California Sports Betting – How To Bet On Sports Legally In CA
- Bet On 49ers Super Bowl Odds In CA At Offshore Sportsbooks
- No Domestic Sports Betting In California As of April 2024
- Both California Sports Betting Propositions Failed In 2022
It is no surprise that California sports betting is incredibly popular. The state is home to the most sports franchises and the most sports fans of any state in the country, and because of this, the state also has the most sports bettors anywhere in the United States.
We would have expected this fact, which could translate into an enormous revenue stream for state coffers (in a state that could really use the economic relief), to provide some motivation for the legalization of local sports betting.
In November of 2022, voters opposed Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, effectively removing any potential for domestic sportsbooks to exist within California any time soon.
However, the Golden State is still considered one of the legit sports betting states since it doesn't prohibit offshore betting by sports fans inside its borders.
Is Bovada Legal In California?
Yes! Bovada is legal in California, is conducting business legitimately and holds all required business credentials to operate legally inside the Cost Rican gambling jurisdiction and accept bettors from the US, including California. There are also no laws in CA to prohibit placing bets at Bovada. Bovada has been providing legal betting services to US sports fans since 2011 and has earned a strong reputation as a trusted and respected industry leader.
Bovada Sportsbook #1 USA Betting Site
✔ Pros
- Welcome Bonus of 50% up to $1,000
- Operating From The Legal Jurisdiction Of Costa Rica
- Same Day Payouts with Bitcoin
- Options to Use Venmo, Paypal with Vouchers
- Also Offers Casino, Poker, and Horse Racing
- Wide Selection of Sports Coverage & Wagering Options
✘ Cons
- Does Not Accept Players From NJ, NV, DE, NY, or MD
Best Sports Betting Sites in California 2024
| Site Name | Current Bonus | Age | U.S. | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ |  | Visit Site Review |
| 2 |  | 125% Max $3,125 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 3 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 4 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 5 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 6 |  | 50% Max $500 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
How To Bet On Super Bowl 58 in California
You may not find anywhere locally to place your Super Bowl bets in California, but the sportsbooks you see listed on this page will let players in CA sign up as members and bet on the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs to win it all.
Account holders at our favorite online sportsbooks can get legal access to Super Bowl betting lines, thousands of SB prop bets, and live betting options for in-play wagers. They all legally accept CA-based bettors and are the very betting sites we use to place our own bets on the big game while in the Golden State.
Is Sports Betting Legal in California in 2024?
As of April 2024, California residents do not have any way to legally place a real money wager at a local sportsbook operating within the state. Voters had the power to change that status in November of 2022, but two Propositions that would have allowed for mobile, online, and in-person sports betting failed miserably.
Currently, legitimate offshore sportsbooks are the best avenue available that allows you to bet on sports legally without leaving the state.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California in 2024?
Yes. California online sports betting has been available for decades at legitimate offshore sportsbooks operating legally online.
There are no state laws or US federal gambling laws prohibiting US bettors from enjoying sports gambling at these sites, so bettors in CA can place bets online at any of our recommended sportsbooks without fear of violating any state or federal restrictions.
California Sports Betting Bills
The Status of California Sports Betting Legislation for 2024
There have been several failed attempts to legalize sports betting in California, with the latest coming in November of 2022 with Proposition 26 and 27.
Proposition 26 carried the objective of allowing tribal casinos to legally conduct in-house retail sports betting. The initiative gained traction quickly, garnering over 1 million signatures for the cause. The enthusiasm didn't transition to the ballot box, as only 29% voted in favor of the Proposition.
Proposition 27 was sponsored by heavyweights in the US domestic sports betting arena who didn't like the idea of being cut out of the party by Proposition 26, focusing on mobile and online betting options. It, too, failed, only garnering 16% approval.
Much like Florida sports betting, the tribal interests are used to running the show with gambling in CA and have a strong voice concerning how the state moves forward with sports betting.
A poll that was done in early October did reveal waning support from voters, with approximately 31% of voters supporting Proposition 26 and only 27% of voters supporting Proposition 27. The poll proved to be an accurate representation of voter sentiment.
We will provide updates as they are available, and you can track the progress in real-time on our state bill tracker page.
California's Failed Sports Gambling Ballot Measures Explained: Prop 26, Prop 27
Both gambling measures that were on the ballot on November 8th, 2022, could have been the catalyst for ushering in state-licensed sports betting to the state of California. However, voters rejected Proposition 26 and 27, stifling the Golden State's chance at sportsbook gambling in the foreseeable future.
Below you'll find a brief explanation of the two measures, in layman's terms - no law degree required.
CA Sports Betting Details
California residents can refer to the information below any time they aren't sure what exactly is and isn't allowed relating to sports betting in the state. Here you'll be able to find the specifics for the current laws of the state, which can change if lawmakers choose to pass bills for or against state-licensed real-money wagering on sports.
Options for Legal Sports Betting in California
Where Can I Bet On Sports In California?
Being that the state has not yet successfully authorized locally-regulated sports gambling, you can legally access offshore online sportsbooks that are operating legitimately within the industry, such as the brands you see listed above. Otherwise betting on sports will require you to visit a neighboring state that allows domestic sportsbooks.
Where Can I Bet On Sports Online In California Without Breaking The Law?
Even if voters approve of legal sports betting in November of 2022, it could be some time before state-regulated sportsbooks surface in the Golden State due to the follow-up legislation that will be required.
The good news is that CA has no state gambling laws prohibiting legitimate online sportsbooks operating overseas, such as the ones listed on this site.
- Is Bovada legal in CA? Absolutely. Bovada operates legally inside of Costa Rica's respected gaming jurisdiction, and the state has no laws prohibiting the state's residents/visitors from enjoying online betting at international sportsbooks. Bovada operates outside of US federal jurisdiction, hence they are not regulated by any US authorities. Visit Bovada Now.
- Is MyBookie legal in CA? Yes, MyBookie is another legitimate sportsbook that is licensed and regulated outside of the United States and can legally accept bets from CA residents. Visit MyBookie Now.
- Is BetOnline legal in CA? Sports fans in the state can legally place bets on their favorite sports, teams, and players at BetOnline without violating any state or federal gambling laws. Betonline is also regulated by the government of Panama. So yes, Betonline is legal in California. Visit BetOnline Now.
- Is XBet legal in California? XBet is a sister site to MyBookie, owned and operated by the same parent company, and is licensed to operate outside of the USA. They can legally accept bets from individuals in the state. Visit XBet Now.
- Is BetUS legal in CA? Holding licensing credentials issued by Curacao's governing jurisdiction, BetUS is absolutely operating legally, and legitimately accepting bets placed by bettors in the state. There is nothing illegal about betting online at BetUS. Visit BetUS Now.
Sports Betting Apps That Work in California
If you’re reading this on an Apple or Android device, then you already understand the reliance that Californians have on using smartphones and tablets for accessing the Internet. That’s why our top offshore CA sportsbook sites port all their services to their betting apps – but hold off on the download bit.
CA sports betting on iPhones, iPads, and other popular web-ready gadgets is just a click away, and we’ve compiled a list of mobile California sportsbook links below for convenience.
There are no domestic sports betting options available in the state at this time, making our CA sports betting apps the best and only legal choice at the moment. Learn more on our mobile sports betting guide.
iPhone Sports Betting in CA
Apple smartphones that still receive iOS updates are compatible with mobile sportsbooks. They can be used to bet on sports from your iPhone anywhere inside the state. Mobile sports betting at the age of 18 is possible with the online sportsbooks we list on this page. No download is required as these iPhone sportsbooks can be accessed via the web using mobile browsers.
Android Sports Betting In CA
Californians with current Android smartphones and tablets can bet on sports at the top online sportsbook sites we recommend. All that is required is an onboard mobile browser, an Android device connected to the web, and a minimum age of 18 to bet on sports in CA. Click on any mobile sportsbook app listed below using your Android to see for yourself.
Best Sportsbook Promo Codes
Just about any sportsbook you visit will tout their bonus cash offers as the “best,” but that description is relative, isn’t it? Over here at SBL, the best sportsbook bonus codes in CA are the promos that deliver the largest amount of free cash into our accounts with reasonable wagering requirements.
Bovada Sportsbook typically has the most advantageous rollover requirements, but all bonuses come with their own set of terms and conditions that are subject to change at any time. These bonuses are deposit match bonuses, meaning they are tied to funding your account, which is when you can use the bonus codes below to claim the offers. We explain this in more detail on our page covering how sportsbook bonuses work.
Here are the offers we consider to be the best deals:
- Bovada Sign Up Bonus: 50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 – Use Bovada Bonus Code BVD1000
- MyBookie Sign Up Bonus: 100% Deposit Match Up To $1000 – Use MyBookie Promo Code MYB100
- BetUS Sign Up Bonus: 125% Deposit Match Up To $3,125 – Use BetUS Promo Code Join125
- Betonline Sign Up Bonus: 50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 - Use Betonline Promo Code BOL1000
PRO TIP: Crypto deposits will almost always give you access to the best sign-up bonuses and reload bonuses. The ease and security of using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and other altcoins drive sportsbooks to incentivize their use. Crypto also makes for the fastest payouts too!
Anderson A. - Sports Bettor Since 2014
Best Online Sportsbook Payment Methods Available in California
Cryptocurrency Sportsbook Deposits & Payouts
Sports betting with an offshore book allows for deposits and withdrawals using popular cryptocurrencies. The benefits include fast deposits, same-day withdrawals, and elevated sportsbook bonus offers. The options vary from site to site, but most popular altcoins are accepted.
P2P Sportsbook Deposits & Payouts
Person-to-person services are available that act as a mediator for different entities to transfer money to each other. In this case, you and the online sportsbook are both entities. P2P transfers allow popular vendors like PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Cash App, and others to be used to deposit funds into CA sportsbook accounts and withdraw cash winnings using USD or crypto.
Credit Card Sportsbook Deposits + Others
There are sports fans who are not interested in cryptocurrency or third-party apps when it comes to online transactions, leaving a few remaining options on the table for these folks. Credit cards and debit cards are certainly viable options for transferring funds into your sportsbook account.
Due to stringent regulations concerning gambling-related transactions, they can be more challenging to use, and you cannot get paid out by any online sportsbook using a credit or debit card. If you run into challenges here, additional options include bank wires, money transfers, and cashier's checks.
How To Bet On Sports In California
Thanks to the offshore sportsbook sites that we recommend to our 18+ readers, legal California sports betting can take place from any web-ready device in the state. Getting started is easy – here’s how its done:
- First things first – we advise checking out all of our top gambling sites recommended in this guide so that readers can figure out which books they want to join.
- At the top of any page on the CA betting sites we endorse, click the join button and then enter the requested information to set up your profile
- Next, you’ll need to decide if your sportsbook deposit will be in cryptocurrency or USD and whether a sportsbook promo code is something you want to take advantage of
- Now that you've funded your sports betting account, you can mosey on over to the online sportsbook portion of the site and lay some action on any professional and college sports, or contests occurring internationally.
Pro Tip: Signing up with more than one CA sportsbook gives bettors the flexibility to shop the lines.
Marcus W. - Sports Bettor Since 2011
Popular Sports To Bet On In CA
What Can I Bet On In CA In April 2024
This list features some of the most popular sports to bet on in California right now, meaning they are currently active. However, there are also a whole host of additional sports categories to place wagers on when you consider futures bets.
Just check out our sports menu at the top of the page or, better yet, the menu at one of the top recommended online sportsbooks listed above.
Biggest Sports Betting Cities In California
Los Angeles is one of the most popular cities in the nation. With teams in each of the major professional sports leagues — in some cases multiple teams — it is an epicenter of local sports. Betting on these teams is just one way this energetic fan base interacts with them. If you’re interested in learning more about the Los Angeles franchises and how you can start betting in your city, we have a whole page dedicated to Los Angeles sports betting.
Oakland was the former home of the Oakland Raiders an NFL football team that has since moved to Las Vegas. The Golden State Warriors and the Oakland Athletics play in the city with the Warriors being one of the best basketball teams this decade and the Athletics are one of the most successful baseball franchises in MLB history. Our page covering sports betting in Oakland will give you insight into your options.
Sacramento is home to the Kings, a team in the NBA’s Western Conference. The Kings currently play in the Golden 1 Center. There aren’t any other sports franchises in the area, but Sacramento residents do rally around their hometown NBA team. Find more information on betting on the Kings or any of your other favorite teams with our guide to sports betting in Sacramento.
In San Diego, the Padres are the only major professional franchise in the area. The Padres have yet to win a World Series, but that doesn’t stop fans from supporting them through their season. Fans can bet on the Padres, or any other sports team, through several offshore sportsbooks that our team of industry professionals has found. Visit our page on San Diego sports betting to learn how you can get in on the action.
San Francisco is another California city with an NFL team in the 49ers. The San Francisco 49rs made it to Super Bowl 7 times and the San Francisco Giants have been successful in the MLB over the years. They’ve won three World Series titles since 2010. San Francisco residents can place bets on their favorite local team, or any other team for that matter, and start cashing in. Check out our page on San Francisco sports betting for more information.
Local Sports Teams To Bet On
The state of California is host to major collegiate athletic programs and pro sports franchises that span all four major leagues and beyond. Below is a picture of what local, in-state sports can be bet on in when you become a member with any offshore sportsbook site that we recommend above.
Professional Sports Teams:
NFL Teams
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
NBA Betting
- Golden State Warriors (San Francisco)
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Sacramento Kings
- Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
NHL Sports Betting
- Anaheim Ducks
- Los Angeles Kings
- San Jose Sharks
MLB Sports Betting
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland A’s
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
MLS
- LA Galaxy
- Los Angeles FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
College Sports Teams
NCAAB & NCAAF
- California Golden Bears
- Stanford Cardinals
- UCLA Bruins
- USC Trojans
- Cal-Poly Mustangs
- Fresno State Bulldogs
- Sacramento State Hornets
Local Sportsbooks in California
As of April 2024, there are no local options for betting on sports in person in the state of California. The potential of state-licensed sportsbooks is being debated by everyone from local tribes to potential operators and even animal activists who fear sports betting would breathe new life into betting on horses and dogs.
It's not a surety that it will ever be ironed out. The trusted online sportsbooks found on this page fill this void nicely and provide legal and safe sportsbook gambling in California.
Nearby States With Online Sports Betting
CA is bordered by Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada, three states that feature domestic online sports betting. Sports bettors wanting to do business with a domestic online sportsbook should travel to NV unless they are in the northwest section of the state near the border of OR.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Sports Betting
Betting On Football In California In 2024
How To Bet On College Football in California
Between its seven notable college sports programs across the state, the Golden State has more than its fair share of prestigious NCAAF action, providing football fans plenty of excitement. The college betting sites you see featured above have been providing options for legally betting on college football in CA for years. They also offer some nice bonus offers, support betting using Bitcoin and other crypto, and offer same-day payouts online.
How To Bet On NFL Football in California
Betting on NFL teams, including the Chargers, Rams, and 49ers, has actually been going on in the state for decades at trusted, legitimate online sportsbooks operating outside of the United States. While the issue of local sportsbooks in the Golden State still has a long way to go to be realized, the CA-friendly NFL betting sites you see above each offer an exceptional betting experience with competitive lines and odds, and far more NFL prop bets, game lines, and live-betting features than any of the domestic bookmakers in the US.
California Legislative Resources
If you'd like to get involved in helping state-regulated sports betting come to the state, or want to voice your opinion for or against sports wagering legislation in the state, then we've included some helpful resources below for you. Each of the legislative resources contains contact information for the governor, senators, and representatives for the state of California so you can have direct access to getting in touch with any of them on whether to allow sports betting in your state.
Legislative Timeline Of Sports Betting in California
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Nov 8, 2022 – Residents voted against two constitutional amendments, Proposition 26 and Proposition 27. Prop 26 would have allowed for CA's tribal gaming venues and private racetracks to launch retail, in-person sportsbooks. Under Prop 26, there would have been a ban on betting on state-based college teams. Prop 27 would've made domestic online and mobile sports gambling in California legal, allowing vendors like FanDuel, DraftKings, and others to submit applications to operate. A simple majority was required for both propositions to pass, but neither received anywhere near the required 50.1% of approval.
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May 2021 – After being granted several extensions due to COVID-19, the state's tribes finally collected enough signatures to place the California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act on the ballot for 2022. If passed, in-person sports betting at tribal gaming venues and private racetracks would be allowed. Also, in May, the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act received enough signatures to be added to ballots. This Act will allow mobile and online sports betting in CA from domestic vendors and tribal casinos.
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June 2019 – ACA 16 and SCA 6, two bills allowing for retail sports betting in CA, began to receive debate in the state Legislature until CNIGA (California Nations Indian Gaming Association) announced their intention to monopolize sports betting for the state's tribal gaming interests. Tribal intervention shelved all legislative activity regarding sports betting and began negotiations with CNIGA.
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2018 – ACA 18 was reintroduced but not considered
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July 2017 – ACA 18, a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting, was introduced in anticipation of the US Supreme Court’s repeal of PASPA but was sidelined until the following year.
CA Gambling Resources
Please gamble and bet on sports in a responsible manner if you choose to partake in either. Never bet more than you can afford, and never let what should be a hobby, become a habit. If you believe that you can no longer play responsibly, then please contact the California Office of Problem Gambling.
