Home Betting Best Sports Betting Sites California – Top 10 CA Online Sportsbooks 2022

The very best California sports betting sites make it easy for you to place bets on football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and other sports. But, because there are no locally regulated sportsbooks in the state right now, you need to find a reliable offshore sportsbook.

There are hundreds to choose from, but only a handful of offshore sportsbooks are worth your time. This California sports betting guide highlights trustworthy betting sites that will pay you on time, grade your bets fairly, offer you competitive odds and gift out the best bonuses. Read on to learn all about California sports betting.

CA Best Sports Betting Sites

Our team of betting experts has assessed every sportsbook available to residents of the Golden State and concluded that those featured in the table below are the best betting sites in California.

We evaluated every online sportsbook targeting California bettors before arriving at our list of the top 10. These sites have paid out for customers without issue for years, so we deem them to be reliable and trustworthy.

These are the top 10 California betting sites right now:

  1. BetOnline – Best California sports betting site for sharp odds
  2. MyBookie – Best California betting site for novelty wagers
  3. Everygame – A California sportsbook with a superb online casino
  4. XBet – The best California sportsbook for beginners
  5. Bovada – California sportsbook with the most prop bets
  6. BetUS – Top California sports betting site for crypto bonuses
  7. BetNow – Reduced juice sportsbook in California
  8. BUSR – Popular California betting site with a great racebook
  9. Jazz Sports – Trusted mobile betting site for California bettors
  10. Sportsbetting.ag – Best California sportsbook for esports bettors

California should quickly become the largest online sports betting market in North America when it eventually ushers in a locally regulated industry. It is the most populous state, with the highest GDP, and the largest concentration of professional sports teams.

However, attempts to introduce legal sports betting at a local level in the Golden State have thus far resulted in failure. This timeline highlights recent developments:

  • 9 November 2022: Voters in California voted against the proposal to legalize sports betting in the state.
  • October 2022: Tribes, gambling companies, and card rooms failed to reach an agreement about sports betting in California. November’s ballot will feature Propositions 26 and 27. The Prop 27 bill is said to legalize online sports betting, while Prop 26 is said to legalize sports betting by giving authority to tribal casinos only.
  • September 2022: Parties in California have spent over $400 million on ballot measures to legalize retail and online sports betting.
  • September 2022: The Tejon Indian Tribe’s gaming compact was ratified by the Senate after receiving backing from the Assembly.
  • August 2022: Republicans in California have apparently joined Democrats in opposing a ballot to legalize online sports betting.
  • July 2022: After negotiating new state compacts with many tribes, the process didn’t go as California Governor Gavin Newsom expected, and the US Department of the Interior disapproved the class III gaming compacts.
  • May 2022: An online sports betting proposal gathers 1.6 million signatures before the deadline, so the issue is likely to be included on November’s ballot.
  • April 2022: A variety of elected officials state their opposition to a tribal retail gaming initiative which would permit in-person sports betting at land-based tribal casinos and horse racing tracks.
  • February 2022: A poll from UC Berkeley suggests that 45% of California voters favour legal sports betting, while 33% oppose it and the rest are undecided.
  • February 2022: Three tribes form the Californians for Tribal Sovereignty and Safe Gaming Committee. It is designed to oppose an initiative backed by major online sportsbook operators that seek to legalize online sports betting in California.
  • February 2022: An initiative backed by Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Penn National, and Wynn continues to make progress in its bid to add an online sports betting question to November’s ballot. “Our measure is proving to be incredibly popular with Californians,” says spokesperson Nathan Click. “Ours will be the only measure on the ballot that will guarantee hundreds of millions annually to help solve homelessness and support mental health care.”

Top Betting Sites Reviews: Best California Sportsbooks 

California sports bettors can choose from a variety of overseas bookies. We have explained the key strengths and weaknesses of the top five sportsbooks below, as that will help you decide on the best option for your personal requirements.

1. BetOnline – One of the Best Betting Sites in California for Sharp Odds

betonline - best California betting site

BetOnline is our no.1 pick for sports betting sites in California. The sportsbook serves up deep markets across the board and a huge selection of prop betting options. Plus, access to live betting and sophisticated live streaming software makes putting money down on the big game a breeze.

It also has consistently better odds than any rival California sports betting site, and BetOnline is quicker than most sportsbooks to release its lines too, leading to sharper odds. On top of that, this CA sportsbook offers same-day crypto payouts, an online casino, a poker room, a racebook, and a vibrant esports section.

Finally, visitors to BetOnline can claim a 50% deposit match on their first deposit that’s worth up to $1,000. There are also x2 $25 free bets to be claimed on both the live betting and player props markets. Once you’ve used up all that, be sure to head over to the tournaments section to play $10k NFL Pick’em, etc. too.

What we like:

  • Fast payouts
  • Licensed under the Panama government
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • An extensive variety of banking options
  • Mobile-friendly
  • 24/7 customer support

What we don’t:

  • Wagering requirement on bonus is high

2. MyBookie – Best California Betting Site for Fast, Reliable Payouts

mybookie - california sports betting site

A California sports betting site launched in 2014, MyBookie immediately proved popular among bettors in the Golden State. This online sportsbook has always paid out on time and in full, and it is a reliable, trustworthy operator.

You can bet on a huge volume of sports and leagues at MyBookie, from the NFL and NBA to the Bangladesh Premier League and the Uruguayan Basketball League. It offers an outstanding selection of prop bets on big games too. There are also lots of fun, novelty markets, allowing you to speculate on Elon Musk’s plans for Twitter, celebrity births and deaths, and so on.

MyBookie has a user-friendly mobile and desktop interface, making it quick and easy to place bets. The main bonus is a 50% sign-up offer worth up to $1,000, which has a 10x rollover. You can alternatively go for a 10% cash bonus up to $200, which has only a 1x rollover. There is a 200% referral bonus, an 8% racebook rebate and a 25% sports reload bonus available too.

What we like:

  • A huge variety of betting options
  • Sleek design and eye-catching user-interface
  • Unique live betting option
  • Solid bonuses and promotion offers

What we don’t:

  • Limited odds on certain sports

3. Everygame – A California Sportsbook With a Superb Online Casino

Everygame homepage

In terms of comprehensive betting sites, EveryGame is among the best real money California sports betting sites. Their market, online betting offerings, and accompanying sportsbook mobile app have helped them grab a significant slice of the market. There are more than 5,000 different wagers available every single day on Everygame.

Playing at the CA sports betting site for real money allows players to access a huge range of betting options under one roof. In addition to odds for North American sports, you’ll find odds on sports from all over the world, including basketball, football, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, horse racing, golf, volleyball, and more. But they also provide a number of less popular choices that you might not find elsewhere.

Everygame offers new users a number of generous welcome bonuses. To get started, use the Everygame promo code #ROOKIE200 for a 200% match bonus. Withdrawals can be requested only once the bonus has been played through eight times.

Not limiting itself when it comes to banking options, Everygame offers a variety of deposit/withdrawal options at the sportsbook, from cryptos like Bitcoin, credit/debit cards, wire transfers, checks, and more.

What we like:

  • Plenty of bonuses and promotions
  • Huge range of deposit options
  • Sports, casino, and poker options
  • A huge range of sports to bet on

What we don’t:

  • Weekly Payout limit

4. XBet – A Beginner-Friendly California Online Sports Betting Site

xbet ca sportsbook

A popular sportsbook in the Golden State, XBet provides fewer betting options and shallower markets when it comes to sports proposition wagers. Though some may see this as a failing, the site is, however, an exceptional place for beginners to start out.

At XBet, the main lines for the day’s sports events are instantly accessible on the main sportsbook homepage, making it easy for anyone to sign up and place a wager on the Rams, Chargers, Lakers, Padres – whoever, at just the click of a button.

Newcomers to XBet online sportsbook can claim a 50% welcome bonus that’s worth up to $500, and it has just a 7x rollover requirement. The customer service is also excellent, offering a detailed FAQ section, tickets, and a well-staffed live chat function.

What we like:

  • Excellent bonuses for both sports and casino lovers
  • Superior mobile compatibility
  • Hands-on and friendly customer support
  • Competitive odds

What we don’t:

  • Limited payout options

5. Bovada – CA Betting Site with the Deepest Markets

bovada - california sports betting site

Bovada provides a very strong alternative to MyBookie. It covers more sports, it offers more betting options and the interface is a lot cleaner. Bovada also has an online poker room, which is not available at MyBookie.

The site was launched in 2012 as an offshoot of Bodog. Bovada is specifically for US sports bettors, and it tends to be the most popular sportsbook in states that do not have locally regulated industries, such as California. It offers same-day crypto payouts, 24/7 customer service, and the Bovada bonus code gives you a 75% up to $750 welcome bonus, which has a 5x rollover requirement.

What we like:

  • All-inclusive sportsbook: sports, horses, live games, and poker
  • Well-established brand
  • Extra bonuses for Bitcoin users
  • Quality loyalty program

What we don’t:

  • 6% fees on credit card payments

6. BetUS – Best California Betting Site for Sports Welcome Bonus

betus - best online sports betting site in california

BetUS rounds out our top three California sports betting sites. It does not offer as many prop bets as MyBookie and Bovada, but it offers the largest bonuses on the market. That includes a 125% sign-up bonus worth up to $3,125, which includes $2,500 sportsbook credit (10x rollover) and $625 for the online casino (30x rollover).

The brand calls itself “America’s favorite sportsbook.” It has been running since the mid-1990s, but it has really taken off over the past few years. The team has invested heavily in software upgrades, editorial content, features, and bonuses, resulting in an impressive all-round customer experience.

What we like:

  • Tons of bonuses
  • Extra cash bonus for crypto users
  • Extensive coverage of all leagues and sports
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Supportive customer service

What we don’t:

  • Limited banking options

7. BetNow – Reduced Juice Sportsbook in California

BetNow - California Sports Betting Sites

Sports betting in California has experienced a shift since the rise of sportsbooks like BetNow. It’s a CA betting site that offers reduced juice on a host of betting lines each week and notoriously good value on in-play odds for those who enjoy live betting on their favorite California teams.

BetNow also boasts some of the deepest markets in the industry and takes wagers on pretty much all of California’s favorite sports, including American football, soccer, basketball, hockey, and tennis, UFC – to mention a few. Futures, teasers, and proposition bets are also available for the state’s most popular teams. So, whether you’re backing the Rams, 49ers, Padres, Warriors, or Trojans, you’ll likely find the line you want.

BetNow’s cashier feature allows you to support top teams using a varied selection of payment methods. You can reimburse your accounts using cryptocurrency, eWallets, or cheques. New users are entitled to a welcome bonus, and existing users can use the BetNow bonus code to enjoy trending offers.

What we like:

  • High betting limits
  • Deep sports markets
  • Sports, casino, and poker options
  • Live betting feature

What we don’t:

  • Low welcome bonus when compared to other sites

BUSR sports betting california

BUSR Sportsbook is a well-known name on the scene of online sports betting in California. Besides the excellent site structure, this bookie allows you to place your bets on the go using their enhanced mobile site. The site also offers an array of bonuses for new and existing customers alike.

The racebook section offers you a superb live experience with a variety of wager types. This bookie covers a huge amount of horse racing tracks both within in the USA and internationally. All the biggest horse racing events are covered like the Breeders Cup and Kentucky Derby. What’s more BUSR also offers daily rebates and free bets.

Of course, it isn’t only horse racing on offer here. There are plenty of other opportunities for sports betting in California found at BUSR. They have wide coverage of all the most popular US sporting leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, plus many other sports.

Bankrolling your account gets easier using BUSR! You can make deposits using cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, and other selected eWallets. Using the BUSR promo code will boost your earning chances at no extra cost.

What we like:

  • Safe and secure betting site
  • Daily rebates and free bets
  • Deep horse racingmarkets
  • Wide payment methods
  • Live betting feature

What we don’t:

  • Strict terms and conditions

9. Jazz Sports – Trusted Mobile Betting Site for California Bettors

Best CA sports betting site

A list of the best online sports betting California sites wouldn’t be complete without Jazz Sports. This site has been operating online since 1994. Its longevity in a crowded market has been accomplished by being a safe and reliable site that caters to bettors from the USA.

While the amount of sports they offer lines on is relatively low, they cover all major leagues of the most popular sports such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc. They also have extensive markets for college football and college basketball, and is one of the best sites for betting on March Madness.

A feature of Jazz Sports that really makes it stand out from the very saturated online sports betting California market is its fantastic racebook. Here you can bet on hundreds of racetracks from the USA and countries from around the world. It also offers a very generous 10% daily rebate for bets placed on horse and greyhound races.

Newcomers to the site can use one of the welcome codes from the list of Jazz Sports promo codes list to claim a matched deposit bonus. The amount of the bonus is decent being worth up to $1,000. One drawback though is that it’s only 50% whereas some other sportsbooks will be 75-100% or even higher.

What we like:

  • Reliable site operating since the 1990s
  • 10% horse rebate
  • Wide selection of lines on college sport
  • Hundreds of race tracks to bet on

What we don’t:

  • Fewer sports covered than other sites

More on gambling in California…

Learn about all types of online gambling in CA in our expert guides below:

Sportsbooks in California Compared

Looking to find out more about the best sportsbooks in California? If so, we’ve looked at the five most popular in more detail below

Sportsbook Sportsbook Bonus Promo Code Markets Live Streaming Payment Options
BetOnline 50% Deposit Bonus up to $1,000 BOL1000 Football, hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer and more No Credit/debit card, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, wire transfer
MyBookie 50% up to $1,000 MYB50 Basketball, football, baseball, hockey, esports and more Yes Credit/debit card, MatchPay, Zelle, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash
Everygame 100% Deposit Bonus up to $250 INSIDERS Football, baseball, basketball, hockey, esports and more No Credit/debit card, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash
XBet 100% up to $500 XB100 Football, hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer and more No Credit/debit card, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, wire transfer
Bovada 75% up to $750 BTCSWB750 Hockey, baseball, basketball, football, esports and more Yes Credit/debit card, Money Order, Person to Person, Bitcoin + 16 other cryptos, wire transfer
BetUS 100% up to $2,500 JOIN125 Football, baseball, basketball, hockey, esports and more No Credit/debit card, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash

If you are looking for more bonuses, check out our extensive list of sportsbook promo codes.

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Sports betting in California is not currently legal at a local level. A fierce battle is raging between two rival factions that want to control a regulated industry.

On one side are the tribes, including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Rincon Band of Luisueño Indians, and the Wilton Rancheria. On the other side are the major US sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, WynnBET, Bally Bet, Barstool, and Fanatics.

Both sides have raised $100 million war chests to sway the state over to their respective ways of thinking, but so far, it’s all just resulted in heated debate. The sportsbook-backed initiative gathered enough signatures to place a sports betting question on the November 2022 ballot, but it remains to be seen if it will actually be added, and if it will gain voter approval.

In the meantime, anyone interested in California sports betting can use an online offshore sportsbook. It is perfectly legal for you to do so. However, they are not governed by state or federal laws, so you need to choose carefully. The brands listed above have proved themselves to be trustworthy and reliable over many years.

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Who can Bet on Sports in California?

All adults based in California can bet on sports by signing up for an account with a site such as MyBookie, Bovada, or BetUS. It will only take you a couple of minutes to register, and you will then receive a large welcome bonus.

There is a chance that California sports betting could go on the ballot in November 2022. If it is successful, regulators would need to thrash out a regulatory framework and approve licenses, so it would probably take another year or two before launch.

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California Sports Betting Taxes

In states with locally regulated sports betting markets, bettors must declare any net winnings of $600 or more secured during a one-year period to the IRS. That will be the case if a legal sports betting market appears in California in the future.

How to Bet on Sports in California

It has never been easier to bet on sports in California. Follow these steps to place your first wager today:

register an account at MyBookie in CA

  1. Choose one of the California sports betting sites recommended above, such as MyBookie. Click on the link to visit the website and then click “Join Now.”
  2. The sign-up form will then appear on the screen. You need to provide a name, address, phone number, physical address, and date of birth.
  3. You will also be asked to create a password, and possibly a username. Some sites allow you to create a PIN or security questions and answers for added safety.
  4. Agree to the terms and click to send in the form. If requested, click a link sent to your email address to verify it. If further account verification is required, upload a scan of a driver’s license or some other form of official ID.
  5. Make a deposit using a credit card, bank transfer, eWallet, eCheck, or cryptocurrency. You should immediately receive your bonus funds.
  6. Head to the main menu on the left of the homepage and click on any sport. Choose a league and a game to see a list of betting options.
  7. Click on an option you like to add that bet to your online bet slip. Type in your bet amount to see the possible winnings, and click to submit it. If the bet wins, you will get the money soon after the game ends.

The November 2022 Ballot to Legalize Sports Betting in California

In November 2022, residents of the Golden State will get to vote on whether to legalize sports betting. This came about after the California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative gained the requisite number of signatures to be added to the ballot.

Should the California public vote in favor of legalizing sports betting, it will be allowed at tribal casinos and licensed racetracks only. Profits made by racetracks will be taxed at 10%, with tribal casinos not required to pay any tax. In addition to sports betting, roulette and dice games will also be legalized at tribal casinos.

If the public votes against the proposal, there will be no changes to gambling law in the state. This means sports betting will remain illegal and roulette and dice games won’t be permitted at tribal casinos.

It should also be noted that another initiative, called the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act, has also garnered the required number of signatures to be added to the ballot. However, at the time of writing, it has yet to be officially added.

The sections below will cover only the California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act.

There are organizations both for and against the legalization of online gambling in California. Take a look at the different camps below.

Supporters

The Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming is the main force behind the move to legalize sports betting in California. Unsurprisingly, they are supported by several tribes in the state, who stand to earn significant sums of money if sports betting is permitted in their venues.

The proposal is also supported by several unions, and by a large number of other organizations, such as the California Young Democrats and the Los Angeles Urban League.

Committee Contributions and Expenditure

Below you’ll find the total contributions for the committee supporting the initiative, along with their total expenditure.

Committee Total Contributions Total Expenditure
Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming $30,579,077.01 $18,153,507.17
Total $30,579,077.01 $18,153,507.17

Major Donors

Below we’ve listed the major donors to the committee supporting legalized sports betting, along with how much they’ve contributed.

Donor Total Contribution
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation $7,100,000.00
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians $6,500,000.00
Barona Band of Mission Indians $6,253,778.01
Chumash Casino and Resort Enterprises $3,250,000.00
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians $2,265,940.00

Opponents

There are two main organizations opposing the introduction of legal sports betting in California: Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies and No on the Gambling Power Grab.

The former believes that legalization will significantly harm cardrooms in the state, causing job losses and removing government revenue. The latter takes issue with tribes having a tax-free monopoly on gaming, who they say will get rich while also damaging the health of society.

Unsurprisingly, commercial casinos are also against legalization, as they’re excluded from offering sports betting within their venues.

Committee Contributions and Expenditure

Below you’ll find the total contributions for the committees opposing the initiative, along with their total expenditure.

Committee Total Contributions Total Expenditure
Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies $24,457,501.00 $1,285,980.94
No on the Gambling Power Grab $1,085,000.00 $1,085,000.00
Total $25,542,501.00 $2,370,980.94

Major Donors

Below we’ve listed the major donors to the committees opposing legalized sports betting, along with how much they’ve contributed.

Donor Total Contribution
California Commerce Club, Inc. $5,085,001.00
Hawaiian Gardens Casino $5,085,000.00
Park West Casinos, Inc. $2,085,000.00
The Bicycle Hotel & Casino $2,085,000.00
PT Gaming LLC $1,085,000.00
Knighted Ventures LLC $1,060,000.00

Who Will Win the Ballot?

The money suggests that those who support the legalization of sports betting in tribal casinos will come out on top. This is backed up by a poll carried out by the University of California Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.

The poll, which asked 4,477 people for their opinion, shows that 45% of those asked were in favor of the initiative, while 33% were against it. 22% of people were undecided.

Previous Sports Betting Bills in California

There have been several attempts to legalize sports betting in California over the years. Find out about them below.

2017

  • Constitutional Amendment (ACA 18). Introduced by California Assemblyman Adam Gray, this was an attempt to allow sports betting in the state at the discretion of the state assembly.

2018

  • Constitutional Amendment (ACA 18) resubmitted. This was reintroduced after the overturning of PASPA but failed to gain any traction.
  • Gaming Fairness and Accountability Act. Filed by Russell Lowery, this attempted to add sports betting to the ballot in 2020. Again, this failed to progress very far.

2019

2021

Payment Methods Available at California Betting Sites

Online sportsbooks in California offer gamblers the chance to deposit using several payment methods. Below, you’ll be able to find out about some of the more popular ways to pay.

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrency is an increasingly popular payment choice with gamblers at California online casinos. Many other payment methods have made themselves unavailable to those in California, due to the state’s current legal stance, but not crypto.

Absolutely anyone can open a crypto wallet and purchase some currency, regardless of their geographical location. It then takes just a few minutes to transfer the money to your chosen casino. Withdrawals using crypto are even faster.

Bitcoin is undeniably the most popular cryptocurrency, but some of the best casinos also offer several other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, and Ripple. All are exceptionally secure and have minimal transaction fees attached.

eWallet Betting Options

eWallets are popular with many in California, and some of the best-known names are PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill. These act as a middleman between bank account and casino, and are accepted at many sites, both gambling and non-gambling.

You’ll find that eWallets are particularly secure, as you’ll never need to input your banking details at an online casino. However, all wallets charge fees for their use, and these can be considerable, so check before using one to deposit or withdraw.

Gamblers in California might run into problems using eWallets to fund gambling accounts. To remain within California law, eWallets will often block payments to gambling sites. Cryptocurrency is a far more reliable payment method.

Traditional Payment Methods at California Betting Sites

By “traditional payments” we mean credit and debit cards. In many parts of the world, such as the UK, these are by far the most popular payment methods at online casinos, as almost everyone has at least one card in their purse or wallet.

Credit and debit cards aren’t just hugely convenient – they also offer some of the fastest deposits, plus they are almost always free to use. What’s more, the major names, such as VISA and MasterCard, spend huge sums on security.

However, those looking to deposit with card often run into the same problems as eWallet users, as many card providers don’t allow them to be used at online gambling sites.

California Sports Betting Bonuses

You will find some very large bonuses at the best California sports betting sites. Designed to attract new customers, welcome bonuses along with ongoing bonuses designed to prevent you from switching to a rival site. These are the most common offers:

bovada CA welcome bonus

Match Deposit Bonus

A California sports betting site will match a percentage of your first deposit. For example, MyBookie offers a 50% bonus up to $1,000, while BetUS offers a 125% bonus up to $3,125. These sites require you to complete rollover requirements on bonus funds before making a withdrawal.

No Deposit Bonus

A no deposit bonus gives you a risk-free opportunity to test out a new online sportsbook. If you complete the rollover requirements, you can earn a cash profit, without ever having to risk your own funds.

Reload Bonus

A reload bonus is awarded on your second deposit onwards. For example, MyBookie will match 25% of all deposits with bonus funds, up to $500. You will receive the full $500 if you deposit $2,000, and it comes with a 5x rollover requirement.

Free Bets

SportsBetting.ag gives out lots of online free bets to its customers. For example, there is a $25 free bet available on any in-play market, and you will get a $50 free bet token for your first mobile wager. Winnings come with rollover requirements.

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Anyone in California betting at the sites we recommend certainly won’t find a small choice of sports. Instead, there’s a huge range of different betting options, from popular sports to more niche ones. Look below at the most popular sports for betting in California.

NFL

As with most states, the NFL is the biggest draw at California sportsbooks. Every year from September to March, loads of gamblers place NFL bets on everything from individual player performance to the Super Bowl result at the top NFL betting sites.

It doesn’t matter which of the three California NFL teams you support, as every major sportsbook will offer odds on all games featuring the Rams, Chargers, and 49ers. All other games, including the Super Bowl, are also covered in detail.

NBA

NBA is also hugely popular in California, and it’s no surprise, as the state is home to some of the biggest names in the game, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Many betting options are available, including parlays and spread betting.

Every single NBA game is covered in detail at the best sportsbooks, so you won’t find it tough to bet on games featuring the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers. WNBA games are also often covered.

MLB

While not as popular as basketball and football, baseball still has a strong following in the Golden State. The leisurely pace of most games makes the sport simple to bet on, and bets of all types are available, including props and parlays.

You’ll find no fewer than five baseball teams in California – the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels. Every match featuring these teams can be bet on.

NHL

It might be hot in California, but they still love the NHL! This game is hugely fast-paced and having a bet on the game makes it even more exciting. You’ll be able to bet on everything from individual games to the Stanley Cup winners at the top California sportsbooks.

Every NHL game throughout the whole season will have markets at the sportsbooks we recommend, meaning you’ll have no problems placing bets on the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings.

NCAA Basketball

NCAA basketball is hugely popular with gamblers throughout the country, including in California. Every game of the college season is covered, including the March Madness tournament, and you’ll find markets on every game featuring a major California team.

Betting options include parlays, prop bets, and more, plus NCAA basketball is perfect for fans of live betting. Sign up with a site we recommend and never miss the chance to bet on the California Golden Bears, USC Trojans, or any other team from the state.

NCAA Football

NCAA football is just as popular as college basketball, and all the best online sportsbooks offer several betting opportunities, including prop bets, futures, and much more. Live betting is also popular and offered for all major NCAA football games.

There are several highly rated California NCAA football teams to bet on, including the San Jose State Spartans, UCLA Bruins, and Fresno State Bulldogs. Every match featuring the best NCAA football teams from California will be offered at top sportsbooks.

Golf

Golf offers some superb betting opportunities. Many choose to bet on the overall winner of a tournament, while others prefer betting on markets like 3-balls and the leader after a specific round. All our recommended sites have many golf betting markets.

Those betting on golf in California will be able to place wagers on all significant tournaments, including all four majors and the ever-popular Ryder Cup. Many California tournaments, such as the Farmers Insurance Open, can also be bet on.

Horse Racing

Horse racing goes hand-in-hand with gambling, and there are many fantastic sites offering horse racing betting to those in California. All the markets you’d expect to find are available, including win, place, and show bets.

Sportsbooks in California won’t just allow betting on the races in the state, such as races held at Del Mar Racetrack and Santa Anita Park. They’ll also allow you to bet on races from around the world, including the Kentucky Derby.

DFS

The legality of DFS in California is not entirely clear. But it is possible to play at major DFS sites, such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Many sports are available for DFS, but the big two are football and basketball. Soccer is also popular.

California residents will find all their favorite teams represented on the major DFS platforms, including the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, Golden State Warriors in the NBA, and San Francisco Giants in MLB.

Live Betting with California Sportsbooks

Live betting has now become exceptionally popular throughout the world. You’ll be able to place bets as a game is ongoing, reacting to the action as you attempt to work out what will happen next.

You’ll be able to bet live on all NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB games, plus soccer matches from throughout the world are available for live betting as well. The best sites will offer many live betting options, from the eventual winner to over/under markets.

But where should you go to bet live on sport? Of the sites recommended further up this page, the top place for live betting is Bovada. It’s got a massive range of live betting options, plus the odds change quickly to reflect the state of the game.

Comparing CA Sports Betting Sites with Neighboring States

California is bordered by Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon – all states that allow sports betting in one form or another. If sports betting were legalized in California, the figures would quickly exceed those of all three neighboring states.

Nevada

Nevada has allowed retail sports betting for over 70 years, but that’s really no surprise. Mobile betting is also available, but it comes with one catch: you must visit a land-based venue in order to sign up.

There’s certainly an appetite for sports betting in Nevada, but it might surprise you to find it’s not the biggest sports betting market in the country. That title goes to New York, which has recently legalized mobile betting.

Arizona

Legal sports betting has been live in Arizona since September 2021. Both retail and betting apps are permitted. There are currently 18 online sportsbooks available in Arizona, with each app partnered with a tribe in the state.

Those in Arizona have taken to sports betting quickly. It’s nowhere near being the largest sports betting market in the country, but its highest monthly handle, which came in March 2022, was nearly $700 million.

Oregon

Sports betting is legal in Oregon, although wagering on college sports is not permitted. All tribal casinos are permitted to offer retail sports betting, but mobile betting is restricted to just one app, run by DraftKings.

Oregon isn’t the biggest sports betting market in the country, with its highest handle so far coming in at just under $43 million. While this low handle is partly due to the small population, it’s primarily caused by one mobile sportsbook having a monopoly.

Best Sportsbook for California

California would almost certainly become the nation’s largest betting market if sports betting were legalized. You’ll be glad to read that you can still bet online in the state, despite betting being illegal, thanks to the many offshore sportsbooks.

These offshore sportsbooks are perfectly safe and outside the jurisdiction of California lawmakers. Of them all, we think the best California sportsbook is BetOnline – why not head there today and claim their huge welcome bonus?

FAQs

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Rossbennellick

Rossbennellick

A university graduate with an MA in creative writing, Ross spent most of his adult life living in Asia working as both a teacher and an online sports writer. Now back in the UK, Ross continues to write NFL, NBA, UFC, and soccer content for a string of websites and edits submissions from other writers. In his free time, Ross enjoys making videos of himself opening sports trading card hobby boxes that nobody watches.