Betting Online California

Sports Betting in California is not yet legal and licensed but there is good news ahead. The Golden State, has tried to regulate online betting multiple times in the past and are likely to try again soon.

As the biggest state in the US by far, it’s inclusion in authorizing regulated sports wagering in California would mean an approximate $2.5 billion market.

However, the state is heavily dominated by tribal casinos and the political landscape is complicated, which means that the efforts to legalize online sports betting have met great opposition.

For now, all online betting is made on offshore casinos or on Daily Fantasy Sports, which is legal since it hasn’t been classified as real money gambling.

To bet on sports in California isn’t prohibited, it is not expressly regulated either, which makes it a grey area at best.

Best California Betting Sites. The above betting sites are open to customers from California. There aren’t currently any laws in California prohibiting online gambling. However, this also means that it is not state sanctioned or regulated. You cannot legally start a gambling business in the state, but technically there are no laws saying you cannot bet online. If you set up an online sports betting account in California, you can only use it to make bets inside the state boundaries. Online gambling is regulated at the state level, not the federal level, so California law.

Online Sports Betting California Updates

While industry experts say that there won’t be any change in California sports betting legislation soon, there has been some developments recently.

When and if online will become legalized in the Golden State sportsbook operators such as BetMGM, DraftKings and William Hill, together with all the other major online sportsbooks, are likely to apply for CA online sports betting licenses.

BetMGM is one the fastest growing sportsbooks in the US and likely to enter California once there is a licensing process in place for sports gambling. Read our BetMGM California review.

FanDuel needs no further introduction. The kings of DFS and sportsbook (where legalized) are just like DraftKings almost guaranteed to enter the market once regulators authorize sports online.

DraftKings is widely known in California through their DFS product. Their sportsbook will most certainly be one of the first to open up for CA customers. Read our DraftKings California review.

William Hill is one of the most active sportsbook brands in the US with casino sportsbook partnerships all across the US. William Hill is one of the UKs oldest and most well established sportsbooks with over 100 years of history of sports betting. Read our William Hill California review.

California Sports Betting Hearing – January 8th, 2020

On January 8th, California took a great leap towards opening up the discussion about legal sports wagering in the Golden State. The Joint Assembly and Senate Governmental Organization Committees held a meeting in the state capital, where they invited industry experts to discuss what a legal California sports betting market could look like.

Research expert Chris Grove said that the California market could be worth $2.5 billion per year given that mobile sports betting would be included. However, Grove tweeted after the hearing that he could “feel” the obstruction in the room, and that he didn’t believe that California would legalize online betting in the near future.

Tribal Casinos File Sports Betting Authorisation Ballot Measure – November 2019

A coalition of 18 tribes put in a ballot measure that would legalize sports betting subject to state-wide approval. The measure would authorize sports betting and horse wagering at tribal casinos with a 10% tax rate on gross win. This measure would not include mobile betting.

Bill Dodd Sports Betting Bill Introduction – June, 2019

Senator Bill Dodd and Assemblyman Adam Gray introduced the constitutional amendment bill ACA 16, to the legislature. The bill would authorize sports betting subject to state-wide voter approval. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association opposed the regulation of sports wagering until their monopoly on card games was restored.

California Online Sportsbooks Amendment Proposal – July, 2017

Gray proposed an amendment to authorize betting in California provided that PASPA would be repealed. The amendment would be accepted subject to a two-thirds majority vote before it could be placed on a ballot for the next referendum.

Daily Fantasy Sports Authorization – January 2016

Adam Gray introduced the AB 1437 bill that regulated and authorized Daily Fantasy Sports. The bill passed unanimously in January 2016 and have regulated DFS since.

What Kind of Gambling is Legal in California?

As of now, there are a few options available for gambling in California:

• Cardrooms
• Charitable Gambling
• Pari-mutuel Horse Wagering
• Daily Fantasy Sports (contested wether legal or not)
• Indian Gaming
• Lottery

Cardrooms

Card rooms are very popular and within California state borders there are close to 70 card rooms venues (the number of card rooms vary over time but is stable between 60-70). These card rooms offer non-banked poker, Pai gow, Blackjack, Baccarat and Chinese poker and Panguingue.

Charitable Gambling

Non profit organizations can offer raffles, bingo games and poker nights.

Legal Online Betting Sites

Pari-mutuel Horse Wagering

Pari-mutuel wagering pools all bets made on a race and distributes winnings from the pool. This is currently the only way of real money sports betting in California.

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS is not regulated as interactive gaming, and is therefore not prohibited in California. This makes it possible to bet on sports, without the element of real money. This is a good choice for players that are interested in other sports than horse racing.

Indian Gaming

Native American tribes can offer casino gambling and there are currently over 60 casino venues operated by California tribes which means that all casino gambling is operated by native American tribes.

California State Lottery

The lottery offers scratchcard and draw games. You can buy tickets to interstate Mega Millions and Powerball draws through the California state lottery.

Travel to Vegas

A more serious, betting alternative is to actually drive to Las Vegas which is a fairly close destination. As the gambling capital in the world, Vegas offers wagering on casino slots and table games and sports in their casino venues, and it is a simple weekend destination if you are interested in betting on sports in California.

The Future of Betting on Sports in California

There is an interesting battle going on for the sports betting legalization in California.

Both the state and the native tribes in the state are keen to get exclusive rights to sports betting, and the coalition of tribes that proposed a measure in November 2019 might be the closest option at the moment.

However, since they didn’t include mobile betting in their bill, the market size would not reach the $2.5 billion that is up for grabs. The question remains unanswered until further proceedings from the legislature.

As any bill would need a supermajority of two-thirds, there will be a lot of legislative work to form a consensus before we will see any real progress.

FAQ

Yes, gambling is legal at Tribal Casinos, card establishments and horse tracks. There is also a legal state lottery in California.

No. Pari-mutuel horse wagering and Daily Fantasy Sports are the only legal betting options in California.

As more US states are opening up for legal sports betting, land-based and online, California is likely to follow suit. A reasonable guesstimate is sometime in 2022 but could be earlier or later.

$2.5 billion

Yes, at tribal casinos

Yes

No

Yes, there is no legislation prohibiting DFS

With a population nearing 40 million people, the largest in the United
States, California is widely considered to have the biggest sporting fan base in
the country. Unsurprisingly, there is a massive number of people here that love
to bet on their favorite sports. Today, our team of experts is here to help you
find the best California sports betting sites currently operating.

There are some truly amazing online sportsbooks available here. To help out
those new to online gambling, we’re listing the most important features to look
for in internet sports betting sites. Later on, we’ll be going over the current
laws and regulations over this popular industry.

Below are five of our favorite California betting sites available
right now. Check them out to see why they’re growing more popular every year.

Features That All California Sports Betting Sites Should Have

Unlike many US states, California has not yet regulated its online gambling
market. Until it does, players here will need to find safe betting sites that
are based in other areas. Fortunately, this industry here evolved massively over
the years.

The majority of online sports betting sites in California are fantastic. Most
are completely safe and offer a huge range of different betting options. Those
new to internet sports betting may feel overwhelmed trying to choose a site to
play through for the first time. Below are four of the most important things to
look for in an online sportsbook today.

Safe and Easy Payment Options

Safety is, and always has been, the most important thing when looking for a website to bet online in California. A site may offer thousands of
incredible betting odds on every single sport, but if it doesn’t provide you
with safe payment options, it’s not even worth looking at. Fortunately, this is
an easy thing to look into.

One of the best ways to learn more about a website’s payment system is to
head over to our list of
sportsbook reviews. Our team has looked through hundreds of different sports
betting sites over the years. In each review on California betting websites,
we explain exactly which payment options are available. If any sites are caught
charging unusual fees or withholding payments, we’ll let you know about it.

Another easy way to look into a website’s cashier system is to check out the
site for yourself. All of the reputable sports betting sites in California will
clearly list exactly which forms of payment are accepted. Head on up to the
sites we recommend at the top of this page and look into the payment options
provided at each one.

We recommend joining websites that allow deposits to be made using both debit
and credit cards. Most of the online sportsbooks in CA only
allow withdrawals to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this scare you! Bitcoin
payouts come with extremely low fees and are processed within just a few days.
Some sites, including
Bovada sportsbook, even have entire pages that explain how Bitcoin payouts
are made.

Nothing is more important than safety when betting online in California. We feel strongly
that the first thing you should always look for in a betting website is a safe
cashier system.

Modern Design and User Interface

Some might argue that the design of an online sportsbook isn’t tremendously
important. We disagree. The style and designs of these websites will affect your
entire gambling experience. Every sportsbook has a different design, and it’s
not easy to say that one is better than another.

Almost every internet sportsbook will allow you to check them out before you
join. We recommend heading over to a few different sites and looking at their
homepages. Check to see that the sites don’t crash, and make it easy to actually
place bets.

As we just mentioned, all of the California betting sites operating
today are different. Some feature busy homepages with hundreds of odds and bonus
offers. Others are simplistic, with just a few odds on major US sporting events.

The most important thing is to find a sportsbook that fits your needs. There
are so many great options available today, so this should be easy! Spend a
little time looking at a few different site designs today.

We want to note that the sites at the top of this page are all well-known for
offering incredible designs. Each has amazing functionality that makes it
extremely easy to find the exact sport you want to bet on.

Great Customer Support System

This is, unfortunately, the most overlooked feature of gambling websites. You
would be surprised to find out how many new bettors sign up to a website without
even looking at which support options are provided. Don’t make this mistake.

The state of California will not be around to assist you if an issue arises
with your betting experience. You will need to rely on the website you play at
to help answer any questions. Today, every reputable online sportsbook will
provide members with a number of different customer service options.

The very best sports betting sites in California will offer
a live chat feature. This allows you to speak directly with a customer service
representative over text. It’s without a doubt the easiest and most convenient
way to seek help while betting online in California.

If the sites you’re looking at only offer an email support option, they are
probably not worth joining. Email support can oftentimes take weeks to actually
answer your questions. Stick to sportsbooks that offer direct customer support
options.

There’s a very good chance that you will never have to utilize the customer
support services of the betting site you join. If, however, you need a question
answered, it’s important to know that the company you are betting through will
have your back.

Wide Range of Betting Odds

You should make sure that the
US betting website
you are looking to join provides a wide range of different betting options.
Generally speaking, the more odds that a site provides to its members, the
better the entire site really is. The best California sports betting websites today
provide thousands of different betting odds every single day.

Do you love the NFL? Find a sportsbook offering betting odds on every single
team throughout the entire season. Are you a baseball fan? Look for a betting
site that provides a wide range of different MLB odds.

It’s also a good idea to compare the odds between a few different websites.
Some sports betting sites in California are known to offer better odds than
others. The better the odds are, the better your chances are to win big!

Many CA internet sportsbooks today provide members with unique betting
options on things such as politics and entertainment. Novelty betting is growing
more popular than ever. If this is something you are interested in, find a
company offering a number of different fun novelty bets!

Sports Betting Books In California

Much like design, all California betting sites will offer different
odds. We feel that it’s always a good idea to join a betting website that
provides you with a wide range of different betting options every single day.

Why Are Sports Betting Sites in California so Popular?

Is Online Gambling Legal In California

California is home to many professional sports teams. As you’d probably
expect, many of the sports fans in this state have been searching for an easy
way to bet on their favorite teams for years.

There are many reasons why betting sports online in California is growing so popular. We’ve
asked a number of Californians why they love to place wagers online, and two
reasons come up time and time again.

Easiest and Safest Option Available

California legalized tribal casinos years ago. Unfortunately, lawmakers here
have not yet taken the steps to regulate sports betting. It’s unusual, as this
industry would likely bring the state millions in additional revenue every
single year.

For now, California sports betting websites are the safest and easiest option
available. As we mentioned earlier, most of the betting sites operating in this
state provide completely secure payment options to all their members. The only
other option is an illegal bookie!

Huge Range of Betting Odds

The top sports betting sites in California will always offer more betting
options than even the biggest land-based sportsbooks around the country. There
are simply more betting options available online. The huge list of betting
options is a major reason why so many people love to bet on their favorite
sports over the internet.

This doesn’t just include sports. Legit California sports betting sites will
allow you to bet on things like politics, movie outcomes, and more. You can
place bets on just about everything from anywhere in the state with an internet
connection.

Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?

For many years, lawmakers in California didn’t even want to talk about the
legalization of sports betting. In 2017, things took a turn. That year, Assembly
member Adam Gray introduced an amendment to California’s constitution to
regulate the sports betting market.

This amendment got much more realistic just a year later. In May of 2018, the
US Supreme Court ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional. This decision now allows
every state to set its own laws on sports gambling. Many sports fans in the
state began hoping California would begin to open this market.

As of this writing, there hasn’t been much progress made. Sports gambling remains
banned throughout the state. Most analysts predict that this industry will
become legal and regulated within just a few years.

“(a)State law prohibits commercially operated lotteries, banked or
percentage games, and gambling machines, and strictly regulates parimutuel
wagering on horse racing. To the extent that state law categorically prohibits
certain forms of gambling and prohibits gambling devices, nothing herein shall
be construed, in any manner, to reflect a legislative intent to relax those
prohibitions.

Based on this text, it would seem that all forms of gambling in this state
are banned unless specifically approved by the state government. Many experts
note that there are no specific laws here that prohibit placing sports bets over
the internet. It’s well-known that California has one of the biggest online
sports betting markets in the world, despite the legality lying in somewhat of a
gray area.

Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Sports Betting Sites in California?

It’s extremely unlikely. California has not taken the same anti-gambling
measures that many other states have. There are millions of people here that
make online wagers on a regular basis. We have not come across a single case of
any individuals in this state facing legal trouble for making bets online.

How Do I Stay Safe Betting on Sports in California Online?

Online gambling in the US is generally extremely safe. Even without
regulation, there are very few reports of any players dealing with payment
issues. With that being said, there are some simple steps that everyone can take
to ensure their betting experience is nothing but fun.

Even the best California sports betting sites can’t protect players from
themselves. A few of the best ways to stay safe betting online fall on your own
shoulders. Below are the five most important tips to protect yourself while
playing at sports betting sites in California.

Only Play Through Reputable Betting Websites

The easiest way to stay safe gambling online is to only make bets through
reputable websites. Make sure to take the time to find a website that provides
you with safe payment options and a solid customer support system. If you do
this, there’s a great chance you’ll never encounter an issue while betting
online.

Track How Much You Are Betting

Sports betting is extremely fun. Unfortunately, some players wager more money
than they can actually afford to lose. It’s a common issue that’s surprisingly
easy to avoid. Simply track how much you are spending! If you realize that you
are betting too much money, take a break for a month or two.

Place Wagers on Sports That You Know About

Many who are new to sports betting will instantly begin throwing money on
sports they don’t understand. This is one of the easiest ways to lose money.
It’s always a good idea to only bet money on sports you know about.

Keep Your Betting Account Information Private

This is a no-brainer. You should think of your sports betting account like a
bank account. There is real money on the line, and it’s crucial to keep your
account information private. None of the legit sports betting sites in CA
operating today will ask for your personal account information.

Be Willing to Change Sports Betting Sites

If you follow the steps that we recommend, there’s a very good chance that
you will find the perfect online sportsbook. With that being said, if you
encounter any issues with the site you are playing at, always be willing to move
onto another. There are many incredible California sports betting sites
operating today and one of them will offer the experience you’re looking for.

FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in California

What Are the Most Important Features of California Sports Betting Sites?

It’s fairly easy to spot a good betting site from a bad one nowadays. The
most important features you should look for in a betting site are safe payment
options, a modern design and user interface, solid customer support options, and
betting odds on the sports you want to wager on.

Why Are so Many People Joining Sports Betting Sites in CA?

California, like many other US states, is experiencing a huge surge in online
gambling. Most bettors that we’ve talked to here claim that online sports
wagering is the safest option available, and it offers more betting odds than
even the top land-based sportsbooks in the country.

Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?

California is currently working to legalize and regulate sports gambling.
There are still laws here that prohibit land-based sports betting, yet nothing
in the State Statutes specifically bans placing sports bets over the internet.
Most experts feel that California sports betting sites will become fully legal
within the next couple of years.

How Can I Stay Safe Betting Online in California?

Most of the sports betting sites in California that operate today are
perfectly safe. The best ways to ensure that your betting experience is
perfectly secure are only playing through reputable companies, tracking how much
you are betting, sticking to sports you understand, keeping your betting account
information private, and being willing to change to a different online
sportsbook.

Conclusion

Once California legalizes online gambling, it’s likely to become the biggest
sports betting market in the country. Millions of people are already placing
sports bets over the internet here. With regulation, the state government can
begin collecting taxes on this revenue being earned.

Fortunately, there are some amazing California sports betting sites available
right now. For expert predictions on major sporting events taking place around
the country, head over to our
gambling blog page. Good luck making your bets!