California Sports Betting in 2024 - Latest Legal Updates & Best Online CA Sportsbooks

Keeping up with recent changes to California sportsbooks and laws is daunting.

To help, we created this complete guide to California sports betting in 2024. The guide covers gambling laws, reviews, and more. We’ll also explore the top California betting sites and let you know where to go.

Sports Betting in California Overview

In CA, most traditional sports betting isn’t legal. Sports betting in California is more restricted than in other states but is still available via specific betting sites.

However, there are some exceptions and forms of legal sports betting. For example, horse racing is legal, and you can make sports bets on horses within the state. In addition, California doesn’t place fantasy sports under the umbrella of sports betting and, thus, offers it as a separate option.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?

Currently, sports betting is illegal in California. Both in-person and online sports betting fall into this category. So, you won’t be able to bet on a football or basketball game in CA or virtually any other traditional sporting event.

The only sport you can bet on in the Golden State is horse racing. To bet on horses in California, you can go to a horse track and place your bets there, or you can bet online.

California also has an interesting situation when it comes to fantasy sports. Currently, the state does not consider betting on fantasy sports, like daily fantasy sports, to be a form of gambling.

While this is the current state of gambling, there is a chance that the situation will change at some point in the future. Ballot measures in the past have allowed residents to vote on legalizing sports betting or changing the current system in some way. For example, California Proposition 26 intended to legalize sports betting at American Indian gaming casinos but resulted in a majority vote of 66.98% “No.”

Despite the possibility of change, voters have soundly defeated most measures, and there are currently no roads to California sports betting available for the near future.

Who Can Bet on Sports in California?

As a whole, no one can bet on sports at California-based institutions. Since these institutions are illegal, they simply don’t exist.

If this ever does change, though, sports betting is likely to become like other forms of gambling in the Golden State. If this is true, it would open sports betting to citizens over the age of 18. Since this is already the case for horse betting, opening it up for other sports seems like a logical extension. The only thing that would prevent this is if a plan restricts sports betting to tribal lands, as some propose.

For now, the only way to bet on sports in California is through offshore sites.

Are Bet Winnings in California Taxable?

Yes, you must pay taxes on winnings from gambling in California. Both California and the IRS tax these winnings alongside your income. The state employs a progressive tax rate system in the case of bet winnings; the more you win, the more you pay in taxes.

You should include winnings on both your state and federal tax returns. You can report your winnings in the “Other Income” section of your return.

The situation is the same for any winnings you gather from an offshore betting site as well.

Recent California Legal Sports Betting Updates

The past few years have seen a variety of developments in the world of California sports betting. While sports betting is still mostly illegal in California, a few efforts have sought to change this.

The flow of legalization proposals paints an interesting picture for sports betting. Looking at these, it is possible to see the roadblocks in the path to California sportsbook legislation.

• March 2024: Proponents shut down their campaigns supporting the betting acts from 2023 due to a lack of support. Without these acts, it does not look like sports betting will be on the ballot in 2024.
• December 2023: California tribes quickly voice opposition to both new acts. Despite containing “Tribal” in the names of the acts, tribes state that no one consulted them or asked for input.
• October 2023: Sponsors propose The Tribal Gaming Protection Act and The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act. These measures would allow work to make sports betting possible on tribal lands in California.
• November 9, 2022: Californians voted down Proposition 26 and 27 in large numbers.
• November 8, 2022: Voters decide on California Proposition 26 and 27. These measures would help legalize sports betting in California.

Can Residents of California Bet on Offshore Sites?

Yes, California residents can bet on offshore sites. Offshore betting websites present a unique option for sports betting sites in California. These sportsbooks fall into a legal gray area in a state that otherwise has strict rules regarding sports betting.

California laws prevent California-based institutions from providing sports betting opportunities. However, the laws don’t necessarily target the act of betting itself. Because of this, these offshore betting platforms are an option for anyone looking for legal sports betting in California online.

It is worth noting, though, that offshore sportsbooks often fall under different regulations and may not have as much oversight as US sportsbooks. That said, many consider them to be safe as long as it is a reputable site.

List of the Best California Sports Betting Sites in 2024

To make it easy for you to find the best sports betting sites in California (based offshore), we have done the research for you. Our reviewers and editors have examined each site's strengths and weaknesses to compile our list of the top Cali sports betting sites.

1. BetOnline – Best overall California sportsbook
2. BetWhale – Excellent for live betting
3. Bovada – Top mobile California sportsbook
4. Everygame – Best choice for betting on popular sports
5. TG.Casino – Top CA sportsbook for privacy
6. BetUS – Best welcome bonus
7. MyBookie – Top site for live betting
8. BetNow – Best sportsbook for niche betting
9. Jazz – Top option for betting with crypto
10. BUSR – Wide and diverse betting markets

Top 5 Online California Sportsbooks Reviewed

If you’re looking to bet on sports online in California, there are more limits to your options than you would have in some other states. Essentially, you can only use offshore sports betting options. Because of this, picking the best sites out there is even more important.

To help, we created a list of the best betting sites in California that residents can access and use to place sports bets.

1. BetOnline: Best Overall Sportsbook

BetOnline is the best choice for any California resident looking for an online sportsbook. The platform has been around since 2001, and while its sports betting options are newer, it still has built a reputation for being a trustworthy, safe, go-to betting platform among gamblers.

A big part of this comes from the wide variety of sports you can bet on. Through BetOnline, you can seamlessly bet on all your favorite California sports teams, such as the San Francisco 49ers, LA Lakers, or the LA Galaxy soccer club. However, BetOnline goes above and beyond by allowing you to bet on lesser-known teams. You can bet on table tennis, handball, and badminton, among others. You can even bet on international sports, like cricket and Aussie rules football.

Besides offering a wide variety of betting options, BetOnline is also incredibly easy to use, with clearly labeled tabs that take you to all of its sports betting options. It accepts a wide variety of payment options, including cryptocurrencies, though some payments (like credit cards) do come with fees. The mobile optimizations allow it to function well on your phone.

BetOnline also offers an unparalleled degree of trust and service. The company has been in operation for decades and has served many local sports fans over that period of time. On the rare occasions when something does go wrong, they even have a variety of responsive customer service options you can contact.

BetOnline Sports Bonus:

2. BetWhale: Best for Live Sports Betting

In many ways, BetWhale is a standard sportsbook. It offers sports betting, information about the games, and solid odds. With BetWhale, you can easily bet on a random Lakers game or the entire LA Rams season.

One of the main reasons we’ve listed BetWhale as one of the best online betting sites in California is its approach to live betting. Live betting allows you to jump into and start betting on a game or multiple games already in progress. With this, you can bet on the go while navigating the busy streets of San Francisco in the back of a cab or enjoying a live game at the Dodger Stadium.

The other premiere feature of BetWhale is the website’s design and layout. Numerous other online sportsbooks bombard you with tons of flashy imagery and an excess of on-screen text. With all of this facing you at once, trying to find the options you are looking for is daunting.

Meanwhile, BetWhale has a streamlined and straightforward operation. The site is intuitive and easy to navigate, so you won’t have to fumble around trying to figure out how to place a bet. When making a deposit, most payment methods, including Visa, MC, BTC, Litecoin, Neosurf, Flexepin, don't have any transaction fees. All of this makes BetWhale particularly attractive to anyone newer to online betting in California.

A straightforward interface like this is particularly helpful for live betting. You don’t want constant distractions and confusion while you are dealing with live bets. With these benefits in play, BetWhale is the obvious choice for live betting.

The only significant downside with BetWhale is that you can’t bet on quite as many sports with the site as you can with other websites. While this might be a problem for users who appreciate obscure sports, it won’t have much of an effect on anyone who simply enjoys betting on popular games.

BetWhale Sports Bonus:

3. Bovada: Top Mobile Sportsbook

Bovada is another trusted Golden State sportsbook option that offers a top-tier sports betting experience. Its many years of experience have given the platform a reputation as a trusted online sportsbook where you can feel safe depositing your money. Plus, its customer service is prompt and always available.

When it comes to sports betting, Bovada offers a lot. You can choose from bets on major games, like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL matches, and from plenty of other options, like international sports and even less popular sports. It also offers live betting for those California residents interested in fast-paced games.

Where Bovada stands out as one of the best betting sites in California is in mobile betting. Bovada’s mobile sportsbook is easier to use and navigate than many other mobile sportsbooks. The difference may be due to the effort Bovada puts into optimizing its pages for a mobile format. Even though it doesn’t offer a sportsbook app, the accessibility of its mobile site makes up for it.

What makes the mobile format so special is its presentation. When you load up the sportsbook, you’ll immediately see trending games, like NBA bets on the Golden State Warriors or MLB bets on the New York Giants. The mobile bet slip is also easy to fill out and easy to understand, so you can place your bets without worrying that you did something wrong.

Bovada accepts most popular payment methods, including Visa and Mastercard and the major cryptocurrencies. However, we wish it would offer Paypal and other eWallet options as well.

Bovada Sports Bonus:

4. Everygame: Best Choice for Popular Sports Betting

Everygame is no stranger to the world of online gambling. It has been in operation for decades and has gained a good degree of trust over that time. While its California sports betting options are one of the newer aspects of its operation, it still manages to impress.

Where Everygame sets itself apart is in streamlining its approach to popular games. As soon as you get to the sportsbook’s main page, you will see options for football, baseball, basketball, and hockey games. These aren’t just bets on the LA Chargers or the Warriors, though, as the football bets include the UFL, the baseball bets include Korean and Japanese leagues, and basketball includes the NCAA, WNBA, Euroleague, and more.

Information about popular games is also readily available on the website’s sidebar. The sports coupon gives a straightforward list of upcoming games and possible bets. Meanwhile, the halftime betting options are just a click away.

Betting options are optimal, too. With Everygame, you can place bets as small as $1, which not every platform offers. Bets like these are a great way for a California resident to test the waters and get started with sports betting. While you can take advantage of welcome bonuses to stretch your initial deposit, the platform's other rewards and bonuses are minimal.

These options pair nicely with Everygame’s responsible gambling features. With these, you can set betting limits or restrict yourself from certain games. These features make it easier to game responsibly while still enjoying yourself.

On top of all of this, Everygame is solid when it comes to payments. It accepts cryptocurrency, offers fee-free deposits with many payment methods, and has relatively quick withdrawals.

Everygame Sports Bonus:

5. TG.Casino: Top CA Sportsbook for Privacy

California is a major tech state, home to numerous tech companies and the source of many major innovations. It is also a place where privacy matters, with many laws and regulations focusing on protecting citizens’ data.

The next sportsbook on this list combines technology and privacy: TG.Casino. TG.Casino offers a sportsbook that heavily utilizes cryptocurrency and is accessible through Telegram, one of the most secure apps. These features make it incredibly attractive for anyone who wants to maintain their anonymity and privacy while using a sportsbook.

When it comes to sports betting, TG.Casino also stands out. The odds on this site tend to be around or better than some of the best odds from major sites. So, your bet on the latest Kings game could leave you with better profits on TG.Casino than the same bet would on a different site.

TG.Casino is also relatively easy to use once you get over the initial learning curve. You simply have to navigate to the sports section and you’ll instantly see a wide variety of popular and niche sports that you can bet on. We really appreciated the “In Play” button that instantly shows all of the current games you can bet on.

The downside of TG.Casino is that it doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone. If you aren’t tech-savvy or you don’t like the Telegram platform, you may have a hard time making bets via TG.Casino. It also doesn’t accept fiat payments outright, so you’ll need to be comfortable purchasing cryptocurrency to deposit funds in your account.

While TG.Casino does have a casino welcome bonus, you cannot use it on sports betting.

Together, all of these factors make TG.Casino an interesting choice for California sports wagering. Depending on your preferences, it may or may not offer the best online sports betting in California.

Comparing the Best California Online Sports Betting Sites

With all of these California sports betting options available, it can be tough to differentiate them. So, we created a comparison table that makes the standout points easier to digest.

How We Select Our List of Top California Sportsbooks

We took our time to overview each sportsbook’s features and consider a number of different factors. We found the above platforms to excel in all of the following categories:

• Safety: When it comes to online sports betting in California, safety is a priority. We only included online sportsbooks with the appropriate gambling licenses from the relevant governmental authority. We also looked for websites with the appropriate site safety protocols to prevent information from becoming compromised.
• Deposit & Payout Methods: We prioritized CA online sportsbooks that offered more deposit and withdrawal options. Specifically, we looked for sportsbooks that allow deposits and withdrawals in crypto.
• Bonuses & Promotions: Sites running worthwhile promotions or offering large bonuses ranked higher on this list. We paid particularly close attention to welcome bonuses, as these give newer users a great chance to try out the site and find out if it is really for them.
• Range of Sports: One of the most important features we considered was the range of sports you can bet on. We only included sportsbooks that allow you to bet on local teams. Beyond that, we placed some options higher if they offered a wider range of options.
• Depth of Markets: With gambling options limited for most California residents, we understand that the depth of the markets available is important. So, we ranked betting sites higher if their markets were deeper.
• Quality of Sports Betting Odds: Odds were relatively similar across most major CA sportsbooks. However, when differences occurred, we ranked sites with better betting odds higher.
• Mobile Interface: We looked for California betting sites that offer mobile apps. While this is not always an option, we still tried to prioritize options that optimized their mobile layout.
• Customer Service: We generally ranked California betting sites higher if they offered more customer service contact methods or if they offered customer service 24/7.

Bonuses & Promos Offered by CA Sports Betting Sites

One effective way to compare sports betting options in California is by the bonuses and promos they offer. However, to do so, you need to know the different types of commonly offered bonuses and promos.

• Match deposit bonuses: One of the most popular types of bonuses is when the sportsbook matches a percentage of your deposit. Match deposits can be especially valuable when you first start betting. For example, they may offer to match 50% of your initial deposit up to $1,000, meaning if you deposit $2,000, you can claim that $1,000 bonus after meeting certain betting requirements.
• Reload bonuses: These bonuses are like deposit bonuses since they involve putting more money in your account. However, they happen after your first deposit. These reward you for continuing to fill your account.
• No deposit bonuses: These are incredibly attractive bonuses because they don’t make you do anything. They are usually smaller and may come with some restrictions, but the fact that casinos freely give them out makes them very desirable.
• Free bets: Some sites allow you to make a bet without putting down any of your own money. These bonuses may be part of a welcome promo or offered later as part of a rewards program.
• Crypto bonuses: Crypto bonuses can be the same or similar to any of the other bonuses listed here. However, you’re only eligible if you use crypto payments. For example, a deposit bonus may give you additional bonuses if you use crypto for your deposit rather than a credit card or other payment method.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses at the Best California Sportsbooks

The welcome bonuses at many of these California online sportsbooks are very generous. However, they can vary dramatically, offering anywhere from $200 to over $2,000.

Getting the full picture of what bonuses are available will let you directly compare each of these sportsbook options.

How To Bet in California at Online Betting Sites?

Placing a bet on an online betting site in California isn't very difficult. If you want to start CA online sports betting, there is a process you need to follow.

1. Pick a betting site: Browse through the list of California sports betting sites and find one that appeals to you. Make sure to only look at CA options, as they are different from options found nationwide.
2. Sign up for an account: Once you're on the website of your chosen sportsbook, you need an account. The site will have an option that says “Sign up” on the homepage.
3. Provide information: To create an account, you’ll need to provide some basic information, like your name and age. You may also need to submit a form of ID.
4. Make a deposit: Once you have an account, you will need to make a deposit so you have money available to make bets. Choose a payment method that works for you. Keep in mind any relevant bonuses when making this deposit.
5. Use a promo code: Most sites have promo codes you can use. Make sure you use them; otherwise, you won’t get a bonus.
6. Make a bet: With money in your account, you can start betting. Whether you want to place a major bet on the Lakers to win it all or want to bet on a specific 49ers player, you can choose your wagers from here on out.
7. Follow along with rewards programs: Many California online betting sites have rewards programs that give you bonuses as you place bets over time. Being aware of these and signing up for them opens up the potential for additional rewards.

Popular Sports and Competitions To Bet in California

While many California betting websites let you bet on dozens of sports, a few are far more popular than others.

• MLB: California is home to five MLB teams. You can bet on any or all of them with a baseball betting site.
• NBA: With plenty of basketball teams in CA, it is easy to see why basketball betting sites are popular. NBA teams to bet on include the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.
• NFL: Football betting sites are some of the most popular betting sites in California. You can bet on everything from preseason games to the Super Bowl.
• Soccer: California residents looking to bet on soccer games can bet on local LA Galaxy games. They can also bet on international soccer matches or the World Cup.
• NHL: With a hockey betting site, you can bet on the Ducks, the Kings, and the Sharks. You can even bet on nearby teams, like the Kraken or the Golden Knights.
• Horse racing: Horse racing is the only sport you can bet on in person in California. However, with horse racing websites, you can bet on races all around the world.
• Tennis: Sports betting platforms let you bet on local tennis matches, like those at the Southern California open, along with individual matches across the U.S.
• Golf: Use the best California sports betting sites to bet on PGA championships and other big events in the golf realm.

Popular Bets You Can Make at the Best Online Sportsbooks in California

If you’re new to betting on sports in California, you should know that not all bets are the same. There are a variety of factors that go into placing smart bets and determining payouts.

• Moneyline: With this kind of bet, you are betting on the winner of the game. For example, a bet on the Kings to win is a moneyline bet. The odds for your bet will vary based on who the bookmakers predict will win.
• Spread betting: When betting with a spread, the predicted winner has to win by a certain number of points for the bet to pay out. If they don’t, an underdog bet wins.
• Parlays: These bets tie two or more different bets together, only paying out if they both hit. You could bet that the Angels and the Lakers both win their games. Because of the added difficulty, payouts for these bets are often greater.
• Over/under: With an over/under bet, you are betting whether the total score for the game will be over or under an amount predicted by bookmakers. If you’re right, you win.
• Prop bets: Proposition bets, or prop bets, specifically look at the performance of a team or player. For example, you could bet on the number of goals a specific Sharks player gets or the number of touchdowns the 49ers will make.
• Live bets: Live bets are bets you make while the game is ongoing. Because of this, the odds and payouts on these bets are often very different.

California Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Wagering Options

Because of legal limitations, there are no betting apps or mobile wagering options that let you make sports bets in California. However, offshore betting sites give residents a potential option.

Almost all of these work via a web browser rather than an app. However, you can also access these CA sportsbooks by going through your mobile device's web browser.

Many offshore sportsbooks have taken time and effort to optimize their web pages for mobile devices. Because of this, they often greet you with an app-like experience when you load up the site on a web browser.

However, there are options with less optimized mobile websites. These will be difficult to use on a mobile device and are better if you use a desktop or laptop computer.

Alongside desktop and mobile websites, there are also CA mobile sportsbooks that use other apps. For example, TG.Casino works through the Telegram app. These will vary greatly depending on the app's operation.

Popular Home Teams in California

California is home to a host of popular teams in many sports, including multiple NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA teams.

• LA Kings: The LA Kings won the NHL Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. However, in the past five years, they have either failed to qualify for the playoffs or got eliminated in the first round.
• LA Chargers: The LA Chargers have had a rough recent history with the NFL. In the past five years, they only made it to the playoffs once.
• San Francisco 49ers: In recent years, the San Francisco 49ers have been a dominant team in the NFL, making it to the Superbowl in 2020 and 2024 and nearly making it to the Superbowl several other years.
• LA Dodgers: The Dodgers reached the MLB World Series in 2017 and 2018 and won in 2020.
• San Francisco Giants: The Giants won the MLB World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Since then, though, they have yet to make it to the World Series again.
• LA Clippers: The Clippers have struggled in the NBA for a while now. Their conference finals appearance in 2021 was their most notable series in recent history.
• LA Lakers: The Lakers hold the record for the NBA's longest winning streak. Their most recent success was in 2020 when they won their 17th championship.
• LA Galaxy: From 2009 to 2016, the Galaxy dominated the MLS, winning or placing in the top five each year. Since then, though, their record has been less impressive.

Retail Gambling Outlets in California

While California law prohibits land-based casinos within the state, these same laws do not apply to California tribal lands. Rather, tribal lands are subject to different laws than state lands and can legally operate casinos.

Because of this “loophole,” you can find a few in-person casinos on tribal land within the state of California. Viejas Casino & Resort is perhaps the most popular option; it’s located in Alpine, CA, and features thousands of slot machines, a range of table games, and more.

Other Betting Options in CA

California sports betting isn’t the only kind of betting available to residents. Anyone looking to broaden their gaming horizons can also look into:

• Online casinos: While California doesn’t technically allow online casinos, there’s a gray area surrounding the use of offshore casinos. You can bet on your favorite California sports teams on the offshore casinos listed above.
• Tribal casinos: Casinos located on tribal land within California, such as Viejas Casino & Resort, are technically legal and can let you play all of your favorite casino games in person.
• Poker: Poker is one of the available gambling options in California. The state has over 70 licensed poker casinos or “cardrooms,” such as The Palace Poker Casino in Hayward and Oceanview Casino in Santa Cruz.
• Horse racing: You can place bets on the outcomes of horse races at numerous California racetracks, such as Santa Anita Race Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course.
• Fantasy sports: California doesn’t regulate betting on daily fantasy sports (DFS), and you can do so with any of the offshore casinos above along with U.S. sports betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.

The Future of Sports Betting in California

Sports betting is currently illegal in California. Despite recent efforts to legalize it, this doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t change.

One of the major roadblocks to legalizing sports betting in CA is opposition from the state’s tribes. The tribes were against the 2022 ballots to legalize sports betting and the most recent proposal for legalization. Many deemed their opposition instrumental in sinking both efforts.

However, their opposition to the most recent efforts was, at minimum, partially due to the fact that they were unaware of the effort and no one consulted them on it. If a group worked with the tribes to find a compromise, their assent could lead to the passage of sports betting legislation.

Nearby States to California Sports Betting Alternatives

While California restricts sports betting in several ways, nearly all surrounding states have fewer restrictions. Because of this, placing a legal sports bet can be as easy as taking a road trip.

• Nevada: Sports betting in Nevada is the top alternative for California. There, destinations like Las Vegas cater to all sports betting.
• Oregon: Most forms of sports betting are legal in Oregon, with a few exceptions, such as betting on college sports. However, you can get past some exceptions by betting at certain tribal casinos.
• Arizona: As the state recently legalized in-person and mobile sports betting, Arizona sports betting is another option.

Responsible Gambling

It is important to always gamble responsibly. Never bet money you can’t afford to lose or bet in an unsafe way.

Some online California casinos offer features you can use to practice responsible gambling. For example, Everygame casino lets you set weekly spending limits and exclude yourself from certain games. Setting these early makes it easier to game responsibly.

The state itself also offers a fantastic array of help. The Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General website lists a number of helpful links. Meanwhile, you can always call the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline for help.

In extreme cases, California even offers a self-exclusion program you can use to bar or limit yourself from gambling.

Conclusion: Best Betting Site for California Players

Considering legality, comparing bonuses, and evaluating features are all important when choosing a good betting site.

When it comes down to it, BetOnline stands out as the best of the best. We based this decision on extensive research into California betting sites. From dozens of betting markets to an attractive welcome offers, prompt customer support, and a simple interface, there's plenty of value to be found there for Californians.

CA Sports Betting FAQs

Is Sports Betting Legal in California?

Outside of horse racing, sports betting is not legal in California. However, offshore sports betting websites are a potential option for residents.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?

It is illegal to run a sports betting website in California. However, offshore sports betting websites skirt this law by being located outside of California.

Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal in CA?

California law does not specifically ban offshore betting sites.

What Are the Best California Sportsbooks?

The best California sportsbooks are based offshore, which include BetOnline, BetWhale, Bovada, Everygame, and TG.Casino.

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in California?

California sports betting will probably not be legal for at least the next year or two. After that, it’s impossible to say what the future holds.