In this comprehensive guide to sports betting in California, we’ll review the best California sportsbooks that you can sign up for without breaking any California laws. All our recommended betting sites are located offshore and will accept US bettors.

We’ll also give a thorough explanation of the relevant local laws, explain the conflicts between Native American tribes and other industry players, and make an attempt to predict what the future of legal sports betting in CA will be. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about sports betting in California.

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Top 10 Sports Betting Sites in California

We ranked the best offshore sportsbooks for online sports betting in California. All providers listed are located offshore, are licensed and legal to play at, and offer safe & secure wagering. They all provide a full range of sports betting options including moneylines, spreads, parlays, teasers, prop bets, live betting. Many also have separate Racebooks and Esports sections.

  1. BetOnline – In-depth market coverage of major sports leagues
  2. Bovada – Best California sports betting site for spreads
  3. Everygame – Top California sportsbook with lots of value lines
  4. MyBookie – Excellent range prop bet builder tools
  5. BetNow – Good choice of bonuses for new & existing customers
  6. Lucky Block – Top new crypto sports betting option in CA
  7. BetUS – Popular US sportsbook with huge crypto options
  8. XBet – Great Racebook with extensive coverage & market depth
  9. BUSR – Crypto-friendly sportsbook With 10% cash back crypto rewards
  10. Jazz – Soccer specialist with live streaming
  11. SportsBetting.ag – Good choice for high-stakes players

The Latest California Online Sports Betting News

Here is a broad timeline overview highlighting some of the key events leading up to the current state of play in the sports betting legislation process in California.

  • January 2023 -The November 2022 referendum on legalizing online sports betting in California failed. It seems unlikely that a solution will be found this year, it might be a while before Californians get another chance to legalize sports betting in their state.
  • November 2022 – As was anticipated on the November 8 ballot, California voters rejected Proposition 26 to legalize sports betting in California in land-based casinos and racetracks. Proposition 27 which may have legalized locally-regulated sports betting in California, and has been a subject of much criticism from the state’s tribes, was also rejected. The earliest we can now expect legal sports betting in the state is 2024.
  • August 2022 – Groups funded by tribal casinos and online gambling companies raised almost $360 million to support two propositions that would legalize sports betting in California.
  • June 2022 – Over 80 groups back The Coalition for Safe and Responsible Gaming, which is against sports betting in California.
  • November 2019 – 18 California tribes join a coalition to put gambling on the November ballot. To submit its petition, the alliance needs 997,139 signatures by April 2019. In 2021, Office of Secretary of State Shirley Weber confirmed that 1,060,000 of the signatures were collected.
  • May 2018 – After PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992) was repealed on May 14, 2018, California Assemblyman Adam Gray said “the ball is in our court” to legalize sports betting in California.

Reviews of the Best Betting Sites California

In the next section we will dig deeper into the best California sportsbooks with a series of mini-reviews looking at what each of our top 10 betting site has to offer in more detail. All these licensed offshore sportsbooks are perfectly safe and legal to use for Californians.

1. BetOnline – In-Depth Market Coverage of Major SportsLeagues

BetOnline Sports Betting homepage

BetOnline.ag is another excellent California sports betting site. This established online sportsbook offers bets on football, basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball. They cover all the major leagues and include many other niche sports such as golf, tennis, MMA and motorsports. Add to that a dedicated Esports section, a casino, daily contests plus a standalone Racebook with very competitive odds on all the major US track meetings.

New BetOnline players can collect a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $1,000 with a 10x wagering / rollover requirement. You can bet on a wide range of prop bets, parlays and teasers, and their live betting and streaming are among the best we’ve seen. There is a good selection of bonus codes, a wide selection of ways to fund your account including crypto, and customer support is available 24/7 via Live Chat.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
50% up to $1,000 10x $20 Same Day Yes

Pros:

  • Very competitive betting lines
  • Excellent market depth
  • Live streaming
  • 24/7 Live Chat support

Cons:

  • Fees on credit card deposits
  • Some bonuses have high wagering requirements

2. Bovada – Best California Sports Betting Site for Spreads

Bovada Sports Betting Homepage

Bovada rates as our overall best sportsbook in California. Although there are a few US states that Bovada does not accept players from, California is not one of them and you can get started in just a few minutes. Bovada offers betting lines on all the main traditional sports and Esports with a great assortment of parlay bets.

We love their an advanced prop builder which simplifies creating and placing complex sports wagers. They also offer horse racing betting via a separate Racebook. There’s a good selection of payment methods to choose from including several cryptocurrencies which offer bigger bonuses.

Bovada also has an integrated video streaming service so you can keep track of matches while placing live in-game bets. Streaming is available through both the dedicated Bovada sports betting app and the browser-powered version of the site.  New players can enjoy a welcome bonus up to $750 with only a 5x wagering requirement. There is 24/7 support via email or Live Chat.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
75% up to $750 5x $20 Same Day Yes

Pros:

  • Bovada Rewards loyalty program
  • Focus on US sports and bettors
  • Bigger bonuses for crypto users
  • Responsive, 24/7 customer support
  • Only 5x wagering on welcome bonus

Cons:

  • Betting lines can be slow to appear
  • Not the biggest welcome bonus

3. Everygame – Top California Online Sportsbook With Lots of Value Lines

EveryGame Sports Betting

Everygame, formerly known as Intertops, has been online since the mid-1990s. Licensed in Antigua, this sportsbook is known for offering some of the best low juice odds with good coverage of the traditional sports of football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, MMA and boxing. More niche sports such as handball, cricket, darts and esports such as Counter Strike, Dota2 and League Of Legends are also well covered. Daily horse racing betting is also available at US race tracks.

A fantastic live betting platform has been developed by Everygame in response to the recent surge in popularity of live betting. They have a excellent multiview option that makes following the action and placing bets on numerous games simple. Sadly, there are no live sports streams available but you can contact support anytime via Live Chat.

As a new customer you can collect a $250 bonus on your first three deposits, giving you up to $750 in welcome bonuses. The wagering is a reasonable 8x.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
100% up to $250 (can be done 3 times on first three deposits) 8x $20 48 Hours Yes

Pros:

  • Established and trusted brand
  • Great range of NHL betting lines
  • Excellent mobile betting experience
  • Good banking options including crypto

Cons:

  • No live streaming
  • Slow payout times with some methods

4. MyBookie – Excellent Range Prop Bet Builder Tools

MyBookie Sports Homepage

You won’t find many newer betting sites with as many betting options as the MyBookie sportsbook including prop builders for all the major US sports. Bettors interested in strategies for wagering on major US and other sports can find a wealth of information at MyBookie. Bets can be placed on anything from the outcome of a game and Esports to who will become the next US president.

There is also a separate Racebook offering odds on horse racing, harness racing and greyhound racing from around the world. To get started you can claim a generous 50% bonus on your first deposit up to $1,000 although the wagering is not as good as other sportsbooks at 14x.

There are numerous MyBookie other promo codes are available for both new and existing clients, and there are more than enough payment payment methods to fund your account. Live chat, phone, and email are all ways to contact customer service.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
50% up to $1,000 14x $50 Same Day Yes

Pros:

  • Great range of sports and market depth
  • Betting strategy guides
  • Comprehensive horse racing 
  • Fast payouts
  • One of the best bitcoin betting sites

Cons:

  • Withdrawal fees can be high
  • Odds could be better

5. BetNow – Good Choice of Bonuses For New & Existing Customers

BetNow Sports Betting

Launched in 2015, BetNow’s user interface is straightforward to use and browse, making it easy to place bets. They also offer a feature called “Build Your Own” that allows users to create and personalise their own prop bets. All of the main US sports are comprehensively covered by the BetNow sportsbook and there’s also a solid Racebook with a 10% rebate, however overall BetNow do not offer as many sports as other sportsbooks.

BetNow offers a variety of sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses and a refer-a-friend incentive. There could be a few more payment methods, but the vast majority of users will be able to make a deposit by using either Visa, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin or Cash Direct. The BetNow welcome bonus is a relatively small one at just $300 maximum but as it is a 150% deposit bonus you only need to deposit $200 to get it.  There is live chat support available 24/7.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
150% up to $300 10x $20 24 Hours Yes

Pros:

  • Good range of bonuses and promotions
  • Easy to use site interface
  • Competitive betting lines
  • Live Chat 24/7

Cons:

  • Could be more payment methods
  • Sports offered could be more extensive

6. Lucky Block – Best New Site for Sports Betting in California 2023

lucky block online gambling USA

Licensed in Curacao and under the regulation of the Curacao Gaming Control Board, Lucky Block is the perfect spot for crypto sports betting in CA. Users can perform transactions using fiat currencies, but Lucky Block is primarily aimed at crypto enthusiasts and, as such, allows for deposits and withdrawals using nine coins, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Soldano, and Dogecoin.

Though a newcomer to the sports betting industry, Lucky Block is easily one of the most stylized and well-rounded California sportsbooks featured on this list. It’s simple to use, has some great features, and the mobile website works perfectly when betting on the go. The sportsbook covers 30+ sports, with a huge selection of wagering options available and deep in-play betting markets for all of the world’s most popular leagues, including the NFL, NBA, EPL, and MLB. 

Unlike other CA sports betting sites, Lucky Block incorporates the use of on-site analytics.  Click on an upcoming NFL game, for example, to view all the potentially decisive info before placing a wager, including recent performances, in-form players, and historical results. 

Fancy a break from live sports betting? Lucky Block also has deep esports markets, particularly for NBA2K and FIFA23. Plus, there are also some 6,000 slots, table games, and even a live casino where patrons can play with a live croupier. Register an account with Lucky Block today and take advantage of the sportsbook’s 15% cash-back bonus for the first 7 days as well as its generous loyalty bonus scheme.

Welcome Bonus Rollover Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
15% cash back for 7 days n/a $1 Instant Yes (using VPN)

Pros:

  • User-friendly platform
  • Live betting is available
  • Accepts a huge range of cryptos
  • 15% cash back for week 1

Cons:

  • Weak traditional banking
  • Better welcome offers available elsewhere

7. BetUS – Popular US Sportsbook With Huge Crypto Bonuses

BetUS Sports Homepage

BetUS has a long history going back almost 30 years and claims to be ‘America’s Favorite Sportsbook. They cater to both traditional sports bettors and horse racing bettors with Esports betting a particular favourite here. New and returning players alike can take advantage of a wide range of promotions at the BetUS Sportsbook, with cryptocurrency users receiving especially attractive bonuses.

BetUS offers a large number of in-play and live betting markets, as well as a plethora of parlay bets for all of your favourite American sports. They also offer one of the biggest welcome bonuses with a 200% crypto bonus bonus up to $5,000 available to new users. As an added bonus, free expert betting advice and previews are available on the site’s blog, and their customer service team is available 24 hours a day.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
200% up to $5,000 15x $100 24-48 Hours Yes

Pros:

  • Best sportsbook for large bonuses
  • Fast withdrawals
  • Esports offered
  • 200% crypto bonus
  • BetUS blog for tips and previews

Cons:

  • High wagering requirements
  • Limited banking options

8. XBet – Great Racebook With Extensive Coverage & Market Depth

XBet Sports Betting

XBet may not have the biggest selection of sports to bet on (15+) but the market depth and odds are excellent. For those who enjoy horse racing, there is a robust Racebook which has its own dedicated section, and Esports are also covered. The welcome bonuses aren’t the biggest in the business but the XBet welcome offer can give you up to $500 in bonus funds.

Cryptocurrencies are among the payment and withdrawal alternatives available, and there are a range of XBet promo code offers available for both new and returning clients. Customer service is available 24/7 via live chat or email.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
50% up to $500 10x $20 2-3 Days Yes

Pros:

  • Wide variety of sports betting markets
  • Racebook available for horse & dog racing
  • Odds boosts and props builders
  • Fast eWallet and cryptocurrency payouts option
  • Also listed as one of the best online gambling site

Cons:

  • No live streaming
  • Strict gaming rules and policies
  • Could be more Esports markets

9. BUSR – Crypto-Friendly Sportsbook With 10% Cash Back Crypto Rewards

BUSR Sports Betting

BUSR is a relatively new betting site that offers a wide variety of prop bets and has a very good market depth across the major US sports. Horse racing plays a big part on this, as the website’s history would support having started out as a horse racing betting site. The NFL, NBA, college football, NCAA basketball, MLB, NHL, PGA golf, tennis, boxing, soccer, MMA, WNBA, NASCAR and many other sports and events are available to players. Live betting is also available but options are limited.

There are a decent amount of withdrawal and payment methods, with bigger bonuses on offer for those who load their accounts with cryptocurrencies. New players can get a great bonus of up to $2,500 when they sign up. Additionally, payout timings are speedier than those of many of their competitors. There is 24/7 support via live chat, telephone and email.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
150% up to $2,500 10x $100 3-7 Business Days Yes

Pros:

  • Lots of betting lines for all major sports
  • Dedicated racing section with 8% rebate
  • Generous crypto deposit bonuses
  • Licensed by Curacao eGaming
  • Excellent help center

Cons:

  • Fees with some payout methods
  • Only 2 Esports offered
  • Could be more live lines

10. Jazz – Soccer Specialist With Live Streaming

Jazz Sports Betting

Jazz Sports is another popular California sportsbook for all of your favourite major US sports like NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB. It’s a particularly great choice for fans of soccer betting, especially on the biggest European leagues and competitions. In light of the upcoming World Cup, many gamblers will undoubtedly favour Jazz Sports. There is also a separate Jazz Racebook with a 10% rebate whether you win or lose, based on your volume and track categories.

Jazz Sports provides new customers with a sizable welcome bonus with a reasonable 10x wagering requirement. Existing customers can also claim ongoing reload bonuses. Another big bonus is the availability of free live streaming on all major sports, some of the NCAA and World cup soccer games.

The welcome offer for new players at Jazz is 50% up to $1,000 on your first deposit. Their website is happy to take a variety of cryptocurrencies as well as traditional payment methods like Visa and Mastercard. Along with phone and email help, there is also live chat customer service 24/7.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
50% up to $1,000 10x $100 Same Day Yes

Pros:

  • Live streaming
  • Racebook with 10% rebate
  • Good soccer coverage
  • 24/7 Live Chat support

Cons:

  • Customers have previously complained about payout delays
  • Does not promote responsible gambling

11. SportsBetting.ag – Good Choice For High-Stakes Players

Sports Betting Homepage

SportsBetting.ag is the sister website of BetOnline our no.2 rated sportsbook. Both sites have the same features, wagering options, odds, bonuses, promotions, payout options, and customer service methods. Everything is well covered with a separate Racebook and Esports sections. With a fiat-based payment, you can get a 50% sign-up bonus up to $1,000 using a 10x rollover requirement, or you can get a 100% sign-up bonus up to $1,000 with cryptocurrency (14x rollover requirement).

The software is the only thing that differs. SportsBetting.ag looks a bit dated and is still using the website they established many years ago while BetOnline has a significantly more modern, stylish, and user-friendly look. Because of this, we ranked this sportsbook lower on our list, but you may prefer the more classic retro look, in which case you can check it out and decide.

Sign-Up Bonus Wagering Requirement Minimum Deposit Payout Time Accepts US Players?
50% up to $1,000 10x (14x for crypto) $20 Same Day Yes

Pros:

  • Big selection of promotions & contests
  • $25 risk-free live bet
  • Live streaming options
  • Same day payouts with very high limits

Cons:

  • Website looks outdated
  • Limited eWallet banking methods

FAQs on Californian Sports Betting

How old do I have to be to bet online in California?

Is sports betting legal in California?

When is California going to have sports betting?

What betting is legal in California?

Where can I place bets in California?

Why is sports betting illegal in California?

What don’t the California gaming tribes have sports betting?

Comparing California’s Best Online Betting Sites

To help you choose the right betting site for you we have summarised our top 10 California sportsbooks into a table showing their sports betting promo codes & bonuses, the number of sports covered and any live betting or streaming options.

Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonus Bonus Code Sports to bet on Live Betting Live Streaming
Bovada 75% up to $750 INSIDERS 25+
BetOnline 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 25+
Everygame 100% up to $250 (can be done 3 times on first three deposits) INSIDERS 20+
MyBookie 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 15+
BetNow 150% up to $300 INSIDERS 10+
BetUS 200% up to $5,000 INSIDERS 30+
Lucky Block 15% cash back for seven days N/A 35+
XBet 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 15+
BUSR 150% up to $2,500 INSIDERS 25+
Jazz Sports 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 20+
SportsBetting.ag 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 25+

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?

Online sports betting is currently not regulated in California. However, our recommended offshore sportsbooks do accept bets from US players.

You must be at least 18 years old, reside in California, and have a method of depositing and withdrawing money in order to gamble with one of these offshore sports betting websites.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in California

Sports betting is not regulated in California but you can still place sports bets can still be placed at the offshore sportsbooks we recommend.

You need to be at least 18 years old, physically located in California, and have access to cash to bet with one of these sites.

How to Bet on Sports Online in California

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bet on sports in California, from visiting the homepage to placing your first wager. In this example we will use our top CA sportsbook, Bovada, but the process will be similar for all sportsbooks.

1. Visit Bovada & Click ‘Join’

To begin using a new sportsbook, go to the California online sports betting site of your choosing using the links on this page, then look for the “Join” or “Register” option on the homepage and give it a click. In the case of Bovada you will find a red ‘Join’ button at the top right of the screen on a desktop.

Bovada Sports Betting Homepage

Step 2: Create Account – Enter your personal details

Your name, birth date, mobile number, email address, and zip code will be requested when you click the Join button. This is also where you’ll set your password. You must confirm that you are of legal age to gamble by checking the appropriate box. To finish, select “Register.”

Bovada Registration Form

Step 3: Verify Your Account

Verifying your phone number grants you access to all features of your new Bovada account, including the ability to receive a welcome bonus.

Bovada will send you a code through SMS text message that you’ll need to enter into the prompt that appears. You can always choose to verify later if you’d rather not, but doing so will prevent you from receiving any benefits until you do.

Bovada Phone Verification

Step 4: Fund Your New Account

Of course you will first need to fund your new betting account before you can start placing any wagers. When you’re signed into the Bovada site, select the person symbol in the upper right corner and then the red ‘Deposit’ option to make a deposit.

This will open up the deposit window where you can choose your preferred payment method. To claim your welcome bonus, simply follow the on-screen prompts, making sure to use the coupon code INSIDERS in the appropriate box.

Bovada Deposit Methods

Step 5: Start Betting!

You can begin wagering once you have cleared funds in your account. This is usually instantaneous with most methods.

Bovada Sports Betting

When will Betting be Legal in California?

Sports betting in California has been a hotly contested issue. The latest bill to authorize retail and online sports betting was rejected by California voters and November 8, 2022. It now looks like the earliest we can expect legal sports betting in CA is 2024.

Previous Sports Betting Bills in California

Voters in California overwhelmingly rejected Prop 26 & Prop 27 to legalize sports betting on the November 8, 2022 ballot, This dealt a crushing blow to expensive campaigns by Native American tribes and the betting industry who raised almost $460m.

  • 2022 – Both proposals to legalize sports betting in the Golden State on November 8 were soundly defeated. Proposition 26 offered wagering in tribal retail sportsbooks, while Proposition 27 allowed wagering through a voter’s mobile device.
  • 2021 – California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act – Identical to the 2020 measure
  • 2021California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act – An initiative put forth by seven established sportsbooks which offers to donate a portion of earnings to organizations that help the homeless and mentally ill.
  • 2021Age-Verified Trival Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Act – San Manuel submitted the measure, which would permit both in-person and online betting.
  • 2020 – California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act – Proposed by multiple cities in California.
  • 2020The California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act – The original date for the summary was January 21, 2020, but this is the tribal casino initiative, which will be on the ballot on November 8, 2022, if it gets the nearly one million votes it needs.
  • 2019 – ACA – 16 (2019)

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in California

As sports betting in California is not regulated, the best place to bet on sports is at CA offshore sportsbooks. Therefore, you pay no tax on winnings at these sites.

However, if you were to bet at a physical casino, you would need to pay tax. Although this will likely not apply to sports betting.

With a total of 10 tax brackets, California has a complex tax structure. So, your tax rate may vary significantly depending on the amount of winnings you receive. The rates range from 1% to 13.3%.

  • Income of $0 is taxed at 1%
  • Income of up to $8,809 is taxed at 2%
  • Income of up to $20,883 is taxed at 4%
  • Income of up to $32,960 is taxed at 6%
  • Income of up to $45,753 is taxed at 8%
  • Income of up to $57,824 is taxed at 9.3%
  • Income of up to $295,373 is taxed at 10.3%
  • Income of up to $354,445 is taxed at 11.3%
  • Income of up to $590,742 is taxed at 12.3%
  • Income of $1,000,000 or more is taxed at 13.3%

California Online Sports Betting Payment Methods

You will need to have a working means of carrying out transactions if you want to make deposits or withdrawals. There are traditional methods, eWallets and cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Betting Options

Offshore sportsbooks are big supporters of cryptocurrency, with several different coins to choose from for wagering and bigger welcome bonuses just for cryptocurrency users. Some of the most common cryptos accepted are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Binance, Avalanche, Cardano, Tether, Litecoin, Stellar, Bitcoin Cash and Shiba Inu.

eWallet Betting Options

You can use an eWallet to make transactions by either linking your bank account to it and then depositing funds or withdrawing them, or by using the funds already stored in your eWallet account.

Traditional Payment Methods

If you are unable to use cryptocurrencies or eWallets, you still have the traditional options for making deposits and withdrawals at offshore sportsbooks. These include credit and debit cards, ACH Transfer, online banking, wire transfer, PayNearMe and Check by mail.

Betting Bonuses Available in California

While betting on your favorite teams is undoubtedly the most exciting part of playing at online sportsbooks, collecting bonuses and taking part in promotions greatly enhances the overall experience. The money you win from using these promos can be used to play on the site and increase your overall winnings. The most common types of bonuses are shown below.

Match Deposit Bonuses

A match deposit bonus is a reward given as bonus funds in exchange for making an initial deposit, usually in the form of a percentage match up to a maximum amount.

For example, if you make a deposit of up to $1,000 at MyBookie, for instance, the site will match your deposit by 50%. That means a $2,000 deposit is required to obtain the full $1,000 bonus. The minimum deposit is $10, and there is a 10x wagering requirement. Therefore to be able to cash out bonus money, you’ll need to make wagers equal to 10 times the sum of your initial deposit plus bonus.

No Deposit Bonuses

The best part of a no deposit bonus is that it is awarded automatically upon account registration with no deposit required. The amounts are usually small, ranging from $10 to $25, but they serve as a good start for you to test a new online sportsbook.

Free Bets

Free bets and free spins are given out by sportsbooks as part of promotions or contests. If you are lucky enough to obtain a free bet you can enjoy a risk free wager, although the free bet stake will not be returned with any winnings as is standard practice with free bets. Some sportsbooks such as BetOnline will also give new players a risk free bet to try on live betting.

Popular Sports to Bet on

The best California online sports betting sites typically have between 30 and 50 different sports available for bettors to choose from. So let’s look at some of the most common options:

NFL

The most popular sport in America is football. Therefore, whether you want to wager on the NFL (National Football League), where professionals compete, or the NCAAF (National Collegiate Athletic Association Football), where college teams compete, the leading sportsbooks will have you fully covered. Point spreads, moneylines, totals, team and player prop bets (such as who will score the first touchdown), and other bets and props are available.

Here is a list of the three NFL teams in California:

  • Los Angeles Chargers – Play their home games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood
  • Los Angeles Rams – Won the Super Bowl in 2022. Also play home games at SoFi Stadium.
  • San Francisco 49ers – Play at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. Have won five Super Bowls in their history.

NBA

Aside from football, basketball is another national pastime that draws huge crowds around the United States. This is why the best offshore sportsbooks will have basketball lines on the NBA and collegiate hoops (NCAAB).

All of the sites we suggest provide more than just point spread bets for basketball, including moneylines, totals, and various props. Sportsbetting.ag, Bovada, and MyBookie are among the best NBA betting sites, and they also cover international basketball competitions like the FIBA World Basketball Championship.

There are four NBA teams in the state: 

  • Golden State Warriors – Won three NBA titles in four years, including back-to-back (2015, 2017, 2018)
  • Los Angeles Lakers – Winners or 12 NBA Championships most recently in 2020
  • Los Angeles Clippers – This basketball team now plays at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA
  • Sacramento Kings – Plays home games at the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento. Have never won an NBA title

MLB

Baseball, often regarded as the USA’s favorite pastime, is another of the most heavily bet on sports in the United States. Therefore, all MLB games and futures are available at the best California sportsbooks during the entire season, from the regular season to the postseason. Leading MLB betting sites like BetOnline, XBet, and BetUS publish their opening moneyline and run line odds and lines early.

There are currently five MLB teams in California:

  • Los Angeles Angels – Play at Angel Stadium of Anaheim and won a World Series in 2002
  • Los Angeles Dodgers – Play at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles. Won the World Series in 2020
  • Oakland Athletics – Play at RingCentral Coliseum, Oakland. Relocated from Kansas City in 1968.
  • San Diego Padres – Play at Petco Park in San Diego. Have never won a World Series.
  • San Francisco Giants – Play at Oracle Park, San Francisco. Won three world series in five years (2010, 2012, 2014)

NHL

Ice hockey fans have a great selection of domestic and international competitions to pick from at all of our recommended California sportsbooks.  The NHL, Stanley Cup, and CFL are a few of these. The moneyline, spreads, and totals are the most common NHL betting options. BetOnline and MyBookie are particular good choices for if you enjoy hockey betting.

There are three NHL teams in California:

  • Anaheim Ducks – An expansion team in 1993. Play home games at Honda Center in Anaheim
  • Los Angeles Kings – Play at Crypto.com Arena, Figueroa Street, LA. Won two Stanley Cups in three years (2012, 2014)
  • San Jose Sharks – Play at SAP Center at San Jose. Have never won a Stanley Cup since joining the league in 1991

NCAA Football

Odds on NCAA college football ((National Collegiate Athletic Association) can be found at each of the offshore sportsbooks featured on this page. There are a wide variety of markets, props much like in the NFL. College football futures are available on tournaments like the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. Bovada is a good choice for college football.

Here is the list of NCAA football teams in California:

  • Cal Poly Mustangs
  • California Golden Bears
  • Fresno State Bulldogs
  • Sacramento State Hornets
  • San Diego Toreros
  • San Diego Aztecs
  • San Jose State Spartans
  • Stanford Cardinals
  • UC Davis Aggies
  • UCLA Bruins
  • USC Trojans

NCAA Basketball

All of the offshore sportsbooks featured on this page also provide odds on college basketball (NCAAB). You will find a wide variety of markets, moneylines, spreads, totals and props much like with the NBA. Futures are also available on big tournaments such as March Madness.

There are many NCAAB college basketball teams located in California which has the most Division I teams of any state in America with 26. They are:

  • California Baptist Lancers
  • Cal Poly Mustangs
  • CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners
  • CSU Fullerton Titans
  • CSU Northridge Matadors
  • Fresno State Bulldogs
  • Long Beach State
  • Loyola Marymount Lions
  • Pacific Tigers
  • Pepperdine Waves
  • Sacramento State Hornets
  • Saint Mary’s Gaels
  • San Diego Toreros
  • San Diego Aztecs
  • San Francisco Dons
  • San Jose State Spartans
  • Santa Clara Broncos
  • Stanford Cardinals
  • UC Berkeley (California Golden Bears)
  • UC Davis Aggies
  • UC Irvine Anteaters
  • UC Riverside Highlanders
  • UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
  • UC San Diego Tritons
  • USC Trojans
  • UCLA Bruins

Golf

Another sport that is becoming more and more popular among gamblers is golf. The main golf tournaments such as The Masters, US Open, and PGA Tour typically have betting odds accessible all year round. The outright winner, Top 5, Top 10, First Round Leader, 2-balls, 3-balls, etc. are all options for wagering. If you enjoy wagering on golf, we suggest you visit BetOnline.

California golf events include the PGA TOUR Qualifiers, California State Open, Women’s California State Open, Champions Tour Qualifiers, SoCal Open, San Diego County Open and the IE Amateur Championship. The top California golf courses are Pebble Beach, Pasatiempo Santa Cruz, Spyglass Hill, Torrey Pines La Jolla and the Trump National LA, Rancho Palos Verdes.

Horse Racing

California is one of the major horse racing hubs in the United States where tracks like Santa Anita Raceway and Del Mar Race Track are well-known. The California Horse Racing Board promotes and safeguards the state’s horse racing industry, which is home to numerous Grade 1 racing events.

Horse racing betting apps is in the pinnacle for betting on horses in California. They generally provide a simpler and smoother way to place your wagers.

Horse race betting is a big global industry and the vast majority of offshore sportsbooks offers pari-mutuel wagers online, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, hi-5, and quinella. Some of the best online California sportsbooks, like MyBookie, Bovada, and BetOnline, have integrated separate racebooks within their websites. This simplifies the process for bettors to keep up with the most recent races, odds, and information.

DFS

Daily fantasy sports are played across shorter time frames than traditional fantasy sports, typically, as the name suggests, lasting a single day. Sometimes DFS contests can last several days or for the duration of a tournament. BetOnline and MyBookie provide free daily fantasy and survival contests for regular players. These tournaments can be exciting and provide you a chance to win additional cash with no risk.

Live Betting at Californian Betting Sites

You can place ‘in-play’ bets on sporting events that are currently underway with live betting. The sportsbooks live betting odds will change constantly based on how each team or player is performing so you will need to act quickly to take the odds you want.

There may be a few seconds time delay before your bet is accepted and you will notice that live betting may occasionally become ‘suspended’ and become temporarily unavailable during key moments such as touchdowns or turnovers while the oddsmakers update the live odds. BetUS and MyBookie are always on top of things and are two of the best California sportsbooks for live betting.

How California Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

The states of Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona, all of which border California, have all already passed legislation legalizing sports betting. Nevada is home to Las Vegas of course who were the first, and for many years the only US state, to have legalized sports wagering since 1949.

Arizona has been making giant strides in online sports betting, with some of the state’s sportsbooks even forming partnerships with NFL teams.

The Best Sports Betting Site in California

Residents of California have access to a number of excellent sports betting websites, and choosing the ideal one will always depend on the preferences and needs of the individual.

In our opinion, Bovada has a lot of the features that a top-notch website should, making it our best sports betting site in California. This California online sports betting site offers a wide selection of prop bets and tools, comprehensive live lines and futures odds on all the most popular sports in North America. To top things off, there is a thorough Racebook, integrated live esports broadcasting, a solid selection of payment methods, and a good variety of promotions available.