Brand Partner ContentIn this detailed handbook on sports wagering in the Golden State, we will examine the finest California sportsbooks that you can register with while staying within the confines of California legislation. All of the betting platforms we endorse are based outside of the US and welcome American bettors.
Furthermore, we will provide an extensive overview of pertinent state laws, discuss the disagreements between Native American tribes and other stakeholders in the industry, and try to forecast the direction of legalized sports wagering in California. Continue reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature of California sports betting sites.
California Sports Betting Sites: Best of the Best
Welcome to our showcase of the most exciting and engaging California sports betting sites. Each one offers a unique gaming experience that will captivate players and keep them coming back for more. Discover the perfect destination for your next gambling adventure with our curated list of top casinos. The list of our chosen California sports betting sites, you can find below.
BetOnline: A high-rolling haven for the modern gambler, packed with action and thrilling opportunities.
MyBookie: Your personalized betting playground, where the odds are always in your favor.
Lucky Block: A vibrant world of chance, where fortune favors the bold and rewards the daring.
Everygame: A diverse gaming paradise, catering to players of all tastes and preferences.
Bovada: A sleek and sophisticated casino experience, designed to indulge the refined bettor.
BetNow: The ultimate destination for instant gratification, with non-stop betting action.
BUSR: Unbridled excitement at your fingertips, offering the finest in sports and racing wagering.
XBet: A cutting-edge casino, where innovation meets exhilaration in every game.
JazzSports: The upbeat rhythm of winning, harmonizing the best of sports betting and casino gaming.
BetUS: An all-American betting extravaganza, celebrating the spirit of competition and reward.
Recent Developments in California’s Sports Betting Legislation News
The following is a comprehensive timeline summary, emphasizing key moments that have led to the present status of sports wagering legislative efforts in California.
- January 2023 – The 2022 November referendum, which aimed to legalize online sports gambling in California, was unsuccessful. It appears improbable that a resolution will be reached this year, so Californians may have to wait for another opportunity to legalize sports wagering in their state.
- November 2022 – On November 8, as predicted, California voters turned down Proposition 26, which would have legalized sports gambling at land-based casinos and racetracks in the state. Proposition 27, which could have permitted locally-regulated sports betting in California and faced significant opposition from the state’s tribes, was also defeated. Legal sports betting in California is now anticipated no earlier than 2024.
- August 2022 – Groups financed by tribal casinos and internet gambling companies contributed nearly $360 million to back two proposals aimed at legalizing sports wagering in California.
- June 2022 – The Coalition for Safe and Responsible Gaming, which opposes sports betting in California, has the support of over 80 organizations.
- November 2019 – A coalition of 18 California tribes works together to introduce gambling to the November ballot. The coalition needs 997,139 signatures by April 2019 to submit its petition. In 2021, the Office of Secretary of State Shirley Weber confirmed that 1,060,000 signatures were gathered.
- May 2018 – Following the repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992) on May 14, 2018, California Assemblyman Adam Gray stated that it is now up to them to pass legislation permitting sports betting legalization in California.
Introducing Top California Sports Betting Sites Better
Since we provided you with a short overview of our list of the top California sports betting sites, it is a natural thing to talk about them in more detail. That is exactly what this section is for. In the following section, we will be talking about the most noticeable characteristics of the sports betting sites that we mentioned.
BetOnline: Comprehensive Coverage of Leading Sports Associations
BetOnline.ag is a top-notch California sports betting site. This well-established online sportsbook features bets on football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball. They encompass all significant leagues and integrate various specialty sports like golf, tennis, MMA, and motorsports. Furthermore, they offer a dedicated Esports category, a casino, daily competitions, and an independent Racebook with highly competitive odds for all prominent US track events.
Newcomers to BetOnline can receive a 50% sign-up bonus valued at up to $1,000, which carries a 10x betting/playthrough condition. You can place wagers on an extensive array of proposition bets, parlays, and teasers, and their live betting and streaming options are among the finest we’ve encountered. They provide an excellent range of promotional codes and numerous methods for depositing funds into your account, including cryptocurrency. Customer assistance is accessible 24/7 through Live Chat.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 50% up to $1,000 | 10x | $20 | Same Day | Yes |
PROS:
- You can find highly competitive betting odds
- There’s a wide variety of markets available
- You can watch live streams of events
- They offer 24/7 live chat support
CONS:
- There are fees for deposits made with credit cards
- Some bonuses come with high wagering requirements
MyBookie: An Outstanding Selection of Prop Bet Creation Tools
Few recently established betting platforms can match the extensive range of betting options provided by the MyBookie sportsbook, featuring prop bet creators for all major US sports. Punters seeking techniques for online sports gambling on major US and other sports can discover an abundance of resources at MyBookie. Wagers can be placed on anything from game outcomes and Esports to the election of the next American president.
Additionally, there is an independent Racebook presenting odds for horse racing, harness racing, and greyhound racing worldwide. To begin, you can take advantage of a generous 50% bonus on your initial deposit, up to $1,000, although the 14x wagering requirement is not as favorable as that of other sportsbooks.
A wide variety of MyBookie promotional codes are accessible to both new and existing customers, and there are ample payment methods to top up your account. Customer support can be reached through live chat, phone, and email.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 50% up to $1,000 | 14x | $50 | Same Day | Yes |
PROS:
- Offers a wide variety of sports and markets
- Provides useful guides for betting strategies
- Comprehensive coverage of horse racing events
- Fast payout processing time
- Considered one of the top bitcoin betting websites
CONS:
- Withdrawal fees may be costly
- Odds could be more favorable
Lucky Block: A Leader Among California Sports Betting Sites
Holding a Curacao license, Lucky Block emerges as our top choice for crypto-based sports wagering in California. Although the platform allows transactions in traditional currencies, it truly shines when using cryptocurrencies, enabling fee-free, ultra-fast deposits and withdrawals with nine different coins, such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Soldano, and Dogecoin.
As a fresh addition to the online sports wagering scene, Lucky Block stands out as one of the most visually appealing and comprehensive California sportsbooks on our list. The platform is user-friendly, offers a range of exciting features, and its mobile site functions flawlessly for on-the-go betting. With coverage of over 30 sports, the sportsbook presents an extensive array of betting options and in-depth live betting markets for all of California’s favorite teams, including the Lakers, Clippers, Rams, 49ers, Trojans, and Padres – everything is available.
Setting itself apart from other California sports wagering sites, Lucky Block integrates on-platform analytics. For instance, when selecting an upcoming San Francisco 49ers game, users can access crucial information, such as recent performance, standout players, and historical outcomes, before placing a bet.
Looking for a change of pace from live sports wagering? Lucky Block offers extensive esports markets, especially for NBA2K and FIFA23. Additionally, the platform boasts around 6,000 slot machines, table games, and even a live casino where users can play alongside a real dealer. Sign up with Lucky Block today to enjoy the sportsbook’s attractive loyalty bonus program and an outstanding new customer welcome offer.
| Welcome Bonus | Rollover Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 200% up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | Wager initial deposit 6x to release each 10% of bonus | $20 | Instant | Yes (using VPN) |
PROS:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Live betting options offered
- Wide selection of cryptocurrencies accepted
- Generous 200% welcome bonus
CONS:
- Limited support for traditional banking methods
Everygame: A California Sports Betting Site with Attractive Lines and Bonuses
Everygame, which used to go by the name Intertops, has been a prominent presence in the online sportsbook world for over two decades. Operating under an Antigua license, Everygame is particularly well-known for its low-juice odds, which offer excellent value for bettors. This sportsbook provides comprehensive coverage of major sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, MMA, and boxing, and also covers niche sports like handball, cricket, and darts. Additionally, Everygame caters to esports enthusiasts, with coverage of popular games like Counter-Strike, Dota2, and League of Legends. Horse racing betting at US tracks is another option available on a daily basis.
To cater to the growing popularity of live betting, Everygame has developed a top-notch live betting platform. The multiview feature enables bettors to place bets on multiple games and track the action conveniently. However, there are no live sports streaming options, although customer support is available via Live Chat.
Everygame extends a generous welcome bonus offer of up to $750 to new customers, who can avail themselves of a $250 bonus on their first three deposits. The wagering requirements for the bonus are a reasonable 8x.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 100% up to $250 (can be done 3 times on first three deposits) | 8x | $20 | 48 Hours | Yes |
PROS:
- Well-known and reliable name
- Diverse selection of NHL wagering options
- User-friendly mobile betting interface
- Varied banking choices, including cryptocurrency support
CONS:
- Absence of live streaming service
- Delays in cashing out using specific payout methods
Bovada: Top-Notch Platform, Excellent Customer Support and Much More
Bovada is another of our top-notch California betting sites. While there are some US states where Bovada does not allow players to participate, California is not one of them, and it takes only a few minutes to get started. Bovada offers a variety of betting lines on both traditional sports and Esports, as well as a wide range of parlay bets.
We appreciate their prop builder tool, which streamlines the process of creating and placing more complex sports wagers. Additionally, they offer a separate Racebook for betting on horse racing. Bovada provides several payment options, including various cryptocurrencies that offer bigger bonuses.
Moreover, Bovada features an integrated video streaming service that enables players to keep track of matches while placing live, in-game bets. You can access the streaming service via the dedicated Bovada sports betting app or the browser-based version of the site. New users can take advantage of a welcome bonus of up to $750 with a 5x wagering requirement. Additionally, there is 24/7 customer support available via email or Live Chat.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 75% up to $750 (crypto) | 5x | $20 | Same Day | Yes |
PROS:
- Bovada offers a loyalty program called Rewards
- It caters to US sports and bettors
- Users of cryptocurrency can enjoy larger bonuses
- Customers can rely on 24/7 responsive customer support
- The welcome bonus requires only 5x wagering
CONS:
- The appearance of betting lines may take some time
- The welcome bonus is not the largest
BetNow: A Platform with Great Bonus Options for New and Existing Customers
BetNow was launched in 2015 and provides an easy-to-use interface that makes betting a breeze. Users can take advantage of the “Build Your Own” feature to create and personalize their own prop bets. While other sportsbooks offer more sports options, BetNow covers all major US sports and has a solid Racebook that offers a 10% rebate.
BetNow has a range of bonuses available for both new and existing customers, including sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and a refer-a-friend program. Although there are only a few payment methods available, the majority of users will be able to deposit funds using Visa, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, or Cash Direct. The welcome bonus offered by BetNow is not the largest, with a maximum of $300, but since it is a 150% deposit bonus, users only need to deposit $200 to receive it. Additionally, the platform offers 24/7 live chat support for users who need assistance.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 150% up to $150 | 10x | $20 | 24 Hours | Yes |
PROS
- Offers a variety of bonuses and promotions.
- User-friendly website interface.
- Competitive betting odds.
- Provides 24/7 Live Chat support.
CONS:
- Limited payment options.
- The range of sports offered could be broader
BUSR: A California Sports Betting Site That Rewards You With 10% Cash Back In Crypto
BUSR is a newly established online betting platform that boasts a vast selection of prop bets and impressive market depth across major US sports. While the site has diversified into various sports, horse racing remains a significant aspect of their operations since it started as a horse racing betting site. Players can bet on a range of sports such as NFL, NBA, NCAA basketball and football, MLB, NHL, PGA golf, tennis, boxing, soccer, MMA, WNBA, NASCAR, and other events. However, the options for live betting are limited.
BUSR offers various payment and withdrawal methods, and players can enjoy significant bonuses when they load their accounts with cryptocurrencies. New players can also receive a generous bonus of up to $2,500 upon registration. Furthermore, BUSR stands out from the competition with their fast payout timings, and their customer support is available 24/7 through live chat, telephone, and email.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 150% up to $2,500 | 10x | $100 | 3-7 Business Days | Yes |
PROS:
- Wide range of betting options for major sports
- Specialized horse racing section with an 8% rebate
- Attractive bonuses when depositing with cryptocurrency
- Licensed by Curacao eGaming
- Well-developed help center for customer support
CONS:
- Some payout methods come with fees
- Only two Esports available
- Limited live line options
XBet: Exceptional Race Betting Platform Featuring Comprehensive Range & Market Breadth
XBet might not offer the widest variety of sports to wager on (15+), but the market breadth and odds are outstanding. For horse racing enthusiasts, there’s an impressive Racebook with its own exclusive section, and Esports are included as well. The introductory bonuses may not be the most generous in the industry, but the XBet sign-up offer can grant you up to $500 in bonus money, along with weekly horse racing rebates and reload bonuses.
Cryptocurrencies are part of the deposit and withdrawal options provided, and an array of XBet promotional code deals are accessible to both newcomers and loyal customers. Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat or email.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 50% up to $500 | 10x | $20 | 2-3 Days | Yes |
PROS:
- Offers a diverse selection of sports betting markets
- Includes a racebook for horse and dog racing
- Provides odds boosts and props builders
- Features quick payouts via eWallet and cryptocurrency
- Considered one of the top online gambling sites
CONS:
- Lacks live streaming capability
- Has rigorous gaming regulations and policies
- Could expand its Esports market offerings
Jazz: Expert in Soccer with Real-Time Broadcasts
Jazz Sports is a renowned sportsbook based in California, offering betting options for major US sports such as the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. It is particularly appealing to soccer enthusiasts, with a focus on top European leagues and tournaments. With the World Cup approaching, many bettors are likely to choose Jazz Sports. Additionally, there is a separate Jazz Racebook that provides a 10% rebate, win or lose, depending on your volume and track categories.
New clients at Jazz Sports receive a generous sign-up bonus with a manageable 10x wagering requirement. Regular customers can also take advantage of ongoing reload promotions. A significant perk is the free live streaming service for all major sports, featuring select NCAA (football & basketball) and soccer matches.
Jazz’s introductory offer for newcomers is a 50% match up to $1,000 on their initial deposit. The website gladly accepts various cryptocurrencies and traditional payment options like Visa and Mastercard. Customer support is available through phone and email, as well as a 24/7 live chat service.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 50% up to $1,000 | 10x | $100 | Same Day | Yes |
PROS:
- Can watch live streams
- Racebook offers 10% rebate
- Great soccer coverage
- 24/7 Live Chat assistance available
CONS:
- Some customers have reported payout delays
- Doesn’t encourage responsible gambling
BetUS: A Popular California Sports Betting Site with Attractive Crypto Bonuses
BetUS has been in the industry for nearly 30 years and prides itself on being ‘America’s Favorite Sportsbook’. This California sports betting platform caters to horse racing bettors, traditional sports bettors, and especially Esports enthusiasts. BetUS offers an extensive range of promotions for both new and returning players, with users of cryptocurrency enjoying particularly enticing bonuses.
BetUS presents a vast array of live and in-play betting markets, in addition to numerous parlay bets for all your preferred American sports. If you are an Esports fan, you will find an impressive collection of games to choose from, and you can catch up with the best of online gaming through the site’s Twitch channel. New users can take advantage of one of the most substantial welcome bonuses, a 200% crypto bonus of up to $5,000. Besides, BetUS provides free expert betting advice and previews through their blog, and their customer service team is available 24/7.
| Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time | Accepts US Players? |
| 200% up to $5,000 (crypto) | 15x | $100 | 24-48 Hours | Yes |
PROS:
- Provides the largest bonuses among California sports betting sites
- Offers quick withdrawal process
- Includes Esports in its betting options
- Presents a 200% crypto bonus
- BetUS blog shares tips and previews
CONS:
- Has high wagering requirements
- Offers limited banking options
The Most Commonly Asked Questions About California Sports Betting Sites
What are legal betting options in California?
In California, certain forms of gambling are legal, including raffles, lotteries, card rooms, tribal casinos, and betting on horse racing. These are regulated by the state and adhere to strict guidelines.
How can I place bets, despite betting being illegal in California?
You can still place bets on the offshore sportsbooks, despite betting being illegal in California.
What is the minimum age for placing bets on California sports betting sites?
In order to place bets on California sports betting sites, you need to be 18 or older.
When will sports betting become legal in California?
Since two proposals for legalizing sports betting in California were rejected, it is unlikely that new plans for legalizing sports betting will be considered until 2024.
California Sports Betting Sites Compared
In order to assist you in selecting the optimal betting site for your needs, we have compiled a table that presents the top 10 California sportsbooks, along with their respective sports betting promotion codes and bonuses, the range of sports they cover, and any available options for live betting or streaming. In addition, most of the sites that we present in this table, have Sports betting apps. Our goal is to simplify the process of identifying a suitable sportsbook for you, allowing you to make an informed decision based on the provided information.
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Sports to bet on | Live Betting | Live Streaming |
| BetOnline | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 25+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Everygame | 100% up to $250 (can be done 3 times on first three deposits) | INSIDERS | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bovada | 75% up to $750 (crypto) | INSIDERS | 25+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| MyBookie | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 15+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BetNow | 150% up to $150 | INSIDERS | 10+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BetUS | 200% up to $5,000 (crypto) | INSIDERS | 30+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Jazz Sports | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 20+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BUSR | 150% up to $2,500 | INSIDERS | 25+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lucky Block | 200% up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | N/A | 35+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| XBet | 50% up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | 15+ | ✅ | ❌ |
Online Sports on California Sports Betting Sites
Presently, online sports wagering is not governed in California. Nonetheless, our suggested international sportsbooks accept wagers from US-based bettors.
To gamble on these offshore sports betting sites, you need to be a minimum of 18 years old, live in California, and possess a means of depositing and withdrawing funds.
Eligibility for Sports Betting in California
Although sports betting is not regulated in California, you can still place wagers at the legitimate sportsbooks we endorse. These sportsbooks are regulated outside of the US, typically holding a sports wagering license from their home country (frequently Curacao or Costa Rica).
To place bets on these websites, you must be at least 18 years old, physically present in California, and have the necessary funds. Explore the current state of online casinos in California.
How Can I Place Bets on California Sports Betting Sites?
Placing bets on California sports betting sites is rather easy. In order to make the process even easier for you, we have provided below a list of a few steps that you should follow. Following the steps will ensure that you have the best California sports betting experience.
STEP 1: Join your desired California sports betting site
STEP 2: At this stage, you have to create an account, entering your personal info
STEP 3: You need to provide necessary verification in order to continue
STEP 4: Place some funds
STEP 5: Have the best betting experience!
Legality of California Sports Betting
The State of California has seen a number of proposals to legalize sports betting in the past few years.
However, voters in California have overwhelmingly rejected Prop 26 & Prop 27 in November 2022, which aimed to legalize sports betting. Both propositions proposed wagering in tribal casinos, retail sportsbooks, and mobile devices.
The campaigns supporting these propositions were backed by Native American tribes and the betting industry, which had raised nearly $460m.
In 2021, there were three proposed bills regarding sports betting. The first one was the California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act, which was identical to the 2020 bill.
The second one was the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act, an initiative by seven established sportsbooks that aimed to donate a portion of earnings to organizations that help the homeless and mentally ill.
The third one was the Age-Verified Tribal Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Act, proposed by San Manuel, which would permit both in-person and online betting.
In 2020, there were also two proposed bills related to sports betting. The first was the California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act, which was proposed by multiple cities in California. The second was the California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act, which was initially scheduled to have a summary on January 21, 2020, but was eventually pushed to November 8, 2022, if it gathered the required one million votes. In 2019, ACA-16 was also proposed in California regarding sports betting.
Sport Betting Earnings Taxation in California
Although legalized gambling within the state could lead to substantial financial gains, sports wagering in California remains unregulated. As a result, the optimal way to place sports bets online within the Golden State is through offshore sportsbooks based in California, where no taxes are levied on winnings.
On the other hand, if you place bets at a brick-and-mortar casino, the state will aim to collect a portion of the gaming revenues from the establishment, which would mean you have to pay taxes. However, this might not be applicable to sports betting. With a total of 10 tax brackets, California’s tax system is intricate. Consequently, your tax rate could vary significantly depending on your overall winnings. The rates range from 1% to 13.3%.
- Earnings of $0 are subject to a 1% tax
- Earnings up to $8,809 are subject to a 2% tax
- Earnings up to $20,883 are subject to a 4% tax
- Earnings up to $32,960 are subject to a 6% tax
- Earnings up to $45,753 are subject to an 8% tax
- Earnings up to $57,824 are subject to a 9.3% tax
- Earnings up to $295,373 are subject to a 10.3% tax
- Earnings up to $354,445 are subject to an 11.3% tax
- Earnings up to $590,742 are subject to a 12.3% tax
- Earnings of $1,000,000 or more are subject to a 13.3% tax
Top Payment Solutions for California Sports Betting Sites
In order to place bets or cash out your winnings, you’ll require a reliable method for conducting transactions. Options available include conventional methods, digital wallets, and virtual currencies.
Cryptocurrency Wagering Alternatives
Offshore betting platforms are strong proponents of digital currencies, offering a variety of different coins for placing bets and providing larger sign-up bonuses exclusively for crypto users. Frequently accepted cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Binance, Avalanche, Cardano, Tether, Litecoin, Stellar, Bitcoin Cash, and Shiba Inu.
Digital Wallet Betting Solutions
A digital wallet allows you to perform transactions by connecting it to your bank account for deposits and withdrawals or by utilizing the funds already present in your digital wallet account.
Conventional Transaction Options
For those who cannot use digital currencies or electronic wallets, traditional methods remain available for depositing and withdrawing funds at offshore betting sites. These methods encompass credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, online banking, wire transfers, PayNearMe, and mailed checks.
Gambling Perks Obtainable in California
Engaging in wagers on your preferred teams is undeniably the most thrilling aspect of participating in online sportsbooks. However, the overall experience is significantly elevated by acquiring bonuses and joining promotional events. The earnings acquired through these promotions can be utilized to play on the platform and boost your total winnings. Here are some of the most prevalent bonus types.
Initial Deposit Matching Rewards
An initial deposit matching reward is an incentive in the form of bonus funds provided when you make your first deposit. Generally, it is a percentage match up to a specific limit.
For instance, if you deposit up to $1,000 at MyBookie, the website will provide a 50% match on your deposit. Consequently, to receive the full $1,000 bonus, you must deposit $2,000. The minimum required deposit is $10, and there is a 10x wagering prerequisite. As a result, to withdraw the bonus funds, you must place bets equal to 10 times the combined total of your initial deposit and the bonus.
Bonuses Without Deposits
The most appealing aspect of a no-deposit bonus is that it is granted automatically upon creating an account, with no deposit needed. The amounts are typically modest, varying between $10 and $25, but they offer an excellent starting point to explore a new online sportsbook.
Free Bets
Free Bets and spins are distributed by sportsbooks as components of promotions or competitions. If you manage to secure a free bet, you can relish a risk-free bet. However, the complimentary bet stake will not be included in any winnings, as per standard procedure for such bets. Some sportsbooks, like BetOnline, also offer new users a risk-free bet to sample live betting.
Top Sports to Wager On
The finest online sports betting platforms in California typically offer a range of 30 to 50 different sports for bettors to select from. Californians often support their local teams, so let’s explore the most popular leagues and professional sports franchises in the state:
NFL
Football is the most popular sport in America. As a result, top sportsbooks have comprehensive coverage for both the NFL (National Football League), where professional teams play, and the NCAAF (National Collegiate Athletic Association Football), where college teams compete. Point spreads, moneylines, totals, team and player prop bets, and other wagers are all available.
NBA
Basketball, in addition to football, is another beloved sport that attracts huge audiences across the United States. Consequently, the finest offshore sportsbooks provide basketball odds for the NBA and college basketball (NCAAB).
The recommended sites provide more than just point spread bets for basketball, including moneylines, totals, and various props. Sportsbetting.ag, Bovada, and MyBookie are among the top NBA betting platforms, and they also cover global basketball events such as the FIBA World Basketball Championship.
MLB
Baseball, often considered America’s favorite pastime, is another heavily wagered sport in the United States. As a result, the top California sportsbooks offer all MLB games and futures throughout the season, from the regular season to the playoffs. Prominent MLB betting sites like BetOnline, XBet, and BetUS post their initial moneyline and run line odds early.
NHL
Ice hockey enthusiasts can choose from a wide array of domestic and international competitions at all recommended California sportsbooks. The NHL, Stanley Cup, and CFL are just a few examples. Moneyline, spreads, and totals are the most common NHL betting options. BetOnline and MyBookie are particularly suitable for hockey wagering.
NCAA Football
Each offshore sportsbook featured on this page provides odds for NCAA college football. There are a variety of markets and props similar to the NFL. College football futures are available for events such as the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. Bovada is a solid option for college football betting.
NCAA Basketball
The offshore sportsbooks mentioned on this page also offer odds on college basketball (NCAAB). You can find a range of markets, moneylines, spreads, totals, and props similar to the NBA. Futures for major tournaments like March Madness are also available.
Golf
Golf is another sport that is increasingly popular among bettors. Major golf tournaments such as The Masters, US Open, and PGA Tour usually have betting odds available throughout the year. Outright winner, Top 5, Top 10, First Round Leader, 2-balls, 3-balls, and more are all betting options. For golf betting, BetOnline is recommended.
California golf events include PGA TOUR Qualifiers, California State Open, Women’s California State Open, Champions Tour Qualifiers, SoCal Open, San Diego County Open, and the IE Amateur Championship. Top California golf courses include Pebble Beach, Pasatiempo Santa Cruz, Spyglass Hill, Torrey Pines La Jolla, and Trump National LA, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Horse Racing
California is a significant horse racing hub in the United States, with well-known tracks like Santa Anita Raceway and Del Mar Race Track. The California Horse Racing Board promotes and protects the state’s horse racing industry, which hosts numerous Grade 1 racing events.
Horse racing betting apps are the ultimate choice for wagering on horses in California. They generally offer a more streamlined and user-friendly way to place bets.
Horse race betting is a massive global industry, and the majority of offshore sportsbooks provide pari-mutuel wagers online, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, hi-5, and quinella. Some of the leading California sports betting sites, such as MyBookie, Bovada, and BetOnline, have incorporated separate racebooks within their sites. This makes it easier for sports bettors to stay updated on the latest races, odds, and information.
DFS
Daily fantasy sports are played over shorter time frames than traditional fantasy sports, typically, as the name implies, lasting a single day. Occasionally, DFS contests can last several days or span the length of a tournament. BetOnline and MyBookie offer free daily fantasy and survival contests for regular players. These competitions can be thrilling and present an opportunity to win extra cash without any risk.
Real-Time Wagering at California Betting Platforms
In-play betting allows you to place wagers on ongoing sporting events with real-time wagering. The sportsbooks’ live betting odds will constantly shift based on each team’s or player’s performance, so you must be quick to seize the odds you desire.
A slight time lag may occur before your wager is confirmed, and you may notice that live betting may sometimes be “paused” and become briefly inaccessible during crucial moments, such as touchdowns or turnovers, as oddsmakers update the live odds. BetUS and MyBookie consistently stay on top of things and are among the finest sportsbooks for live betting in California.
Comparing Sports Betting in California to Nearby States
Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona, all neighboring states of California, have already enacted laws legalizing sports betting. Nevada, where Las Vegas is located, was the first state in the US to legalize sports betting in 1949 and remained the sole state to do so for many years.
Arizona has made significant progress in online sports betting, with some of the state’s sportsbooks even partnering with NFL teams.
The Top Choice for California Sports Betting
There are many great sports betting websites available to residents of California, as we could see, and the choice of which one to use will depend on each individual’s preferences and requirements.
In our opinion, however, BetOnline stands out as the best sports betting site in California, with a wide range of features that make it top-notch. This California sports betting platform offers an extensive selection of prop bets and tools, detailed live lines, and futures odds for all the most popular sports in North America.
Additionally, it boasts a thorough Racebook, integrated live esports broadcasting, a solid selection of payment methods, and a variety of promotions.
Nevertheless, besides BetOnline, either one of our top-ranked California sports betting sites that you choose will surely meet all the criteria and requirements.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.