Comparing the Best Sports Betting Sites in California

Finding the best California sports betting site can be a challenge without the right guidance. The list below gives you a chance to compare the best operators across main categories and find the best site for your preferences:

Best Sports Betting App California

If you enjoy sports betting on the go, you will want to sign up with the best mobile sports betting app in California. BetWhale offers the best mobile betting experience with its downloadable app, while BetOnline’s instant access platform performs at a very high level, even without a download.

Signing up for either of these two operators will guarantee you always have access to the markets in your pocket. Accessible via both iOS and Android devices, mobile betting platforms will ensure you never miss another bet or an opportunity for an early cashout or a safety bet when your parlay is one leg away from a big win.

How Did We Review the Top Online Sportsbooks in California?

In our search for the best sports betting sites in California, we examined every sportsbook available to players in the Sunshine State. We applied our rigorous review methodology, which examines every aspect of a site’s operation. This includes a variety of review elements such as:

• Gaming Licenses: We look for operators with valid international gaming licenses that ensure fairness and transparency.?

• Player Security: We examine the security measures used by the sites to ensure player identities and funds are always kept safe.?

• Betting Markets & Odds: We find offshore sportsbooks with the very best odds and the widest selection of betting markets across dozens of different sports.?

• Payment Solutions: We look at all the available payment methods, withdrawal speed, and the fees that apply to both deposits and cashouts.?

• User Experience and Features: The general quality of the user interface and special features found at the sites add extra points to the overall rankings.?

• Mobile Compatibility: We look for operators that offer full access to their platforms via mobile devices, whether through a downloadable app or instant play access.?

Popular Sports for Online Betting in California

When it comes to sports, few states have as many successful teams as California. With a population of nearly 40,000,000, California is a huge sports betting market with a great interest in local teams. Some of the most popular sports for sports betting in California include:

• NBA Betting: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors are all based in California, leading to a massive interest in basketball within the state. NBA betting is extremely popular among fans, and offshore sportsbooks offer local players a chance to place bets on their favorite teams.?
• MLB Betting: When it comes to baseball betting, California hosts the San Francisco Giants, LA Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. With three teams in MLB and great prospects of success, the MLB betting markets are also very popular in the Sunshine State.?
• NFL Betting: The best sportsbooks in California offer many markets to bet on LA Chargers, LA Rams, and San Francisco 49ers, among others. The fans of football can place their bets and enjoy live football matches throughout the season.?
• NHL Betting: While hockey may not be the most popular sport in California, the fans of the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks all have an opportunity to support their teams in their bids for the Stanley Cup every year.?
• MLS Betting: Over the last decade, soccer has become increasingly popular, and the fan bases of teams like the LA Galaxy, LAFC, and San Jose Earthquakes have grown. These teams compete in the country’s most elite soccer competition, the MLS.?

Famous California Sporting Events You Can Bet On?

As one of the most populous states in the USA with great weather throughout the year, California is host to a number of prestigious sporting events. If you are not sure what to bet on, here are a few ideas of top-level sports competitions to bet on this year:

• Indian Wells Open: Officially called the BNP Paribas Open, the Indian Wells is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. It is part of both the ATP and WTA tours and brings together the best tennis players from all over the world who compete for tour rankings and a massive prize pool.?
• PGA Tour Events: Every year, California is host to a number of prestigious PGA tournaments, including the Farmers Insurance Open, the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm, and the American Express. The best golfers in the world make their way down to the Golden State in search of trophies and glory.?
• Breeder’s Cup: The biggest horse racing event in all of America, the Breeder’s Cup is often hosted by several locations in California, including the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego and the Santa Anita Park in Los Angeles.?
• US Open of Surfing: One of the best competitions in the world for thrill seekers, the US Open of Surfing is hosted yearly at Huntington Beach in California. In addition to an elite surfing competition, the US Open of Surfing also hosts skateboarding and BMX competitions, making it a true adrenaline festival.?

Legal Sports Betting in California

Online sports betting is currently not regulated in California, and neither is in-person (or retail) sports betting. The lack of regulations means players don’t have access to any locally licensed sports betting sites or live operators. However, sports bettors in California can access a number of offshore sports betting sites that are happy to take their bets.

During the most recent elections, California residents were presented with two propositions that would legalize California sports betting in different forms. Proposition 26 proposed allowing sports betting on tribal land, and Proposition 27 proposed legalizing online sports betting outside of tribal land. The residents of California declined both propositions. Proposition 27 was soundly defeated after only 17.72% of voters voted for regulated online sports betting. Despite these setbacks, advocacy groups continue to press forward in efforts to bring legalized sports betting to California, arguing that proper regulation would protect consumers and generate significant tax revenue for the state. This outcome has further delayed the prospects for legal california sports betting in the state.

The future of regulated sports betting in California is up in the air. However, offshore betting sites like Bovada and BetWhale offer alternatives to players in California looking to bet on sports.

Sports Betting Landscape in California: Trends & Market Size

California is one of the biggest gambling markets in the USA despite the lack of sports betting legal options. The state’s 76 tribal casinos offer plenty of action, and millions of players visit these casinos yearly to experience the adrenaline rush of playing games like poker, blackjack, and roulette.

California’s 40 million population makes it a state with the greatest potential in the country. Yet, all gambling is currently localized to tribal casinos, and proposals to regulate online gambling and introduce sports betting in tribal casinos have failed to gain popular support.

With more states regulating sports betting and iGaming, it may be only a matter of time before both are legalized sports betting in California. Yet, the strong tribal gaming lobby will likely continue to oppose iGaming for some years to come, while the popular vote appears not to favor the legalization of sports betting in any venue.

Are Bet Winnings Taxed in California?

Since sports betting is not regulated in California, you won’t find any sportsbooks licensed in the state. If you choose to bet at offshore sportsbooks, your winnings won’t be automatically reported to the IRS. Since these sports betting sites are not licensed within the US, they typically don’t report any numbers to the IRS or other government agencies.

Yet, despite the operators not reporting winnings to the IRS, you are supposed to report your winnings and pay any federal and state taxes that may apply. If you make any online bets and cash out some winnings, make sure to discuss this with your accountant and pay any taxes that may apply within the legally prescribed timeframe.

Retail Betting Outlets in CA

As previously mentioned, California sports betting is currently very restricted. The state does not have any commercial casinos beyond tribal land and has not adopted a law to regulate sports betting. This means that even the existing tribal casinos can’t offer sports betting options, heavily restricting Californians’ ability to bet on sports.

The Future of Betting in California

The future of California sports betting remains quite bleak. The tribal casino lobby continues to invest in campaigns against regulating iGaming, while the California population still lacks the necessary support for sports betting in tribal casinos.

It is likely that the sports betting companies will continue to push for the legalization of sports betting in the state in the coming years and that similar proposals will be pitched in elections to come. Yet, judging by the most recent results in 2022, it will take some doing before any such laws are actually passed.

What Other Forms of Gambling are Legal in California?

While online sports betting remains illegal in California, the gambling market is quite lively, mostly thanks to the 76 tribal casinos operating across the state. Gamblers have plenty of options, and some of the biggest poker rooms and casinos in the country operate in California.

Here is a quick look at the regulated gambling options that exist within California:

• Daily Fantasy Sports: Widely regarded as a skill game, DFS is legal in most American states, including California. Online sites with DFS competitions are available to players in California, making them one of the few regulated gambling options in the state.?
• Tribal Casinos: Tribal casinos operate on tribal land and are not found in any of the state’s major cities. These casinos offer games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. You will find at least one or two tribal casinos within driving distance from any major population hub.?
• Cardrooms: California’s cardrooms are owned by the native american tribes but can be found beyond tribal land. Cardrooms are only allowed to host games that pit player against player, such as poker. These include some of the biggest poker rooms in the world.?
• Horse Race Betting: California hosts some of the biggest and most popular horse races on US soil. Pari-mutuel sports betting is legal at horse racing tracks like Sonoma Raceway and K1 Speed Irvine, with all funds deposited by the players pooled together and distributed among the winners in what is considered a game of skill.?

How Other States Stand Compared to Sports Betting in California?

California is one of only 11 states without a regulated sports betting market. Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, California’s neighboring states, offer both retail sportsbooks and online sports betting options. Only 38 states have regulations allowing some form of sports betting, while California’s 40 million citizens remain without such access.

When it comes to online gambling beyond sports betting, the entire West Coast is still a dead zone. Nevada is the only state in this part of the country to allow limited online casino and online poker options, while other neighboring states have no such options. While regulation proposals may be in the works in some of the neighboring states, it will likely be some years before California or any of the states near it launch any legal iGaming sites.

Responsible Gambling in CA

The variety of offshore sportsbooks available for California sports betting means players in this state have plenty of opportunities. Yet, considering the regulatory status of these sites, the importance of responsible gambling is even greater.

The best California betting sites offer plenty of responsible gambling tools. Self-exclusion, deposit limits, and maximum bet limits are all available to help you handle any unwanted impulses. You can also try responsible gambling resources of Gamblers Anonymous or the California Gambling Control Commission.

• Gamblers Anonymous
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• Gambling Therapy
• BetBlocker

The Best Sports Betting Site for Players in California

With more than two decades in the sports betting industry, BetOnline has set itself up as the leading online gambling operator in the US. Suppose you are looking to bet from California. In that case, BetOnline offers the best sports betting odds, the widest selection of sports markets, and a valuable welcome bonus that comes with no strings attached.

Join BetOnline right now to claim $250 in bonus bets with no wagering requirements and place pre-game and live bets on upcoming NBA, NFL, or MLB games. Access is available on desktop computers and mobile devices alike, so follow the link and set up your account today!

Main Highlights:

• $250 in free bets with no wagering requirements
• Full coverage of main sporting events
• Compatible with any mobile device
• Offers casino and poker games on the side
• Crypto deposits for minimal transaction fees

California Sports Betting FAQ

Can you bet on sports in California?

While sports betting is not regulatedin the state of California, players can place bets at offshore betting platforms like BetOnline and BetNow.

What are the best sports betting sites in California?

Offshore betting sites like BeOnline and BetWhale are the best online sportsbooks for players in California.

Who can bet on sports online in California?

All players over the age of 21 who live in California can place bets at offshore betting sites.

Are there any sports betting apps available in California?

While regulated American betting apps like DraftKings and FanDuel are not available, you can bet using a variety of offshore betting apps in California.

What gambling activities are legal in California?

Tribal casinos, horse race betting, and fantasy sports are the only regulated forms of gambling in California at this time.