 With A 125% Deposit Match (100% Sports Bonus And 25% Casino Bonus) |
Up To $2,500 With A 125% Deposit Match (100% Sports Bonus And 25% Casino Bonus)
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JOIN125
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Minimum deposit of $100 is required to claim the welcome bonus. Use BetUS promo code 'JOIN125' to claim. You must bet on odds of 2.8:1 or higher. The offer is subject to a 14-day time limit. Max cash out limits apply. |
MyBookie |
50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $1000 |
50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $1000
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MYB100
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No time limits apply. Minimum deposit of $50 to claim your bonus. You must bet on wagers with odds of 2.5:1 or more. |
BUSR Sports |
150% Deposit Bonus Up To $2500 |
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Max free play amount is capped at $1000. Minimum deposit to qualify is $100. Deposit must be made using cryptocurrency to claim. Offer can be used once only. Rollover is 10x. Redeemable only on the sportsbook. |
Sportsbetting |
50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 |
50% Deposit Match Up To $1000
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SB1000
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50% deposit up to $1,000. You must enter sportsbetting.ag promo code SB1000 to claim the bonus. You must deposit at least $55 to claim. Wager requirement: the bonus comes with a 10x turnover. Deposits using Neteller and Skrill are not valid for this promotion. Validity period: 30 days. The offer is valid for the site’s sportsbook ONLY. This bonus is for new customers/first-time depositors in Canada and USA |
Xbet |
50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $500 + $10 Casino Chip |
50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $500 + $10 Casino Chip
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B2CXB
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The 100% sports betting bonus is capped at $500. You must enter the promo code XB100 to claim. Your minimum deposit must equal or exceed $45. The promotion comes with a rollover of 7x. |
Lucky Block |
200% Welcome Bonus Up To $10,000 + 50 Free Spins |
200% Welcome Bonus Up To $10,000 + 50 Free Spins
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Top 10 Sports Betting Sites in California
We ranked the best offshore sportsbooks for online sports betting in California. All providers listed are located offshore, are licensed and legal to play at, and offer safe & secure wagering. They all provide a full range of legal sports betting options including moneylines, spreads, parlays, teasers, prop bets, live betting. Many also have separate Racebooks and Esports sections.
- BetOnline – In-depth market coverage of major sports leagues
- Bovada – Best California sports betting site for spreads
- BetNow – Good choice of bonuses for new & existing customers
- Everygame – Top California sportsbook with lots of value lines
- BetUS – Popular US sportsbook with huge crypto options
- MyBookie – Excellent range prop bet builder tools
- BUSR – Crypto-friendly sportsbook With 10% cash back crypto rewards
- SportsBetting.ag – Good choice for high-stakes players
- XBet – Great Racebook with extensive coverage & market depth
- Lucky Block – Top new crypto sports betting option in CA
California Sports Betting Updates
After the crushing defeat at public ballot in November, 2022, there has been little movement towards legalization of sports betting in California. It’s a topic that’s still hotly debated in the news, with California being the nation’s most populous state. It remains the primary legalization target for pro-gambling lobbyists across the United States of America.
Here’s a broad overview of some of the key recent events in CA sports betting:
- 9 June, 2023: A ‘social sportsbook’ called Fliff faces a class-action lawsuit from CA stakeholders. The company is alleged to have broken and violated multiple state and federal gambling laws with its product in the state.
- 17 March, 2023: In a YouTube interview, Co-Founder and CEO of DraftKings Jason Robins, tells Joe Pompliano he doesn’t think California sports betting will be legalized in the 2024 election, and may even struggle in 2026.
- 17 February, 2023: Five additional tribes have joined the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). The Alturas Indian Rancheria, Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians, the Colusa Rancheri, the Karuk Tribe and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation bring the total number of tribes represented by CNIGA to 47. Tribal opposition is one of the biggest factors behind delayed legalization of CA sports betting.
- 11 February, 2023: Former LA Dodgers MLB faces new obstruction of justice charge in relation to his involvement in an illegal sports gambling operation, according to the Athletic. It follows Puig’s withdrawal from an agreement to plead guilty to a felony charge of lying to federal investigators in November, 2022.
- 9 November, 2022: Tribal-backed Proposition 26 and commercially-supported Proposition 27v both receive crushing defeats at the ballot. Prop 26 saw 33.02% vote Yes, with 66.98% vote no. Prop 27 received an even heavier battering with 17.72% voting Yes, and 82.28% voting No.
- 28 October, 2022: California Governor Gavin Newson voiced opposition to commercially-backed Proposition 27. He described Proposition 27 as “bad for California”, adding “it would hurt California’s Indian Tribes, increase the risk of underage gambling, and push billions of dollars out of California and into the pockets of out-of-state-corporations.”
- 26 August 2022: With advertising spending on Prop 26 and 27 over $357 million, the campaigns have become the most expensive in California’s ballot spending history – showing the battle ahead in legalization.
Reviews of the Best Sportsbooks California
In the next section, we will dig deeper into the best California sportsbooks with a series of mini-reviews looking at what each of our top 10 betting sites has to offer in more detail. All these licensed offshore sportsbooks are perfectly safe and legal to use for Californians.
1. BetOnline – In-Depth Market Coverage of Major Sports Leagues
BetOnline.ag is another excellent California sports betting site. This established online sportsbook offers bets on football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball. They cover all the major leagues and include many other niche sports such as golf, tennis, MMA, and motorsports. Add to that a dedicated Esports section, a casino, daily contests plus a standalone Racebook with very competitive odds on all the major US track meetings.
New BetOnline players can collect a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $1,000 with a 10x wagering/rollover requirement. You can bet on a wide range of prop bets, parlays, and teasers, and their live betting and streaming are among the best we’ve seen. There is a good selection of bonus codes, and a wide selection of ways to fund your account including crypto, and customer support is available 24/7 via Live Chat.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
50% up to $1,000 | 10x | $20 | Same Day | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
2. Bovada – Best California Sports Betting Site for Spreads
Bovada rates as our overall best sportsbook in California. Although there are a few US states that Bovada does not accept players from, California is not one of them and you can get started in just a few minutes. Bovada offers betting lines on all the main traditional sports and Esports with a great assortment of parlay bets.
We love their advanced prop builder which simplifies creating and placing complex sports wagers. They also offer horse racing betting via a separate Racebook. There’s a good selection of payment methods to choose from including several cryptocurrencies which offer bigger bonuses.
Bovada also has an integrated video streaming service, so you can keep track of matches while placing live bets. Streaming is available through both the dedicated Bovada sports betting app and the browser-powered version of the site. New players can enjoy a welcome bonus of up to $750 with only a 5x wagering requirement. There is 24/7 support via email or Live Chat.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
75% up to $750 (crypto) | 5x | $20 | Same Day | Yes |
Pros:
Cons:
3. BetNow – Good Choice of Bonuses For New & Existing Customers
Launched in 2015, BetNow’s user interface is straightforward to use and browse, making it easy to place bets. They also offer a feature called “Build Your Own” that allows users to create and personalize their own prop bets. All of the main US sports are comprehensively covered by the BetNow sportsbook and there’s also a solid Racebook with a 10% rebate, however overall BetNow does not offer as many sports as other sportsbooks.
BetNow offers a variety of sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and a refer-a-friend incentive. There could be a few more payment methods, but the vast majority of users will be able to make a deposit by using either Visa, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin or Cash Direct. The BetNow welcome bonus is a relatively small one at just $300 maximum but as it is a 150% deposit bonus you only need to deposit $200 to get it. There is live chat support available 24/7.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
150% up to $150 | 10x | $20 | 24 Hours | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
4. Everygame – Top California Online Sportsbook With Lots of Value Lines
Everygame, formerly known as Intertops, has been online since the mid-1990s. Licensed in Antigua, this sportsbook is known for offering some of the best low-juice odds with good coverage of the traditional sports of football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, MMA, and boxing. More niche sports such as handball, cricket, and darts, and esports such as Counter-Strike, Dota2, and League Of Legends are also well covered. Daily horse racing betting is also available at US race tracks.
A fantastic live betting platform has been developed by Everygame in response to the recent surge in popularity of live betting. They have an excellent multiview option that makes following the action and placing bets on numerous games simple. Sadly, there are no live sports streams available but you can contact support anytime via Live Chat.
As a new customer, you can collect a $250 bonus on your first three deposits, giving you up to $750 in welcome bonuses. The wagering is a reasonable 8x.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
100% up to $250 (can be done 3 times on first three deposits) | 8x | $20 | 48 Hours | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
5. BetUS – Popular US Sportsbook With Huge Crypto Bonuses
BetUS has a long history going back almost 30 years and claims to be ‘America’s Favorite Sportsbook. They cater to both traditional sports bettors and horse racing bettors with Esports betting a particular favorite here. New and returning players alike can take advantage of a wide range of promotions at the BetUS Sportsbook, with cryptocurrency users receiving especially attractive bonuses.
BetUS offers a large number of in-play and live betting markets, as well as a plethora of parlay bets for all of your favorite American sports. If you’re a fan of esports, BetUS boasts a huge selection of games and it’s possible to tune in and watch the best in online gaming via the site’s Twitch channel. BetUS also offers one of the biggest welcome bonuses with a 200% crypto bonus of up to $5,000 available to new users. As an added bonus, free expert betting advice and previews are available on the site’s blog, and their customer service team is available 24 hours a day.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
200% up to $5,000 (crypto) | 15x | $100 | 24-48 Hours | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
6. MyBookie – Excellent Range Prop Bet Builder Tools
You won’t find many newer betting sites with as many betting options as the MyBookie sportsbook including prop builders for all the major US sports. Bettors interested in strategies for online sports wagering on major US and other sports can find a wealth of information at MyBookie. Bets can be placed on anything from the outcome of a game and Esports to who will become the next US president.
There is also a separate Racebook offering odds on horse racing, harness racing, and greyhound racing from around the world. To get started you can claim a generous 50% bonus on your first deposit up to $1,000 although the wagering is not as good as other sportsbooks at 14x.
There are numerous MyBookie other promo codes are available for both new and existing clients, and there are more than enough payment methods to fund your account. Live chat, phone, and email are all ways to contact customer service.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
50% up to $1,000 | 14x | $50 | Same Day | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
7. BUSR – Crypto-Friendly Sportsbook With 10% Cash Back Crypto Rewards
BUSR is a relatively new betting site that offers a wide variety of prop bets and has a very good market depth across the major US sports. Horse racing plays a big part in this, as the website’s history would support having started out as a horse racing betting site. The NFL, NBA, college sports like football, NCAA basketball, MLB, NHL, PGA golf, tennis, boxing, soccer, MMA, WNBA, NASCAR, and many other sports and events are available to players. Live betting is also available but options are limited.
There are a decent amount of withdrawal and payment methods, with bigger bonuses on offer for those who load their accounts with cryptocurrencies. New players can get a great bonus of up to $2,500 when they sign up. Additionally, payout timings are speedier than those of many of their competitors. There is 24/7 support via live chat, telephone, and email.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
150% up to $2,500 | 10x | $100 | 3-7 Business Days | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
8. SportsBetting.ag – Good Choice For High-Stakes Players
SportsBetting.ag is the sister website of BetOnline our no.2 rated sportsbook. Both sites have the same features, wagering options, odds, bonuses, promotions, payout options, and customer service methods. Everything is well covered with separate Racebook and Esports sections. With a fiat-based payment, you can get a 50% sign-up bonus up to $1,000 using a 10x rollover requirement, or you can get a 100% sign-up bonus up to $1,000 with cryptocurrency (14x rollover requirement).
The software is the only thing that differs. SportsBetting.ag looks a bit dated and is still using the website they established many years ago while BetOnline has a significantly more modern, stylish, and user-friendly look. Because of this, we ranked this sportsbook lower on our list, but you may prefer the more classic retro look, in which case you can check it out and decide.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
50% up to $1,000 | 10x (14x for crypto) | $20 | Same Day | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
9. XBet – Great Racebook With Extensive Coverage & Market Depth
XBet may not have the biggest selection of sports to bet on (15+) but the market depth and odds are excellent. For those who enjoy horse racing, there is a robust Racebook that has its own dedicated section, and Esports are also covered. The welcome bonuses aren’t the biggest in the business but the XBet welcome offer can give you up to $500 in bonus funds, plus there are weekly rebates on horse racing and reload bonuses available.
Cryptocurrencies are among the payment and withdrawal alternatives available, and there is a range of XBet promo code offers available for both new and returning clients. Customer service is available 24/7 via live chat or email.
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
50% up to $500 | 10x | $20 | 2-3 Days | Yes |
Pros: Cons:
10. Lucky Block – Best New Site for Sports Betting in California 2023
Holding a sports betting license in Curacao, Lucky Block is our pick for the top spot when crypto sports betting in CA. Users can perform transactions using fiat currencies, but Lucky Block is best utilized via crypto transactions, allowing for zero-fee, lightning-fast deposits and withdrawals using nine coins in total, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Soldano, and Dogecoin.
Though a newcomer to the online sports betting market, Lucky Block is easily one of the most stylized and well-rounded California sportsbooks featured on this list. It’s simple to use, has some great features, and the mobile website works perfectly when betting on the go. The sportsbook covers 30+ sports, with a huge selection of wagering options available and deep in-play betting markets for all of California’s most popular teams: Lakers, Clippers, Rams, 49ers, Trojans, Padres – it’s all here.
Unlike other CA sports betting companies, Lucky Block incorporates the use of on-site analytics. Click on an upcoming San Francisco 49ers game, for example, to view all the potentially decisive info before placing a wager, including recent performances, in-form players, and historical results.
Fancy a break from live sports betting? Lucky Block also has deep esports markets, particularly for NBA2K and FIFA23. Plus, there are also some 6,000 slot machines, table games, and even a live casino where patrons can play with a live croupier. Register an account with Lucky Block today and take advantage of the sportsbook’s generous loyalty bonus scheme and excellent new welcome offer.
Welcome Bonus | Rollover Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
200% up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | Wager initial deposit 6x to release each 10% of bonus | $20 | Instant | Yes (using VPN) |
Pros:
- User-friendly platform
- Live betting is available
- Accepts a huge range of cryptos
- 200% welcome offer
Cons:
- Weak traditional banking
FAQs on Californian Sports Betting
How old do I have to be to bet online in California?
Is sports betting legal in California?
Will there be another ballot measure?
When will betting be legal in California?
What betting is legal in California?
Are offshore betting sites safe?
Why is sports betting illegal in California?
Why don’t the California gaming tribes have sports betting?
Who will regulate online sportsbooks in California?
What sports and events will you be able to bet on when betting is legalized?
California Sports Betting Summary
- Currently not legal after failed November 2022 referendum on the subject.
- Plans to keep pursuing legalization form 2024.
- Best offshore betting sites allow customers in California – this is perfectly legal.
- BetOnline are the number one site to sign up with in California.
Top Sportsbooks Likely to Come to California
For now, the best options for prospective bettors in California are sportsbooks based offshore, which provide so many positives for their customers. However, there are some big brands who have opened up regulated sports betting sites in other states which may well arrive in California soon enough. Here are some of those which are available in other states in the US:
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- PointsBet
- Sugarhouse
- Unibet
Comparing California’s Best Online Betting Sites
To help you choose the right betting site for you we have summarized our top 10 California sportsbooks into a table showing their sports betting promo codes & bonuses, the number of sports covered, and any live betting or streaming options.
Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Sports to bet on | Live Betting | Live Streaming |
BetOnline | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 25+ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bovada | 75% up to $750 (crypto) | INSIDERS | 10+ | ✅ | ❌ |
BetNow | 150% up to $150 | INSIDERS | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ |
Everygame | 100% up to $250 (can be done 3 times on first three deposits) | INSIDERS | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ |
BetUS | 200% up to $5,000 (crypto) | INSIDERS | 30+ | ✅ | ❌ |
MyBookie | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 15+ | ✅ | ❌ |
BUSR | 150% up to $2,500 | INSIDERS | 25+ | ✅ | |
SportsBetting.ag | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 25+ | ✅ | ✅ |
XBet | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 15+ | ✅ | ❌ |
Lucky Block | 200% up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | N/A | 35+ | ✅ | ❌ |
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
Online sports betting is currently not regulated in California. However, our recommended offshore sportsbooks do accept bets from US players.
You must be at least 18 years old, reside in California, and have a method of depositing and withdrawing money in order to gamble with one of these offshore sports betting websites.
Who can Legally Bet on Sports in California?
Sports betting is not regulated in California but you can still place sports bets at the legal sportsbooks we recommend – it’s just that they are based and regulated outside of the US, holding a sports betting license most often in their country of origin (often Curacao or Costa Rica).
You need to meet the legal gambling age requirement of being 18 years old, be physically located in California, and have access to cash to bet with at one of these sites. Take a look at the status of online casinos in California.
How to Bet on Sports Online in California
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bet on sports in California, from visiting the homepage to placing your first wager. In this example, we will use our top CA sportsbook, Bovada, but the process will be similar for all sportsbooks.
1. Visit Bovada & Click ‘Join’
To begin using a new sportsbook, go to the California online sports betting site of your choice using the links on this page, then look for the “Join” or “Register” option on the homepage and give it a click. In the case of Bovada you will find a red ‘Join’ button at the top right of the screen on a desktop.
Step 2: Create Account – Enter your personal details
Your name, birth date, mobile number, email address, and zip code will be requested when you click the Join button. This is also where you’ll set your password. You must confirm that you are of legal age to gamble by checking the appropriate box. To finish, select “Register.”
Step 3: Verify Your Account
Verifying your phone number grants you access to all features of your new Bovada account, including the ability to receive a welcome bonus. Bovada will send you a code through an SMS text message that you’ll need to enter into the prompt that appears. You can always choose to verify later if you’d rather not, but doing so will prevent you from receiving any benefits until you do.
Step 4: Fund Your New Account
When you’re signed into the Bovada site, select the person symbol in the upper right corner and then the red ‘Deposit’ option to make a deposit. This will open up the deposit window where you can choose your preferred payment method. To claim your welcome bonus, simply follow the on-screen prompts, making sure to use the coupon code INSIDERS in the appropriate box.
Step 5: Start Betting!
You can begin online wagering once you have cleared funds in your account. This is usually instantaneous with most methods. It is a similar process for signing up on Californian sports betting apps.
When will Betting be Legal in California?
Sports betting in California has been a hotly contested issue. The latest bill to authorize retail and online sports betting was vehemently rejected by California voters on November 8, 2022, garnering less than 20% of public vote. As for the future, the earliest we can begin to imagine legal sports betting in CA is 2024, and even that looks unlikely given the social and political strength of the Tribes in CA.
Why did Californian Residents Reject the 2022 Sports Betting Bill?
It’s important to remember there were not one, but two propositions that went to public vote in November 2022, with both suffering comprehensive defeats at the ballot.
Proposition 26 was a vote to legalize sports betting at tribal gaming properties across the state, a proposition that many thought had a good chance of passing. Proposition 27 was commercially driven, to legalize mobile sports wagering across the state. Pro-sports betting lobbyists attribute the crushing defeat to vehement tribal gaming opposition.
Jason Robins, CEO of Draftkings, argued that tribal opposition would make it very difficult to pass in the future, outlining the sheer marketing spend poured into the ‘anti-commercial’ campaign makes It very difficult to gain a majority.
Another reason that could explain the rejection of Proposition 26 as well as 27 is the potential Californian rejection on simple moral grounds. Shortly after the vote, Anthony Roberts, tribal chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, stated:
“Our internal polling has been clear and consistent for years: California voters do not support online sports betting. Voters have real and significant concerns about turning every cellphone, laptop, and tablet into a gambling device, the resulting addiction, and exposure to children.”
Previous Sports Betting Bills in California
Voters in California overwhelmingly rejected Prop 26 & Prop 27 to legalize sports betting on the November 8, 2022 ballot measures. This dealt a crushing blow to expensive campaigns by Native American tribes and the betting industry which raised almost $460m in marketing costs. Historic efforts in California have been driven primarily by lobby groups in the past, thus looking a little different to most other states. We’ve summarised key historical moments below:
2022:
- Proposition 26: Proposition 26 proposed for sports betting to be permitted at retail locations across tribal casinos and racetracks. It also would have allowed roulette and craps at tribal casino, but contained no legislation legalizing online CA sports betting . 66.98% of Californians voted Prop 26 down.
- Proposition 27: This proposition would have permitted online sports betting only, and clearly was the commercial operator’s preference. 82% of Californians voted against Proposition 27.
2021
- 21-0009A1: The California Solutions to Homelessness, Public Education Funding, Affordable Housing and Reduction of Problem Gambling Act which paved the way for public voting in the November 2022 ballot.
- California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act: Identical to the 2020 measure.
- California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act: An initiative put forth by seven established sportsbooks that offers to donate a portion of earnings to organizations that help the homeless and mentally ill.
- Age-Verified Trival Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Act: The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and Wilton Rancheria submitted the measure, which would permit both in-person and online betting.
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 date for the summary was January 21, 2020, but this is the tribal casino initiative, which will be on the ballot on November 8, 2022, if it gets the nearly one million votes it needs.
2019
Sports Betting Apps in California
While few offshore sportsbooks have standalone apps, many sites have optimised their browsing experience for mobile and other handheld devices. If you’re planning to wager from a tablet or smartphone, these sportsbooks will offer the best user experience.
1. BetOnline
BetOnline has a fully-optimised user experience for mobile devices, with everything easy to navigate for both IOS and Android users. It’s one of the fastest and most responsive mobile experiences available, allowing users to lock in their odds without being delayed by a poor connection.
2. BetUS
BetUS goes the whole way of having a dedicated app available for download to maximise usability for mobile device users. However, their standard site, accessed through a web browser, is also well-optimised for all devices.
3. Everygame
For users focused on sports betting, Everygame has the easiest sportsbook to navigate, with a menu bar on the left that will allow you to access any section of the site with just a couple of clicks. The easy-to-use betslip also adds to the ease of wagering.
Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in California
The best place to bet on sports online in the Golden State is at CA offshore sportsbooks, where you pay no tax on winnings. However, if you were to bet at a physical casino, the state will look to take a percentage of gaming revenues from the casino, meaning you would need to pay tax. With a total of 10 tax brackets, California has a complex tax structure. So, your tax rate may vary significantly depending on the total winnings you receive. The rates range from 1% to 13.3%.
- 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%
Sports Betting Revenue in California
For now, there is no regulated industry manning sports betting within California. It is illegal to bet anywhere in the state, but that does not mean that this will not change in the future. Indeed, California has, according to Bloomberg, a potential to be a multi-million pound industry to the tune of $364 million.
These are serious numbers for California’s state regulators to be considering. As a result, a localized industry to do with online sports betting could be just around the corner, which will generate huge sports betting revenue.
Betting Payment Methods
You will need to have a working means of carrying out transactions if you want to make deposits or withdrawals. There are traditional methods, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies.
Crypto Betting Options
Offshore sportsbooks are big supporters of cryptocurrency, with several different coins to choose from for wagering and bigger welcome bonuses just for cryptocurrency users. Some of the most common cryptos accepted are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Binance, Avalanche, Cardano, Tether, Litecoin, Stellar, Bitcoin Cash, and Shiba Inu.
eWallet Betting Options
You can use an eWallet to make transactions by either linking your bank account to it and then depositing funds or withdrawing them, or by using the funds already stored in your eWallet account.
Traditional Payment Methods
If you are unable to use cryptocurrencies or eWallets, you still have the traditional options for making deposits and withdrawals at offshore sportsbooks. These include credit and debit cards, ACH Transfer, online banking, wire transfer, PayNearMe, and Check by mail.
California Betting Bonuses
While betting on your favorite teams is undoubtedly the most exciting part of playing at online sportsbooks, collecting bonuses and taking part in promotions greatly enhances the overall experience. The money you win from using these promos can be used to play on the site and increase your overall winnings. The most common types of bonuses are shown below.
Match Deposit Bonuses
A match deposit bonus is a reward given as bonus funds in exchange for making an initial deposit, usually in the form of a percentage match up to a maximum amount.
For example, if you make a deposit of up to $1,000 at MyBookie, for instance, the site will match your deposit by 50%. That means a $2,000 deposit is required to obtain the full $1,000 bonus. The minimum deposit is $10, and there is a 10x wagering requirement. Therefore to be able to cash out bonus money, you’ll need to make 10 times the sum of your initial deposit plus the bonus in wagers.
No Deposit Bonuses
The best part of a no deposit bonus is that it is awarded automatically upon account registration with no deposit required. The amounts are usually small, ranging from $10 to $25, but they serve as a good start for you to test a new online sportsbook.
Free Bets
Free bets and free spins are given out by sportsbooks as part of promotions or contests. If you are lucky enough to obtain a free bet you can enjoy a risk free wager, although the free bet stake will not be returned with any winnings as is standard practice with free bets. Some sportsbooks such as BetOnline will also give new players a risk free bet to try on live betting.
Popular Sports to Bet on
The best California online sports betting sites typically have between 30 and 50 different sports available for bettors to choose from. With Californians tending to favor teams in their own backyard – and rightly so – lets So let’s take a look at the state’s most popular leagues and professional sports teams:
NFL
The most popular sport in America is football. Therefore, whether you want to wager on the NFL (National Football League), where professionals compete, or the NCAAF (National Collegiate Athletic Association Football), where college teams compete, the leading sportsbooks will have you fully covered. Point spreads, moneylines, totals, team and player prop bets (such as who will score the first touchdown), and other bets and props are available.
NBA
Aside from football, basketball is another national pastime that draws huge crowds around the United States. This is why the best offshore sportsbooks will have basketball lines on the NBA and collegiate hoops (NCAAB).
All of the sites we suggest provide more than just point spread bets for basketball, including moneylines, totals, and various props. Sportsbetting.ag, Bovada, and MyBookie are among the best NBA betting sites, and they also cover international basketball competitions like the FIBA World Basketball Championship.
MLB
Baseball, often regarded as the USA’s favorite pastime, is another of the most heavily bet on sports in the United States. Therefore, all MLB games and futures are available at the best California sportsbooks during the entire season, from the regular season to the postseason. Leading MLB betting sites like BetOnline, XBet, and BetUS publish their opening moneyline and run line odds and lines early.
NHL
Ice hockey fans have a great selection of domestic and international competitions to pick from at all of our recommended California sportsbooks. The NHL, Stanley Cup, and CFL are a few of these. The moneyline, spreads, and totals are the most common NHL betting options. BetOnline and MyBookie are particularly good choices if you enjoy hockey betting.
NCAA Football
Odds on NCAA college football ((National Collegiate Athletic Association) can be found at each of the offshore sportsbooks featured on this page. There are a wide variety of markets, props much like in the NFL. College football futures are available for tournaments like the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. Bovada is a good choice for college football.
NCAA Basketball
All of the offshore sportsbooks featured on this page also provide odds on college basketball (NCAAB). You will find a wide variety of markets, moneylines, spreads, totals, and props much like with the NBA. Futures are also available on big tournaments such as March Madness.
There are many NCAAB college basketball teams located in California which has the most Division I teams of any state in America with 26.
Golf
Another sport that is becoming more and more popular among gamblers is golf. The main golf tournaments such as The Masters, US Open, and PGA Tour typically have betting odds accessible all year round. The outright winner, Top 5, Top 10, First Round Leader, 2-balls, 3-balls, etc. are all options for wagering. If you enjoy wagering on golf, we suggest you visit BetOnline.
Horse Racing
California is one of the major horse racing hubs in the United States where tracks like Santa Anita Raceway and Del Mar Race Track are well-known. The California Horse Racing Board promotes and safeguards the state’s horse racing industry, which is home to numerous Grade 1 racing events.
Horse racing betting apps are the pinnacle for betting on horses in California. They generally provide a simpler and smoother way to place your wagers.
Horse race betting is a big global industry and the vast majority of offshore sportsbooks offer pari-mutuel wagers online, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, hi-5, and quinella. Some of the best online California sportsbooks, like MyBookie, Bovada, and BetOnline, have integrated separate racebooks within their websites. This simplifies the process for sports bettors to keep up with the most recent races, odds, and information.
DFS
Daily fantasy sports are played across shorter time frames than traditional fantasy sports, typically, as the name suggests, lasting a single day. Increasingly popular on sports betting apps in California, sometimes DFS contests can last several days or for the duration of a tournament. BetOnline and MyBookie provide free daily fantasy and survival contests for regular players. These tournaments can be exciting and provide you with a chance to win additional cash with no risk.
The Most Popular Sports Betting Apps in California
Betting from mobile and tablet devices is increasingly popular, allowing you a convenient and easy way to get involved in the action. There are plenty of sports betting apps available in California, but some sites are better optimised than others. Here, we give our top three recommendations for online casinos with the best mobile apps.
Live Betting at Californian Betting Sites
You can place ‘in-play’ bets on sporting events that are currently underway with live betting. The sportsbooks live betting odds will change constantly based on how each team or player is performing so you will need to act quickly to take the odds you want.
There may be a few seconds of time delay before your bet is accepted and you will notice that live betting may occasionally become ‘suspended’ and become temporarily unavailable during key moments such as touchdowns or turnovers while the oddsmakers update the live odds. BetUS and MyBookie are always on top of things and are two of the best California sportsbooks for live betting.
How California Compares to its Neighboring States
The states of Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona, all of which border California, have all already passed legislation legalizing sports betting. Nevada is home to Las Vegas which, in 1949, was the first (and for many years the only) US state to legalize betting on sports.
Arizona has been making giant strides in online sports betting, with some of the state’s sportsbooks even forming partnerships with NFL teams.
The Best Sports Betting Site in California
Residents of California have access to a number of excellent sports betting websites, and choosing the ideal one will always depend on the preferences and needs of the individual.
In our opinion, BetOnline has a lot of the features that a top-notch website should, making it our best sports betting site in California. This California online sports betting site offers a wide selection of prop bets and tools, comprehensive live lines, and futures odds on all the most popular sports in North America. To top things off, there is a thorough Racebook, integrated live esports broadcasting, a solid selection of payment methods, and a good variety of promotions available.
Gambling Addiction Resources in California
Gambling addiction is a problem that can develop when you are not careful about your habits. There is a screening tool, provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling, that collects 10 questions you can ask yourself. If you or someone you know needs help there are plenty of resources available.
- The California Department of Public Health has an Office of Problem Gambling with resources and the chance to speak to counselors.
- The California Council on Problem Gambling offers support for families as well as the person who is suffering.
- Gamblers Anonymous is a place you can talk and hear the testimonials of other people dealing with the addiction.
- Speak to someone right now through the National Problem Gambling Helpline which you can contact via phonecall, by text, or through their chat service.