California Sports Betting - Legal Betting Site Guide October 2026
Two California sports betting propositions faced strong opposition in November 2023, and the issue is ineligible to appear on the ballot until the 2026 midterm elections. In July 2025, the California Attorney General opined that DFS contests are illegal under state law. Will sportsbooks finally arrive in the Golden State, and when can we expect a change to the status quo?
California promos
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by Kalshi. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
- Low minimum deposit
- Legal sports trading in most states
- Exclusive welcome offer
- All states + DC (excluding Nevada and Washington).
- Must be 18+
- Create and verify your Kalshi account.
- Deposit at least $10 or more.
- Trade $25+ worth of event contracts with seven days of registering.
- Receive $35 in bonus funds.
- Bonus funds cannot be cashed out, must be used to make additional trades.
18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading involves high risk and may result in loss of your entire investment. See polymarket.us/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing organization.
- All states + DC, must be 18+.
- Create and verify your Polymarket account.
- Deposit $10 or more and receive $25 in bonus funds.
- Bonus funds cannot be cashed out, must be used to make additional trades.
Terms and conditions apply; select states only.
- Live in all 50 states + DC
- New Prediction Market
- Low-risk bonus
- 18+; new customers only.
- Bonus available in 18 states ((AK, AL, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, MN, ND, NE, NM, OK, RI, SC, SD, TX, or UT)
- Must deposit $5 or more.
- Must make a $1+ trade every day, for five straight days.
- Collect $20 in Prediction Bonus Funds each day.
- Bonus funds cannot be withdrawn as cash.
- Bonus funds expire 24 hours after receipt
Terms and conditions apply.
- New prediction market
- First trade bonus
- Now available nationwide (excl. NV)
- 18+; new users only.
- Use the ProphetX promo code SBR to qualify.
- Make $50 or more worth of trades within 30 days.
- Collect $75 in bonus funds (three $25 increments).
- Unused bonus funds expire 45 days after receipt.
- Bonus funds can only be used to make additional trades and cannot be withdrawn as cash.
Terms and conditions apply.
- 21+; new Novig users only.
- Use the Novig promo code SBRBONUS to qualify.
- Make a first deposit of $10 or more.
- Collect $50 in Trade Credits.
- Some market and pricing restrictions apply to Trade Credits.
- Trade Credits cannot be applied partially or used on Make Orders.
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit http://www.ncpgambling.org . NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369)
- Sign up as a new Underdog customer with the promo code SBRBONUS.
- Play $10 and get $50 in Bonus Entries
- One $10 Bonus Entry per day, for five days.
- OR get your first deposit matched 50%, up to $1,000 in bonus funds.
- Min. deposit is $10.
- Must be 18+ (21+ in select states).
- This promotional offer is ongoing.
- Bonus funds cannot be cashed out directly; must be used to make additional predictions.
- In CT, HI, ID, IA, LA, ME, MT, WA only: Max. 25% deposit match, up to $250.
Disclaimer: The promotion consists of four $50 max tokens; if the entry loses, you will receive your entry fee back in Betr Bucks (max $200 total). Must be 18+ (19+ in AL & CO; 21+ AZ, MA, & VA) and physically located in a jurisdiction where Betr Picks operates. Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. T&Cs apply. For more details, please visit betr.app. Concerned about your play? Call the NCPG at 1-800-522-4700
- Test your fantasy skills
- 1000x Payouts
- Available on Android and iOS
Betr Picks, a new way to play DFS, is available in 25 states + DC.
Terms and conditions apply.
- New Gemini customers only.
- 50% first trade match up to $100 in Predict Cash.
- Predict Cash cannot be withdrawn or transferred. Must be used to make trades.
- 18+ in most states; terms and conditions apply.
Campaign period: Extended. The promotion expires seven days after account verification, and only events settled within this seven-day window are eligible. Each qualifying trade must be worth at least $25 and have a probability below 80%. Trades at or above 80% probability will not count. Trades are counted only after they have settled, and trades placed using rewards are not eligible.
- Campaign Period: Extended
- The promotion expires 7 days after account verification. Only events settled within this 7-day window are eligible.
- Each qualifying trade must be worth at least $25.
- Only trades with probabilities below 80% qualify.
- Trades at or above 80% probability will not be counted.
- Trades are only counted once they have settled.
- Trades placed using rewards will not be counted.
Trading in futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor.
- 18+ (21+ where required); new users only.
- Use the Plus500 promo code SBRBONUS.
- Make a first trade of $10 or more.
- Receive $20 in Bonus Funds.
- Bonus funds cannot be cashed out directly or transferred.
Terms and conditions apply.
- Supports more than 250 cryptocurrencies
- Secure trading platform
- Predict sports, politics, pop culture
Crypto.com is a trusted cryptocurrency exchange and an emerging prediction market platform that offers event contracts on sports, elections, economics, and pop culture. Use fiat cash or crypto to make trades and get paid in real time.
Terms and conditions apply.
- Spend $10, Get $50 in Bonuses
- Full prediction market now live in nine states
California sports betting summary
The legalization of the best sports betting sites in California remains uncertain as we wait to see whether 2024 will bring on any new developments. The table below summarizes the latest legal facts about the CA sports betting industry.
| 🚀CA online sports betting launch date | TBD |
| ➡️ Legal sports betting age | TBD |
| 🔔 California regulator | California Gambling Control Commission |
| 📝 # of sports betting licenses | 0 |
| 🖥️ Online sports betting | ❌ No |
| 🎰 Retail sports betting | ❌ No |
| 🏈 Fantasy sports | ✅ Yes |
| 🖥️ Online casinos | ❌ No |
| 🃏 Online poker | ❌ No |
| 📱Number of sports betting apps | 0 |
| 🌎 State population | 39.41 million |
| 💸 Operator tax rate | TBD |
Is sports betting in California legal?
No, sports betting is not legal in the Golden State. Recent attempts at changing the legislation have failed. Two ballot measures were presented in November 2022, albeit without success. Let’s take a look at the two proposals:
Proposition 26 advocated for legalizing retail CA sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks and was supported by a coalition of 50+ Native American tribes. The initiative would also have allowed tribal casinos to offer dice games and roulette.
Endorsed by sports betting companies, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, Proposition 27 supported online sports betting. The measure would have made online wagering a reality through partnerships between licensed operators and tribal casinos.
The measures faced fierce opposition on the ballot, with only 29.9% of votes in favor of Prop 26 and 16.6% in favor of Prop 27. As it stands, the sentiment toward CA sports betting won’t change anytime soon.
The earliest we can expect any new motions toward legalization is 2026, but we're not optimistic that anything will change.
California sports betting neighbors
While California remains stiff regarding its regulations, the sports betting industry in its three neighboring states is blooming. Golden State’s sports betting fans can take advantage of multiple retail and online wagering options in Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon.
Arizona
Sports betting in Arizona became legal in September 2021. The state currently has 14 land-based and 17 online sportsbooks. What’s more, the Grand Canyon State also allows mobile betting and remote registration, and you don’t have to be a resident to sign up with and bet at its sportsbooks. These AZ betting sites are home to some of the best sportsbooks promos available in any state.
If you prefer in-person betting, you can visit Paradise Casino in Yuma, just 9 miles from the border. Just keep in mind that the minimum legal age for in-person and online sports betting in Arizona is 21.
Nevada
When it comes to all things gambling, no state does it better than Nevada. Its decades-long sports betting history has given birth to more than 200 retail locations and several online sports betting sites.
With Las Vegas less than 50 miles from the California-Nevada border, you won’t have to travel far to place your bets. When it comes to online wagering, Nevada features only four options, but these include household brands like Caesars, WynnBET, and BetMGM.
The state laws don’t allow remote registration, so you’ll have to sign up in person at one of the partnering casinos.
Oregon
Oregon sports betting has a long and storied history. Legalized way back in 1989, sports betting in the Beaver State persisted until 2007, when Bill HB 3466 shut down Sports Action, the only sports betting platform in the state.
However, the overturn of PASPA in 2018 opened the door to legalization once again, and Oregon sportsbooks became a reality in 2019. The state currently allows in-person betting at four Native American casinos, while the only company operating an online sportsbook is DraftKings.
Notable California sports betting developments
The legalization of sports betting and California online casinos is not on the horizon. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at the timeline of legal developments in this area:
Aug. 26, 2025: A new poll from POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab shows that 60% of California respondents are open to legalized sports betting, with a full 25% saying it's "long overdue" and should already be legal.
Jun. 26, 2025: California Attorney General plans to release a legal opinion declaring online Daily Fantasy Sports illegal in the state. California sports betting remains prohibited despite attempts to legalize it.
Feb 8, 2025: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and social sportsbooks, including Kalshi, remain an option for residents in CA.
Oct. 1, 2024: Senate Bill 549, formally known as the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act, goes into effect.
Sept. 3, 2024: Senate Bill 549 is passed by the California Senate. It allows tribes to sue cardrooms for violating state laws related to gambling.
August 2024: California Governor Gavin Newsom agrees to deals with three Native American tribes in the state. The contract allows the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe to operate "Class III" gaming activities.
Jun 26, 2024: California joins Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee as one of five states in the national voluntary self-exclusion program. The program is designed to help players with gambling problems.
May 2024: Once again, tribal leaders let it be known that legal sports betting in California will not happen without agreements from the tribes. Little progress has been made on this front.
February 2024: James Siva, the chair of the California Nations Gaming Association announces that the legality of gaming in the state will come down to the tribes.
December 2023: As amendments are added to ballots, the California Nations Gaming Association announces that they're unhappy with legal sports betting initiatives in the state.
Nov. 1, 2023: Two new legal California sports betting proposals are submitted to the state. However, the initiatives are filed without the input of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and are likely to receive strong opposition.
May 26, 2023: Caesars Entertainment starts operating Caesars Racebook in the state.
Jan. 31, 2023: The California Gambling Control Commission introduces new regulations on gambling ads. The measures make sure ads incorporate information about responsible gambling.
Nov. 9, 2022: FanDuel owner Peter Jackson voices his optimism for the future of sports betting in California, despite the decisive failure of the online wagering initiative the company supported.
Nov. 8, 2022: Propositions 26 and 27 get rejected on the November ballot. The tribe-led initiative receives support from 29.9% of voters, while the online sports betting measure gets only 16.6% of votes.
Oct. 31, 2022: An independent political analysis organization, Ballotpedia, reveals that the two sports betting propositions have become the costliest legislative measures in the state’s history. It reports a total of $569 million spent to support and oppose the initiatives.
Oct. 4, 2022: UC Berkeley conducts another poll that suggests a grim outlook for both CA sports betting initiatives. 53% of surveyed voters oppose Proposition 27, and 42% oppose Proposition 26.
Sept. 15, 2022: The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reveals the results of a public poll which indicate that 54% of voters wouldn’t vote in favor of Prop 27 on the November 2022 ballot.
Aug. 19, 2022: The Republican Party discusses the two sports betting propositions, showing strong opposition.
July 10, 2022: The Democratic Party of California, the state’s major political group, reveals support for several ballot initiatives, barring the two sports betting measures. It strongly opposes Prop 27 while remaining impartial on Prop 26.
June 2022: Both the tribal and the online CA sports betting initiative qualify for the ballot, as Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber officially reveals.
May 3, 2022: The initiative to legalize online sports betting collects 1.6 million signatures, thus qualifying for the ballot in November.
May 2, 2022: A poll by David Binder Research reveals overwhelming support for the Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act, a measure that supports online sports betting. Major gambling companies back the initiative.
Feb. 23, 2022: UC Berkeley conducts a poll showing that 45% of the electorate supports sports betting, 33% opposes it, and the remainder is undecided.
August 31, 2021: Backed by big gambling companies, the third sports betting initiative called California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act enters the race for the November 2022 ballot. It needs to collect almost a million signatures by May 2022 to qualify.
Aug. 12, 2021: Several cities in California form a coalition, introducing the California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act. This is a countermeasure against the sports betting initiatives proposed by the state’s tribes.
May 27, 2021: More than a million signatures for the California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative make this measure eligible for the November 2022 ballot.
June 22, 2020: Senator Bill Dodd pulls the plug on SCA 6. He states that the reason behind the decision is the inability to meet deadlines due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nov. 13, 2019: 18 Native American tribes in California form a coalition to support the California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands initiative. To get the proposition on the November 2020 ballot, they need to collect 1,000,000 signatures.
June 2019: Assemblyman Adam Gray and Senator Bill Dodd introduce two bills that would introduce legal gambling and sports betting.
May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court repeals the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This monumental decision lifts a federal ban on sports betting, allowing each state to decide whether to legalize the activity.
Likely California sportsbook apps
Although there are no legal California sportsbooks yet, we can predict which operators are likely to apply for licenses once the industry goes live. Read on to learn about the most prominent sportsbook operators in the U.S. that could launch sites and apps in California.
DraftKings 👑
Although initially launched as a DFS platform in 2011, DraftKings has steadily established a name for itself in sports betting. The operator boasts excellent betting market coverage and regularly offers generous promotions. Thanks to its outstanding sportsbook features, professional customer support, and quick payouts, the platform has garnered considerable praise for its user experience, both on its website and mobile apps.
- App Store Ratings: 4.8 on App Store and 4.6 on Google Play
- Sign Up Bonus: TBD
- Payout Speed: 60 minutes – 7 days
Learn more about DraftKings: DraftKings Sportsbook Review
FanDuel 🔵
Shoulder to shoulder with DraftKings, FanDuel is a serious contender for the best online sportsbook in the U.S. The platform offers excellent versatility by providing a range of options for DFS, sports betting, and casino fans. It boasts a wide array of bonuses and promotions for all customers. New players in other states can get a generous welcome bonus from FanDuel, so Californians could expect a similar offer if the brand ever starts catering to its citizens.
- App Store Ratings: 4.8 on App Store and 4.7 on Google Play
- Sign Up Bonus: TBD
- Payout Speed: 1 – 10 business days
Learn more about FanDuel: FanDuel Sportsbook Review
BetMGM 🦁
With a solid background in the casino and hospitality business, the Las Vegas-native company BetMGM has risen to the highest tiers of the sports betting industry. In addition to excellent market coverage, the brand offers some of the best live betting odds and lucrative promotions. The platform was even named Casino Operator of the Year by SBC multiple times int he past few years. Its app ratings on App Store and Google Play speak volumes about its attention to customer experience.
- App Store Ratings: 4.8 on App Store and 4.0 on Google Play
- Sign Up Bonus: TBD
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 banking days
Learn more about BetMGM: BetMGM Sportsbook Review
Caesars 🏛
Keeping in line with the brand’s excellent track record spanning almost three decades, Caesars consistently ranks among the top five sportsbooks in the U.S. Its welcome bonus in other states gives new players ten 100% Profit Boost tokens, used to double potential winnings. Caesars also offers a generous loyalty rewards program, allowing customers to earn points that they can redeem for bonus bets or at Caesars retail locations nationwide.
- App Store Ratings: 4.6 on App Store and 4.3 on Google Play
- Sign Up Bonus: TBD
- Payout Speed: 1 – 5 business days
Learn more about Caesars: Caesars Sportsbook Review
| Likely CA Sports Betting Apps | Best Known For |
| Bally Bet | Exclusive odds boosts |
| BetMGM | Best parlay offers |
| BetRivers | Reputable parent company |
| Caesars | Top new player bonus |
| DraftKings | Excellent user experience |
| FanDuel | Top-rated betting apps |
| Fanatics Sportsbooks | FanCash rewards |
| Hard Rock Bet | Household gambling company |
| Golden Nugget | Golden Lines™ |
Alternatives to sportsbooks in California
While California waits for legalized sports betting, a new option has emerged. Prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket offer a variety of sports options, as well as other interesting markets in politics, culture, and finance. Best of all, you can legally use Kalshi in California right now.
These platforms are similar to stock trading apps, where you buy contracts at a set price and profit if your predictions are positive. Prediction markets are federally regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), meaning they are perfectly legal to use in most states.
You can use our Kalshi promo code SBR to earn a $10 sign-up bonus or our Polymarket promo code SBR for up to $50 in welcome bonuses.
Here are a few more great options for prediction markets in Georgia:
- Novig Promo Code - Up to $100 in Bonuses with SBR100
- OG Promo Code - Up to $100 in Bonuses (no code required)
California sports betting step-by-step start guide
Although legalized sports betting in California is still not a reality, there is hope that this may change in the not-too-distant future. Before sportsbooks come to the Golden State, let’s take a look at this comprehensive guide on how to place bets.
Select a sportsbook licensed in California
Choose a sportsbook that is licensed to operate in California, as only these sites can be completely safe. Also, read our extensive and impartial reviews to compare the different sportsbook features, such as bonuses and available markets, and choose the one that meets your needs and preferences.
Register online
If California legalizes online sports betting, bettors will probably be able to sign up remotely via their desktop browser or mobile app. However, if the state approves only retail betting, customers will have to find the nearest land-based casino or sportsbook and place their bets in person.
Deposit and claim a bonus
Once you create an account with a California online sportsbook, you will have to deposit some money. Potential CA sports betting sites will likely be offered popular payment methods like credit and debit cards, cash, and PayPal. Don’t forget also to check out the site’s welcome bonus, as it may provide a good starting boost to your bankroll.
Select and finalize your bet
Enter the sportsbook lobby and choose the type of sport or league you’d like to bet on. Then, choose a sporting event and the type of bet you’d like to place and consider the odds. Enter the amount you’d like to wager and confirm your bet.
Win and withdraw your payout
Most sportsbooks allow you to withdraw your winnings using the same banking option(s) you previously used to make deposits. Before making your first withdrawal, the operator will likely ask you to go through the verification process. After that’s done, the withdrawal transaction will take several days to complete, depending on the site and your chosen payment method.
California sports leagues and teams to bet on
In stark contrast to the illegal status sports betting has in California, the state is home to the largest number of sports franchises and has the most sports betting fans in the country. With such an array of betting options, Californian sports fans will have ample opportunities to back their favorite teams.
| NHL 🏒 | NFL 🏈 | NBA 🏀 | MLB ⚾ |
| Anaheim Ducks | Los Angeles Chargers | Golden State Warriors | The Athletics (currently based in West Sacramento) |
| Los Angeles Kings | San Francisco 49ers | Los Angeles Lakers | Los Angeles Angels |
| San Jose Sharks | Los Angeles Rams | Los Angeles Clippers | San Diego Padres |
| Sacramento Kings | Los Angeles Dodgers | ||
| San Francisco Giants |
That covers the big four, but it's far from the only option. There are four Major League Soccer teams (LAFC, L.A. Galaxy, San Diego FC, and the San Jose Earthquakes), a pair of WNBA teams (Golden State Valkyries and L.A. Sparks), and a trio of women's pro soccer teams (Angel City FC, San Diego Wave, and Bay FC).
Sportsbooks by category
California sports betting and the taxman
It’s difficult to say what the tax rate for sports betting winnings will be after legalization. However, according to the current law, bettors have to pay a federal tax of 24% on all gambling winnings.
In addition to that, these winnings may also be subject to California income tax. In this case, you’ll be obligated to pay a rate determined by your tax bracket. Unfortunately, income taxes in the Golden State can go up to 13.30%, the highest of any U.S. state.
What’s missing from California sports betting?
Until sports betting comes to California, we won’t be able to say for sure which markets will be off-limits. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at some plausible options.
Politics
Betting on politics is not permitted in any U.S. jurisdiction, so we expect the same to happen in California once betting gets legalized. However, many of the top prediction betting sites have markets on elections and politics (along with almost anything else). Since these platforms are regulated by the CFTC (and not considered sportsbooks), some are currently available in California.
Entertainment award ceremonies
In contrast to politics, entertainment award ceremonies are often a betting option on popular American betting sites. Popular markets like the Emmys and the Oscars could also be included in California sportsbooks.
Esports
Esports betting has been gaining traction in recent years, which means it could become a possibility at California betting sites. Players can expect to bet on League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, CS:GO, Rocket League, and more.
What about Daily Fantasy Sports?
Since California’s law doesn’t mention Daily Fantasy Sports in either a positive or negative light, the industry operates in the legal gray area. This means Californians can sign up on notable DFS sites and place bets. In fact, California is the largest single-state DFS market in the country.
However, recent legal rulings are challenging the status of DFS in California. Some operators have adjusted their game types or made other significant changes in an effort to stay ahead of potential regulatory changes.
Additionally, Californians can participate in social sportsbooks and take advantage of offers, such as the Fliff promo code while they wait for real money sportsbooks to become legal in the state.
California college sports betting 🎓
Betting on college sports is legal and quite popular in most U.S. states that have legalized sports betting.
However, this betting option also comes with some common restrictions, as many states forbid betting on in-state college teams. In addition to that, Arizona, California’s neighboring state, doesn’t allow college prop bets.
If the Golden State were to legalize sports betting, we could expect college sports betting to become available. Whether it will have restrictions imposed by other states remains to be seen.
Responsible California sports betting
When and if sports betting becomes regulated in California, licensed operators will have to offer resources on responsible gambling and gambling problems.
Like other states, California sportsbooks would have to allow users to set deposit and betting limits and exclude themselves from the brand’s services. In addition to that, they would also have to provide links to organizations that help with gambling problems.
The Californian authority currently in charge of responsible gambling in the state is The California Council on Problem Gambling (CalPG). This non-profit organization educates the public on the potential dangers of excessive gambling, promotes responsible behaviors, and helps individuals and families affected by gambling problems.
Sportsbooks to avoid in California
With the hurdles CA sports betting has been facing and the long wait for legalization, Californians may find offshore sportsbooks tempting. However, we strongly advise against registering and placing bets on these sites since they're unregulated and can, thus, be a threat to your money and information.
The table below shows some of our blacklisted offshore sportsbooks and why we warn against them.
| BetOnSports ❌ | TopBet ❌ | 131Sport ❌ | BetIslands ❌ |
| Closed in 2006 | More than a dozen reports on confiscated winnings | Scam sportsbook | Went offline in 2012, owing $1.5 million to players |
| $16 million owed to customers | Scam site | Closed in October 2007, owing more than $45,000 to players | |
| CEO indicted for racketeering |
Growth of sports betting 📈
When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in.
Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.
Last year, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state.
However, Missouri is now the most recent state to legalize sports betting. Stay up to date on the latest news and updates as they're announced by coming back to this page regularly.
The next states closest to legalizing sports betting are Oklahoma and Hawaii, but neither crossed the finish line in their most recent legislative sessions. It's unlikely anything will change in either state in 2026.
List of California sports betting resources
State of California Department of Justice — Law enforcement department
California Legislative Information — Digital archive of California law codes and bills
CalMatters — Californian nonprofit news organization
California Gambling Control Commission — Gambling regulator
The California Council on Problem Gambling — Non-profit organization dedicated to responsible gambling
California sports betting FAQs
No, it isn’t. California considers both retail and online sports betting illegal.
It’s difficult to say. Every previous attempt to legalize sports betting in California has failed, thanks in part to a complicated political situation that gives certain gaming rights to the state's Native American tribal communities.
Yes, it is. Californians can place pari-mutuel bets on horse races at the state’s racetracks and at off-track betting facilities.
No, it isn’t. All previous attempts to legalize online sports betting in California have failed, for one reason or another.
It’s uncertain. We’ll have to wait for new propositions and ballot measures to see if legalized California sports bettinghas a future.
Unfortunately, you can’t bet on sports in California. However, you can cross the border to Arizona, Nevada, or Oregon to take advantage of legal retail and online sports betting opportunities.
There are no legal sportsbooks in California. The state hasn’t legalized this gambling activity yet.
You can’t bet online in California. However, you can bet online in other U.S. states if you’re physically located there.
If California legalizes sports betting, you’ll have to choose a licensed sportsbook, create an account, deposit, choose a bet type, and place your bet.
No, they aren’t. California bans all types of sports betting, including sports betting apps.
It’s unclear what the minimum sports betting age will be once California legalizes the activity. However, we can assume it will be 21, like in most other U.S. states.
Recent News
