Best California Sports Betting Sites 2024

Why Trust Techopedia Gambling
Why Trust Techopedia Gambling

California sports betting has yet to be regulated at state level, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bet on sports. That’s because there are plenty of offshore sites that will accept registrations from the Golden State.

In this guide, we take a look at everything these sites have to offer from markets covered through to some seriously high-value bonuses.

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$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

  • BetOnline odds boosts available every day
  • Live betting available on all major sports
  • Excellent sportsbook 101 tutorial section
9.9
5 Stars BetOnline
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50% match bonus up to $250

50% match bonus up to $250

  • 25+ sports markets including niche options like chess
  • Redeem points for cash through loyalty program
  • Sportsbook and racebook covers most major events on the calendar
9.8
5 Stars Bovada
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NO CODE REQUIRED

Welcome Bonus of 125% up to $1,250

Welcome Bonus of 125% up to $1,250

  • Fast online payouts with zero fees
  • Live streaming available for in-play betting
  • 24/7 live chat customer support
9.8
5 Stars BetWhale
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NO CODE REQUIRED

150% Welcome Bonus Package

150% Welcome Bonus Package

  • Exclusive horse racing news, odds and tips
  • Weekly rebate on losses for all sports wagers
  • Extensive range of ongoing promotions
9.8
5 Stars BetNow
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100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

  • Free bet offers and special promos every week
  • Exclusive halftime betting options for most events
  • Niche betting markets including politics and stocks
9.7
5 Stars Everygame
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100% up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip

100% up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip

  • Reload bonuses available for all deposits
  • News section with expert views and predictions
  • Early cashout option available on most wagers
9.7
5 Stars MyBookie
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Now with Brand New Sportsbook

Top Football Live Betting Action

Top Football Live Betting Action

  • Easy access in-play betting
  • Great coverage on football markets
  • Ample futures markets in several sports
9.7
5 Stars Coinpoker Sports
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NO CODE REQUIRED

125% Sign-Up Bonus:100% up to $2,000 on sport and 25% on Casino

125% Sign-Up Bonus:100% up to $2,000 on sport and 25% on Casino

  • Receive your earnings quickly, often within 24 hours
  • BetUS TV offers experts tips and picks
  • Same day withdrawal service for fast payouts
9.5
4.5 Stars BetUS
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100% Welcome Bonus up to $500 x 2

100% Welcome Bonus up to $500 x 2

  • Weekly betting and pick'em contests
  • Excellent multi-view feature for live betting
  • Best sportsbook for sharp odds on props
9.4
4.5 Stars SportsBetting.ag
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50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200 (1x playthrough)

50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200 (1x playthrough)

  • Reload bonuses offered for every deposit
  • Niche markets for entertainment and politics
  • Crypto support for Bitcoin, Litecoin, and more
9.3
4 Stars Xbet Casino
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California Sportsbooks Compared

Use the table below to compare the features of the best California sports betting sites available right now.

Sportsbook Best Feature Racebook Loyalty Program Crypto Accepted
BetOnline Early Odds on All Events
BetWhale Good Market Depth
Bovada Live Betting Lines
BetNow Ongoing Promotions
Everygame Free Bets Offers
CoinPoker New Crypto Sportsbook
TG.Casino Crypto Sports Betting
BetUS Tips for Sports Betting
MyBookie Special Player Props
SportsBetting.ag Niche Betting Lines
BUSR Live Betting and Streaming

5 of the Best California Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Check out reviews of some of the best CA sportsbooks below. Just bear in mind that these are not the outright best just some of the best.

1. BetOnline  – Overall Best California Sports Betting Site

  • Payout time: 24-48 hours
  • Established: 1991
  • License: Panama
  • Available in California: Yes

California sports betting

Our Verdict: 9.9/10

BetOnline is our top-rated CA sports betting site. It’s a brand that’s been around for over 30 years, and its depth in terms of sports and market coverage is almost unrivaled, even though its design is a little dated.

US sports coverage is massive. The NFL and NBA are signature sports for BetOnline, closely followed by the MLB and NHL. The spread, moneyline, and totals markets are where most bets are made, but the inclusion of game, team, and in-play prop bets adds much-needed depth.

Many pro bettors use BetOnline, which is down to their competitive betting lines. Depending on the sport or market you’re betting on, we’ve seen them as much as 10% better than the next best, even on popular markets such as spreads and totals.

The addition of features like odds boosters, same-game parlays, and dedicated prop bet sections is one of many selling points for the brand. The odds boost section, in particular, is taking lines already near enough industry-best and creating more separation between them and the competition.

In addition to the CA sportsbook is a racebook and esports betting section. Within the racebook is coverage from around the world with betting markets that include straight bets and exotics. Esports is one of the newer additions to the site and targets leagues and series from various games, including FIFA, NBA2K, Counter Strike, and League of Legends.

Features Overview

  • Betting Options: 10/10
  • Betting Odds: 9/10
  • Streaming & Features: 7/10
  • Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
  • User Experience: 8/10
  • Payment Methods: 8/10
  • Customer Support: 9/10

Pros pros

  • Large welcome offer for new players
  • Massive range of sports to bet on
  • Same game parlays and odds boost features
  • Best sportsbook for prop bets

Cons cons

  • Design could do with an update
  • High minimum deposits for sports betting offers

$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

  • BetOnline odds boosts available every day
  • Live betting available on all major sports
  • Excellent sportsbook 101 tutorial section
9.9/10 BetOnline
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2. BetWhale  – Wide Range of Sports with Excellent Market Depth

  • Payout time: 1-3 days
  • Established: 2023
  • License: Anjouan iGaming License​
  • Available in California: Yes

BetWhale sportsbook California

Our Verdict: 9.8/10

Launched in 2023, BetWhale is a relatively new US betting site offering excellent coverage across dozens of sports with the main focus on NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and college leagues. They also feature dedicated sections for esports and horse racing.

The platform provides a solid live betting section although the lack of  live sports streaming is disappointing. We liked the site’s interface which is well laid out and easy to navigate, with the sportsbook conveniently divided into live and pre-match odds. There is also a useful search box for finding specific bets quickly.

The sports welcome bonus is a 125% deposit match up to $1,250, and comes with a 10x wagering requirement. Although this requirement is higher than some sports bonuses, it should be manageable for most bettors. Note there is a minimum deposit of $50 is required to qualify.

During our review, we couldn’t find a dedicated promotions page, suggesting a lack of ongoing offers for existing customers—an area that BetWhale could improve on to enhance player retention.

Banking options are well covered with Visa, eWallets like Paypal, Neosurf and flexepin, plus 10 cryptocurrencies accepted. Deposit limits start at just $10 with Neosurf. While withdrawal limits are low for traditional methods, there is no limit for crypto withdrawals, which are also the fastest option available.

Features Overview

  • Betting Options: 10/10
  • Betting Odds: 9/10
  • Streaming & Features: 8/10
  • Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
  • User Experience: 10/10
  • Payment Methods: 9/10
  • Customer Support: 8/10

Pros pros

  • Huge range of sports, markets, and betting lines
  • Excellent live betting section
  • Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
  • Integrated Twitch stream showing live esports

Cons cons

  • No live sports streaming
  • Could be more promotions
  • No props builder

Welcome Bonus of 125% up to $1,250

Welcome Bonus of 125% up to $1,250

  • Fast online payouts with zero fees
  • Live streaming available for in-play betting
  • 24/7 live chat customer support
9.8/10 BetWhale
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NO CODE REQUIRED

3. Bovada – Great Design and Easy to Claim Welcome Offer

  • Payout time: 24-48 hours
  • Established: 2011
  • License: Curacao
  • Available in California: Yes

California sports betting

Our Verdict: 9.8/10

Bovada is one of few sports betting sites in California with the firepower to keep up with BetOnline. When it comes to design, it trumps the market leader with a clean, modern look that’s much more in keeping with a 21st-century online sportsbook.

Coverage across the board is very good, with US sports such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA all having an excellent range of markets. Top games will have over 200 markets to bet on, increasing as you move into the live betting section. In fact, the live betting section is one of its strongest features, with access to an integrated match center.

What’s impressive about Bovada is that it’s not just US sports that benefit from its coverage. Tennis, soccer, esports, boxing, and golf have dozens of markets for games hosted worldwide.

In terms of features, the sportsbook isn’t as strong as BetOnline. The props builder is a notable addition, allowing you to pick from sports, leagues, and markets throughout the ‘book. You can create same-game parlays here, with odds adjusted automatically and in real time as you add/remove picks.

Horse racing has a separate racebook; while relatively basic information is available, it’s very usable. Meetings include the US, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and larger races across Europe and Asia.

Easily one of the best betting sites in California right now.

Features Overview

  • Betting Options: 9/10
  • Betting Odds: 8/10
  • Streaming & Features: 8/10
  • Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
  • User Experience: 9/10
  • Payment Methods: 8/10
  • Customer Support: 8/10

Pros pros

  • Modern design
  • Large sports and market coverage
  • Props builder gives access to same-game parlays
  • Dedicated horse racing section
  • Easy to claim and clear welcome offers

Cons cons

  • Betting lines less consistent than competitors

50% match bonus up to $250

50% match bonus up to $250

  • 25+ sports markets including niche options like chess
  • Redeem points for cash through loyalty program
  • Sportsbook and racebook covers most major events on the calendar
9.8/10 Bovada
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NO CODE REQUIRED

4. BetNow – Huge Range of Promotions and Excellent Betting Lines

  • Payout time: 24 hours
  • Established: 2005
  • License: Curacao
  • Available in California: Yes

California sports betting

Our Verdict: 9.5/10

BetNow has been online since 2005 and, in that time, has become popular for the range of sports betting promotions it offers. Not only do they include a generous welcome offer, but on top of this, players can claim reload bonuses and sports-specific offers, such as enhanced places paid for horse racing and college football bonuses.

The size of the sportsbook is much smaller than both BetOnline and Bovada. It has around a dozen sports to choose from, with the usual suspects available, such as football, basketball, hockey, tennis, soccer, and baseball. The lack of niche sports will discourage some from using the platform, but the reality is most of you’ll be delighted with the current line-up.

One of the best-selling points is the vigorish charged throughout the sportsbook. It’s considerably lower than most, meaning you get better odds and more money for placing the same bets. As a result, the site has become increasingly popular with professional bettors who bet in volumes that take advantage of the reduced fees on offer.

It would do BetNow a disservice to state that they are a “back to basics” sportsbook, as they are more than that. But it’s fair to say it doesn’t have the bells and whistles when compared to the brands above. Nevertheless, if you’re after a site that does the basics better than anyone in terms of promotions and betting lines, BetNow is an easy pick.

Features Overview

  • Betting Options: 7/10
  • Betting Odds: 10/10
  • Streaming & Features: 6/10
  • Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
  • User Experience: 7/10
  • Payment Methods: 8/10
  • Customer Support: 8/10

Pros pros

  • Excellent betting lines
  • Low vigorish charged
  • Huge range of promotions
  • Sports-specific bonuses

Cons cons

  • Market coverage could be a little better

150% Welcome Bonus Package

150% Welcome Bonus Package

  • Exclusive horse racing news, odds and tips
  • Weekly rebate on losses for all sports wagers
  • Extensive range of ongoing promotions
9.8/10 BetNow
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5. Everygame – Best for Parlay Bets and Leaderboards

  • Payout time: 48 hours
  • Established: 1996
  • License: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
  • Available in California: Yes

California sports betting

Our Verdict: 9.7/10

Everygame has been online since 1996, making it one of the oldest online betting sites in the world. Over the years, it’s created an incredible brand, launching dozens of betting lines every week across multiple sports.

The sportsbook is solid without being too flashy. Coverage of major sports is as expected, but it lacks depth of markets compared to some. We were impressed to see some interesting markets, such as the stock market, making them one of very few that allows bets on how markets will close.

Its strengths lie within promotions and, in particular, parlay boosts. These run weekly, with a fixed parlay launching via their blog that users can then bet via the sportsbook.

BetNow also run a series of challenges throughout the year, such as the $5k Baseball Challenge, where winning bets will earn points to climb a leaderboard. The top-ranked bettors will earn their share of the $5k prize pool.

Special offers are one of many highlights, creating value outside the main welcome promotions. These include odds boosts, free bets, crypto bonuses, sports betting pools, and leaderboards. For example, at the time of writing, it’s got a $1k parlay leaderboard where the players with the most monthly profit will get a bonus applied to their account. All of these are free to enter.

Features Overview

  • Betting Options: 8/10
  • Betting Odds: 8/10
  • Streaming & Features: 7/10
  • Promotions & Rewards: 9.5/10
  • User Experience: 7/10
  • Payment Methods: 7/10
  • Customer Support: 8/10

Pros pros

  • Parlay betting leaderboards
  • Wide range of welcome offers
  • Easy access to coupons
  • Wide range of fast, secure payment options
  • Low wagering on welcome offers

Cons cons

  • Smaller sportsbook
  • Poor horse racing coverage

100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

  • Free bet offers and special promos every week
  • Exclusive halftime betting options for most events
  • Niche betting markets including politics and stocks
9.7/10 Everygame
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Is Sports Betting Legal in CA?

In 2018, the federal law to ban sports betting in the US was lifted. This allowed states to license and regulate in-person and online sports betting as they see fit. However, the process to do so takes time, and as of yet, sports betting in California still hasn’t materialized in regulated sites.

So, what does this mean?

Legislation is not in place for gambling operators to apply for a license in California. This means that licensed operators are not accessible, and therefore, you can’t bet at US-regulated sportsbooks.

However, the legislation does not include offshore sports betting sites. The sites we’ve listed at Techopedia are all offshore and available to California residents. They come with benefits like better odds, and a wider range of sports and markets to bet on than regulated sites.

Plus they accept cryptocurrencies as payment options, and since they don’t report your winnings, your tax responsibilities are your own.

When Will Sports Betting be Legal in California?

The timeframe for regulated California sportsbooks is unknown. There have been multiple attempts to legalize it, but as of yet, none have made it through Congress.

As a result, the earliest that this could come into play would be 2025. One of the positives is that voting for CA online sports betting has been close.

Prop 27 was filled in 2021 and missed by just a few votes, with issues surrounding how the tax would be paid, collected, and distributed as one of the biggest stalling blocks.

How to Sign Up for a California Sportsbook

BetOnline is rated as our best California sports gambling site. We will use this as a guide to highlight how to create an account with a California sportsbook.

  1. Create an account

    Open the BetOnline sportsbook and click on the green “Join” button at the top of the page. If you end up on a landing page, you may have a dedicated “Join” button, but it will all lead to the same place.

    Create an account
  2. Enter account information

    The popup will prompt you to enter a host of information for your account, such as your name, email address, phone number, and date of birth. Ensure you enter an email address you’ve access to, as you may be asked to verify your account before you get started.

    Enter account information
  3. Make a deposit

    Once your account has been set up, click on the “Banking” button at the top of the page. This will open the cashier and show you all of the banking options that are available to you. If you’re using a promo code, this is where you need to enter it.

    Make a deposit
  4. Navigate to the sportsbook

    When the deposit has cleared, head back to the sportsbook. You can use the menu system on BetOnline to find the sports and markets you want to bet on. Take the time to look around and familiarize yourself with how the sportsbook works before placing a bet.

    Navigate to the sportsbook
  5. Place a bet

    To place a bet, click on the odds to add the selection to your bet slip. Use the “Risk” box to enter your stake in the bet slip. It’ll automatically highlight how much your bet will return if you win. When happy, click the “Place Bet” at the bottom of the page. You can keep track of live bets within the bet slip by clicking on the “My Bets” tab.

    Place a bet

California Online Sports Betting Bonuses

One of the best things about using offshore California sports betting sites is the range of sportsbook bonuses. New accounts will always have access to a welcome offer, but most sites include existing player promos, such as reload bonuses, and odds boosts.

Below, we’ve outlined a range of sports betting promotions and included more information on how each works.

  • Welcome Bonuses: The bonus is accessible for new accounts. Usually, it comes in the form of a deposit match.
  • Deposit Match Bonuses: A bonus based on a percentage of the amount of money you deposit, e.g., 100% up to $1,000.
  • No Deposit Bonuses: A bonus applied to your account that doesn’t require an initial deposit.
  • On-going Promotions: Promotions linked to specific time-sensitive events. It can include major sporting events like the Super Bowl, or holiday seasons, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
  • Free Bets: A set number of free bets throughout the sportsbook.
  • Odds Boosts: Higher odds than the sportsbook’s original price.
  • Parlay Insurance: If all but one of your parlay bets wins, the original stake will be refunded.
  • Loyalty Bonuses: Rewards, such as VIP, will benefit players who bet big or high volume.

California Apps and Mobile Betting

The mobile sports betting sector continues to grow, with around 55% of bettors placing bets on their mobile. As a result, sportsbooks are starting to take a mobile-first approach, which means that usability and accessibility on mobile devices are bigger than ever.

Offshore betting sites don’t use what we would describe as traditional sports betting apps in California. There are no download options but they all have mobile betting sites that can be accessed on iOS and Android phones.

The decision to use mobile sites, instead of apps, increases accessibility and reduces the ever-increasing number of apps people have on their phones. Thus making it easier and more convenient to bet using CA sports betting apps.

Pros & Cons of California Mobile Betting Sites over Desktop

Below, we’ve included a series of pros and cons as to why we suggest using sports betting mobile sites in California over desktops.

Pros pros

  • Easy to access CA sports betting apps
  • No need to download another betting app
  • Promotions and bonuses that can be claimed on mobile and online
  • Bet on the go from anywhere in the country

Cons cons

  • Rendering may differ depending on the mobile browser
  • Needs stable internet connection at all times

Payment Methods in California

California sports betting apps and sites come with diverse payment options. What you get from offshore sites is access to payment methods that regulated sites don’t, such as crypto, and as a result, dramatically reduce processing times for both deposits and withdrawals.

Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash are most common. Usually, they have no fees and instant deposit and withdrawal processing times.

Traditional Payment Methods

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and bank transfer are all accessible. Some will come with fees, and processing times range from one to five working days for withdrawals.

eWallets

Options like PayPal, Neteller, and Skill are generally not accepted on offshore CA betting sites. In the rare cases they are, you likely won’t be able to claim promotions using them.

Teams to Bet on in California

California has a huge range of sports teams to bet on. This covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, and soccer. They are one of the most successful states in the US regarding championship wins for professional sports teams.

Below, we’ve included a look at the biggest names and a little information on who they are.

Pro Sports

LA Dodgers – MLB

The LA Dodgers are among the most successful franchises in the MLB, with 21 wins, and the most recent coming in 2020. The team plays at Dodger Stadium and is renowned for its rowdy and passionate fanbase. Legendary players to have fielded for the Dodgers include Sandy Koufax, and Jackie Robinson.

Golden State Warriors – NBA

The Golden State Warriors are one of the biggest teams in the NBA. They were formed in 1946 and play home games at the Chase Center, located in San Francisco. In recent years, the team has taken the game to new heights, creating high-octane, exciting basketball, largely due to the roster being packed with stars such as Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

San Francisco 49ers – NFL

The San Francisco 49ers play in the NFL and have won five Super Bowls in total, making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. They were established in 1944, played their first professional season in 1946, and currently host games at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara. Notable players for the 49ers include Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott and O.J. Simpson.

LA Galaxy – Soccer

Formed in 1994, the LA Galaxy was one of the first entries in the MLS (Major League Soccer) and is a member of the Western Conference. The club rose to fame in 2007 when they signed English soccer superstar David Beckham, a trailblazer for other international stars to enter the league. Games have been played at Dignity Health Sports Park since 2003, with notable players on their roster, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, and Landon Donovan.

Other notable pro sports teams in California:

  • Los Angeles Angels – MLB
  • San Francisco Giants – MLB
  • LA Lakers – NBA
  • LA Chargers – NFL
  • LA Rams – NFL
  • Oakland Athletics – MLB
  • LA FC – Soccer
  • LA Clippers – NBA
  • Sacramento Kings – NBA
  • San Jose Earthquakes – Soccer

College Teams in California

California also has some of the best college teams around, each with a rich history and strong fanbase. Betting on college teams in California is currently only possible through offshore sportsbooks.

  • California Golden Bears
  • Fresno State Bulldogs
  • Loyola Marymount Lions
  • Pepperdine Waves
  • Saint Mary’s Gaels
  • San Jose State Spartans
  • San Diego State Aztecs
  • Santa Clara Broncos
  • Stanford Cardinal
  • University of San Francisco Dons
  • University of the Pacific Tigers
  • USC Trojans
  • UCLA Bruins

Types of Bets in California

One of the many benefits of offshore California sports betting online sites is the increased range of markets you can access compared to regulated sites. Below, we’ve outlined what they are and how they work.

Moneyline

A straight bet based on the game’s outcome without any handicaps applied.

Points Spread

A handicap applied in terms of points or goals to level the playing field between both teams. The favorite will have points removed, and the underdog will have points added.

Totals

An over/under bet on the total number of points scored combined by both teams.

Team props

A range of markets linked to each team. This might include the total number of points for the team or alternative spreads applied.

Player props

The best prop betting sites will also offer a range of markets that are linked to players in the game. This can be total running yards in the NFL or the number of points scored in the NBA, as examples.

Parlays

A combination bet with two or more selections that both need to win to succeed. Odds are created based on the combination of betting lines for each single bet. BetOnline and Everygame are the best parlay betting sites for same-game parlays and bet builder tools.

Live Betting

Betting on games or markets that are in play as the game progresses when live.

How to Place a Bet

The process of placing a bet is relatively straightforward. Below, we’ve outlined how this works using any CA betting sites we promote at Techopedia and, notably, all legal sports betting in California.

  1. Create an account and make a deposit
  2. Head to the sportsbook and choose the sport you want to bet on
  3. Find the game or market that you want to wager on
  4. Click on the odds to add the selection to your bet slip
  5. Enter your stake and confirm your selection

Popular Sports to Bet on in California

California has one of the biggest ranges of professional sports teams to bet on in the United States. As a result, this makes sports betting extremely popular. Below, we’ve included what sports you can access and the types of bets you can place.

NFL

The San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams are the three NFL teams based in California. Betting sites will have excellent NFL coverage and include markets such as moneyline, spread, totals, rushing yards, touchdowns, winning margin, 1st drive, and both teams to score a touchdown. BetOnline is our top pick for NFL betting.

NBA

The Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings are the five NBA teams in California. Betting markets include moneyline, spread, totals, winning margin, and first basket scorer to score a set number of points, rebounds, and assists. Bovada is our top pick for NBA betting.

MLB

With thousands of games to bet on over the season, the MLB creates one of the most in-depth betting opportunities. Popular markets include total runs, handicap, three-way run lines, to hit a home run, and match-winning plays. BetNow has a huge selection of MLB betting markets and is our top-rated sportsbook.

NHL

The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks are the three NHL teams based in California. Betting markets include puck line (spread), totals, moneyline, anytime scorer, correct score, 60-minute score, exact goals, and overtime markets. BetOnline is the best place to bet on the NHL.

NCAA Football/Basketball

California hosts some of the most iconic universities in the world and, as a result, has incredible NCAA teams in football and basketball. Notable inclusions are the University of Southern California, Stanford University, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Berkeley, Fresno, and San Diego State University.

Golf

Golf betting is most popular around the four majors (Master, US Open, The Open, and PGA Championship) and elevated PGA Tour events. Bovada is one of the best sportsbooks in California for golf betting and includes additional coverage around DP World Tour, LPGA, and, more recently, LIV Golf. Betting markets include outright winners, placed bets, head-to-head, and team matchups.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is accessible with most of the larger California sports betting online sites and usually has a dedicated racebook outside the main sportsbook. Coverage across the US will include all domestic races, however, the best in the business, such as Bovada and BetOnline, have access to international racing fixtures in the UK, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, and mainland Europe. Betting markets include straight wins, forecasts, tricast, and exotics.

Esports

One of the fastest-growing betting markets is esports. The popularity online has developed into the online betting in California sector, with the range of games increasing all the time. Popular games include FIFA, Call of Duty, DOTA, League of Legends, and Counter Strike. Lucky Block has the industry’s biggest range of games and esports betting markets.

DFS

Daily Fantasy Sports includes football and basketball options. This is where you make picks and get points for the players you include in your team based on their performance on the field.

Other Sports

Offshore sports betting options mean most sites have dozens of options. Notable alternatives to the list above include soccer, tennis, rugby, darts, cricket, boxing, MMA, UFC, cycling, table tennis and Aussie rules.

California Online Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

Regulation for online sports betting in California has been a slow process. Since the doors were opened in 2018, little has come from multiple attempts to get a deal done. Legislation is still some way off, but progress has been made over the last 12 months regarding the drop-off in numbers for those opposing.

  • November 2022: California gambling voters reject all sports betting propositions, effectively causing a significant legislative roadblock and pushing it back by multiple years.
  • July 2022: Propositions 26 and 27 are unveiled, proposing restrictions on retail sports betting in favor of tribal sports betting. Leading sports brands enter the fray, advocating for regulated retail sports betting as the optimal solution.
  • May 2022: California’s tribal communities started supporting the legalization of gambling within the state. Meanwhile, legislators grappled with the challenge of harmonizing tribal and regulated sports betting.
  • February 2022: A UC Berkeley poll revealed that 45% of Californian residents favored the legalization of gambling, while 33% opposed it, leaving 22% undecided.
  • August 2021: The California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act was introduced and endorsed by four cities in the state.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in California

Gambling winnings in California are classed as income and are therefore taxed as such. Your tax will be based on the amount you win and your main income. The state has a bracketed tax system ranging from 1% to 12.3%. The more you win/earn, the higher the tax bracket you will land in.

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to pay tax on winnings from offshore gambling tax. You don’t need to declare these winnings as sites are classed as international and don’t comply with state tax laws. However, you can declare these on tax forms if you wish, and we encourage you to do so to ensure no issues down the line should laws change.

How California Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

California borders three states: Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona. All three states allow regulated gambling, giving operators the right to locate within the state, and provide sports betting options for its residents.

A general theme across the US is that states with regulated neighbors tend to follow suit eventually. One of the main reasons is that locals travel between states to gamble, which loses revenue for non-regulated states. As a result, this makes regulation a much more likely outcome for gambling in California.

Responsible Online Betting in California

Responsible gambling plays a huge role for legal sports betting sites in California. Measures are in place to ensure that gambling is safe and can offer help and support to those deemed to be problem gamblers.

The range of tools that CA betting sites host will vary but can include deposit limits, time limits, time management, account suspensions, account closures, betting limits, and betting volume limits.

California Problem Gambling Resources

Best California Online Sports Betting Site for October 2024

BetOnline is the best California sports betting site in the market. The site covers more sports than any of its rivals and has a wider range of markets and prop bets to utilize.

However, BetOnline’s dedication to betting features makes it stand out. Same game parlays, parlay builder, boosted odds, dedicated esports betting section, contests, and promos combine to make it a great package. Link together one of the best rewards programs for new and existing players, and you can see why BetOnline currently sits at the top of the tree.

As a result, it is one of the best betting sites in California right now.

$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

  • BetOnline odds boosts available every day
  • Live betting available on all major sports
  • Excellent sportsbook 101 tutorial section
9.9/10 BetOnline
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Jonathan Askew
Sports Betting and Casino Expert
Jonathan Askew
Sports Betting and Casino Expert

Jonathan is a freelance writer working with Techopedia. He has been working within the gambling sector for over 15 years and has been fortunate enough to work with brands that include Gambling.com, CheekyPunter.com, BasketballInsiders.com and Betfair. He specializes in US and UK-based sports and casino content for Techopedia.