Is Sports Betting Legal In California
California sports betting laws currently prohibit in-person sports betting and for local sportsbooks to offer online sports betting. While recent efforts aimed to regulate these activities, both were rejected by voters in 2022. As it stands, Californians cannot place bets at physical locations like tribal casinos or horse racetracks, nor can they access state-regulated online sportsbooks. However, residents can still legally bet through offshore sportsbooks, offering an alternative for sports betting in California.
Land-Based Sports Betting in California
Land-based sports betting is currently illegal in California. In 2022, Proposition 26 was introduced to allow in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and licensed horse racetracks across the state. This would have given Californians the ability to place bets on sports events at physical locations like Santa Anita Park and tribal casinos in places like San Diego and Northern California.
Why Proposition 26 Failed
Despite support from some groups, Proposition 26 was opposed by many, including some tribal entities and card rooms, resulting in it being rejected by voters. Concerns centered around how the measure could consolidate power with certain tribes and potentially impact smaller gambling operations, leading to voter skepticism.
Where To Bet On Sports Near California
If you’re looking for a legal, in-person betting experience, nearby states like Nevada (Las Vegas), Oregon, and Arizona offer regulated sports betting at various locations.
Tribal Casinos and Sports Betting
California has numerous tribal casinos that already offer a range of gambling options, such as slot machines and table games, and many would like to expand into sports betting if regulations allowed. This makes them pivotal players in any future push to legalize land-based sports betting. The tribal influence is strong, and any legislation will likely require their backing to move forward.
Online Sports Betting Legal In California
It is illegal for online sportsbooks to operate in California because there are no laws or regulations for how the California Gambling Control Commission would control the industry. This could change in 2025 or later, as there was a push to legalize them in 2022. Proposition 27, which aimed to allow online sports betting through partnerships with tribal casinos and licensed operators, was rejected by voters.
This proposition would have allowed major platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and others to offer legal online sports betting, generating tax revenue for the state. However, the opposition, led by several tribal groups and anti-gambling advocates, raised concerns over social impacts and the distribution of revenue.
Access to Offshore Sportsbooks
Although online sportsbooks cannot operate in California, it is not against the law to bet at offshore sportsbooks. Residents can still legally use California online sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting as they are based in Costa Rica or Panama, allowing them to operate legally and accept California players.
Bovada Sportsbook - Is Bovada Legal In California?
Bovada Sportsbook is the perfect option for California players 18 and older! While online sports betting apps are local to Cali, Bovada operates legally as a website that accepts California residents. With Bovada, you can enjoy a trusted platform to bet on your favorite sports without restrictions. If you’re ready to get in on the action, Bovada is the go-to sportsbook for California bettors!
Top California Sports Betting Sites
What's The Bottom Line? Can You Sports Bet In California?
The bottom line is no, you won’t get in trouble for sports betting in California through offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, or SportsBetting. There are no state or federal laws that target individuals for using these sportsbooks and they are protected under the World Trade Organization. Place bets without the fear of legal consequences - just make sure you're using a reputable offshore site.