Online Sports Betting in California November, 2024 – Is Sports Betting Legal in CA?

By

Ross Bennellick

Ross Bennellick Sports Editor

Ross holds a First Class MA in Creative Writing from Plymouth University and has been a self-confessed sports nut his entire life. After just shy of a decade spent teaching in Asia, he channeled his passion for sports news and betting into a successful writing career. Now, with nearly a decade of experience in the industry, Ross's contributions are featured on esteemed platforms across the US and UK, including GiveMeSport and Fight Bananas. His expertise spans a wide array of sports, with a primary focus on the NFL, UFC, NBA, and soccer.

All posts by Ross Bennellick

Sports Editor

Updated 1 hour ago on November 28, 2024

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Sports betting in California is not yet legal. Despite multiple attempts, the Golden State is one of the final twelve states yet to introduce any form of sports betting legislation. Fortunately, CA residents can still place wagers online, but not with licensed US sportsbooks and apps. Instead, they need to head offshore, which is where we come in…

Based on our expert sourcing, analysis, and in-depth research, the following offshore sportsbooks are the hottest spots to begin sports betting in California. Our team will also help you understand how to sign up at these sites, detail the available withdrawal and deposit options, explain betting legalities in the state, and assess the most popular sports to wager on.

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California Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: November)

Legal retail and online sports betting in California has been put on hold for the foreseeable future since Propositions 26 and 27 were rejected in the 2022 elections. Horse racing betting, though, is legal. Here is a concise overview of the legal status of sports betting in California as it stands in November, 2024.

Category	Status	Details
Online Sports Betting		Not legal as of November, 2024
Legal Since	N/A	Sports betting is not yet legal
State Population	38.9 million	Population as of 2023
Retail Sports Betting		Not legal
Legal Sports Betting Age	21 years old	Most recent sports betting bills state that bettors will have to be 21 or older
College Sports Betting		Not legal
Betting on Horse Racing		Legal (18+)
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)		Legal
Esports Betting		Not legal
Latest Legislative News	No ongoing legislative efforts	Prop 26 and Prop 27 failed at the November 2022 ballot box
Tribal Casinos		66 tribal casinos
Commercial Casinos		No commercial casino

List of the Best California Sports Betting Sites 2024

We might not see any changes in betting legalities in California before 2026, when new sports betting legislation is scheduled to be up for the vote again. Nonetheless, California locals can still safely wager on their favorite players, teams, or sports legally using these offshore sportsbooks.

1. BetOnline – Best Overall California Sportsbook in 2024
2. Bovada – Rewarding VIP Program & Daily Specials
3. BetUS – Great for Match Previews and Predictions
4. MyBookie – Extensive Selection of Prop Bets
5. BetNow – Rebate Programs & Exciting Contests
6. Everygame – Intuitive Interface for Mobile Betting
7. BUSR – Best for Horse Racing Betting
8. TG Casino – Fully Licensed Sportsbook on Telegram
9. XBet – Top-Rated Odds for Futures Betting
10. SportsBetting.ag – Ideal for Soccer Enthusiasts

Reviews of the Best Online CA Sports Betting Sites

What makes these offshore California sports betting sites the cream of the crop? We will be reviewing our top five picks, giving you insights into their stand-out features and why they are more popular than others among bettors.

1. BetOnline – Best Overall California Sportsbook in 2024

• Established: 2001
• Licensed in: Panama City, Panama
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: /

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0

BetOnline is our most recommended CA sports betting app, bar none. It is an intuitive mobile betting site compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Whether you bet via mobile or desktop, you can access in-play betting and real-time updates on scores and odds for all major sports, including California’s top teams. Also, you can bet on college sports, golf, tennis, and rugby, and select live streaming is available.

Perfect for serious California bettors, BetOnline delivers sharp odds, high betting limits, and early lines on major sports and teams, including the 49ers, Lakers, and Warriors.

The sportsbook allows players to make deposits using 16 major cryptocurrencies. So, if you’re the kind of bettor who does not want to upload your card details or you want to keep your betting activities private, it’s a solid bet. Traditional options like credit and debit cards are further options, but there are light fees associated with fiat transactions.

BetOnline provides competitive betting odds for just about every sport and ranks first in value for NFL and soccer betting. High deposit/betting limits and re-bet functionality offer extra opportunities to make cash. Also, it’s one of the sharpest sportsbooks on the market, with lines up for competitions well before the start date. For instance, futures for the Super Bowl winner are generally released up to a year before the event, meaning you can lock in the value early.

Furthermore, most sports have a wide range of betting markets, including exotic bets like props, futures, alternates, parlays, and more. The CA sportsbook also boasts standalone esports and racebook betting sections if that’s more your kind of thing. And if you sign up now, you can get started with $250 in free sports bets using BetOnline promo codes. Interestingly, this sports sign-up offer comes with zero rollover requirement.

• Safety & Security: 4.8/5.0
• California Sports Markets: 5.0/5.0
• Football Betting Focus: 4.8/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.9/5.0
• California-friendly Payment Options: 5.0/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.9/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.9/5.0

2. Bovada – Rewarding VIP Program & Daily Specials

• Established: 2011
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0

Bovada has firmly established itself as a household name in the California sports betting industry. Its tiered loyalty rewards program is possibly one reason. Each time you wager, you collect reward points and redeem them for cash bonuses. Returning customers can also tap into its Daily Specials promotions, which boost odds on select games.

Create your own bets with Bovada’s #WhatsYaWager hashtag, enjoy enhanced odds on Daily Specials, and bet live on your favorite California teams – all in one place!

Another impressive feature is the prop builder. Bettors can combine options from different sports, markets, and leagues into complex parlays. In addition, Bovada boasts a separate racebook for horse racing. Using the racebook, you can explore win, place, show, exactas, trifectas, and other exotic wagers on races worldwide.

Bovada also features live betting options for players who like to take advantage of events and happenings in ongoing games. You can add single or multiple bets to make a parlay, with live streaming available for esports. Use Bovada bonus codes to claim generous promotional offers and increase your potential payouts.

• Safety & Security: 4.8/5.0
• California Sports Markets: 4.7/5.0
• Football Betting Focus: 4.8/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.6/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.7/5.0
• California-friendly Payment Options: 4.6/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.6/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.7/5.0

3. BetUS – Great CA Sports Betting Site for Match Previews and Predictions

• Established: 1994
• Licensed in: Mwali, Comoros Union
• No. of Sports Markets: 20+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0

BetUS is a solid option for bettors in the state looking for picks and tips, thanks to BetUS-TV and the Locker Room. BetUS-TV allows patrons to enjoy betting-focused talk shows for major North American and international sports like basketball, baseball, NASCAR, soccer, hockey, boxing, etc. The ‘Locker Room,’ meanwhile, grants access to free written news, blogs, and commentary to inform your betting picks.

Partake in an extensive range of major league sports contests and tournaments, including Survivor Pools, Betting Squares, and Grid-Iron Guru.

California sports fans get to enjoy targeted prop bets – Warriors fans, for example, can find options like ‘How many three-pointers will Stephen Curry make in the third quarter?‘ and more. The odds are generally decent, although based on our research, you will typically get marginally better value at BetOnline and Bovada.

This CA sportsbook also offers a wide selection of niche wagering options. Users can place bets on esports, entertainment news, and even politics. Multiple customer reviews attest to the ease of combining bets and its intuitive interface. New signups get a welcome bonus of 125%, up to $2,625, when they enter BetUS promo codes when making their first deposit.

• Safety & Security: 4.7/5.0
• California Sports Markets: 4.5/5.0
• Football Betting Focus: 4.6/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.6/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.7/5.0
• California-friendly Payment Options: 4.5/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.5/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.6/5.0

4. MyBookie – Extensive Selection of Prop Bets

• Established: 2014
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

MyBookie is a CA sports betting site you might want to try out. It has a welcome bonus worth 100% up to $1,000 to get new players started, and you can get a reload bonus each time you make a subsequent deposit. Apart from that, the props bets are numerous, with so many options to choose from. Finding up to 250 props on a Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers game is not uncommon.

Free picks and tips in the blog pages and ready-to-enter NFL tournaments like Squares and Survivor.

This California betting site is excellent for football props betting and features many exciting markets. For example, in a local face-off between the Los Angeles Rams and San Franciso 49ers, available props include ‘How many sacks will the Rams have?‘ Whether you are betting on in-state college or pro-league teams, the case is the same. However, graphical displays and live streaming are absent from the in-play suite.

MyBookie payouts are quick and typically processed within 24 to 48 hours. Players can bank using over a dozen cryptocurrencies or using traditional fiat means. Minimum deposits are kept low at around $20 for crypto. There is a VIP program for the high rollers to access, which can further boost your betting/withdrawal limits and provide monthly cashback and exclusive bonuses. Sign up to MyBookie and enter MyBookie promo codes to claim your promotional offers.

• Safety & Security: 4.6/5.0
• California Sports Markets: 4.4/5.0
• Football Betting Focus: 4.5/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.5/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.6/5.0
• California-friendly Payment Options: 4.4/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.4/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.5/5.0

5. BetNow – Rebate Programs & Exciting Contests

• Established: 2015
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 10+
• Live Betting/Streaming: /

Overall Rating: 4.3/5.0

BetNow is another favorite among US bettors. This California sports betting site only provides markets for 15 sports but covers all the major leagues fully, incorporating live betting options and a bet builder. It also has one of the most attractive rebate programs. Bettors can enjoy 2%, 10%, or 20% rebates on its sportsbook, casino, and horse racing sections. So, it’s a good spot for fans looking for an edge.

Get rebates on every bet, plus year-round contests, including NBA King of the Hill.

Before claiming a rebate, you can earn a 200% crypto welcome offer. To qualify for this offer, you need to make a minimum deposit of $10, which is below the industry average of $20 that sportsbooks usually require. Additional bonuses, including multiple deposit match welcome offers for those transacting using cards, can be claimed using BetNow promo codes.

Contests are held all year round, and most coincide with major sporting events. For instance, the 2023 Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and Warriors featured several niche contests with substantial prize pools.

• Safety & Security: 4.4/5.0
• California Sports Markets: 4.3/5.0
• Football Betting Focus: 4.4/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.3/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.2/5.0
• California-friendly Payment Options: 4.2/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.3/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.3/5.0

Best Platforms for Online Sports Betting in California Compared

Below is a comparison table showing you at a glance how our recommended sportsbooks measure up against each other.

Sportsbook	Sport Bonus	Promo Code	No. of sports markets	Live Betting	Live Streaming	Parlays	Same Game Parlays
BetOnline	$250 in free bets	FREE250	25+
Bovada	75% up to $750	BTCSWB750	25+		(esports only)
BetUS	100% up to $2,000	JOIN125	20+		(esports only)
MyBookie	100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip	MB100	25+		(esports only)
BetNow	100% up to $500	BN100	10+
Everygame	100% up to $500	WELCOME500	15+
BUSR	100% up to $2,500	SPORTS100FP	25+
TG Casino	200% rakeback up to 10 ETH	N/A	35+		(esports only)
XBet	50% up to $200	XBWELCOME50	25+
SportsBetting.ag	50% up to $500	WELCOME	25+

How We Select the Best California Sportsbooks

We’ve all come across those aggressive online ads and flashy sports betting commercials on TV in California. Many of these brands, if not all, boast high betting odds, quick payouts, and a variety of bonuses. However, not all of them are trustworthy. To help you steer clear of scams and ensure the best experience, we’ve carefully compiled our list using specific criteria.

Is Sports Betting Legal in California?

As of November, 2024, sports betting remains illegal in California. State residents can not wager using state-licensed betting sites or land-based casinos that house native sportsbooks. This is because attempts to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting in California in 2022 fell through. Propositions 26 and 27 were unpopular among voters on election night, with 70% and 83% of voters, respectively, voting a ‘No.’

Ideally, 2024 was another chance for voters to turn things around. However, proponents of sports betting legislation have called off their efforts. Therefore, we might not see any changes till 2026 during the next state elections.

However, pending a change in California State law, bettors can wager online using any of our recommended sportsbooks. They are legal to play at since they are licensed offshore, and no one has been prosecuted for betting on them. Many of these sites have been operational for decades and have an active online presence. We have also verified and vetoed them for security and trustworthiness among active users.

Is DFS Legal in California?

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is unregulated in California. In other words, it was never officially legalized but is not considered illegal either. Estimates show that the California DFS market is the biggest in the United States. However, none of that money goes to the state.

On January 31, 2024, the California Indian Nations Gaming Association (CNIGA) sent a letter to the state attorney general regarding DFS’ legality. The letter argues that DFS Pick’Em games should be considered ‘illegal sports wagering.’ In response, the California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has reviewed the matter and is expected to give a ruling in nine months to a year.

However, interested persons can still play on any of these popular DFS sites in California:

Who Can Bet on Sports in California?

Anyone 18 years or older can bet on sports in California. However, the 18-year-old age restriction only applies to horse racing betting. A bettor must be 21 years or older to bet on sports events. Additionally, all sports betting must occur at licensed and regulated venues to ensure compliance with state laws.

Latest News on CA Sports Betting Legislation

Over the years, industry stakeholders have fought legislative battles on the legality of California sports betting. Below, we provide a breakdown of how this has evolved over time and the current state of affairs regarding the legalities of sports betting in the state in 2024.

• August 12, 2024 – Gov. Gavin Newsome extends the tribal gaming compact with the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians and signs off on a new gaming compact with two additional tribes.
• September 9, 2024 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon is scheduled to begin operating in 2025.
• June 6, 2024 – California signals its intent to join the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. Other states that have signed up include Michigan, Colorado, and Tennessee.
• May 2024 – At the SBC Summit seminar, Andrew Alejandro, Chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, reiterates that any future efforts to bring legal sports wagering to the Golden State would need the full support of California’s tribes.
• April 2024 – Indian Gaming Association Conference Chair Victor Rocha says sports betting may not become legal in California until 2028.
• February 2024 – PrizePicks speaks up against General Bonta’s resolution to review the legality of DSF in California. They opine that it is a game of skill and chance and, therefore, cannot be considered gambling.
• January 2024 – The Proponent fails due to minimum support from the public and state tribe opposition. Therefore, sports betting in California may not be legalized before 2026, when the next legislature will be held.
• November 2023 – 52 state tribes reject the proposal to allow commercial sportsbooks in California.
• October 2023 – Pala Band of Mission Indians vow to submit a new online betting in California initiative.
• November 2022 – Propositions 26 and 27 fail by a wide margin at the polls. Proposition 26 allows tribal casinos and horse racetracks to offer retail sports betting, and Proposition 27 allows sportsbooks to partner with tribes to offer mobile sports betting.
• May 2022 – The tribes fight against Proposition 27, a sportsbook-backed proposal.
• April 2022 – A card room lawsuit challenging the legal status of retail sports betting is dismissed in a Los Angeles Superior Court, and efforts to stop sports betting at card rooms in California fall through.
• May 2021 – Counties and tribes sign, and with 65,000 signers lead, the tribes win. Following this win, voters will be allowed their first opportunity to decide the future of sports betting in California in November 2022.
• June 2020 – Gray and Dodd hold a hearing on CA online sports betting, but there is minimal progress. Tribal interests also can’t make the ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• June 2019 – Gray and Sen. Dodd introduce ballot questions to legalize sports bills in California in Bills ACA 16 and SCA 16. The bill shows interest in beginning discussions with important stakeholders. However, tribal interests are not willing to meet. Represented by chairman Mark Macarro, they submit a ballot initiative arguing that voters should decide on approval.
• May 2018 – PASPA is overturned, and states can now make their own laws about sports betting.
• July 2017 – Assemblyman Gray introduces the constitutional amendment to overturn PASPA.

CA Sports Betting Taxation Laws

As of 2024, California residents are not obligated to pay taxes on sports betting winnings. This is due to the fact that offshore sportsbooks do not report these earnings. However, such profits could be considered part of annual income. In that case, bettors might need to include their winnings in their yearly income to determine their applicable tax bracket.

For example, a single resident with an income plus sports betting winnings of $10,100 to $23,942 may pay 2% in taxes, while the tax rate of another within the $400k—$680k bracket is 11.3%.

Most Popular Sports & Teams to Wager on in CA

What sports do Californians wager on the most? Let’s have a look.

Payment Methods at the Best California Sportsbooks

The California betting sites reviewed in this article offer a wide range of payment methods to customers, facilitating seamless transactions. The following banking options are available at our recommended platforms.

Deposit Options

Below are the deposit options available at our handpicked California betting apps.

Sportsbook	Bitcoin	Altcoins	E-wallet	Debit / Credit Cards	Bank Transfer	Gift Cards
BetOnline
Bovada
BetUS
MyBookie
BetNow
Everygame
BUSR
TG Casino
XBet
SportsBetting.ag

Withdrawal Options

The table below summarizes the different withdrawal options at our recommended California sports betting apps.

Sportsbook	Bitcoin	Altcoins	E-wallet	Debit / Credit Cards	Bank Transfer	Gift Cards
BetOnline
Bovada
BetUS
MyBookie
BetNow
Everygame
BUSR
TG Casino
XBet
SportsBetting.ag

Mobile Wagering & Sports Betting Apps in California

Who doesn’t appreciate the convenience that on-the-go betting brings? Mobile sports betting apps provide instant access to real-time updates, which benefits live betting and in-play insights. Many of these apps also offer live commentaries and analysis on live games, which can help inform your betting decisions. These apps are usually designed and developed for Android and iPhone users.

Although none of our partner brands have downloadable mobile apps, they offer nearly the same features on their mobile sites. These betting sites have simple and user-friendly interfaces as well. You can play conveniently on mobile sites and access them anytime and anywhere.

Pros & Cons of CA Sports Betting

Sports betting might not be legal in the Golden State now, but there’s hope for the future. The state’s love for sports and sizeable population suggests that legislation will always be on the table. And, as we’ve already seen – parimutuel horse racing is possible at live tracks, DFS is an option, and there is an abundance of tribal casinos that will be vying for exclusive sports betting rights should lobbyists make another push next year.

Betting in Neighboring States to CA

Granted, betting is not legal in CA. However, let’s see what the situation is like across the border. Is it a little different North, South, East, or West of the border?

Oregon

Oregon online sports betting became available in January 2022, but only one statewide operational sportsbook, DraftKings. While DraftKings doesn’t allow college sports wagers, bettors looking for more options can visit one of the four retail sportsbook outlets in Lincoln City, Grand Ronde, Florence, or North Bend. These tribal casinos accept wagers on college sports.

Arizona

Sports betting was authorized in April 2021 through HB 2772. As of November 2024, the state has 13 sportsbooks, such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. For those who enjoy betting in person, there are over 15 retail locations in the Grand Canyon State that accept wagers. It is important to mention that while betting on college sports is permitted, prop bets involving college teams or individual players are not allowed.

Nevada

A historic gambling hub in the United States, Nevada was the first state to legalize online betting in 2010. After PASPA’s overturn in 2018, more sportsbook apps launched, and over 50 retail outlets opened across the state. While NV has numerous online sportsbooks, bettors must visit a casino in person to register an account. Nevada remains a popular destination for high rollers.

Other Types of California Online Gambling

The neighboring state, Nevada, may be better known for gambling, thanks to the gambling culture in Las Vegas. But California isn’t miles behind, either. There are several legal forms of gambling in the bustling US state of California. They include:

• Casino
• Cardooms
• Lottery
• Horse race betting and parimutuel wagering
• DFS
• Charitable gaming (poker, raffles, and bingo games)
• Social Casinos

The Best Betting Site in California 2024

Going by the sports betting landscape in neighboring states, we might see changes in California betting legislation soon. According to a Statista report, sports betting revenue is forecasted to reach $10.2 billion in 2028, a 385.7% increase from the 2.1 billion recorded in 2021. If the tribes, private sportsbooks, and cardrooms find common ground, the government might be willing to make some compromises and join in on the game soon.

Before making that major decision, Californians can take advantage of options already available to residents of nearby states. With offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline—our top-rated platform for sports betting in California—bettors in the state can access a wide range of promotions and bonuses, competitive odds, various deposit and withdrawal methods, and live betting options.

California Sports Betting FAQs

Gambling Resources

• California Council on Problem Gambling
• Office of Problem Gambling
• GamTalk
• GamAnon