With a population nearing 40 million people, the largest in the United
States, California is widely considered to have the biggest sporting fan base in
the country. Unsurprisingly, there is a massive number of people here that love
to bet on their favorite sports. Today, our team of experts is here to help you
find the best California sports betting sites currently operating.
California’s legal sports betting age is 18. In order to partake in sports betting at online sportsbooks, you must be at least 18 years of age or older. Online sportsbooks will not allow sports bettors to wager without legal identification that proves they are at least the required legal sports betting age. California Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting Laws Along with the many internet poker bills over the years, California lawmakers have tried to pass a handful of daily fantasy sports bills. The Internet Fantasy Sports Games Consumer Protection Act (AB 1437), sponsored by Assemblyman Adam Gray in 2015, failed to gain traction. Once California legalizes online gambling, it’s likely to become the biggest sports betting market in the country. Millions of people are already placing sports bets over the internet here. With regulation, the state government can begin collecting taxes on this revenue being earned. Online Sports Betting California: A Guide to Popular Gambling Sites Best known for Hollywood and a golden coastline, California is home to numerous bricks-and-mortar casinos that give Nevada a run for its money. Jan 04, 2021 California Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting Laws Along with the many internet poker bills over the years, California lawmakers have tried to pass a handful of daily fantasy sports bills. The Internet Fantasy Sports Games Consumer Protection Act (AB 1437), sponsored by Assemblyman Adam Gray in 2015, failed to gain traction.
There are some truly amazing online sportsbooks available here. To help out
those new to online gambling, we’re listing the most important features to look
for in internet sports betting sites. Later on, we’ll be going over the current
laws and regulations over this popular industry.
Below are five of our favorite California betting sites available
right now. Check them out to see why they’re growing more popular every year.
| Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
| #1 | 100% Up To $2,500 | Visit Site | ||
| #2 | MyBookie | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | |
| #3 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | ||
| #4 | Bovada Sports | 50% Up To $250 | Visit Site | |
| #5 | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | ||
Features That All California Sports Betting Sites Should Have
Unlike many US states, California has not yet regulated its online gambling
market. Until it does, players here will need to find safe betting sites that
are based in other areas. Fortunately, this industry here evolved massively over
the years.
The majority of online sports betting sites in California are fantastic. Most
are completely safe and offer a huge range of different betting options. Those
new to internet sports betting may feel overwhelmed trying to choose a site to
play through for the first time. Below are four of the most important things to
look for in an online sportsbook today.
Safe and Easy Payment Options
Safety is, and always has been, the most important thing when looking for a website to bet online in California. A site may offer thousands of
incredible betting odds on every single sport, but if it doesn’t provide you
with safe payment options, it’s not even worth looking at. Fortunately, this is
an easy thing to look into.
One of the best ways to learn more about a website’s payment system is to
head over to our list of
sportsbook reviews. Our team has looked through hundreds of different sports
betting sites over the years. In each review on California betting websites,
we explain exactly which payment options are available. If any sites are caught
charging unusual fees or withholding payments, we’ll let you know about it.
Another easy way to look into a website’s cashier system is to check out the
site for yourself. All of the reputable sports betting sites in California will
clearly list exactly which forms of payment are accepted. Head on up to the
sites we recommend at the top of this page and look into the payment options
provided at each one.
We recommend joining websites that allow deposits to be made using both debit
and credit cards. Most of the online sportsbooks in CA only
allow withdrawals to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this scare you! Bitcoin
payouts come with extremely low fees and are processed within just a few days.
Some sites, including
Bovada sportsbook, even have entire pages that explain how Bitcoin payouts
are made.
Nothing is more important than safety when betting online in California. We feel strongly
that the first thing you should always look for in a betting website is a safe
cashier system.
Modern Design and User Interface
Some might argue that the design of an online sportsbook isn’t tremendously
important. We disagree. The style and designs of these websites will affect your
entire gambling experience. Every sportsbook has a different design, and it’s
not easy to say that one is better than another.
Almost every internet sportsbook will allow you to check them out before you
join. We recommend heading over to a few different sites and looking at their
homepages. Check to see that the sites don’t crash, and make it easy to actually
place bets.
As we just mentioned, all of the California betting sites operating
today are different. Some feature busy homepages with hundreds of odds and bonus
offers. Others are simplistic, with just a few odds on major US sporting events.
The most important thing is to find a sportsbook that fits your needs. There
are so many great options available today, so this should be easy! Spend a
little time looking at a few different site designs today.
We want to note that the sites at the top of this page are all well-known for
offering incredible designs. Each has amazing functionality that makes it
extremely easy to find the exact sport you want to bet on.
Great Customer Support System
This is, unfortunately, the most overlooked feature of gambling websites. You
would be surprised to find out how many new bettors sign up to a website without
even looking at which support options are provided. Don’t make this mistake.
The state of California will not be around to assist you if an issue arises
with your betting experience. You will need to rely on the website you play at
to help answer any questions. Today, every reputable online sportsbook will
provide members with a number of different customer service options.
The very best sports betting sites in California will offer
a live chat feature. This allows you to speak directly with a customer service
representative over text. It’s without a doubt the easiest and most convenient
way to seek help while betting online in California.
If the sites you’re looking at only offer an email support option, they are
probably not worth joining. Email support can oftentimes take weeks to actually
answer your questions. Stick to sportsbooks that offer direct customer support
options.
There’s a very good chance that you will never have to utilize the customer
support services of the betting site you join. If, however, you need a question
answered, it’s important to know that the company you are betting through will
have your back.
Wide Range of Betting Odds
You should make sure that the
US betting website
you are looking to join provides a wide range of different betting options.
Generally speaking, the more odds that a site provides to its members, the
better the entire site really is. The best California sports betting websites today
provide thousands of different betting odds every single day.
Do you love the NFL? Find a sportsbook offering betting odds on every single
team throughout the entire season. Are you a baseball fan? Look for a betting
site that provides a wide range of different MLB odds.
It’s also a good idea to compare the odds between a few different websites.
Some sports betting sites in California are known to offer better odds than
others. The better the odds are, the better your chances are to win big!
Many CA internet sportsbooks today provide members with unique betting
options on things such as politics and entertainment. Novelty betting is growing
more popular than ever. If this is something you are interested in, find a
company offering a number of different fun novelty bets!
Much like design, all California betting sites will offer different
odds. We feel that it’s always a good idea to join a betting website that
provides you with a wide range of different betting options every single day.
Why Are Sports Betting Sites in California so Popular?
California is home to many professional sports teams. As you’d probably
expect, many of the sports fans in this state have been searching for an easy
way to bet on their favorite teams for years.
There are many reasons why betting sports online in California is growing so popular. We’ve
asked a number of Californians why they love to place wagers online, and two
reasons come up time and time again.
Easiest and Safest Option Available
California legalized tribal casinos years ago. Unfortunately, lawmakers here
have not yet taken the steps to regulate sports betting. It’s unusual, as this
industry would likely bring the state millions in additional revenue every
single year.
For now, California sports betting websites are the safest and easiest option
available. As we mentioned earlier, most of the betting sites operating in this
state provide completely secure payment options to all their members. The only
other option is an illegal bookie!
Huge Range of Betting Odds
The top sports betting sites in California will always offer more betting
options than even the biggest land-based sportsbooks around the country. There
are simply more betting options available online. The huge list of betting
options is a major reason why so many people love to bet on their favorite
sports over the internet.
This doesn’t just include sports. Legit California sports betting sites will
allow you to bet on things like politics, movie outcomes, and more. You can
place bets on just about everything from anywhere in the state with an internet
connection.
Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?
For many years, lawmakers in California didn’t even want to talk about the
legalization of sports betting. In 2017, things took a turn. That year, Assembly
member Adam Gray introduced an amendment to California’s constitution to
regulate the sports betting market.
This amendment got much more realistic just a year later. In May of 2018, the
US Supreme Court ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional. This decision now allows
every state to set its own laws on sports gambling. Many sports fans in the
state began hoping California would begin to open this market.
As of this writing, there hasn’t been much progress made. Sports gambling remains
banned throughout the state. Most analysts predict that this industry will
become legal and regulated within just a few years.
“(a)State law prohibits commercially operated lotteries, banked or
percentage games, and gambling machines, and strictly regulates parimutuel
wagering on horse racing. To the extent that state law categorically prohibits
certain forms of gambling and prohibits gambling devices, nothing herein shall
be construed, in any manner, to reflect a legislative intent to relax those
prohibitions.
Based on this text, it would seem that all forms of gambling in this state
are banned unless specifically approved by the state government. Many experts
note that there are no specific laws here that prohibit placing sports bets over
the internet. It’s well-known that California has one of the biggest online
sports betting markets in the world, despite the legality lying in somewhat of a
gray area.
Sports Betting California online, free
Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Sports Betting Sites in California?
It’s extremely unlikely. California has not taken the same anti-gambling
measures that many other states have. There are millions of people here that
make online wagers on a regular basis. We have not come across a single case of
any individuals in this state facing legal trouble for making bets online.
How Do I Stay Safe Betting on Sports in California Online?
Online gambling in the US is generally extremely safe. Even without
regulation, there are very few reports of any players dealing with payment
issues. With that being said, there are some simple steps that everyone can take
to ensure their betting experience is nothing but fun.
Even the best California sports betting sites can’t protect players from
themselves. A few of the best ways to stay safe betting online fall on your own
shoulders. Below are the five most important tips to protect yourself while
playing at sports betting sites in California.
Only Play Through Reputable Betting Websites
The easiest way to stay safe gambling online is to only make bets through
reputable websites. Make sure to take the time to find a website that provides
you with safe payment options and a solid customer support system. If you do
this, there’s a great chance you’ll never encounter an issue while betting
online.
Track How Much You Are Betting
Sports betting is extremely fun. Unfortunately, some players wager more money
than they can actually afford to lose. It’s a common issue that’s surprisingly
easy to avoid. Simply track how much you are spending! If you realize that you
are betting too much money, take a break for a month or two.
Place Wagers on Sports That You Know About
Many who are new to sports betting will instantly begin throwing money on
sports they don’t understand. This is one of the easiest ways to lose money.
It’s always a good idea to only bet money on sports you know about.
Keep Your Betting Account Information Private
This is a no-brainer. You should think of your sports betting account like a
bank account. There is real money on the line, and it’s crucial to keep your
account information private. None of the legit sports betting sites in CA
operating today will ask for your personal account information.
Be Willing to Change Sports Betting Sites
If you follow the steps that we recommend, there’s a very good chance that
you will find the perfect online sportsbook. With that being said, if you
encounter any issues with the site you are playing at, always be willing to move
onto another. There are many incredible California sports betting sites
operating today and one of them will offer the experience you’re looking for.
FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in California
What Are the Most Important Features of California Sports Betting Sites?
It’s fairly easy to spot a good betting site from a bad one nowadays. The
most important features you should look for in a betting site are safe payment
options, a modern design and user interface, solid customer support options, and
betting odds on the sports you want to wager on.
Why Are so Many People Joining Sports Betting Sites in CA?
California, like many other US states, is experiencing a huge surge in online
gambling. Most bettors that we’ve talked to here claim that online sports
wagering is the safest option available, and it offers more betting odds than
even the top land-based sportsbooks in the country.
Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?
California is currently working to legalize and regulate sports gambling.
There are still laws here that prohibit land-based sports betting, yet nothing
in the State Statutes specifically bans placing sports bets over the internet.
Most experts feel that California sports betting sites will become fully legal
within the next couple of years.
Sports Betting California Online Classes
How Can I Stay Safe Betting Online in California?
Most of the sports betting sites in California that operate today are
perfectly safe. The best ways to ensure that your betting experience is
perfectly secure are only playing through reputable companies, tracking how much
you are betting, sticking to sports you understand, keeping your betting account
information private, and being willing to change to a different online
sportsbook.
How To Bet On Sports In California
Conclusion
Once California legalizes online gambling, it’s likely to become the biggest
sports betting market in the country. Millions of people are already placing
sports bets over the internet here. With regulation, the state government can
begin collecting taxes on this revenue being earned.
Fortunately, there are some amazing California sports betting sites available
right now. For expert predictions on major sporting events taking place around
the country, head over to our
gambling blog page. Good luck making your bets!
The most populous of the 50 states could get sports betting within the next couple of years. California has bills on the table and has had a lot of discussions, but nothing has gone to a public vote as of yet. The difficulty in getting a bill out for a vote could be viewed as something of a concern, given that a ballot measure for a November election could be a 50/50 proposition at best.
There are a ton of gaming establishments in California. Some of them are Native American casinos and others are primarily card rooms. There are two separate discussions. There is a statewide option that would incorporate mobile and online sports betting and an expansion of betting to the card rooms and potentially bars and restaurants if the lottery were to be involved. An all-inclusive bill would be the best course of action for California.
On the other side, the tribes that own the Native American casinos are looking to move forward on their own and they could beat the state senators and representatives to the punch.
Any bill would require passage by two-thirds of both the State Senate and the State General Assembly. The first step would actually be getting together a bill that has a good chance of making it through. The second step would be pushing that bill through at least six months before the general election. The third and final step would be voter approval.
Voters have passed three separate expansions of gaming. The state started up a lottery in 1984 after voters agreed to that legislation. Expansions of tribal gaming in 1998 and 2000 were the others. As mentioned, among the current bills that are being discussed is one with a focus on the tribal gaming establishments, which could be the one that gets pushed through. If it does, that would probably put the kibosh on mobile and online wagering and would effectively shut out any businesses not tied to tribal gaming. That one could end up on the November ballot.
Furthermore, the coronavirus outbreak of 2020 has sidetracked all state governments and has even shut some of them down, including California’s. With the discussions on the bill currently tabled, it sure looks like widespread betting in California is on hold as well.
If the tribes have their way, betting will be restricted to retail wagering only, at least in the interim. At that point, the tribes would have all of the leverage and power for any potential expansion of sports betting. We’ll have to see if that would shut out operators like DraftKings, William Hill, FanDuel, PointsBet, and BetRivers or if they would find a way to get into California and set up operations.
There are a lot of moving parts in California, as you would expect. That just always seems to be the case no matter what.
How Do I Bet on Sports in California?
Right now, you cannot bet on sports in California. As we know, thousands of Californians make a pilgrimage to Las Vegas on weekends to watch sports or go to clubs and parties or just go out there and have fun. Part of the gaming expansion for the tribal casinos includes dice games and roulette, so California natives have to go to Nevada to get their fill of those things as well.
Obviously Nevada is the most prevalent option for Californians. Oregon also has sports betting through the lottery with the ScoreBoard app, so those that live in upstate California can also be involved in that regard. Because most of California’s borders consist of either the Pacific Ocean or Nevada, the options are really only to head north or head west.
Arizona has yet to pass its own sports betting legislation and doesn’t seem to be all that close.
Bullet trains, cheap flights, reasonable drives, whatever it takes to get to Nevada, that is how it will be for interested sports bettors in California at least through 2020. We’ll see if that extends into 2021 and beyond and we’ll see if Californians get the option of online and mobile wagering or if they are stuck with retail betting. It could be a really ugly fight from July through the general election in November between the tribes and everybody else with a stake in the vote.