Being the largest State in the USA with almost 40 million residents, it’s no surprise that California is a hotbed for sports betting in the United States.
Other states have a different approach towards sports betting. You can check the full list of US states here. California Casinos. There are 69 Native American Tribal Casinos in the state of California - all of which could host sports betting in the near future. California, like the majority of states in the USA, does not allow sports betting within the State. This means that if you’re a California resident that would like to bet on sports you will need to open an account at an online sportsbook that is licensed and regulated outside of the State. Find out which sportsbooks are best for you, which casinos would be best to visit, and what the future of California sports betting will look like. 7 Best Online Betting Sites in California Bovada.
California, like the majority of states in the USA, does not allow sports betting within the State. This means that if you’re a California resident that would like to bet on sports you will need to open an account at an online sportsbook that is licensed and regulated outside of the State.
California Online Sports Betting. California is one of the many US states that have not yet legalized sports betting – either online or in-person – in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturn of PASPA in 2018. However, there are rumblings in the CA legislature that domestic sports betting will be considered in the near future. California Sports Betting Markets. California, which is home to around 35 professional sports teams and dozens of collegiate clubs, is a rich sports betting market. California residents turn an estimated yearly handle of over $20 billion, and most of that action is sent overseas.
On this page I’ll explain the legality of betting on sports in California, recommend some offshore betting sites and touch on some specific cities within California.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
First off, I want to point out that it is not legal to accept bets (run a sportsbook) in the State of California. This is due to California not licensing or authorizing any sports betting operator to run a betting service in the State. For this reason, if you see any online sportsbook that is run out of California you can be sure that it is not legal and likely not safe.
That said, it is NOT illegal for residents of California to bet through offshore betting sites. Offshore sportsbooks do not violate California’s gambling laws by instead being licensed by and regulated in a different jurisdiction. It is legal and safe for residents of California to open accounts and place bets at these offshore sportsbooks.
Best Sports Betting Sites for California Residents
Here are our two favourite offshore sportsbooks that accept residents of California….
- Built for American bettors
- Wide variety of competitive betting lines
- Easy to navigate betting platform
- Accepts players worldwide
- Competitive betting lines
- Fast & easy deposits and withdrawals (including Bitcoin)
Offline Sports Betting in California
There is currently no offline sports betting allowed in California. If you do come across a bookie you should realize that the bookie is operating their business illegally.
The only way to currently bet on sports in the State of California is through an offshore betting site, like I outlined above.
Even California casinos are currently unable to take sports bets. That said, depending where you live in California, Nevada may only be a short drive and almost every casino in Nevada will have it’s own sportsbook.
Major Sports Teams in California
There’s a long list of Major League sports teams in the State of California. I’ve added a quick list below. Click on the city name for more information on betting on sports in that specific city.
- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Horse Racing in California
It is legal to bet on horses at the track in California. Here are some of the major tracks located in the State, as well as some of their bigger races.
I should note though that you can also place bets for all the races at the following tracks online at either of the offshore sportsbooks I outlined above.
Major Tracks
- Cal-Expo Race Track in Sacramento.
- Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar.
- Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley.
- Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress.
- Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
Draftkings Sportsbook California
Major Races
California Sportsbook Downtown
- Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack. Part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge with a $1,000,000 purse.
- Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park. For three-year-olds with a purse of $1,000,000.
- Santa Anita Handicap at Santa Anita Park. Ten furlong race for four year olds and up with a purse of $1,000,000.