Legal Sports Betting For California Residents
Legal Sports betting for California residents used to be a faraway pipe dream; however, action is being taken to make this more of a reality than anticipated. Sportsbooks have been opening across the country, and while California is home to many tribal casinos, they are not able to offer sports betting at this time. This means that many Californians who wish to wager on sports end up using the online sportsbooks to do so, even if they aren’t located in California.
This guide is meant to be your review of everything legal sports betting in California. We will discuss the current laws and potential law changes, teams you are able to wager on, any restrictions of gambling in the state, and cities that are likely to have sportsbooks in the future. As you can see, there is a lot to cover; however, we haven’t mentioned the ability to also use online betting sites. Take a glance at our reviews of these operators, as we provide promotional codes to get started, payout and deposit methods, and an outline of the mobile and live in-play betting services that sites like Bovada, MyBookie and BetOnline have to offer.
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Can I Use Bovada In California?
Yes, in fact, Bovada is one of the leading online sportsbooks in California. They are considered a regulated online sportsbook being that they have regulations in place made by the Costa Rican government which is where they are located. Also, with the United States government not having any laws in place that would prohibit anyone from using Bovada, you are able to use it freely as you please. There have been no reports of anyone in California or the entire country that have gotten in trouble for using their services.
Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting California Residents
The number of sports betting sites accepting California residents extends further than the PCH. In our research of the gambling laws in CA, we looked into a variety of legal betting sites for California residents that players could freely participate without any negative consequences – other than the possibility of losing a bet now and then. Upon review, we found a handful that made the cut do their customer service, years of reliability, and promotions that keep everyone continually making money. California sports betting is pretty much the American Dream!
Bovada - Probably Much Closer Than Vegas
The Bovada sportsbook has a lot to offer bettors in the state of California. While this state borders Nevada, where there are legal sportsbooks on land, Bovada provides a quality and convenient way to bet sports from your computer or mobile device. Yes, that's right, even wagering on an iPhone or Android handset can be done by users who choose to bet at Bovada.
In addition to this, Bovada is perhaps the most US-friendly online sportsbook around. All deposit options and payout are available to California players, which is not the case at many other international sportsbooks accepting American players. This makes Bovada the most widely accessible sportsbook for bettors in California, and more than a million CA residents bet on sports at this site every year. Join Bovada now, and you can claim a 50% Sports Welcome Bonus for just getting started. With up to $250 in free play and the industry’s lowest rollover (5X), you started off on the right foot.w, and you can claim a $250 Sports Welcome Bonus with the industry’s lowest rollover (5X) to get you started off on the right foot.
SportsBetting - Accepts Bets On All Cali NFL Teams
All up and down the Golden Coast, those in California have great online sports betting options at their disposal. One of these sportsbooks is the aptly-named SportsBetting. As one of the top-tier sports betting sites in the industry, SportsBetting is able to offer their players an array of benefits and valuable, comprehensive options for all aspects of their sports wagering lifestyles.
Bettors will get the chance to place live wagers on various sporting events featured at SportsBetting. This technological breakthrough is a true watershed development in the world of gaming, as it's changed the very fiber of online sports betting. To be able to bet as a game is going on and follow along as if you were right there in the action is like no other gambling experience, and few others do this as well as SportsBetting.
If you are a fan of the cryptocurrency, definitely look into the promotions at SportsBetting. Their 100% crypto first deposit and 35% reload deposit are one of the best in the industry. Up to $1,000 can be earned by creating an account and depositing your bankroll – just use the code 100CRYPTO.
MyBookie - California's Best Online Prop Betting
There are many sites that players can sign up for but MyBookie is at the top as one of the better sites for everyone in California. We know that the age requirement is 18 and older but there is also a lot of betting options that are here. Prop bets and prop builders are her for bettors to flip their money big time. The fact that players can combo different bets on here make this site much better than others. There are promotions that are talked about every weekend here and these could reward players extra money to play depending on what banking method they end up using. Because of the mobile betting feature offered, this makes it easier for players to travel and still bet on their games and favorite teams. Having a sports betting account in California with MyBookie is a must so don’t let the Super Bowl or any other big sporting event go by you.
BetOnline - Reload Bonus Offered On Each Deposit To $1,000
If you like easy funding options, large bonuses, high limits, and quick payouts, BetOnline is one spot that California sports bettors should absolutely visit. CA residents can fund their accounts via a number of means, including standard credit and debit deposits, but like SportsBetting, BetOnline really shines is in its cryptocurrency support. Those using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, or DASH can transfer their funds to BetOnline immediately, allowing them the ability to place their wagers ASAP.
BetOnline pretty much has it all for residents in California. Of course, the best part of the process is collecting your winnings. As with deposits at BetOnline, this can be done in several different ways. Bettors in California can receive a check in the mail, select to be paid out via money order, or initiate bank wire transfers. In addition to that, cryptocurrency support is also included, allowing you to receive your winnings the same day that you request them.
Betting on your phone? You can earn a $50 mobile betting free play when you make your first mobile wager on BetOnline. Simply place a bet from your phone and if you win, well you won. If you lost, however, the site will reimburse you up to $50.
XBet - User-Friendly Platform From Anywhere
Something that makes XBet a popular option to use when betting on sports online in California is their friendly and easy to use platform on both computers and mobile devices. Upon accessing their site, you can find everything you need right from the jump. You will find all of the odds on basically any sport you can think of on their pulldown bar. In addition to that, all of their bonuses ad financial options can also be found on the homepage. they offer those options on a large variety of different bets. You can place wagers on everything from the Super Bowl to the Puppy Bowl, from the NBA Finals to the Academy Awards. This combination of excellent service and a large variety of odds makes XBet the best online sportsbook for anyone looking for generalist information.
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
The answer to this question may seem somewhat complicated, but it actually isn’t. Since sports betting is not criminalized in CA, it is technically legal. Like federal anti-gambling laws, Title 9 Chapter 10 of the California Penal Code only targets those offering sportsbooks, not those placing wagers with them. “Pool selling” or “bookmaking” as they call is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to a year in prison. These are the unlicensed operators that are within the underground market.
Land-based sportsbooks were simply not an option under PASPA but the Internet was never targeted. The main takeaway here is that it is 100% legal for California residents to wager on sports if they use an online sportsbook that operates overseas. As all the top Internet sportsbooks are based outside of the US, they can legally offer betting lines on the majority of sports around the world.
How To Bet Online In California
When it comes down to placing a bet online in California with your online sportsbook account, there is a process that leads up to that. That includes not only registering for an account, but also selecting your method of payment for deposit and also choosing your bonus. Everything you need to know about signing up for an online sportsbook in California can be found right here.
- First and Last name
- Date of Birth
- Phone number/Email
- Postal Code
- Password
- Choose Deposit Method
- Choose Welcome Bonus
- Begin Betting
Legal California NFL Betting
This is an exciting NFL season and there are many betting options on the NFL in California. Online sportsbooks will be the best option for all players mainly because of the different types of betting options that will be there for players to choose from. Online sportsbooks are the best way to go and will keep players from getting into any legal situation. These sites offer legal NFL betting lines in California including odds on each California team to win their Division, their Conference, the Super Bowl, or even just the next game. The best part about it is that you will find each site posts different odds, leaving you with the best chance to take advantage of the differences.
Fastest Payout Options At Online California Sportsbooks
The fastest payout options at online CA sportsbooks are to use cryptocurrency, hands down. Bitcoin et al. all have same-day transfers for sports betting withdrawals, allowing California residents to have their winnings in-hand within just a few hours. If you haven’t gotten into crypto just yet, you can elect to receive payouts via courier checks, money orders, or bank wires.
However, these all carry considerable attached fees, and their limits make these options better suited for high-volume or high-rolling California sports bettors. And as with deposits, withdrawals via these methods generally take one to two weeks before your money shows up stateside. Nothing is worse than missing the ability to bet on the Chargers because your money couldn’t come quick enough to you.
Live, In-Game Betting At CA Sportsbooks
In-game betting is becoming the standard with mobile betting, which now allows you to not only bet wherever but whenever in a game as well. Bet after the first play, near the end of the 1st period, or at the end of the game, it doesn’t matter – there will always be betting lines. Sometimes you can even find odds that are so astronomical they come back to make you look like a genius.
Take betting on betting on UCLA in 2017, when they played Texas A&M. The game opened with a line of 6.5 in favor of the Bruins. Most fans would have taken this no problem. However, the Aggies led UCLA 44-10 with 4:08 left in the third quarter. The Bruins were able to score on consecutive touchdown drives of over 84 yards and went on their way to make the second-largest comeback in FBS history. Live betting lines going into the fourth quarter were over +50000 and anyone brave enough to put $100 on it would have walked away with $50,000. Winning 45-44, the Bruins wouldn’t have covered the original spread.
Mobile Sports Betting In California
Residents in California can legally wager on sports using their cell phones. To do so, they first must join an online sportsbook. These sportsbooks are licensed, regulated, and legal for the people of the United States to use. They mirror some of the best sportsbooks of Las Vegas with their wagers and data being offered to members. Some of the top sports betting websites to join include BetOnline and SportsBetting. Not only do they have a multitude of odds and wagers worldwide, but they also have some pretty awesome promotions for members. The most appealing part of these sites is that everything can be done on a cell phone so bets can be placed at any time from anywhere.
California Sports Betting Bonuses
Using a bonus from a California online sportsbook is what makes betting in the Golden State enjoyable. Not only can you bet on the sports that you enjoy, but you can do so with the risk-free credits that come with some of the bonuses. Some bonuses offer up to $1,000 just for signing up and making a deposit as a new user. Some even offer bonuses to their existing users as well where you can earn credit back on your deposit for simply just being a member. Some of the bonuses that online California betting sites have to offer can be found right here.
| Online Sportsbook | Bonus Code | Maximum Bonus Value | Rollover Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | No Code | $250 | 5x Rollover |
| BetOnline | BOL1000 | $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
| BetUS | 20CASH | $500 | 6x Rollover |
| MyBookie | MYB50 | $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
| XBet | XBET50 | $500 | 7x Rollover |
| SportsBetting | SB1000 | $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
Easy Deposit Options For California Online Sports Betting
What these online betting sites in California all make sure of is an easy and painless deposit method that way you can bet on sports quickly. They all accept the major credit and debit card companies as well as different online banking methods. Aside from normal everyday banking options, you can also use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum amongst many others. Something to keep in mind of though is that there are limits and maximums as well as deposit fees upon making your deposit.
| Deposit Method | Bovada Min/Max | BetOnline Min/Max | MyBookie Min/Max | BetUS Min/Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAISA | $20/$1,500 | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 | $50/$2,499 |
| AMEX | N/A | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 | $50/$2,499 |
| MasterCard | $20/$1,500 | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 | $50/$2,499 |
| Discover | N/A | $25/$5,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Bitcoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$500,00 | $20/$10,000 | $10/$50,000 |
| Ethereum | $50/$5,000 | $50/$100,000 | $20/Customer Level | $10/$50,000 |
| Litecoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$100,000 | $20/$10,000 | $10/$50,000 |
| Bitcoin Cash | $10/$5,000 | $20/$100,000 | $20/$10,000 | $10/$50,000 |
Fastest Payout Options At Online California Sportsbooks
The most important feature on an online sportsbook are the payout methods. Any sports bettor can agree that once you win big on a bet, the first thing that comes to mind is getting paid out. Luckily, these online betting sites are not short in that department as they offer fast payout options. While you cannot get paid out directly back to the credit or debit card you used, you can use one of the online banking methods or even request a check in the mail. Like making a deposit, you can also use crypto to get your funds withdrawn.
| Withdraw Method | Bovada Min/Max | BetOnline Min/Max | MyBookie Min/Max | BetUS Min/Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$500,000 | $20/$10,000 | $10/$50,000 |
| Ethereum | $10/No Limit | $20/$100,000 | N/A | $50/$5,000 |
| Litecoin | $10/No Limit | $20/$100,000 | N/A | $50/$5,000 |
| Bitcoin Cash | $10/No Limit | $20/$100,000 | N/A | $50/$5,000 |
| Check By Courier | $100/$3,000 | $500/$2,500 | N/A | $50/$3,000 |
| Money Order | N/A | $500/$4,500 | N/A | N/A |
When Will Sports Betting In California Launch?
Yes absolutely, online sportsbooks are legal in California. There are no restrictions made by the California government or the government of the United States that prohibit you from using any online sportsbook in California. These online sportsbooks have been servicing California sports betting for many years and will continue doing so for years to come. Even if the state does decide to regulate their own sports betting. You can continue using them freely and safely from anywhere you are in the state.
California Sports Betting Timeline
- 2022: Tribes in California have fought back against anti-sports betting groups with ads and social media posts.
- 2022: Those against sports betting have filed a lawsuit to invalidate the sports betting question on the 2022 ballot.
- 2022: There were 45% in favor, 33% opposed, and 22% undecided in a sports betting acceptance poll.
- 2021: California sports teams, cities, poker rooms, and others have joined together to ignite the sports betting movement towards the 2022 ballot.
- 2021: Four total CA bills were proposed that would bring sports betting to California, however, with that many bills, the process could be lengthened.
- 2020: A compact between the state and tribes would have given tribes exclusivity to sports betting online on tribal land. With the rise of COVID-19, it failed to make the ballot and eventually fell through.
- 2020: SCA 6 passed through the committee with a 9-3 final vote.
- 2019: Following the introduction of the two bills, tribes in California had their own initiative to bring a sports betting ballot question.
- 2019: Both ACA 16 and SCA 6 were introduced that would have presented a ballot question for sports betting and details of how sports betting would come to life in California.
California Projected Sports Betting Revenue
California is the most populated state in the country making their projected sports betting market enormous. With over 40 million people living in California, sports betting industry experts have projected a $20 to $30 billion range for just their sports betting handle per year. Looking at their neighbors to the east in Nevada, they collected $445 million in revenue in 2021 alone.
Horse Racing Betting In California
There are four horse race tracks that are live in California right now and can be found all over the state. At these race tracks, you will be able to bet on all of the daily California horse racing odds as well as futures odds for others such as Triple Crown betting in California and many more. The four California horse race tracks are:
- Del Mar Racetrack
- Golden Gate Fields
- Los Alamitos Race Course
- Santa Anita Park
Current California Gambling Laws
There are no laws that specifically call for a ban or prohibition of sports betting in California. With this, there are a variety of options when looking to bet on the San Francisco 49ers.
While there are the two federal laws that could have an impact on the online gambling industry, neither of them target the gamblers and you should feel no worries when using an offshore betting site.
The entirety of the state’s gambling laws can be found in the Business and Profession Division of the California Code. The Gambling Control Act defines and gives authority over all of the legal gambling in the state whether it be casino-style, horse racing betting, or the lottery. While sports betting is not included in the list, it may appear in the text sooner than later. Legislatures and citizens alike have fought to file a bill and start a ballot initiative, respectively, that would permit legal sports betting in California. The latest effort comes from ACA 16, a bill introduced in the general assembly which would authorize the legislature to come up with sports betting regulations.
Legal Gambling Age In California
As with all states, you have to achieve a certain age before you can begin gambling in California. Wagering on sports in California is something you have to be 21 in order to do. If you are not 21, you may end up getting in trouble. Generally speaking, you can have your money confiscated if you attempt to bet on the MLB or any other sport if you are underage.
Legal College Football Betting
College football is no laughing matter either in California but the betting odds for Stanford Football may make you laugh when you see how much money you can win. With both straight and exotic wager types accepted, you can make as many bets as you want throughout the season. Bet on PAC-12 betting odds, CFP National Championship betting odds, and plenty of other NCAA football futures. Legal college football betting sites know that there are diehard fans for every CA football team, which is why you will never run out of options.
Land Based Gambling In California
Even though Las Vegas is right next door to California, there are around 70 Indian casinos in the state. While these aren’t like the standard commercial operations that CA residents will find in Nevada, the state has Class II and Class III tribal casinos, offering – for the most part – a similar betting experience. Additionally, Lake Tahoe – one of California’s largest gambling and casino centers – is situated on the California-Nevada border, allowing CA residents to easily walk down the street into NV, where several of these casinos have set up sports betting lounges for their Golden State customers.
Still, it’s just a matter of time before various CA locales (particularly commercial card rooms) will have their own sportsbooks. Like golf courses in California, there are hundreds of these locations all over the state. They would certainly make betting on the Masters in California more exciting. Whether or not the tribal casinos in the state will also be allowed to offer sports wagering remains to be seen.
Which California Cities Are Likely To Have Sports Betting Venues?
With the sheer number of tribal casinos and commercial card rooms in California, it serves to figure that, once legalized sports betting is formally launched in the state, you’ll be able to wager at any number of nearby, convenient locations. That said, the biggest and best sportsbooks will necessarily come to California’s most populous cities, for obvious reasons. As such, it’s a safe bet that the following CA municipalities will have sports betting options sometime before 2023: Anaheim sportsbooks, Lake Tahoe sportsbooks, sportsbooks in Los Angeles , sportsbooks in Oakland, Sacramento sportsbooks, San Diego sportsbooks, San Francisco sportsbooks, and San Jose sportsbooks.
Sports Teams To Bet On In California
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Golden State Warriors
- Sacramento Kings
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Anaheim Ducks
- San Jose Sharks
- Oakland Athletics
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Los Angeles Angels
- UCLA Bruins
- USC Trojans
- San Diego State Aztecs
- Cal Golden Bears
- Saint Mary’s Gaels
- San Francisco Dons
FAQ About Online Sports Betting In California
1) Where can I find the state statutes for California's gambling laws?
The gambling laws can be found in the state’s penal code. Everything in Part 1 of Crimes and Punishments, Under Title 9, Chapter 10 is related to betting in the state.
2) Has anyone been arrested for gambling online in California?
When the Super Bowl happens, don’t you hear on millions of people betting on the big game? There is no way to police this, and even if there were, there is no law that California residents are breaking. You will be happy to find no arrests or convictions have occurred for betting on the Super Bowl or any other sporting event in California.
3) Do I have to pay taxes on winnings earned through gambling on sports over the Internet?
Just like everything you earn in this country, you must claim your internet gambling winnings. Talk to an accountant if you are not apt when it comes to person finance. They can lead you in the right direction or even provide a service for you.
4) Is Bovada sportsbook legal in California?
Yes. California residents have full access to everything Bovada has to offer, including their sportsbook. The other top books discussed above are also fully accessible and legal to use for CA residents aged 18 and older. Find betting odds for the World Cup on Bovada as well as other sporting events from around the world.
5) If the UIGEA makes financial transactions related to online gambling illegal, how can I get my winnings?
The law actually makes it more difficult to fund your account than it does to receive your winnings. You can request a withdrawal in a variety of methods such as cryptocurrency exchange, check by courier, bank wire, and more. Check with each site as they are all different.
6) Is there any land based sports gambling in California?
In this current day, there are no land based betting options in California.
7) If the state does not regulate these betting sites, how do I know they are legitimate?
The sites are regulated – just not by the US or specific states. The regulated sportsbooks that are happening in the country are licensed by the state is it within. For offshore betting sites, they are licensed by their home country and must adhere to their regulations. Stick with the sites we recommend and you should have zero problems.
8) What restrictions are in place against sports gambling on the Internet?
The only real restriction is your age verification. Other than that, you are free to join as many websites as possible to review betting lines from all around the world. You can even find ways to bet on the Olympics and represent your home country. Oh – but don’t try using a VPN, some sportsbooks do not permit certain countries or states to play on their sites and will geolocate you to determine your position. California is golden so you will be good to go!
9) What college teams can I bet on in California?
No matter if you are a UC-Davis student or a fan of the University of San Diego, you will find betting options. Betting on the basketball team at Fresno State might help them go on another run in the NCAA Tournament.
If baseball is not your cup of tea, consider betting on Cal’s women’s basketball team. Their production over the last decade has proven their winning culture – so hop on board and win with them.
10) What does "in the business of gambling" mean in the Interstate Wire Act of 1961?
When any law refers to or criminalizes those entities “in the business of gambling,” they are referring to bookmakers and casino/gaming venue operators. You don’t need to worry about the Wire Act just like you don’t need to be sad about the Raiders leaving the state. Such laws have nothing to do with California residents placing sports bets or any other kinds of gaming wagers.