Sports Betting In California
Welcome to Sports Betting In California! Here, we provide the essential information about how to bet on sports in Cali. While legal land-based sports betting is currently not allowed, we'll guide you through the options available, including reputable offshore sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline. Discover the legal landscape, payment methods, and insights on popular California teams to bet on.
Does California Have Legal Land-Based Sports Betting?
No, California does not currently have legal land-based sports betting. In 2022, California voters had the opportunity to approve in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racetracks with Proposition 26. However, this proposition was rejected by voters. At the moment, sports betting in California remains illegal, but there are always ongoing discussions to begin this multi-billion-dollar industry in California.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In California?
No, online sports betting is not legal in California. Despite efforts in 2022 to legalize online sports betting through the ballot initiative known as Proposition 27), voters rejected it. As a result, California cannot offer any sportsbook licenses to operate within the US. But, there are no laws against betting online in California. There is access to offshore sportsbooks, like Bovada and BetOnline, which operate under other countries' gaming commissions. While these platforms are not based in the U.S. or regulated by California, they accept California bettors since they are not subject to U.S. laws.
Facts About Legal Online Sports Betting In California
- Sports betting is unregulated in California with voters rejecting two ballot initiatives in 2022.
- California's tribal casinos have significant influence and many tribes oppose online sports betting unless they control it.
- Legalizing online sports betting could generate substantial tax revenue for California depending on their tax rate.
- Residents and visitors of California can place bets through offshore sportsbooks, which are sportsbooks based in other countries.
- Sportsbooks that accept California players take many deposit methods like crypto and credit cards on top of Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, and more.
California Sports Betting Laws + Statutes
Offshore sportsbooks can accept players from states like California because they are licensed and regulated by authorities in other countries. This allows them to offer their services to U.S. residents, even in states where sports betting is not yet legalized or regulated. Backed by the World Trade Organization, this is why California residents can sign up and bet at offshore sportsbooks even without sports betting in California on the local level.
How Do California Sportsbooks Compare To Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona?
In short, offshore sportsbooks provide a convenient option for Californians because they’re not bound by U.S. state or federal regulations. Here’s what separates offshore sportsbooks from state-regulated sportsbooks, like those in Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona:
| Comparison | Offshore | State-Regulated |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Licensed and regulated by foreign governments, such as in Curacao, Costa Rica, or Panama. | These are licensed by state gaming agencies (eg. Nevada Gaming Commission). |
| Legal Status | Not subject to U.S. laws, but because they are based offshore, they can offer their services to U.S. bettors. | Legal and regulated within the state that allows sports betting only. |
| Consumer Protections | While many offshore sportsbooks are reputable, some are not. Check user reviews and if they have customer service. | Sportsbooks offer the backing of each state's laws and restrictions. But some agencies are more sportsbook-friendly than player-friendly. |
| Location Restrictions | They are not restricted by U.S. geolocation technology. Bettors can access these platforms from anywhere in the US, including California. | These sites use geolocation technology to ensure that bettors are within state borders. They can only bet in that specific state. |
| Banking Options | Offer many ways to deposit and withdraw real money. This includes cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and banking apps like Zelle and PayPal. | Integrated with more traditional banking methods like credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. |
| Betting Limits | Posted limits with the ability to increase max bets. No betting restrictions on any sport with hundreds of wagers per game. | Posted limits but winning bettors can be limited. Betting restrictions are based on state gaming laws (no college sports betting in Oregon for example). |
Which Sports Betting Sites Accept California Residents?
Bovada Sportsbook - Is Bovada Legal In California?
While California has not regulated sports betting, Bovada is an offshore sportsbook able to accept players from California. Many California bettors use Bovada because it offers the easiest way to bet on sports in Cali with convenient payment methods, and a positive user experience. Bovada is not illegal in California, despite many fear tactics by US sportsbooks and gaming agencies due to the fact they are not the ones who oversee their operation. To us, it's the top sportsbook in California with a way to bet on almost anything.
SportsBetting's Sportsbook - Can You Use SportsBetting In California?
Yes, you can use SportsBetting.ag in California. Like other offshore sportsbooks, SportsBetting.ag operates outside of U.S. jurisdiction holding a sportsbook license in Panama City, Panama. It is a well-established platform that offers safe sports betting for California tourists or locals. With hundreds of wagers per game on popular sports like football, basketball, and baseball, add in the daily promotions and secure banking transfers, and we're dealing with a top California sportsbook.
BetOnline Sportsbook - Is BetOnline Safe For California Residents?
Yes, BetOnline is considered a safe option for California residents. While sports betting is not yet regulated in California, BetOnline operates with a license based in Panama. Accepting bets from U.S. residents, including those in California, BetOnline has been operating since the early 2000s and has built a strong reputation for reliability. They use advanced encryption technologies to protect user data and even offer crypto methods for added security. No doubt, BetOnline is a trusted choice for California residents looking to place sports bets online.
Top California Sports Betting Sites
Does California Allow Pari-Mutuel Betting?
Yes, California allows pari-mutuel betting, but it is limited to horse racing. Pari-mutuel wagering has been legal since 1933 as bettors can place pari-mutuel wagers at licensed horse racetracks throughout California, as well as at off-track betting (OTB) facilities and online platforms.
- Racetracks: Popular racetracks like Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, and Golden Gate Fields offer live horse racing and on-site pari-mutuel betting.
- Off-Track Betting (OTB): Licensed OTB facilities across the state allow residents to wager on races without needing to visit a racetrack.
- Online Betting: Californians can also bet on horse racing online through platforms like TVG or TwinSpires. Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada have horse racing too.
Other Types Of Gambling Available In California
California offers several other types of legal gambling.
- Tribal Casinos: California has a lot of tribal casinos, operated by Native American tribes. These casinos offer a variety of table games.
- Card Rooms: California has licensed card rooms where players can enjoy games like Texas Hold' Em, Pai Gow Poker, or Three-Card Poker.
- Lottery: The California State Lottery offers draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and SuperLotto Plus to help fund public education.
- Bingo: Organizations in California are allowed to host bingo games as long as they are used to raise funds for charitable purposes.
- Sweepstakes Casinos: Some online platforms offer sweepstakes-based casino games, having players participate in sweepstakes to win prizes.
Table games in California fall under an interesting set of rules for those used to "normal" table games. Often known as California Roulette or California Craps, these games are not played in a traditional form where the casino operates the game (house-banked). Instead, players bet against each other. Also, they will spin wheels to pull a card that represents a dice roll and other funky methods.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Bet Sports Online In California?
The legal gambling age varies depending on the type of gambling. You can be 18 years old for pari-mutuel betting, the lottery, and playing in card rooms. At 21, you can enter tribal casinos. Because this variation can sometimes confuse players, online sportsbooks take players from California who are 18 and older.
What Teams Can I Bet On In California?
NFL (National Football League)
- Los Angeles Rams
- Los Angeles Chargers
- San Francisco 49ers
NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Golden State Warriors
- Sacramento Kings
MLB (Major League Baseball)
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Francisco Giants
- San Diego Padres
- Los Angeles Angels
NHL (National Hockey League)
- Los Angeles Kings
- San Jose Sharks
- Anaheim Ducks
College Sports
- University of Southern California (USC) Trojans
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins
- Stanford Cardinal
- San Diego State Aztecs
- California Golden Bears
Soccer (MLS)
- LA Galaxy
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
Is Betting Real Money Online Safe?
Betting real money online can be safe if you choose reputable sportsbooks licensed in reliable jurisdictions. Ensure the site uses encryption for security and offers secure payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies, credit cards, PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle. Opt for California sportsbooks with accessible customer support for assistance through live chat like BetOnline or Bovada. Keeping your devices secure and using strong passwords can further enhance your real money transfer security.
Why Was My Credit Card Declined?
There are several reasons why your credit card might be declined when attempting to make an online sports bet in California. Your account may not have enough available credit or funds to cover the transaction, it may not be approved for international purchases, or you could have entered the wrong card details. There are several reasons but some banks have policies against processing gambling-related transactions. This technical issue usually works itself out after confirming with the bank that you are trying to deposit for sports betting in California. These temporary issues happen but it could be easier to try an alternative payment method, such as cryptocurrencies, PayPal or Cash App.