California sports betting is bigger than you may think, with top teams like the LA Lakers and the Anaheim Ducks to bet on. Get a head start on online betting in the Golden State with our list of the best California sportsbooks, top reviews of these California betting sites, and legal updates.
Top California Sports Betting Apps & Sportsbooks in 2026
Wager lucrative bets using the hottest odds while enjoying safe online gambling at the best California sports betting sites, each hand-picked by our gambling experts:
- BetNow – Rated the No.1 Overall Best California Sports Betting Site
- CoinPoker– In-Depth Betting Markets for California’s NFL Teams
- BetWhale – Provides Sharp Odds for LA Lakers Fans
- BetUS – Standout Choice For Top US Sports Markets
- Bet105 – Enjoy Reduced Juice on Major Sports Events
- MyBookie – Provides the Best Live Soccer Betting with Hot Odds
- XBet – Place Extensive NFL Props on the Rams and 49ers
- BetOnline – Releases Earliest Moneylines for Weekend Sports
- Everygame – Gain Quick Access to the Hottest Bets of the Day
- BUSR – Place Hot Bets on Races at Santa Anita Park
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
No, sports betting in California is not legal. While the state has made several attempts to regulate it, none of the introduced propositions has received support from residents or parties within the state.
The most recent attempts to legalize California sports betting were in 2022, with the introduction of Proposition 26 and Proposition 27.
Prop 26 would have given tribal casinos and racetracks the option to provide in-person sports betting in the state, with no option for online betting. However, Californians voted against this measure. Conversely, Prop 27 would have introduced online CA sports betting in the state, but again, 82% of Californians voted against this option.
While sports betting is not yet regulated in the Golden State, Californians have other betting options. Horse racing betting and pari-mutuel wagering are available in the state, which is home to several top racetracks. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), while unregulated in CA, are also offered, along with land-based Tribal casinos and card rooms.
When Will Online Betting Be Launched in California?
There is no current timeline for introducing sports betting in California following residents’ firm rejection of all regulated sports betting options in 2022. Notably, the opposition to online sports betting in California was far greater than that of retail sportsbooks.
Can California Bettors Use Offshore Betting Sites?
Sports bettors in the Golden State may not have access to state-regulated betting websites, but they can access secure offshore sportsbooks. These offshore California sportsbooks base themselves outside the US and have licenses from their own local gaming authorities.
Since these sportsbooks are not local to the US, they don’t fall under the jurisdiction of federal or California state gambling laws. This allows these sites to accept California players and enables CA players to access them without breaking the law.
What You Can’t Bet on in California
California sports betting is not yet regulated. As such, you may not bet on any sports within the state, with the exception of horse racing and DFS.
Latest California Legal Betting Updates
California sports betting may not be legalized yet, but there are still movements within the state regarding legal sports betting. Let’s review the latest updates below:
– Oct 2024 – Recognized Tribes in California are working with FanDuel in a push to legalize sports betting in the state by 2026.
– Sept 2024 – Bakersfield is expected to see the opening of the state’s newest casino, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, in December 2025.
– Aug 2024 – Pro poker player Damien LeForbes has pleaded guilty to charges on money laundering and the operation of illegal sportsbooks in CA and NV.
– July 2024 – Google has legalized adverts by DFS providers in California.
Quick California Sports Betting Facts
The legal climate of California sports betting can make it challenging to know what is available and what isn’t. We make it easy to stay above the law by offering the following table highlighting the top must-know facts about sports betting in CA:
| Population | 39.43 million (2024) |
| Betting Regulator | California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) (horse racing only) |
| Legal Minimum Betting Age | 18 (Horse racing) |
| Retail Sports Betting | No |
| Online Sports Betting | No |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
| Retail Casinos | Yes |
| Online Casinos | No |
| Horse Racing | Yes |
| Pari-Mutuel Wagering | Yes |
| Mobile Betting App | No |
Expert Ratings & Reviews of the Top 5 CA Sports Betting Apps and Sportsbooks
The best new betting sites for online wagering in California all offer unique features, betting options, and bonuses. You can get to know these sites and their offerings in more detail using the reviews of our top five California sports betting sites below:
1. BetNow – Rated the No.1 Overall Best California Sports Betting Site
| Year Established | 2015 |
| Licensed With | The Autonomous Island of Anjouan Union of the Comoros |
| Welcome Bonus | 125% up to $2,500 |
| Fastest Payout | 24 Hours + |
| How Many Sports | 10+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Person2Person, E-wallets |
| Customer Support | Live chat, 24/7 [email protected] |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | No rewards program |
| Live Streaming | No |
BetNow offers a boutique approach to California online sports betting, offering markets and odds on 10 of the US’s most favored sports. This unique approach, not found at many sports betting websites for US players, ensures an unrivaled sports betting experience. You can find options like basketball, baseball, football, hockey, and MMA among the sports covered.
The sportsbook provides in-depth coverage of each sport, offering lines on local and international events. As such, it is one of the top online betting sites for the NBA and offers hot odds on the LA Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, and the LA Clippers. Basketball fans can wager spreads, totals, props, and moneylines on NBA games and collegiate events like March Madness.
The sports betting site outlines that it provides live betting markets in addition to pre-game wagering. However, you must be registered with the site to access the live betting options. Notably, the sportsbook doesn’t provide live streaming of live events but makes up for it by offering one of the top racebooks with fantastic markets on races worldwide.
One of the features we most enjoy about BetNow is its fantastic selection of promotions and bonuses. The sportsbook offers four welcome promos and several rebates for sports, Esports, and horse racing betting.
BetNow Pros:
- No fees on any deposit options
- Offers rebate bonuses for various sports
- Supplies four unique welcome bonus offers
- Offers low vig on sports betting
BetNow Cons:
- Only covers 10 sports
- Live betting only for registered bettors
2. CoinPoker – In-Depth Betting Markets For California’s NFL Teams
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Licensed With | Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros |
| Welcome Bonus | 150% up to $2,000 |
| Fastest Payout | Instant |
| How Many Sports | 35+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrencies |
| Customer Support | [email protected] |
| Mobile Compatibility | iOS, Android apps |
| Rewards Program | Yes |
| Live Streaming | No |
CoinPoker is a trusted site for sports betting enthusiasts in California. As people in the state are known for constantly being on the go, the sportsbook’s downloadable iOS and Android apps are ideal for California players. The app is intuitive, fast-loading, and fully stocked with all the top sports available on desktop.
If you’re an NFL fan in California, there aren’t many better sportsbooks for betting on the Chargers and Rams. Players who want to bet beyond the standard spread and totals options will find great depth in those markets. You can utilize CoinPoker’s quick bet feature, which is great for when you’re trying to jump on value during live betting. We wish CoinPoker had more promotions to reward loyal players, but bettors in California can enjoy 10% weekly cashback.
CoinPoker Pros:
- Top spread and total betting for Rams, Chargers
- Well-designed app for mobile betting
- 10% weekly cashback for sportsbook
CoinPoker Cons:
- Doesn’t support fiat payment options
3. BetWhale — Provides Sharp Odds for LA Lakers Fans
| Year Established | 2023 |
| Licensed With | The Autonomous Island of Anjouan Union of the Comoros |
| Welcome Bonus | 200% up to $6,000 |
| Fastest Payout | 3 Days |
| How Many Sports | 28+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, E-Wallets, Flexepin |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live chat Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 855 470 0558 |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | No rewards program |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
BetWhale is the hottest new California betting site on the block and is the ideal sportsbook if you’re looking for action-packed live betting. The site, while offering pre-match wagering, also offers exceptional odds and markets on in-play matches. Whether you want to back the Anaheim Ducks or the Los Angeles Chargers, you can catch competitive odds on these games and follow them live, thanks to BetWhale’s unmatched live streaming offering.
The range of sports available to bet on at BetWhale is impressive, with over 28 options, ensuring you have easy access to markets on your top teams, sports, and events. BetWhale’s selection of betting lines is extensive, with the bookmaker providing totals, spreads, and moneylines, along with hot prop bets on players, teams, and in-game action.
If you’re a fan of betting with crypto, BetWhale has you covered, offering several cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which you can use to deposit and withdraw funds. Notably, the sportsbook doesn’t apply a maximum deposit limit to deposits, so you can easily add adequate funds to place those high-value bets.
Promotional offers at BetWhale add even more value to the overall gambling experience the bookie provides, with juicy welcome promos and several ongoing bonuses.
BetWhale Pros:
- Make unlimited crypto deposits
- Stream the hottest sports events live
- Provides top bonus offers for all bettors
- Offers instant crypto withdrawals
BetWhale Cons:
- Caps withdrawals at a low $2,500
- Could offer more sports to bet on
4. BetUS — Standout Choice For Top US Sports Markets
| Year Established | 1994 |
| Licensed With | Central America, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Island of Mwali |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% up to $2,000 |
| Fastest Payout | Up to 24 hours |
| How Many Sports | 30+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Bank Transfers |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live chat Email: [email protected] |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS compatible |
| Rewards Program | No |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
Renowned as “America’s favorite sportsbook,” BetUS has gone from strength to strength during the last few decades, in the process gaining trust and respect with bettors in the sports betting industry.
Our experts were also impressed with the variety on offer for US bettors, with numerous sports betting markets, and not just the main ones like the NFL and NBA. Indeed, fans of horse racing, tennis and soccer can find plenty of markets and leagues across the world, while more specialty markets such as politics and entertainment are also on the platform.
Making a transaction couldn’t be simpler, as BetUS offers extensive payment options such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, plus VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted to keep traditionalists happy.
Finally, the range of bonuses and promotions match up to their competitors beyond the generous welcome offer, as there is an alternative sign-up bonus for crypto users, plus 50% re-up bonuses on selected sports for every crypto deposit thereafter. And, don’t forget the casino bonuses on offer for those bettors seeking some action during half-time.
BetUS Pros:
- Big choice of prop bets
- Personal account manager
- Multiple welcome offers
- Exclusive BetUS TV with predictions
BetUS Cons:
- Lower the $100 deposit for welcome bonus
5. Bet105 – Enjoy Reduced Juice on Major Sports Events
| Year Established | 2020 |
| Licensed With | Costa Rica |
| Welcome Bonus | Deposit $50, Get $25 |
| Fastest Payout & Method | Within 24 hours |
| Payment Options | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, P2P |
| Customer Support | Email: [email protected] Live Chat: 24/7 |
| Mobile Compatibility | iOS, Android optimized |
| Rewards Program | Yes |
| Live Streaming | No |
Bet105 has nearly everything a California sports fan could want. All the major sports are covered on the platform, including the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. You can make moneyline, totals, spread, over/under, and futures bets on the biggest teams in California, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Even better, with Bet105’s reduced juice, you’ll have a hard time finding more competitive odds.
While Bet105 could benefit from covering more niche sports that Californian players would want, the site is about quality rather than quantity. A strong feature is the parlay hub, which puts together parlay bets for you, with California teams often featured. Bet105 also boasts a strong and intuitive bet builder, which makes putting together your bets easy and fast.
Bet105 Pros:
- Huge variety of bet types
- Reduced juice across site
- Top-quality bet builder
Bet105 Cons:
- Limited number of sports available
Choosing the Best California Online Sportsbook
Selecting the best sportsbooks in California requires closely examining and testing each potential site. When it comes to how we rate online sportsbooks in California, our experts measure each betting site against stringent criteria, which we discuss below:
- Range of Sports – Online sportsbooks in California worth joining will provide an extensive assortment of sports to bet on. These sportsbooks cover the top sports followed in CA, like football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. The more sports there are to bet on, the more chances you have to wager and win.
- Choice of Sports Events – Another aspect our betting experts look into when finding the best California sports betting sites is the variety of events covered for each sport. Leading sportsbooks offer odds on all US tournaments and games and top international events.
- Bonus & Promotions – Most online sportsbooks in CA offer juicy welcome bonuses and varied ongoing promos for bettors. However, it is always best to look more closely at these offers before signing up for them. Reputable California sportsbooks will provide promos with fair wagering requirements and give you sufficient time to meet them.
- Safety & Security – One of the most important aspects to consider before joining California sports betting sites is the safety and security the site provides. We recommend avoiding unlicensed sportsbooks and sticking with those with licenses from reputable international gaming authorities like the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. Licensed sites must uphold regulations regarding player safety and fair betting standards.
- Payment Methods – Only ever sign up with sportsbooks in California that provide reputable payment methods that you recognize. Top online sportsbooks will feature a selection of traditional payment methods like debit and credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
- Customer Support – Always find California sportsbooks that provide around-the-clock customer support so you can resolve problems when they arise. Additionally, look for sportsbooks with customer service options like a phone number or live chat that provide instant support.
How to Sign Up for California Sports Betting Apps & Sportsbooks
If joining a California sports betting site appeals to you, but you have no idea where to start, read on. The following steps guide you through registering an account with a CA betting site, depositing funds, claiming a promotional offer, and placing your first bet.
1. Choose a Betting Site in California
Begin by choosing the site for sports betting in California that best suits your needs. These sportsbooks all have similar registration processes, so we are using one of our top betting sites, BetWhale, as an example.
2. Register & Open a Betting Account
Find the “Join/Sign Up” button on the sportsbook’s home page and click it to load the registration page. Fill out the required information, and when you’re ready, select the “Create Account” button to set up your profile.
3. Deposit Money
The next step is to fund your account. To do this, you’ll need to visit the sportsbook’s “Banking” page. Here, you can select the payment method you want to use from the menu. Then, you can fill in the amount you’ll be depositing and provide any additional details the sports betting site may need.
4. Claim a Betting Promotion
To unlock your sports betting bonus, add your promo code to the box provided on the deposits page. After checking that your code is correct, you can finalize your payment by hitting the “Deposit” button.
5. Bet on California Sports Teams
Now that you have betting funds, you can begin wagering. Browse the sportsbook’s betting page to find the sport and event you want to put money on, then click on the event to see the betting lines available. Select your market and click the odds for the team you want to back on that particular line. You can add your bet value to the betting slip and hit “Place Bet.”
California Online Sportsbooks vs. Retail California Sportsbooks
Currently, there are no retail sportsbooks in California, as the state has yet to introduce regulated sports betting. However, we can compare offshore betting sites for online sports betting in California with retail sportsbooks based on the land-based sportsbooks found in other states. Typically, online betting platforms provide far greater flexibility and security than retail bookmakers. Below, we look more closely at what sets online sportsbooks in California apart from retail betting establishments:
- Far Greater Promotional Offers – Retail sportsbooks are often limited in the promotions they provide, with many only offering VIP or loyalty programs. Conversely, California sports betting sites provide a broad range of offers, from generous welcome promos to ongoing bonuses like free bets, deposit matches, referral rewards, and bet insurance.
- Boosted Security – Online sports betting in California is typically offered by offshore betting platforms that provide crypto gambling. The use of cryptocurrencies allows for far more secure online transactions and anonymous betting, which is ideal in states like CA, which haven’t yet regulated sports betting.
- More Extensive Betting Options – Retail sportsbooks typically offer betting on a handful of the most popular sports and usually only cover the hottest tournaments and games. Conversely, offshore California online sportsbooks provide a far greater coverage of local and international events, even those that don’t have a large following.
Bonuses at California Sports Betting Sites
One of the hottest features of California sports betting sites is the thrilling promotional offers they provide. These sites offer bonuses to attract bettors and keep them returning. However, these promos are just as beneficial for sports bettors looking to boost their bankrolls. Let’s consider some of the top sports betting bonuses.
Welcome Bonus
All the best sites for online sports betting in California offer welcome bonuses to new bettors making their first deposit with the site. Since these promos are used to attract new players, they are often exceptionally generous. Welcome bonuses come in many formats, from free bets and rebates to deposit matches.
✅ Best Option: BetUS, 100% up to $2,000
Reload Bonus
The top California sports betting sites also offer promos for their regular bettors. These bonuses usually have a smaller value but come in far more styles, allowing you to pick the ones that work best for you. Reload or ongoing promos may come as free bets, odds boosts, betting insurance, risk-free bets, rebates, and referral rewards.
✅ Best Option: MyBookie, 50% Sports Crypto Reload up to $5,000
Risk-Free Bets
Many top sites for California online sports betting offer risk-free bets. These promos allow you to place a wager of a specific value on a particular match or betting line. If you win the bet, you get to keep the winnings minus the original stake. Other risk-free bets agree to pay back your initial stake if you place the bet and lose.
✅ Best Option: BetOnline, $50 Risk-free Live Bet
Odds Boosts
Another popular sports betting promo is odds boosts, where the sportsbook offers the option to bet on a particular match using improved odds. If you place the bet and win, you receive your payout at those boosted odds.
✅ Best Option: BetWhale, Daily Odds Boosts
Bet Insurance
Betting insurance is a unique sports promo offered by California sports betting sites. Here, the sportsbook offers to pay back a percentage of your original stake when you bet on a particular sport or event and you lose.
✅ Best Option: BetOnline, NBA One-Point Payback
Most Popular Sports in California
California is home to many pro sports teams and a population of nearly 40 million, making it a sports betting hotspot. As such, you can find countless betting options at California sports betting sites. Below, we review some of the most popular sports to bet on in CA.
NFL Betting in California
Football is arguably the most popular sport in the US and a top pick for bettors in CA. The state is home to three NFL teams, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the San Francisco 49ers. The best football betting sites provide extensive betting options on the sport, with moneylines and player props being the most popular.
MLB Betting in California
Major League Baseball is as popular in the Golden State as football. Four MLB teams, the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, and the San Francisco Giants all call CA home. Top baseball betting sites offer run lines, moneylines, totals, and props on playoffs and championship games.
NBA Betting in California
Another popular game in sports betting in California is basketball, with the NBA taking center stage. The Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, and the Los Angeles Clippers are all NBA teams, giving bettors in the state many top teams to back. The best basketball betting sites offer top point spreads on these teams.
NHL Betting in California
While California is best known for its warm weather and beaches, the state is still firmly entrenched in ice hockey play. The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks all participate in the NHL for the chance at winning the Stanley Cup. You can wager puck lines, props, and moneylines on these teams at the best hockey betting sites in CA.
Soccer Betting in California
Visiting the best soccer betting sites makes betting Asian handicaps, three-way moneylines, and corners on the Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, the San Jose Earthquakes, and other top MLS teams a breeze.
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NCAA Betting in California
Top NCAA betting sites make it simple to wager on collegiate sports, like NCAA Basketball (March Madness) and NCAA Football. CA is home to plenty of top teams worth backing, including the LA Bruins, the UC Golden Bears, and the UC Davis Aggies.
Related Content:
Best March Madness betting sites
Best Payment Methods for Sports Betting in California
California sports betting sites make it simple to deposit and withdraw funds by offering secure and reputable payment methods, the most common of which we discuss below:
Credit & Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Top online sportsbooks in California allow you to deposit and withdraw funds using credit and debit cards, including Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover. Notably, these options incur transaction fees and can take up to five days to pay out.
Related Content:
Best betting sites that accept Visa
Best Mastercard sports betting sites
E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Neosurf are all secure e-wallet payment systems that act as intermediaries between your bank and betting accounts. As such, they eliminate the need to share your banking information online, making them a safer choice.
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Top California sports betting sites offer cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin) as a payment option. These decentralized digital assets follow a unique set of regulations that allow them to provide instant payouts with zero fees. They also allow for anonymous transacting and are exceptionally secure.
Related Content:
Best crypto sports betting sites
Top-rated Ethereum betting sites
Bank Transfers & Prepaid Cards
Some online sportsbooks accept prepaid cards as a means of depositing funds. Options like Paysafecard provide a safer way to deposit funds as they’re not linked to your bank account. Conversely, bank transfers are usually provided as a means of withdrawal, but they incur high fees and can take up to 15 days to reach your account.
Common Wager Types Available for Sports Betting in California
California sports betting sites provide a large assortment of betting lines or markets that you can use to bet on your favorite teams. Below, we look at the most popular options and how they work:
- Moneyline – A moneyline bet is the most straightforward and allows you to put money on the team you think will win the match.
- Spread Betting – This form of bet also allows you to bet on the outcome of a match based on the number points a team wins by. The bookie applies the point spread and for a bet on the favorite to win, they must win outright by more points than allocated. Underdog bets must have the team win or lose by fewer points than the spread.
- Totals – This wager also allows you to bet on the match outcome, based on the total combined points scored by both teams. The sportsbook offers its prediction and you must wager whether you think the outcome will be over or under this value.
- Prop Bets – These wagers allow you to bet on aspects of the game other than the outcome and include player props (based on player performance) and game props( based on happenings in the game.)
- Futures – Here, you can bet on happenings that will take place in the future, like which team will win the Super Bowl.
- Parlays – These are the riskiest bets you can wager and they comprise several smaller bets called legs. You must win all the legs of your parlay to earn a payout.
- Live Sport Betting – Top CA sportsbooks offer live betting, where they allow you to bet on sports matches already in play. The odds here are not fixed and fluctuate according to how the game plays out.
California Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Sportsbooks
Betting on mobile devices has gained popularity, thanks to the convenience it provides. As such many of the sites on our list offer California sports betting apps. While some platforms may offer downloadable betting apps, most, including those we recommend, provide mobile-optimized websites instead.
These mobile sites are more inclusive and are accessible by players using iPhone (iOS) and Android. Additionally, they are easy to access and provide all the same features you enjoy online.
Daily Fantasy Sports in California
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is fantasy sports betting, where bettors compile their own teams based on real life athletes and sports and allow them to compete. While federal laws rule DFS as legal, individual states can choose to regulate it or not.
California has not regulated DFS but since it is federally accepted, the state allows DFS gambling to take place under the radar via betting platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Responsible Gaming in California
The best way to enjoy California sports betting is to gamble responsibly. Top California online sportsbooks offer several responsible gambling measures that allow you to play safely. These tools include setting limits on your time or money spent on the site, the option to apply for self-exclusion, and access to external problem gambling resources, such as:
Final Thoughts on Best California Sports Betting Sites
California sports betting sites offer a safe way for bettors in the state to wager on their favorite sports and teams. After our research, we can conclude that BetNow is the best site for online sports betting in California. Not only does the sportsbook provide betting for all the major teams within the state, but there is a generous welcome bonus to use on betting sports.
| Top Five Pros | ✅Generous sports betting promotions ✅Multiple payment methods available ✅Dedicated racebook ✅Live streaming of sports events ✅Strong coverage of L.A. teams |










