Sports Betting California | Latest on California Sports Betting Apps 2024
Online sports betting in California is not legal yet. Several initiatives have been proposed in recent years, but we are still waiting. One thing's certain, the best sports betting sites are already eyeing the state.
Let’s look at how California sports betting could look when it finally goes live.
Sports Betting California Summary: Top Things to Know
- Sports betting in California is not legal. There is not exact date for this to change.
- You will likely need to be 21 or over to bet on sports in California.
- California tribal casinos may end up owning licenses for CA sportsbooks.
- CA sportsbooks will likely let you bet on major U.S. sports and some college sports.
- California betting sites will offer welcome bonuses when you sign up for accounts.
Alternatives to California Sports Betting Apps
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Established 2022Must be 21+ and physically located in a jurisdiction where Betr Picks operates to participate. Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. All promotions are subject to eligibility requirements. New customers only. Matched Deposit issued in Betr Bucks. Promotion ends 12/31/24. T&C apply. Gaming problem? Call the NCPG at 1-800-522-4700.Co-Founded by Joey Levy & Social Media Influencer Jake Paul100x Club PromotionOffers Low Wagering Requirements Compared to CompetitorsGAMBCOMPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)Minimum Purchase10iOS AppYesLive StreamingNoBet Builder
Can you create your own personalised bets?YesNFL Player PropsYesCurrently in 24 states, Betr DFS has one of the strongest welcome offers that allows the player to start off on a high note. Although fairly new, Betr is poised to make a big splash with one of the cleanest interfaces in the market. - 2
Established 2015Must be 18+ to participate. 19+ if you are a legal resident of Nebraska. 21+ if you are a legal resident of Massachusetts. - 3
Established 2023Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. - 4
Established 2024Must be 18+ to participate & residents of the United States. Mobile only. - 5
Established 2018Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. - 6
Established 2018Must be 18+/19+ NE, US Residents Only. Must be physically located in AK, AR, CA, DC, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, MN, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, or WI. If you or someone you know has a gaming problem, get help online at www.icrg.org, www.ncpgambling.org, or https://responsibleplay.org, or call 1-800-426-2537 or 1-800-522-4700. T&Cs Apply. - 7
Established 2012Players must be 18+ years of age or older (19+ AL/NE, 21+ AZ) and physically located in a jurisdiction in which DraftKings Pick6 operates (AL/AK/AR/AZ/CA/DC/DE/GA/IN/MN/MO/NC/NE/NH/NM/ND/OK/RI/SC/SD/TN/UT/VA/VT/WI/WV). - 8
Established 2021Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older (21 years of age or older in Massachusetts and Iowa, and 19 years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska) to access and play on ParlayPlay. - 9
Established 2009Must be 18+ to participate. T&C Apply. Play Responsibly. New users only. The bonus will be added to your account. Bonus funds must be used for play and are not available for withdrawal. Bonus will expire 14 days from issue and any unused bonus may be removed from your account.
California Sports Betting at a Glance
| Status: | Not Legal |
| Alternatives Allowed: | Horse Betting, DFS |
| Alternatives Not Allowed: | Online Casino |
Despite having potentially one of the biggest sports betting industries in the U.S., California has not yet legalized betting on sports. Sports betting online in California is currently illegal under California Penal Code section 337a. The law’s reach is wide and covers online betting on all sports or games of skill.
Still, that doesn't mean that we won't see any legal online sportsbooks arrive to the state at some point.
Whenever it does become legal, it’s likely that California will adopt regulations and restrictions similar to those of other legal sports betting states:
- Gamblers must be 21 or over
- Must have a valid ID
- Must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- Must have geolocation tools enabled
Parimutuel horse racing betting sites are permitted in California. You can place pooled bets at racetracks in the Golden State and offtrack wagering facilities which accept bets.
Some Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) websites also let you bet on parimutuel markets remotely. There are five tracks in California that offer betting on races. Wagering is regulated by the California Horse Racing Board.
Latest California Sports Betting Legislation
In 2022, two propositions were added to the California state ballot: Prop 26 and Prop 27.
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.
There are no new initiatives to legalize sports betting on the 2024 state ballot, as the latest efforts failed to gain support from tribal leaders. At this point, it wouldn't be until 2026 at the very earliest that online sports betting could be legalized in California.
Comparing California Sports Betting to Other States
Legal sports betting is expanding rapidly across the United States – could California be next? Regulated sports betting tends to move in groups of states at once. For example, Nevada, Arizona and Oregon all now have legal mobile sports betting. That leaves California isolated on the West Coast.
Gamblers living near the state borders in CA can easily cross into one of those neighboring states armed with their mobile phones and place bets. That means a lot of tax dollars are being missed by the State of California.
We predict that California sportsbooks will follow the model seen in other states like Nevada and Arizona. In-person registration won’t be necessary, although tribal casinos may require you to be on casino property when you place bets. If external operators are allowed access to the California sports betting market, it could mean legal mobile betting from anywhere in the state.
Potential California Sports Betting Apps
California online betting sites could become a reality. Many of the top sportsbook operators are maneuvering to become the first to go live. Here’s who we expect to be at the front of the line when California online sports betting laws go live.
DraftKings
It’s no secret that DraftKings Sportsbook is keen to enter the new sports betting industry in California. DraftKings has been one of the national operators to back online sports betting initiatives in the state.
When DraftKings CA goes live, customers will have access to a choice of markets, a top-tier welcome DraftKings promo, and one of the best sportsbook rewards programs in town. Earn Dynasty Rewards points and redeem them for perks such as cash and bonus bets.
Sign up and claim a deposit match bonus when you fund your account for the first time.
FanDuel
Sports betting in California wouldn’t be complete without FanDuel Sportsbook. Like DraftKings, FanDuel is one of the biggest daily fantasy sports providers in the U.S. However, it also provides a successful online and mobile sportsbook in many regulated states.
FanDuel offers thousands of markets in all major U.S. sports, such as baseball, hockey, and tennis.
In addition to lucrative welcome FanDuel promo, you can take advantage of lots of special offers throughout the season. Cash out before the game finishes, earn regular bonus bets and refer a friend to earn bonus cash.
It's no wonder FanDuel will be set up as one of the top California sportsbooks.
BetMGM
The MGM brand needs no introduction; BetMGM Sportsbook is the jewel in the crown of its parent company, Entain.
BetMGM now operates an all-in-one sportsbook and casino product across multiple states. You’ll be able to enjoy a welcome BetMGM bonus code, second-chance bets and the fantastic MGM Rewards scheme.
BetMGM’s all-new mobile app also makes it a breeze to place bets through your smartphone. Enjoy enhanced odds on California teams and claim second-chance bets throughout the year.
BetMGM will certainly be one of the best online California betting sites when it goes live.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars has made a strong entrance into the regulated online sports betting in the U.S. after their acquisition of William Hill. The Caesars Sportsbook app still uses William Hill software, but there is an added bonus: you will be able to enjoy the full range of Caesars Rewards promotions.
Start with a welcome Caesars Sportsbook promo code and move into the Caesars Rewards scheme, where you can redeem points at casinos across the U.S. But what about the sportsbook itself?
Well, Caesars is primed to be one of the best California sports betting sites due to competitive odds and a slick new mobile app.
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 in to the latest odds boosts and loyalty deals.
Betting Bonuses & Promotions
California sports betting apps will offer a range of sports betting bonuses and promotions. Start your journey with a welcome bonus that includes bonus bets or second-chance wagering.
Just download a mobile sportsbook app or sign up and make a deposit. You may also have to enter a special bonus code when registering. Then, make a first qualifying wager in order to claim your California sportsbook promos.
Once you’ve cleared a California sports betting welcome bonus, you can continue to enjoy odds boosts on selected sports. CA 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 who can earn bonus bets and other bonuses in return for claiming loyalty points.
Safe, Easy Payments
You can make easy deposits at the top California sports betting apps. 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, which is the perfect alternative to traditional debit cards.
Along with traditional bank payment options, you can use a secure and anonymous e-Wallet such as PayPal. 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 along with search functions and your own personal "Favorites" tab.
California sports betting sites will offer a range of added features such as Cash Out and same-game parlays. 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 which 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 apps will offer easy sports wagering on the move. Simply install a mobile app for your iOS or Android smartphone and place bets on the go.
It’s unclear whether betting apps 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.
Start by installing a California legal betting app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Ensure you’re running the latest OS and have enough space on your device. You’ll also need to ensure you have Wi-Fi and Location Services enabled to avoid being shut out.
Competitive Odds & Betting Markets
When picking the best California sports betting sites, look at their range of betting options and odds. Prices should be competitive, and there should be a good selection of enhanced odds on the big games. You should also have access to systems, parlays and other combo bets when you gamble.
Helpful Customer Support
Customer support can make the 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, which can add to the overall experience.
There should also be a good Help Center, available online or via mobile. Contained within 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
Whenever the industry goes legal, California sportsbooks will likely be regulated and licensed by the state’s gaming commission. 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 do exist, there is little protection in case your funds are stolen. The best California sports betting sites will provide assistance on 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 direct you 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 some 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.
- 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 the winner of each quarter and half.
- Prohibited Bets: Some markets may be excluded for sports betting in California, including politics, eSports and some 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 card. Typically, credit cards won’t be eligible for a withdrawal request.
California Sports 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.
NFL
NFL betting sites will easily be the most popular markets in California. CA sportsbooks will provide you with plenty of opportunities, offering hundreds of pregame lines. Plus, you'll enjoy Super Bowl betting in California with a host of 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 even 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 in the near future. 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 top scorer and scorer of next goal.
NCAA
It’s unclear whether college basketball betting sites or college basketball betting sites will be permitted in California. Bet on individual games or winners of the big end-of-season playoffs.
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 Apps: 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 how they perform. You can enter real-money contests and win big prizes at the best daily fantasy sports sites.
The biggest daily fantasy sports sites in California run regular big-money promotions throughout the year. Alongside weekly prize contests, there are also one-match competitions and even season-long contests which reward the long-term pickers.
DraftKings DFS
DraftKings DFS is the industry leader in daily fantasy sports and offers big-money contests to players across the state. DraftKings is also eyeing up legal sports betting when California finally goes live. You can form fantasy teams on everything from football to basketball and even enter paid contests covering eSports.
DraftKings offers a range of different 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
Together with DraftKings, FanDuel DFS is one of the biggest DFS providers in the United States. FanDuel offers an interesting mix of weekly drafts and daily drafts across sports such as football and baseball. You can also take advantage of big welcome bonuses when you sign up.
Like DraftKings, FanDuel offers beginner and intermediate contests so you don’t have to butt up against an expert. New players can also take advantage of Live Snake Drafts. You take turns drafting a team with fellow competitors with the pick order reversed to make it totally fair. Snake Drafts are available for multiple sports such as baseball, football and basketball.
Monkey Knife Fight DFS
Monkey Knife Fight DFS operates in dozens of US states, including California. They have won numerous awards for their DFS output, particularly where amateur fantasy sports players are concerned.
Monkey Knife Fight 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.
As with other DFS operators like FanDuel and DraftKings, Monkey Knife Fight makes it easy to avoid playing against pros. Plus, you can take advantage of having no salary caps on many contests.
WinView DFS
WinView is a new prediction-based fantasy sports site that’s shaking up the way fantasy sports are played. With WinView you make predictions on events taking place 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 also win cash by answering five pregame props before the action begins. In addition, WinView offers a range of ongoing promotions such as $25 bonus rolls to $1,000 tournaments.
Responsible Gambling in California
Online California sports betting sites will adhere to responsible gambling practices. You’ll have access to an existing range of problem gambling hotlines and support networks.
We recommend CALPG.org (California Council on Problem Gambling), which offers support via text and hotline. Free counseling is available 24/7.
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 an essential part of 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 some extra funds to put towards 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 you how each bet type works.
- Open Accounts with Multiple CA Sportsbooks: There’s nothing to stop you 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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