Last updated on: May 8th, 2023
Legal California Sports Betting
There is no surprise that legal California sports betting has quite the following. Online sports betting is possible through online sportsbooks that accept California players. Yet to create a California sports betting industry, land-based sports betting is behind. In the meantime, online sportsbooks offer the best legal sports betting lines in Cali. With betting action on all California teams, you will find what you are looking for. See why these books position themselves above the future sportsbook in California.
- Two sports betting ballot propositions in California qualified for the 2022 ballot but were both voted down by residents.
- Despite the outcome of these, using sportsbooks like Bovada in California is legal and available to all residents and visitors.
Best California Betting Sites
| Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
75% Up To $750 Read Review | Visit Bovada! |
| 2 |  |
50% New Member Bonus!Read Review | Visit BetOnline! |
| 3 |  |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit MyBookie! |
| 4 |  |
100% Up To $300Read Review | Visit Xbet! |
| 5 |  |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit SportsBetting! |
Is Bovada Legal In California?
Bovada is a legal online sportsbook in California. Servicing California since the 90s, Bovada remains California’s online best sportsbook. There is no record of troubles when using Bovada in California. They accept CA players in their TOC, and no California sports betting laws restrict using it.
#1
Bovada Sportsbook
An Industry Leading Online Sportsbook
Bovada has been known for years as the top online sportsbook in California since launching. They offer some of the best odds, best promotions, and are easy to use. Signing up for them is also a breeze as you will be betting within minutes of registering. You can also take advantage of one of the many bonuses that they have to offer that are compatible with normal credit and debit cards along with cryptocurrencies.
Rating: 
- Fast deposit connection
- Online live betting suite
- Mobile betting capabilities
- Trustworthy customer service
- Exclusive prop builder
#2
BetOnline Sportsbook
Easily Bet From Your Phone
One area where BetOnline thrives is in the mobile betting department. You can access BetOnline in California from any smartphone with internet or Wi-Fi. iPhone, Android, Samsung, or Google device – it all still operates. This makes BetOnline the best mobile sportsbook in Cali, able to open in a second. With how instant the world is, make sure your California sportsbook acts the same way.
Rating:
- Reliable Banking Methods
- Strong Server Connection
- 10+ Year Track Record
- Huge Assortment Of Odds
- No App Mobile Betting
#3
MyBookie Sportsbook
One Of The Safest Online Sportsbooks
MyBookie has been serving California as one of the industry-leading online sportsbooks. They offer some of the top odds and sports betting promotions in Cali. On the backend, they thrive, spending lots of time and effort in making sure you and your funds are safe. They use an encrypted link to make sure your web browser is secure along with the server to the sportsbook.
Ratings:
- Huge Player Bonuses
- Consistent Odds
- Easy Interface
- Rapid Live Betting
#4
SportsBetting Sportsbook
Bet On Sports With Bitcoin
As a sportsbook on the forefront of crypto, SportsBetting is great for Bitcoin users. They also take two dozen other cryptos. This makes SportsBetting the most versatile sportsbook in California. Exchange crypto at SportsBetting to bet, withdrawal, and build with bonuses. Besides depositing, SportsBetting offers odds on Gavin Newsom and other California election props. Find SportsBetting as a great way to bet online in California with this sportsbook.
Ratings:
- Efficient Site Layout
- Full Mobile Betting Suite
- Available Customer Service
- Trustworthy Banking Options
- Fast Payout Times
#5
XBet Sportsbook
Easy To Use Sportsbook
XBet has everything laid out on the left side for bettors. This helps California players using XBet to scope the entire sportsbook. With their category system, finding what you want to bet on is easy. Take the Angels for example. You can find Angels odds to win the series they are in. Or, bet the Angels World Series odds. Either way, there are game odds and 1st 5 inning Angels lines for every game. Spread that example all across all sports. You find an easy to navigate and reliable sportsbook in California in XBet.
Ratings:
- Worry-free Legal Betting
- Exclusive Bonus Offers
- Constantly Updated Odds
- Premier User Experience
- Full Mobile + Live Betting
How To Bet On Sports In California
Looking how to bet on sports in California? Register for a legal online sports betting site by giving them your name. Included is some basic information as well. Sign into your legal California online sports betting account. Take advantage of one their bonuses for California sports bettors. Look at our breakdown of what to expect.
- First and Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Contact Info: Email/Phone Number
- Account Password
- Postal Zip Code
- Welcome Bonus Selection
- Make First Deposit
Depositing Into A California Online Sportsbook
Using a sportsbook in California has many deposit options behind it. Depending on the site, California players can make a sportsbook deposit with many forms of crypto or cards. Some sportsbooks will accept other methods get money in, but the former is the most common. Making a deposit to Bovada in California is possible with Bitcoin and credit cards. A few crypto varieties are possible too.
| Deposit Method: | Bovada Min/Max: | BetOnline Min/Max: | MyBookie Min/Max: |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISA | $20/$1,500 | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 |
| AMEX | N/A | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 |
| MasterCard | $20/$1,500 | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 |
| Discover | N/A | $25/$5,000 | N/A |
| Bitcoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$500,00 | $20/$10,000 |
| Ethereum | $50/$5,000 | $50/$100,000 | $20/Customer Level |
| Litecoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$100,000 | $20/$10,000 |
| Bitcoin Cash | $10/$5,000 | $20/$100,000 | $20/$10,000 |
California Sports Betting Promotions
The great thing about find a new book is using a California sportsbook promotion. The sportsbook in Cali that offer bonuses often come with a 50-100% match. Some even look to help on all future deposits too. Aside from deposit bonuses, you can find other smaller promos too. Inflating the odds, having risk free bets, free play, or moving the line are all possible. Sportsbooks taking California players love having a variety of benefits to keep interest.
| Sportsbook: | Bonus: | Rollover: |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | 50% Deposit Match Up To $250 | 5x Rollover |
| Bovada | 75% Crypto Deposit Match Up To $750 | 5x Rollover |
| BetOnline | 100% Crypto Deposit Match Up T0o $1,000 | 14x Rollover |
| MyBookie | 100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
| SportsBetting | 50% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
| XBet | 100% Deposit Match Up To $500 | 7x Rollover |
What Is The California Sports Betting Age?
Sportsbooks allow players from California to sign up at 18 in most cases. If California launches their own regulated industry, the age to bet on sports could jump to 21. But, until then, signing up at 18 has no problems.
California Sports Betting Laws
California gambling laws are clear. The state’s ban on betting in § 337a of the California Penal Code (Part 1, Title 9, Chapter 10 focuses on sportsbooks. Looking to curb “pool selling + bookmaking”, no book operates under a California license. But, there aren’t any laws banning citizens or tourists from betting on sports online in Cali. There have been plenty of attempts to bring regulated sports betting to California. But, no legalization within their borders has occurred.
- In 2017-2018, officials proposed ACA-18 after the PASPA repeal. This allowed states like California to create their own sports betting industry. No serious discussion came out of the early stages.
- In 2019-2020, ACA – 16 and SCA – 6 both worked hand in hand to bring retail and online sports betting to California. Even with included tribal efforts, both attempts fell through.
- In 2022, Prop 26 and 27 both failed, both of which would have brought state-regulated betting to CA. Voters in California rejected both ballot sports betting initiatives.
California Sports Betting Timeline
- December 27, 2022: California’s Red Hawk Casino opens a new entertainment center in the the failures of Prop 26 and 27.
- November 16, 2022: Tribal leaders claim sportsbook regulation can be successful including tribes.
- November 8, 2022: Prop 26 fails as a California ballot proposal with 67% voting no. This accounted for 7.1 million votes. Prop 27 also failed, this one by a vote of 82% to no. Almost 9 million voters decided against legal California sports betting.
- October 31, 2022: CA Gov. Gavin Newsom comes out against Prop 27.
- September 14, 2022: The advertising battle between Prop 26 and Prop 27 heats up. Both parties air attack ads on each other’s California sports betting proposal.
- August 17, 2022: The MLB has comes out in support of sports betting in California. They back Prop 27 for passage.
- June 27, 2022: Prop 27 qualifies for the November 2022 ballot. Full name: The California Solutions to Homelessness & Mental Health Support Act
- May 11, 2022: California tribes want tribal mobile sports betting on the 2024 ballot.
- March 17, 2022: California tribes fight back against anti-sports betting attacks with ads.
- February 25, 2022: The Berkeley IGS Poll shows 45% accept change, 33% oppose change, and 22% are undecided toward California sports betting regulation.
- February 9, 2022: Tribes in California begin a late push for mobile sports betting in 2022.
- January 18, 2022: A stand down gains national attention by major media outlets.
- December 27, 2021: A lawsuit launches to invalidate props by card room owners.
- November 2, 2021: California’s tribes propose a new tribal gaming proposal for the 2022 ballot.
- October 20, 2021: Four mayors of major CA cities come out in support of legal sports betting in California. Their backed by major sports betting operators. Mayors Jerry Dyer (Fresno), Libby Schaaf (Oakland), and Robert Garcia ( Long Beach) back the homelessness bill.
- August 12, 2021: Commercial sports betting operators join forces with California card rooms. They see the California Solutions to Homelessness & Mental Health Support Act.
- February 9, 2021: The California Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation give market access to sports betting entity Kindred Group.
- December 18, 2020: A tribal betting bill achieves the goal of one million signatures to get on the 2022 ballot.
- November 2, 2020: A presentation of a proposed gaming compact. It would give sports betting in California exclusivity to the 109 recognized tribes.
Sports Betting Revenue In California
Without regulated sportsbooks in California, there isn’t an exact measurement. It’s hard to determine how much money California could get from sports betting. Some estimate legal California sportsbooks could take in around $25 billion in wagers. At an average 7% hold rate, this means sportsbooks in Cali would make almost $2 billion a year. A regulated California market may bring in anywhere from $150 million to $700 million per year.
Where’s The Closest Sportsbook From California?
The closest states with sports betting from Cali is a drive away for those looking to bet in person. Finding sportsbooks in Oregon help those up north while the in San Diego to Arizona sportsbooks. Still, Nevada sportsbooks bring the largest variety to Californians. Without legal sportsbooks at casinos in California, it requires a journey. Expect sportsbooks around the most populous cities if California regulates sports betting. But, if tribes wrestle for California sports betting exclusivity, it limits options to them.
Cities Near California Where You Can Place Sports Bets
| Las Vegas, NV | North Bend, OR |
| Payson, AZ | Reno, NV |
| Phoenix, AZ | Henderson, NV |
Cities Most Likely To Offer Legal California Sports Betting
| Los Angeles | San Diego |
| San Jose | San Francisco |
| Long Beach | Sacramento |
| Oakland | Santa Ana |
| Anaheim |
Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In California?
Yes, real money sports betting is available in California. The sportsbooks that accept California residents are real money sportsbooks. They pay out real money in the form of checks, crypto, bank wires, and more.
Betting From Your Phone In California
CA is in the process of regulating sports betting – as long as it passes on the ballot – but you don’t have to wait to access mobile sports betting in CA. You can use the mobile websites of sportstbooks like Bovada and MyBookie in order to place bets in CA with no issues. Note that these books do not have apps – they specifically work with mobile websites instead. This means that any Bovada apps are scams, and you should avoid them!
Devices You Can Use Bovada With In CA
- IPhones – IPhones can easily use Bovada by visiting their mobile website in Safari.
- IPads – IPads are Bovada-capable by using the browser installed on it to visit Bovada’s website – no app needed
- Samsung Galaxy Phones – You can access Bovada on Samsung Galaxy phones via their mobile website.
- Microsoft Surface Tablets – Surface tablets can use Bovada by accessing the mobile website in their browser.
- Google Pixel Phones – You can easily use Chrome to visit Bovada, without needing to download anything on the Play Store.
And More!
How To Place A Parlay Bet In California
A parlay bet is a wager that comprises 2-16 wagers together. Each wager ties into themselves, increasing the potential payout. This means that if you every bet, you win your parlay. A large payout usually follows, depending on the odds. But if you lose one, you lose the whole bet. California features many online sportsbooks that offer parlay betting.
Parlay Restrictions In CA
There are some limits on what you can wager in a Parlay in California, most of them imposed by the sportsbooks themselves.
- Same game props are not allowed unless explicitly stated as such.
- You can’t parlay spreads and moneylines from the same team.
- You can’t combine halftime and full time spreads/moneylines from the same team.
- You cannot combine alt-lines in a parlay.
Live Betting In California
No matter what happens with the regulation bills, Californians can easily access live sports betting via online sportsbooks. These books, such as Bovada, are among the most used options for sports betting in CA. They provide a wide range of odds and lines, as well as specific wagers unique to live betting.
Live Betting With Pregame Lines
When you start live betting, you might want to kick off with live betting on lines available pregame. The way it works is that the lines shift as the game is in progress, which allows you to double down or hedge against earlier bets placed before the game started.
Live Betting Specials
Live betting gives wagerers in CA a unique opportunity to bet on the action as it happens. This means you can place a bet on specific things happening just before they do. For example, if you’re watching the Rams, you can bet on the next pass going to Cooper Kupp. If you’re watching the Lakers, you can bet on Lebron James to score the next points in the game. There are nearly unlimited lines available when you bet live in CA.
Professional Sports Teams To Bet On In California
NCAA College Teams In California
| Academy of Art Urban Knights (D2) | Azusa Pacific Cougars (D2) | Biola Eagles (D2) |
| Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks (D2) | Cal Poly Mustangs (D1) | Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (D2) |
| Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (D1) | Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros (D2) | Cal State East Bay Pioneers (D2) |
| Cal State Fullerton Titans (D1) | Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles (D2) | Cal State Monterey Bay Otters (D2) |
| Cal State Northridge Matadors (D1) | Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes (D2) | Cal State San Marcos Cougars (D2) |
| California Baptist Lancers (D1) | California Golden Bears (D1) | California Lutheran Kingsmen and Regals (D3) |
| Caltech Beavers (D3) | Chapman Panthers (D3) | Chico State Wildcats (D2) |
| Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags and Athenas (D3) | Concordia Eagles (D2) | Dominican Penguins (D2) |
| Fresno Pacific Sunbirds (D2) | Fresno State Bulldogs (D1) | Holy Names Hawks (D2) |
| La Verne Leopards (D3) | Long Beach State Beach (or “The Beach”) (D1) | Loyola Marymount Lions (D1) |
| Mills Cyclones (D3) | Occidental Tigers (D3) | Pacific Tigers (D1) |
| Pepperdine Waves (D1) | Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions (D2) | Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens (D3) |
| Redlands Bulldogs (D3) | Sacramento State Hornets (D1) | Saint Mary’s Gaels (D1) |
| San Diego State Aztecs (D1) | San Diego Toreros (D1) | San Francisco Dons (D1) |
| San Francisco State Gators (D2) | San Jose State Spartans (D1) | Santa Clara Broncos (D1) |
| Sonoma State Seawolves (D2) | Stanford Cardinal (D1) | Stanislaus State Warriors (D2) |
| UC Davis Aggies (D1) | UC Irvine Anteaters (D1) | UC Riverside Highlanders (D1) |
| UC San Diego Tritons (D1) | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (D1) | UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs (D3) |
| UCLA Bruins (D1) | USC Trojans and Women of Troy (D1) | Whittier Poets (D3) |
NBA
- The Los Angeles Lakers own 17 NBA Championships. They won their most recent one in 2020 after opening with +450 preseason odds.
- The Golden State Warriors have won three NBA Championships. Their last win came in 2018 with -190 preseason odds. Their first came in 2014 at +2800 preseason odds.
NFL
- The Los Angeles Rams won the 2022 Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals with +1200 preseason odds.
- The San Francisco 49ers won five Super Bowls. In 1981 they won their first at +5000 odds. Their last won came in 1994 with +200 odds.
MLB
- The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2020 World Series at +385 preseason odds.
- The Oakland Athletics had +500 preseason odds to win the 1989 World Series.
- The San Francisco Giants won five World Series. Their first won came in 1962 with +500 odds. Their most recent was in 2014 with +1200 preseason odds.
NHL
- The LA Kings won two Stanley Cup Championships in 2012 and 2014 with +1600 and +1200 odds.
- The Anaheim Ducks won the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals at +1200 preseason odds.
College
- The USC Trojans won the college football National Championships in 2004 with +300 odds.
- The UCLA Bruins have won two CBB National Championships in 1975 and 1995 with +180 and +500 odds.
Online Casinos In California
Casino gaming in California is already popular online. Bypass getting to Las Vegas and access online California casinos. All the sportsbooks we recommend also double down as online casinos. This includes blackjack in California online, slots, and live dealer games.
Online California Slot Machines
- Star Slots
- Book Of Helios
- Lucky Liberty
- Tank The Bank
- Savanna King
- A Night With Cleo
California Live Dealer Games
- Blackjack
- Super 6
- Baccarat
- Roulette
Digital Table Games In California
- Let It Ride
- Tri Card Poker
- Blackjack
- Double Blackjack
- Hi Lo
- War
California Online Poker Rooms
Online poker rooms make it very convenient for you to play the game you love in California right from anywhere. The online poker rooms in the state offer the same if not more than the land-based rooms in terms of the number of games that they have to offer. You can choose from big-paying tournaments, cash games, and more. You can even get in on online poker promotions as well when signing up and making a deposit into your account.
Horse Racing Betting In California
Horse racing betting in California saw regulation in 1933 under Prop 3. The California Horse Racing Board regulates the industry. They set licensing for online horse racing sites in California. Also, international horse betting sites like Bovada have race odds. This is whether you’re gambling on the Kentucky Derby or any other race year-round.
Daily Fantasy Sports In California
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) in California is not regulated. This doesn’t mean its against the law, though. Like sports betting, the lack of an industry doesn’t outlaw the activity. The largest DFS sites in California include DraftKings and FanDuel. As recently as 2018, there were attempts to pass bills to legalize DFS in California. Though it didn’t pass, nothing changed, allowing paid DFS tournaments in Cali. Your memberships at DraftKings and FanDuel should always be in good standing.
Legal California Sports Betting FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Safe In California?
Online sports betting in California is safe and secure. Using sportsbooks in California like Bovada are important. As long as you find a reputable brand or one with a license outside the US, you’ll be fine. They are a great alternative to long trips to Nevada for California players looking to bet safe.
Will Sports Betting In California Ever Be Legal?
Despite the failure in 2022, optimism remains high that sports betting in California will be legalized soon. Government officials know that they are losing out on taxes by not regulating the industry yet, while sports franchises and popular sports betting sites from other sites are missing out on revenue. Legal California sports betting sites like Bovada have provided players with a safe sportsbook for decades, meaning any new companies would be competing with an established brand that already has established trust among residents.
Will I Get Arrested For Sports Betting In California?
When using internet sportsbooks, there is no risk of being arrested in California for sports betting as they’re legal for residents to join. However, using other sources to gamble, like a neighborhood bookie, could result in legal ramifications for California sports bettors.
Where Is The Best Place To Bet On Sports In California?
Without any state-regulated sports betting, the best place to bet on sports in California is websites like Bovada. These outlets are legal and offer thousands of betting lines daily.
Is It Legal To Bet On Sports With My Friends In California?
Yes, it is completely legal to bet on sports among friends in California.