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Overview – Legal Sports Betting in California Today
Sports betting is not legal in California. However, bettors in California can use offshore sportsbooks, like the ones we recommend below to bet on sports.
| Betting Availability | California |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | No ❌ (Prop 27 rejected Nov 2022) |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21+ (18+ at tribal casinos) * |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes ✅ – Offshore options available |
| Online Casinos & Poker | Yes ✅ – Offshore options available |
| Offshore Sportsbooks | Yes ✅ – Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, etc. |
| Online Horse Racing | Yes ✅ – Advance Deposit Wagering |
| Retail Sports Betting & Casinos | No ❌ |
| Tribal Casinos | Yes ✅ – 76 licensed casinos |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | Yes ✅ |
| Lottery | Yes ✅ |
California does not regulate online casinos or online sports betting. However, Californians can access offshore gambling sites online, which are not licensed by the state. Well, casinos can be on tribal lands, and there are currently more than 70 up and running throughout the state. However, they tend to be far away from population centers. It can be a hassle to drive to get to one.
Online casinos are not legal or regulated in California. However, many offshore sportbooks offer online casino gaming options.
* Minimum age varies by venue: 18+ to 21+ depending on the venue in question. Check the specific venue’s rules.
Top 5 California Sportsbooks
Whether or not there is legal sports betting with local sportsbooks in California, you should be prepared with the best options to sign up and start wagering on your favorite sports as soon as possible.
That is why we provide the sportsbooks we recommend most for California sports bettors right here on this page. This way you can be ready to go no matter the circumstances. Remember that offshore sportsbooks remain legal in the state, whether or not they legalize California sports betting on tribal lands.
BetUS
You may recognize this recommendation from some of our other pages. After all, California sports bettors are looking for similar things in a great sportsbook as bettors from across the country. BetUS offers security, fast payouts, and great odds, which are top priorities for everyone. BetUs has been around for a long time. Established in 1994, this trusted sportsbook keeps it fresh with rotating promotions and bonus offerings.
What will be different about these California betting sites is that we ensure they have great odds specifically for California sports teams. The Los Angeles Lakers and the San Francisco 49ers will have their spot on this site.
- Competitive odds
- Great mobile layout
- Varied betting markets
- Crypto deposit bonus of 200 percent match up to $1,500
- Limited payout options. Some options have fees
- Limited to major sports and leagues
- Maximum bets might be low for some
Lucky Rebel
Lucky Rebel is becoming a go-to choice for U.S. sports bettors, including those in California. The site is known for its security, reliable payouts, and competitive odds across major markets. While relatively new compared to some long-running books, Lucky Rebel has quickly built a reputation for its generous promotions and modern, player-friendly platform.
California betting fans will find full coverage of the state’s most popular teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and San Francisco 49ers, with odds and props that keep every game exciting.
Below are the pros and cons we have found with Lucky Rebel through using the site and what other users have noted.
- Generous welcome bonuses (125% sports, 200% casino)
- Wide variety of promotions & loyalty rewards
- Modern, easy-to-use mobile site
- Competitive odds across major sports & horse racing
- Still a newer book without long track record
- Rollover requirements can be steep on bonuses
- No phone support available
- Fewer niche markets than some larger sportsbooks
Bovada
Bovada is the number one sportsbook across the country. They attract the most players, and it is not hard to see why. This trusted name will take care of you from start to finish. Their reputation is well-known and well-deserved.
Plus, our legal experts make sure that they are freely and legally available in California. You will have no problem accessing and playing this California online sportsbook. It is based offshore, meaning local laws in California do not govern its servers.
Below are the pros and cons we have found with Bovada through using the app and what other users have noted.
- Number one sportsbook in CA
- Tens of thousands of markets daily
- Rotating specials
- Bonus of 75 percent match up to $750 for crypto deposits
- Limited promotions for existing customers
- Fees for certain banking methods
- Lacks multiple cryptocurrency withdrawal method
BetOnline
This modern website has a great welcome bonus. At a 50% match up to a thousand big ones, BetOnline is a solid choice! But they offer more than just a solid welcome bonus for California bettors. They also have great payout speed, which is an essential part of being a trustworthy sportsbook.
After all, while we are here to have fun, making a few bucks along the way would also be nice! Things like withdrawal speed are pivotal to having more control over your earnings. California sports bettors will be at home at BetOnline.
Below are the pros and cons we have found with BetOnline through using the app and what other users have noted.
- Lots of banking options
- Crypto bonus
- Great layout
- Bonus of 50 percent up to $250 on desposits
- Fees on credit card deposits
- Fees on some payout methods
- High rollover requirements on some bonuses
MyBookie
MyBookie has super fast payouts and deposits, which will let you have more control over your bankroll as you dive into sports betting. You also have more than one signup bonus here at MyBookie.
MyBookie is known for its great mobile interface, as well. You can sign up by clicking the link we provide and their website will automatically adjust to your mobile device, making for a seamless connection.
Below are the pros and cons we have found with MyBookie through using the app and what other users have noted.
- Rotating promotions
- Lots of betting markets
- Updates regularly
- Bonus of 100 percent up to $1,000 on deposits
- Withdrawal Methods are Limited to Bitcoin and Bank Wire Transfer
- No poker room
- High minimum deposit for non-crypto
*Did you expect to see sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings or FanDuel on the list? Unfortunately, they don’t offer online sports betting for bettors residing in California. That could change in time, but until then, you will not find them or Unibet, BetRivers, Fox Bet or PointsBet in California. Instead, you can try any of the sites reviewed in MyTopSportsbooks – they offer competitive odds and higher bonuses than the brands advertising on TV.
Sportsbook Bonus Comparison Table
If you’re looking to maximize value when betting online for any sports event, it’s worth comparing what each sportsbook offers beyond just the odds. Below is a breakdown of the welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, loyalty perks, and crypto-specific offers from the top betting sites. Whether you’re a first-time depositor or a returning player, these promotions can significantly boost your bankroll.
How we review and choose these California betting sites
We have carefully looked over the online sports betting sites in California. We have used these sites for years and know them well. Our experience among dozens of online bookies has given us the experience to know what to look for.
When making bets online, it is important to know that you are safe and that you are getting the best deal possible. Here are the five top qualities we look for when we recommend sports betting sites, along with a sportsbook that exemplifies that characteristic.
There are also great California betting apps that you should check our for your mobile sports betting needs.
Both of these bonus categories contribute to our overall evaluation when reviewing California betting sites, as we want to help you find the best bonus options out there. Bovada is a great example of a sportsbook full of bonuses, for instance. Their welcome bonus is 50% up to $1000.
We also thoroughly review and test the encryption methods of each sportsbook payment method to guarantee the safety and security of user information. For sites that offer multiple deposit methods, we conduct a careful and detailed vetting process for each one to ensure the security of user information.
Another thing we consider is speed and reliability of payment options.
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
Sports betting is currently not legally available in California via online sportsbooks. However, bettors in California can access online sports betting today via the sportsbooks we recommend here. We will see if California voters finally approve local sportsbooks in the next elections.
What forms of gambling and betting are legal in California?
Sports betting in California is not legal, though there have been several tries to amend the law in recent years. With major ballot initiatives in the 2022 midterms failing, don’t expect sports betting to be legalized in the state any time soon. In fact, the prediction is it may not be until 2028 when sports betting gets legal status in the state.
Legal in California
- California state lottery
- Horse racing
- Cardrooms
- Daily fantasy sports
- Tribal casinos
Illegal in California
- Casinos (Non-tribal)
- Sports betting
- Online gambling
- Commercial gambling
For those who are interested in sports betting, using an offshore sportsbook is a legal and acceptable option for California residents.
California and Daily Fantasy Sports
California has no laws that explicitly legalize daily fantasy sports betting, but residents are still able to log in and play. You can build your team and start betting on a number of different daily fantasy sports betting apps. Here are some of the biggest and most popular options in the state:
- DraftKings App
- FanDuel DFS App
- Monkey Knife Fight
- WinView Games
- Outlast Daily Fantasy Sports
- Yahoo Fantasy Sports
- Fantasy Draft
Is Horse Race betting Legal in California?
Yes, horse racing is legal in California. They legalized pari-mutuel betting in 1933, making it a long tradition in the state. In fact, some of the most iconic horse racing tracks in the country and even the world are in California. What would horse racing be without the Santa Anita track?
Bettors in California also have the option of making off-track bets at online racebooks. All the betting sites we recommend on this page have horse racing bets available, as well.
Gambling in Casinos in California
No state has more Tribal casinos than California. There are over 70 tribal casinos in the state where gambling is legal. Non-tribal casinos are illegal in the state. The minimum age to gamble in a Tribal casino is either 18 or 21 depending on if the casino has an alcohol license. Poker cardrooms are also legal in California.
Those who wish to enjoy casino games but cannot make it to a Tribal casino should check out the offshore betting sites that also offer casino gaming.
California November 2022 ballot – Prop 26 and Prop 27
These two ballot propositions would have legalized sports betting in California, but both failed to pass the grand test of voter approval. These two propositions differed slightly in terms of tax structure and permissions about who and where could set up sportsbooks. However, voters rejected them handily, meaning there will be no California-licensed sportsbooks for a while.
What was Prop 26?
Proposition 26 would have legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks in California. The proposition failed in a vote in 2022 with over 7 million people voting against it and 3.5 million supporting the proposition. Tribal casinos endorsed the bill, but operators of card rooms opposed it.
What was Prop 27?
Proposition 27 would have legalized online and mobile sports betting. Sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel were in support of the proposition, while operators of native casinos were against the bill for fear that legalized sports betting would cut into their gambling market. The vote on Proposition 27 was overwhelming, as 8.8 million people voted against it. Meanwhile, 1.9 million voters supported the proposition.
Over $350 million was spent on TV ads to defeat the propositions.
What their rejection means for sports betting in California
The gaming industry and the tribal casinos spent nearly $600 million in the hopes of getting Proposition 26 and 27 passed in 2022, but they failed. Earlier this month James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, said that another go could be made at legalizing sports betting in 2026, but the more realistic date for the next attempt to get sports betting legalized in the state is 2028.
California Sports Betting – Monthly highlights
When will California legalize sports betting?
The California Tribal Sports Betting Initiative (#23-0031) would have legalized sports betting for adults 21 years of age on professional, collegiate, and amateur sporting or athletic events. The initiative would have also made betting on sporting events involving animals other than horses and all amateur sports involving minors illegal. To get the initiative on the ballot in 2024, 874,641 valid signatures were needed. However, the initiative did not hit that number by the deadline of July 1, 2024, so the initiative won’t be on the ballot in California in 2024.
James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, said of legal sports betting in the state, “maaaaaybe 2026, but probably 2028.” Silva made those remarks in October 2024 at the Global Gaming Expo.
Right now the question of when will California legalize sports betting is an open one, but it seems like it will be a few years.
Potential legal sports betting sites in California
There are lots of big fish waiting to sink their teeth into the California betting market if the state legislature opens the floodgates. While we do not know how many licenses will be given, if any, we know that even before this happens, bettors in California can use the online sports betting sites we recommend here.
Tribal Casinos in California
There are more than 70 tribal casinos and 5 mini-casinos available across California. Native American Tribes have a monopoly on retail casinos in the state. One that is worth highlighting is the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. It has been voted number one casino fourteen times in a row. In addition to the large casino, they have an award-winning restaurant, Serenity Springs Spa & Salon, and other great amenities to make the most of your stay. Here’s a full list of California casinos:
- Amador County: Harrah’s Northern California, Jackson Rancheria Casino
- Butte County: Feather Falls Casino, Gold Country Casino & Hotel, Mechoopda Casino
- Colusa County: Colusa Casino Resort
- Contra Costa County: San Pablo Lytton Casino
- Del Norte County: Elk Valley Casino, Lucky 7 Casino, Lucky 7 Fuel Mart, Redwood Hotel Casino
- Eldorado County: Redhawk Casino
- Fresno County: Mono Wind Casino, Table Mountain Casino
- Humboldt County: Bear River Casino, Blue Lake Casino, Lucky Bear Casino, Cher-Ae Heights Bingo & Casino, Playstation 777
- Imperial County: Quechan Resort Casino, Red Earth Casino
- Inyo County: Wanaaha Casino, Winnedumah Win’s Casino
- Kern County: Inyokern Casino Project, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon,
- Kings County: Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino
- Lake County: Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino, Konocti Vista Casino, Twin Pine Casino, Running Creek Casino
- Lassen County: Diamond Mountain Casino
- Mendocino County: Black Bart Casino, Red Fox County, Coyote Valley Casino, Garcia River Casino, Hidden Oaks Casino, Hopland Sho-Ka-Wah Casino & Bingo, Sherwood Valley Casino
- Madera County: Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, North Fork Mono Casino & Resort
- Modoc County: Desert Rose Casino
- Placer County: Thunder Valley Casino
- Riverside County: Agua Caliente Casino, Aqua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, Augustine Casino, Cahuilla Creek Casino, Casino Morongo, Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino, Morongo Casino, Morongo Travel Center, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Soboba Casino, Spa Resort and Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino
- Sacramento: Sky River Casino
- Santa Barbara: Chumash Casino Resort
- San Bernardino: Tortoise Rock Casino, Havasu Landing Resort and Casino, Yaamava’ Resort Casino, Barstow Casino and Resort Project
- San Diego: Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Casino Pauma, Golden Acorn Casino, Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Jamul Casino, La Jolla Slot Arcade, Pala Casino Resort & Spa, Sycuan Resort and Casino, Valley View Casino, Viejas Casino
- Shasta County: Win-River Casino, Pit River Casino
- Siskiyou: Rain Rock Casino
- Sonoma County: Graton Resort and Casino, River Rock Casino, Cloverdale Rancheria Destination Resort & Casino Project, Shiloh Resort & Casino Project
- Solano: Scotts Valley Casino Resort Project
- Tehama County: Rolling Hills Casino
- Tulare County: Eagle Mountain Casino
- Tuolumne County: Chicken Ranch Bingo & Casino, Black Oak Casino
- Yolo County: Cache Creek Casino
- Yuba County: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
California Sports Betting Timeline
California entered 2025 still dealing with the failed 2022 ballot measures, and tribal leadership quickly ruled out a 2026 initiative, pointing instead toward 2028. That decision effectively removed any short-term legalization pathway and confirmed that progress depends on full tribal alignment.
DraftKings and FanDuel changed their strategy during the year, proposing a tribe-led online betting model with centralized control and guaranteed revenue for tribes. This marked a shift away from direct competition toward cooperation, but no unified agreement was reached across the state’s tribal groups.
Prediction markets became a major point of conflict. Tribal organizations argued that sports-event contracts function as unregulated betting products, bypassing state law and tribal compacts while capturing betting demand in California without local oversight or taxation.
The regulatory tone tightened further when the attorney general concluded that daily fantasy sports are illegal under existing law. This reinforced a restrictive legal framework and signaled that California is not yet moving toward broader gambling expansion.
Polling data from August 2025 showed around 60% of voters were open to legalization under the right structure, indicating improved public sentiment compared to previous years. However, without alignment between tribes, operators, and regulators, that support did not translate into legislative or ballot progress.
Top Sports and Teams to Bet on in California
Other Popular Events to bet on in California
In addition to fielding teams in the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL, California has many other sports to bet on, including:
- California has three MLS teams: Los Angeles Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, and Chivas USA.
- California has 26 NCAA Division 1 football teams in the state.
- California has many auto racing tracks, several of which host NASCAR races.
- The UFC visits California often, with Anaheim being a frequent host of fight cards.
- The PGA visits California for events such as The American Express and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Nearest states with legal betting
California neighbors states with legal betting. When we think of retail casinos, who could forget Las Vegas, Nevada. The Strip is home to many world-famous casinos and has been the most important center for gambling in the United States for decades. Oregon and Arizona, California’s two other neighbors, have also passed laws allowing them to license local sportsbooks. However, bettors in California do not need to travel to place the best bets. Online sportsbooks available in California right now are often the best choices on the market.
How to sports bet in California
The signup process for most offshore sportsbooks is simple and straightforward. Below is an example of signing up for BetOnline.
Step 1: Join
You first need to click the “Join” button on the BetOnline home page. This will bring up a form asking for basic information, including the password you want to use for the site.
Step 2: Chose your deposit method
Once you establish your password and provide your basic information, the next thing you need to do, if you want to wager on BetOnline and not just browse the odds and offerings is make a deposit.
Step 3: Deposit
Once you have decided on your preferred deposit method, you need to add funds to your account. Below is what the Bitcoin deposit screen looks like for BetOnline. When making your deposit, make sure to use the best bonus/promotional codes the site is offering so you can take advantage of that bonus. Most sites offer their best bonuses when making an initial deposit.
Step 4: Start betting
There could be a slight delay in funds showing up in your account, but once they do, you are now ready to bet.
Bet using sports betting apps in California
One of the advantages of offshore sportsbooks is their mobile compatibility. Whether you’re using a standalone app for the sportsbook or accessing the site through a mobile browser, you can place wagers from your smartphone or tablet. The betting process on a mobile app is usually identical to using a desktop.
Below are three mobile sports betting apps we recommend.
Bovada App
With Bovada’s mobile betting site, you can enjoy a seamless betting experience that’s just as easy to use as the desktop version. No downloads are required from the App Store or Google Play, making it accessible to users on the go. The Bovada site shares the same features as the desktop site, including sports betting, many casino games, and a poker room
Pros
- No download
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Better betting odds can be found on other sites
- Some betting lines come out late in the day
BetOnline App
While the sportsbook may not have a dedicated Betonline mobile app, the company offers seamless access on any mobile device. Experience all the same features and functionalities as the desktop version, ensuring you never miss out on your betting opportunities, no matter where you are.
Pros
- Offers a multitude of betting options
- Easy access to betting markets
Cons
- Customer service can be hard to access
- No cash-out options for bets
MyBookie App
While there may not be a dedicated MyBookie betting app, you can enjoy seamless access to their fully optimized mobile site. Whether you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you’ll find it easy to place bets right at your fingertips, where you’re at.
Pros
- Good mobile interface
- Enhanced security
Cons
- Number of events not as robust as some other apps
- Better betting odds can be found on other sites
How to choose the right betting app
When you’re searching for the best mobile betting app for your needs, it’s crucial to focus on a few key factors that can enhance your experience. Look for an app with a user-friendly interface, lightning-fast responsiveness, and a design that mirrors the experience of the desktop site. In today’s market, the lines between desktop and mobile sportsbooks have blurred, offering you the convenience of betting on the go without sacrificing quality.
Below are some things to consider when choosing the app that is right for you:
- Make sure to use a sportsbook that does not break the law in California
- Make sure to select an app that is easy to use for your level of betting experience
- Make sure it is compatible with your specific needs – which could be live betting options, access to casino games, live streaming, etc..
- Make sure it offers live betting if you think that’s something you might be interested in
- Make sure the app has live streaming if that is something you need
- Make sure you can easily reach customer service via the app
- Make sure you are comfortable with the odds and how often they are updated
Make sure to bet safely and reasonably
One of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing a sportsbook is the assurance that your information is safe and secure. The betting sites we review and recommend are all licensed and regulated, and they employ various security measures, including Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.
Another important safety consideration is whether the site prioritizes your well-being. Look for platforms that offer responsible gaming options or self-exclusion policies. Some sites even allow you to set your own deposit and betting limits. You can typically find this information in the site’s FAQs or by contacting customer service via instant message, text, phone, or email.
With or without self-exclusion policies, bettors should be mindful when betting, setting and adhering to limits they are comfortable with, and not wagering more than they can afford to lose.
For those who need assistance from the sites, here is some useful contact information:
| Email/Referral Form | Phone contact | Text contact | |
| Office of Problem Gambling | Email Form | 1-800-GAMBLER | Text SUPPORT to 53342 |
| California Council on Problem Gambling | Email Form | 1-800-GAMBLER | Text SUPPORT to 53342 |
| Center of Addiction for Mental Health | Referral Form | 1-800-662-HELP (4357) |
At MyTopSportsbooks, we prioritize responsible gaming by offering resources like self-assessment tools, deposit limits, time-outs, and access to support organizations like the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Our platform promotes a safe, balanced approach to sports betting, ensuring it remains enjoyable and protects users’ well-being.
California Sports Betting FAQ
Find answers to common questions bettors like you have when researching which sportsbook to join.
California voters rejected both Prop 26 and Prop 27 in 2022, and the legislature has not passed any sports-wagering law. While no in-state operators exist, Californians can still use offshore platforms like Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie to wager with live odds and parlay options.
No. There are no legal retail or online sportsbooks in California. Residents instead turn to reputable offshore sites such as Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie for full sports markets, live in-play odds and secure mobile betting.
You can bet online via reputable offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie, which are licensed in Curaçao and trusted for their secure mobile apps, real-time odds, parlays, prop bets, crypto deposit options and responsive customer support.
Tribal casinos can offer casino table games and pari-mutuel wagering (poker, blackjack, slots), but not sports betting. To place sports wagers, Californians use offshore sportsbooks (e.g. Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie) for markets on football, basketball, UFC and more.
Since no in-state apps exist, Californians rely on mobile apps from offshore operators like Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie, all of which deliver live odds, parlay tools, prop-bet menus and multiple payment methods including crypto.
No. DraftKings isn’t licensed in California. To access equivalent markets you must use offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada, BetOnline or MyBookie, which offer live odds, parlays and secure mobile wagering.
No. FanDuel has no California license. Californians instead turn to offshore alternatives—like Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie—for full sports markets, live in-play odds and prompt payouts.
No. BetMGM is not licensed to operate in California. Californians can sign up with offshore sites such as Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie for competitive odds, in-play betting, futures and prop bets.
Yes. California doesn’t criminalize offshore betting, so you can use MyBookie under its Curaçao eGaming license. It’s trusted for secure deposits, live odds and prompt payouts.
Yes. Bovada is an offshore sportsbook licensed in Curaçao that accepts California players. It offers full sports coverage, live in-play odds, parlay and prop bets, secure crypto and fiat deposits, plus swift withdrawals.
Trent is a professional sports journalist specializing in UFC, MMA, and esports coverage. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's connection to MMA dates back to the early days when he and his friends pooled their resources to purchase the pay-per-...
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