California Sports Betting: Latest 2025 Legalization Updates
You can't use California sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel yet, and the path to legalizing California sports betting remains complicated.
Offers from California Betting Sites You Can Claim Today
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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org (CT). 18+ (19+ AL/NE, 21+ AZ/MA). Offer valid only in AL/AR/CA/SC/SD/WI. Pick6 not available everywhere, see dkng.co/pick6states . Void in NY, ONT, and where prohibited. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first Pick Set to receive max. $50 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Picks that expire in 14 days (336 hours). Ends 7/27/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Terms: pick6.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DraftKings. - 3
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California Sports Betting Summary: Latest Updates
| Is CA Sports Betting Legal? | Not Legal |
| Latest Update | Sports Betting Alliance, tribes at odds over how conversations are progressing |
| Expected Launch Date | TBD |
| Regulatory Body | California Gaming Control Commission |
| Expected CA Sportsbooks | BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel |
| Alternatives Allowed | Horse Betting, DFS |
| Alternatives Not Allowed | Online Casino |
Despite potentially having one of the biggest sports betting industries in the U.S., California has not yet legalized sports betting. Sports betting online in California is currently illegal under California Penal Code section 337a. The law’s wide reach covers online betting on all sports or games of skill.
Whenever it does become legal, California will likely adopt regulations and restrictions similar to those of other legal sports betting states: Gamblers must be 21 or over with a valid ID and Social Security number with geolocation tools enabled.
Where the Sports Betting Alliance Stands
The Sports Betting Alliance, which is comprised of BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, unveiled a plan to create a single tribal entity in California jointly owned by the state's 109 federally recognized tribes. That entity would retain control over sports betting in the state, contracting with national online sportsbooks to offer betting.
The proposal would allow SBA members and other sportsbooks to compete against one another, paying a minimum guarantee per tribe and sharing revenue with all tribes.
The tribes would decide which operators would receive licenses and how many. DraftKings CCO Jeremy Elbaum says that whatever final structure is created, the SBA's goal is to include all tribes in the arrangement and protect tribal sovereignty.
The SBA Tribal Advisory Board meets with the Alliance every two weeks to advise on sports betting strategy in California. Members include:
- Former California Nations Indian Gaming Association secretary Daniel Salgado
- Native American Heritage Commissioner Bennae Calac
- Blue Lake Rancheria councilmember Jason Ramos
- Former Tule River tribe councilmember Gary Santos
- Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California chairman Jose Simon
- Former Agua Caliente chairman Jeff Grube
Where California Tribes Stand
In the past, California tribes have raised concerns that conversations about legalizing sports betting have been led by national operators rather than the tribes themselves. The latest reactions appear to continue this trend.
Gambling.com Group's Steve Bittenbender received a statement from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) in response to the SBA:
“Tribal leaders are offended that the Sports Betting Alliance invited a reporter into what was intended to be a private roundtable discussion among tribal leaders regarding this controversial issue. This breach of trust highlights why such discussions must be led by tribal governments and organizations rather than operator-funded groups. While the meeting was productive in some ways, the suggestion that an agreement had been reached between tribes and commercial operators is simply false. Further discussions among tribal governments are expected to take place in the coming weeks and months.
Let there be no false illusion: establishing an acceptable framework and governance model will take time. This is a complex matter that involves navigating federal, state, and tribal laws, which requires thorough debate and careful resolution.”
With over 100 federally recognized tribes in California, it will take time to get all parties on the same page.
California Sport Betting Timeline: How We Got Here
- April 2, 2025: Tribal leaders from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) push back against notions that they've reached a decision on how sports betting would be structured.
- April 1, 2025: Reps from DraftKings and FanDuel at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention share their plans for creating a tribal entity to contract with national operators in California.
- Jan. 21, 2025: An Indian Gaming Association panel at the International Casinos Exhibition in Barcelona reveals that tribal leaders won't pursue sports betting legislation in 2026.
- June 17, 2024: The U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear a case that would have challenged the Seminole Tribe's 30-year compact with Florida, which gives the tribe exclusive oversight of online sports betting. This opens the door to a path to legalization in other states.
- Dec. 2023: The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, representing 52 tribes, voted to unanimously oppose the latest sports betting initiatives, citing a lack of cooperation with tribes when crafting the initiatives.
- Oct. 2023: Two new ballot initiatives are filed with the California Attorney General's office: The Tribal Gaming Protection Act, which would allow the governor to enter into gaming compacts with tribes to authorize sports betting, and Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act, which bars non-tribal entities from offering sports betting.
- Nov. 2022: Prop 26 and Prop 27 were added to the California state ballot. Prop 26 would have allowed in-person sports betting at California's 60+ tribal casinos but no online sports wagering. Prop 27 would have allowed online sports betting to be run by tribal casinos and several national operators. Both propositions failed, with 70% of voters rejecting Prop 26 and 83% rejecting Prop 27.
Our betting experts at Gambling.com are covering the latest news around California sports betting, interviewing insiders, and breaking down legislation:
More News Affecting California Sports Betting from Gambling.com
Expected California Sports Betting Sites
California online betting sites could become a reality soon. Many top sports betting apps are maneuvering to become the first to go live.
Here’s who we expect to be at the front of the line when California's online sports betting laws go live:
1. FanDuel California (9.1/10)
Our Gambling.com Overall Score: 9.1/10
Why FanDuel could be coming to California: FanDuel appears to be driving the Sports Betting Alliance's latest push to contract with tribes in California.
Like DraftKings, FanDuel is one of the biggest daily fantasy sports providers in the U.S. It also offers a successful online and mobile sportsbook in many regulated states and thousands of markets in all major U.S. sports, such as baseball, hockey, and tennis.
In addition to lucrative welcome FanDuel Sportsbook promo, you can take advantage of lots of special offers throughout the season.
2. DraftKings California (8.9/10)
Our Gambling.com Overall Score: 8.9/10
Why DraftKings could be coming to California: With FanDuel, DraftKings appears to be driving the Sports Betting Alliance's latest push to contract with tribes in California.
It’s no secret that DraftKings is keen to enter California's new sports betting industry. Whenever DraftKings CA goes live, customers will have access to a choice of markets, a top-tier welcome DraftKings Sportsbook promo, and one of the best sportsbook rewards programs in Dynasty Rewards.
3. BetMGM California (8.6/10)
Our Gambling.com Overall Score: 8.6/10
Why BetMGM could be coming to California: BetMGM is a member of the Sports Betting Alliance, which is seeking to create a structure for legal sports betting in California.
The MGM brand needs no introduction; BetMGM operates an all-in-one sportsbook and casino product across multiple states. You’ll be able to enjoy a welcome BetMGM Sportsbook bonus code, second-chance bets and the fantastic MGM Rewards scheme.
BetMGM’s all-new mobile app also makes placing bets through your smartphone a breeze. Enjoy enhanced odds on California teams and claim second-chance bets throughout the year.
4. Fanatics Sportsbook California (8.15/10)
Our Gambling.com Overall Score: 8.15/10
Why Fanatics could be coming to California: Fanatics is the newest member of the Sports Betting Alliance.
Since buying out PointsBet in 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook has launched in every major betting jurisdiction in the U.S. Given its relationship with other major operators, we wouldn't expect California to be any different.
You'll be able to claim bonus bets and earn FanCash when our Fanatics Sportsbook promo goes live.
Features of California Sportsbooks to Look For
Sports betting in California will all be about ease of use, available markets, and big bonuses. You’ll be able to get your money in and out safely and quickly while opting into the latest odds boosts and loyalty deals.
Betting Bonuses & Promotions
California sportsbooks will offer a range of sports betting bonuses and promotions.
Once you’ve cleared a California sports betting welcome bonus, you can continue to enjoy California sportsbook promos, like odds boosts on selected sports. California betting apps will also let you enhance your own wagers with a profit boost.
Look out, too, for rewards programs. These are special schemes for regular gamblers to earn bonuses in return for claiming loyalty points.
Safe, Easy Payments
You can make easy deposits at the top California sports betting sites. Use a debit or credit card such as Visa and MasterCard to make secure payments every time.
You can also apply for a branded prepaid card, the perfect alternative to traditional debit cards. You can use a secure eWallet, such as PayPal, and traditional bank payment options.
Shopping local? Visit your nearest 7-Eleven and make a sportsbook deposit in cash with PayNearMe. Some retail sportsbooks in California may even let you deposit in person at the kiosk.
Great Betting Features & Software
Good betting in California will be about finding helpful features to make your gambling journey more enjoyable. All available betting markets will be clearly displayed in the lobby, search functions, and your personal "Favorites" tab.
California sports betting sites will offer a range of added features, such as cash out and same-game parlays. You can cash out your bet early before the game finishes or make a parlay wager with multiple legs from the same game.
If you can’t follow a game using a live stream, the operator will offer a match tracker that displays all current stats on the game. You’ll never miss a beat with up-to-the-minute stats on possession and goal attempts.
Mobile Betting Experience
The best California betting sites will offer easy sports wagering on the move. Install a mobile app for your iOS or Android smartphone and place bets on the go. Ensure you’re running the latest OS and have enough space on your device. You’ll also need to enable Wi-Fi and Location Services to avoid being shut out.
It’s unclear whether mobile betting will be permitted in retail California sportsbooks only or from anywhere within state lines. However, every good California sportsbook will make mobile betting a breeze.
Competitive Odds & Betting Markets
When picking the best California sports betting sites, consider betting options and odds. Prices should be competitive, and a good selection of enhanced odds on the big games should appear.
You should also have access to systems, parlays, and other combo bets when you gamble.
Helpful Customer Support
Customer support can make a difference at a California sports betting site.
You should be trying to find phone support alongside live chat and email assistance. A toll-free phone number may also be available.
There should also be a good Help Center available online or via mobile. You’ll find blogs and articles offering advice on all common queries. Use the search function to find helpful tips on making deposits, unlocking bonuses, or joining a loyalty program.
Proper Licensing
California sportsbooks will likely be regulated and licensed by the state’s gaming commission whenever the industry goes legal. The California Gambling Control Commission oversees licensing on all aspects of gaming in the Golden State, including poker and tribal casinos. Online sports betting in California will also fall under its purview.
You should only bet at legal and licensed California sportsbooks when they go live. While illegal offshore sites exist, there is little protection in case your funds are stolen.
The best California sports betting sites will assist with problem gambling, including resources and helpline numbers.
How to Use California Sportsbooks
How to Sign Up with California Sportsbooks
- Click on one of our banners to be directed to a California sportsbook.
- Alternatively, download a mobile sportsbook app and install it on your smartphone.
- Make an account by creating a username and password. You’ll also need to enter personal details such as your name, address, and date of birth.
- Enter an exclusive bonus code to claim your welcome bonus. This can include a bonus bet to get you started.
- Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Upload any supporting documentation, such as a scan of your US passport or driver’s license.
- Log in, open the cashier tab, and make your first deposit. You’re now set to go!
Popular California Sports Betting Markets to Expect
California sports bettors will have access to a huge range of markets, including:
- Moneyline: A bet on the outright winner of a game. Choose between odds on the underdog and favorite or bet the tie in eligible sports.
- Point spreads: The spread is a bet on the underdog or favorite after a point handicap or advantage has been applied pregame.
- Totals: Back the total number of points or goals in a game, regardless of who wins. Bet on team totals, quarter/half totals or individual player tallies.
- Parlays: A parlay is a wager containing multiple bets. Each bet must win for the whole parlay to come in.
- Futures: The futures bet is a wager on the season or championship winner. You can place futures wagers days, weeks or months ahead of the event.
- Prop Bets: A prop bet is a wager on an individual event unconnected to the result of the game.
- Live Betting: Bet in-play on games as they take place. Bet on the next touchdown or goalscorer, or place wagers on each quarter-and-half winner.
- Prohibited Bets: Some markets for sports betting in California may be excluded, including politics, eSports, and college sports.
California Sports Betting Online Payments
Based on what other states accept as payment methods, these are the banking options you can expect in California:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Online bank transfer
- Prepaid card
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Check
- VIP Preferred (ACH/e-Check)
- In-person deposit at retail sports betting outlet
You can deposit cash into your online sports betting account instantly. Open the cashier tab online or on your mobile and select one of your preferred payment methods. Enter the amount you want to deposit, plus your account password.
California sports betting sites will allow cashouts as well as deposits. You may be restricted to a limited range of cash-out options, such as online banking and prepaid cards. Typically, credit cards won’t be eligible for a withdrawal request.
California Sports & Teams You Can Expect to Bet on
You’ll have access to thousands of markets when sports betting in California. Bet on your favorite sports, from football and baseball to hockey and college sports. You can even enjoy UFC betting on the big fights.
It’s unclear whether college basketball betting sites or college basketball betting sites will be permitted in California.
NFL
NFL betting sites will easily be the most popular markets in California. CA sportsbooks will offer you plenty of opportunities, offering hundreds of pregame lines.
Plus, you'll enjoy Super Bowl betting in California with many bonuses and special odds.
NBA
NBA betting sites promise to bring lots of fun to California.
Bet the winner of the game or the margin of victory. You can bet on team and player props for specific outcomes during a single game. You can also find full odds on every game in the NBA Championship.
MLB
Baseball will be a big business for MLB betting sites in California.
Bet pregame or live as the game happens. You can even follow all the action live via graphic match visualizers.
NHL
Californians will hopefully be able to use NHL betting sites soon.
Bet the puck line, moneyline, or total points on your favorite NHL teams. Top California sports betting sites will carry prices on the night’s games, including markets on the top scorer and scorer of the next goal.
California Sports Teams You Can Expect to Bet on
Los Angeles Lakers
The LA Lakers play in downtown Los Angeles and have been based there since 1960. Their 17 NBA Finals wins rank them second among all teams.
Some of the NBA's brightest stars, including Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James, have donned the gold and purple over the years.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The LA Dodgers also play in downtown Los Angeles and have since moving from Brooklyn in 1958. The Dodgers have won seven World Series titles, ranking them sixth among MLB franchises.
Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson famously broke the color barrier in pro baseball as a member of the Dodgers. Recently, the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to the largest contract in MLB history.
Los Angeles FC
The Los Angeles Football Club, an MLS expansion team founded in 2014, plays at BMO Stadium in the Expo Park area of L.A. Since then, they've won the MLS Cup once and advanced to the CONCACAF Champions League finals twice in a four-year span.
LA Galaxy
One of the 10 charter teams of the MLS, the LA Galaxy are based in Carson, CA. They are five-time winners of the MLS Cup and have seen all-time greats like David Beckham and Landon Donovan play for the squad.
Anaheim Ducks
Founded in 1993 as an expansion team, the Anaheim Ducks play at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The Ducks have won one Stanley Cup in team history.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks began playing in the NHL's Western Conference in 1991. Though they have not yet won any Stanley Cup titles as a franchise, they have one conference championship and one Presidents' Trophy win.
Los Angeles Kings
The LA Kings have played in the greater Los Angeles area since 1967. They've won two Stanley Cups in franchise history, though neither of them came while Wayne Gretzky (aka "The Great One") was a member of the team.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have played in SF since 1946. The Niners are tied for third-most Super Bowl wins of all time with five. Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice led the team to all five victories throughout the 1980s and '90s.
Though you can't bet on them within the state, we track San Francisco 49ers odds at Gambling.com.
Los Angeles Chargers
The LA Chargers have played in Inglewood since 2017, playing in San Diego for 56 years prior. The Chargers are one of the NFL franchises without a Super Bowl win.
Though you can't bet on them yet within the state, we track Los Angeles Chargers odds with Gambling.com.
Los Angeles Rams
The LA Rams have moved back and forth from Los Angeles to St. Louis throughout their history. Since 2016, the Rams have played in Inglewood. They've one two Super Bowls, one representing St. Louis and one representing Los Angeles.
Though you can't bet on them yet within the state, we track Los Angeles Rams odds with Gambling.com.
Alternatives to California Sports Betting Sites: Horse Betting
California permits parimutuel horse racing betting sites. You can place pooled bets at racetracks in the Golden State and off-track wagering facilities that accept bets.
Some Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) websites also let you bet on parimutuel markets remotely. Five tracks in California offer betting on races. The California Horse Racing Board regulates wagering.
Alternatives to California Sports Betting Sites: Daily Fantasy Sports
California doesn’t have specific laws governing daily fantasy sports. Many of the best daily fantasy sports sites offer their services to players in the Golden State.
Choose your team and players with a budget and score points based on their performance. You can enter real-money contests and win prizes at the best daily fantasy sports sites.
California's biggest daily fantasy sports sites run regular big-money promotions yearly. Alongside weekly prize contests, there are one-match competitions and even season-long contests that reward the long-term pickers.
- DraftKings DFS offers various fantasy games, from the Classic Salary Cap, where you can win big cash prizes, to Head-to-Heads. Take on a pal in a one-on-one test of your fantasy sports picking skills. DraftKings will also match you up with a player of a similar level so you aren’t completely outmatched in a contest.
- FanDuel DFS offers beginner and intermediate contests, so you don’t have to compete against an expert. New players can also take advantage of Live Snake Drafts. You take turns drafting a team with fellow competitors with the reversed pick order to make it fair. Snake Drafts are available for multiple sports, such as baseball, football, and basketball.
- Monkey Knife Fight DFS has won numerous awards and offers a host of easy-to-play fantasy contests, such as More or Less, where you simply go higher or lower on a player’s point spread. You can also enter special 2nd Half contests on selected sports.
- WinView is a new prediction-based fantasy sports site that’s shaking up the way fantasy sports are played. With WinView, you can predict events that occur during televised games. For example, you make simply "Yes/No" predictions on props during a game (e.g., "Will the next batter score a home run?"). You have a shot at sharing prize cash if you guess correctly. WinView offers free and paid fantasy contests for most televised sports. You can win cash by answering five pregame props before the action begins.
Responsible Gambling in California
Online California sports betting sites will adhere to responsible gambling practices. You’ll have access to various problem gambling hotlines and support networks.
We recommend the California Council on Problem Gambling, which offers free 24/7 counseling via text and hotline.
Follow our top five tips for a safer gambling experience:
- Play at Reputable Sportsbooks: We will only recommend licensed California sports betting sites. You need to be sure California sportsbooks are regulated and have proper customer support for CA players.
- Always Set a Budget: Sensible bankroll management is essential to sports betting in California. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and always plan your stakes sensibly.
- Read the Bonus Terms & Conditions: Bonuses are a great way to earn extra funds for your betting. Always read the terms and conditions to ensure you understand the wagering requirements.
- Understand Your Bets: California sportsbooks will offer a massive range of bet types and markets. It’s easy to place a bet without understanding how the market works. That could easily lead to missed opportunities and losing bets. Most California sports betting sites will offer help pages showing how each bet type works.
- Open Accounts with Multiple CA Sportsbooks: Nothing can stop you from setting up an account at more than one online sports betting site. It’s a good way to take advantage of multiple welcome offers and the most competitive odds.
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