Discover all you need to know about sports betting in California right here
California remains one of the most talked-about states in the US when it comes to wagering. This is partly because its legal picture is still evolving. At SportsBettingSites, we break down everything you need to know about California sports betting. Most importantly, we answer the key question: “is sports betting legal in California?”
Sports betting isn’t legal in California. Voters rejected Propositions 26 and 27 in November 2022, and no new ballot initiative has been finalized, so a regulated launch is unlikely before 2028. Until then, Californians bet with offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada and BetOnline.
In this guide, we explain how online sports betting California works in practice. It’s not entirely straightforward, so we try to simplify the complexities of sports gambling California laws. We also cover the best online sportsbooks available to California bettors. We also look at the current legal status of sports betting, and how casinos and horse racing are regulated.
This includes a closer look at California sportsbooks operating offshore and why they remain a practical option.
Available to California bettors
Crypto-friendly
Vast betting markets
No live streaming
The Bovada sportsbook has an extensive market for California bettors.
Navigating Bovada is incredibly intuitive, making the site very easy to use.
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Available to California bettors
Supports cryptocurrencies
Great UX
No live streaming
BetOnline is a great crypto betting site. Whether you’re looking to deposit with BTC, ETH or other altcoins, you can deposit crypto here.
BetOnline has always been an innovator. As an early adopter of Bitcoin and eSports, they’ve always been on the cutting edge.
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Available to California bettors
Attractive bonuses
Solid rewards program
Rollover requirements can be high
Betting is a breeze at the MyBookie online sportsbook, with a slick website and fantastic UX.
MyBookie offers a vast selection of markets and odds types for US, Canadian, and international sporting events.
Sign up today to lock in its 100% up to $1000 promotion.
Read MyBookie Review
Available to California Bettors
Bitcoin-compatible
Solid promos and bonuses
No live streaming
BetNow welcomes California bettors with an array of tempting promotions.
Aside from its deep sportsbook, it also offers poker, table games and live casino.
Create an account today to qualify for its 125% up to $2,500.
Read BetNow ReviewAvailable to California bettors
Good live betting feature
Accepts Bitcoin
Rollover requirements are on the high side
XBet is one of the younger sports betting sites, and this is reflected in its fresh-looking website.
Despite this, it’s 100% reliable. We’ve reviewed it ourselves and are thoroughly impressed.
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Sports betting is not currently legal at the state level in California. Gambling itself, though, has a long and well-established history. Cardrooms have operated legally for decades, and modern regulation took a major step forward in 2000. That’s when Proposition 1A was approved, allowing federally recognized tribes to operate casino gaming on tribal lands. Today, tribal casinos remain the dominant form of regulated gambling across the state.
At present, sports betting remains unavailable despite California’s massive sports market and passionate fan base. Many feel that the state is one of the most valuable untapped betting markets in the US. Because it’s home toteams like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Dodgers there’s a clear demand. Many residents visit nearby states like Nevada, where retail and online sports betting are fully regulated.
Efforts to legalize sports wagering have faced ongoing challenges, particularly due to disagreements between tribal operators and commercial interests. Progress slowed significantly when voters rejected the most recent proposals, Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, in 2022. Discussions continue and new proposals may emerge, the timeline remains uncertain, so Californians rely on alternative options until a regulated framework is approved.
California offers a limited but well-established range of legal betting options, with casinos and horse racing forming the backbone of the state’s gambling activity. While sports betting is not yet regulated, these sectors continue to provide accessible ways for residents to engage with wagering activities.
California has more tribal casinos than any other state, though many are located outside major urban centers, which can limit accessibility for some players. The minimum gambling age varies by activity, with 18 permitted for cardrooms and pari-mutuel wagering, while most tribal casinos require patrons to be 21 due to alcohol service; in the absence of regulated online sportsbooks, some residents turn to offshore platforms to access broader betting markets.
Horse racing remains one of the few fully legal betting options in California, with major tracks like Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, and Los Alamitos Race Course supporting both live and simulcast wagering. Off-track betting has been legal for decades and is available at select locations, while advance deposit wagering platforms provide a more convenient way for residents to bet on horse racing online from home.
You can consult the latest developments in the California sports betting scene right here:
No, regulated sports betting is not currently legal at the state level in California. Discussions about legalizing California sports betting have been ongoing in recent years, voters rejected the most recent initiatives, leaving the legal situation unresolved.
Many California bettors use offshore California betting sites to access sports wagering markets online. Platforms like Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, and BetUS continue to attract users thanks to their broad betting markets, crypto support, and mobile-friendly sportsbook experience.
What are the best California online betting sites?The best California online betting sites typically offer competitive odds, reliable payouts, secure banking options, and strong sportsbook promotions. Our reviews compare factors like user experience, betting variety, mobile usability, and customer support to help bettors find the right platform.
Can I bet on horse racing in California?Yes, horse racing betting is fully legal in California through racetracks, off-track betting locations, and approved advance deposit wagering services. Major venues like Santa Anita Park and Del Mar Racetrack remain popular destinations for pari-mutuel wagering.
Will California legalize sports betting in the future?California sports gambling discussions remain active, particularly around tribal-led proposals and future ballot initiatives. While legalization could eventually happen, there is currently no confirmed timeline for regulated online sports betting California markets to launch.
About the Author
Trent’s your man when it comes to all things sports. He covers a wide range of sports for Sports Betting Sites, and has been published in some pretty reputable outlets, such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent’s got the inside track on all the happenings in the world of sports.
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