This article is part of an ongoing series where our lifestyle reporter, Dean, travels across the nation to compare the online sports betting options each state has to offer. Next up is California.
Whether you’re backing the Angels, Dodgers, Warriors, or any other top team in the Golden State, the best California sports betting sites make it easy and exciting to place your bets.
Take Bovada, for instance — CA bettors can grab a $750 sign-up bonus before diving into thousands of betting options.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve discovered from testing the best Californian sportsbooks. I’ll also explore how online betting works in CA and reveal tips on snagging the most rewarding bonuses.
Let’s get started!
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| Is online betting offered in California? | Yes |
| Who can bet in California? | Anyone who’s 21+ |
| What online sportsbooks are available in California? | Bovada, BetOnline, Sportsbetting.ag, Everygame, MyBookie |
| What sports can I bet on in California? | Over 25 sports, including the NFL, the NBA, soccer, tennis, and golf, along with motorsports, eSports and niche sports like volleyball and handball. |
Pros:
Cons:
| Bovada | 75% bonus worth up to $750
Crypto deposits only |
After thorough research, I found that Bovada to be the best sports betting site that Californians can use to place wagers online. You’ll find generous odds on more than 25 sports, alternative lines, and an array of props alongside traditional betting markets.
There’s also a rewards program that adds loyalty points to your account anytime you bet, which you can later cash for real money or swap for bonuses.
Bovada was launched over 10 years ago, has 24/7 customer support, and offers same-day payouts via crypto, credit cards, Voucher and Match Pay.
| Sports Bonuses & Promotions | 4.85/5 |
| Licensing & Security | 5/5 |
| Unique Features | 5/5 |
| Sports Markets Covered | 4.9/5 |
| Mobile Betting App | 4.7/5 |
| Betting Markets | 5/5 |
| Payment Methods | 4.9/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.95/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.95/5 |
Pros:
Cons:
| BetOnline | Up to $250 in free bets + 100 casino spins
Bonus code: FREE250 |
BetOnline has been on the betting scene for more than 25 years, making it one of California’s most reputable online sportsbooks. Across the border, it’s also ranked as one of the best in Canada.
I rate it highly for its betting variety, especially in parlay betting, thanks to same game parlays, a Mega Parlay feature, and parlay boosts.
You can still place a variety of different types of bets, including teasers and if bets.
Betting lines are always released early, which will benefit you if you want to take advantage of early market prices, and you can enter regular betting contests for huge cash prizes.
| Sports Bonuses & Promotions | 4.95/5 |
| Licensing & Security | 5/5 |
| Unique Features | 4.8/5 |
| Sports Markets Covered | 4.95/5 |
| Mobile Betting App | 4.9/5 |
| Betting Markets | 4.95/5 |
| Payment Methods | 4.9/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.95/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.9/5 |
Pros:
Cons:
| Sportsbetting.ag | Double the first two deposits you make up to $500 each
Promo code: DOUBLEUP |
If you like in-play betting (like I do), SportsBetting.ag is the best California online betting site for that. It’s got everything you need for a top-notch live betting experience, including a quick countdown timer, accurate in play odds, and a wide range of markets to choose from.
These include live moneyline, totals, and spread odds. You can also choose from live props, such as the correct set score in a game of tennis, and you’re free to cash out your bets when you want.
The fact that SportsBetting.ag recently improved their website also caught my eye, though you can switch back to the stripped-back ‘classic’ layout if you prefer.
| Sports Bonuses & Promotions | 4.85/5 |
| Licensing & Security | 5/5 |
| Unique Features | 4.95/5 |
| Sports Markets Covered | 4.75/5 |
| Mobile Betting App | 4.8/5 |
| Betting Markets | 4.9/5 |
| Payment Methods | 4.85/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.9/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.85/5 |
Pros:
Cons:
| Everygame | 50% up to $1,000 crypto bonus
Promo code: CRYPTO1K |
I’ve found many advantages to betting on sports on your mobile device, and EveryGame offers the best experience on this front in California. You can play on any device, the site is intuitively designed, and everything works seamlessly 24/7.
EveryGame — which boasts 30+ years of experience — is also renowned for its competitive odds and its regular betting contests, which include $5k challenges and a hunt for the best odds.
And with a simple site design and reliable same-day payouts, it’s well-equipped for sports bettors who want a fuss-free sports betting experience.
| Sports Bonuses & Promotions | 4.75/5 |
| Licensing & Security | 5/5 |
| Unique Features | 4.85/5 |
| Sports Markets Covered | 4.7/5 |
| Mobile Betting App | 4.9/5 |
| Betting Markets | 4.65/5 |
| Payment Methods | 4.85/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.6/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.8/5 |
Pros:
Cons:
| MyBookie | $1,000 welcome bonus + $10 casino chip
Bonus code: MYB50 |
Lastly, we have MyBookie, which shines when it comes to the bonuses and promo department.
I tested MyBookie’s VIP program and rated it the best of its type in California. VIPs can claim monthly cashback, more payment methods, expedited customer service, and faster payouts, with MyBookie rolling out the red carpet.
Anyone can become a VIP here, provided you make regular deposits and place regular bets.
Before you become a VIP, you can enjoy daily sports news, betting tips, and predictions from experts. Alternative lines are available, college sports are covered well here, and unlimited 50% reload bonuses are available to everyone.
| Sports Bonuses & Promotions | 4.85/5 |
| Licensing & Security | 5/5 |
| Unique Features | 4.9/5 |
| Sports Markets Covered | 4.9/5 |
| Mobile Betting App | 4.85/5 |
| Betting Markets | 4.75/5 |
| Payment Methods | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.7/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.8/5 |
While California has the second most slot machines in America after Nevada, its association when it comes to sports betting isn’t that colorful.
As of the time of writing, there are no plans to make sports betting available on a widespread basis in the Golden State, which means the best way to bet on sports online is to join online sports betting sites.
That said, there has been much pushback in recent years. In 2019, the tribes were involved in an attempt to make online sports betting available in California. In the same year, a California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act was created.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on things.
Not much progress has been made in the intervening years. The best you and I can hope for is that more progress is made in California in 2025 and beyond.
With plenty of top-rated California sportsbooks to sign up to, you probably think I’m 100% in favor of sports betting.
But for the sake of balance, I want to take a quick look at the pros and cons of California online betting:
You Could Win Real Money
While not everyone who bets makes money, there’s still every chance you could win real money via your sporting knowledge.
It’s Safe
Sign up to legit California sportsbooks, and you can be sure that your details will be 100% safe.
It Makes Watching Sports More Interesting
When there’s personal jeopardy involved, a sports game suddenly becomes more interesting.
You Might Not Win
Online sports betting comes with the risk that you might lose more than you intended.
You’ll Pay Taxes
If you happen to end the year in profit, your winnings are classed as income by the IRS, and you’ll have to pay tax on them.
If you’re looking to bet on local California sports teams, keep checking back, as we’ll be updating their odds on this page:
>> If you’re in Canada and want to place wagers online, check out our guide to the best sportsbooks in Canada and the top CA betting apps you can download.
While we wait for sports betting in California to become official, I take a look at what the law says for other types of gambling in California:
Pari-mutuel betting was made legal in California in 1933 and remains legal today. You can place your bets at the 4 racetracks in the state, or you can place them online at betting apps specifically made for horse racing betting.
You can’t currently play online casino games in California.
California law isn’t likely to expand gambling to include online casinos anytime soon. The simple workaround is to join social casinos or sweepstakes sites or to play at offshore casinos and sportsbooks that offer a blend of sports betting and high-payout casino games.
Unlike online casinos, land-based casinos are legal in California — which means you can visit one of the state’s 70+ casinos and play games like poker for real money.
At many of the tribal casinos, you can also play slot machines and card and table games like baccarat.
While DSF isn’t regulated in California, you can still sign up to Daily Fantasy Sports sites and enter contests.
This is mainly because, according to state law, DFS doesn’t fall under the category of ‘games of chance’ and is instead seen as a game of skill.
California has had its own state lottery since 1984. It remains both popular and legal but it’s important to note that this is for the state lottery only.
Yes, online sports betting is available in California. Residents here can place wagers at reputable online sportsbooks like the ones featured above.
CA betting sites let you bet on sports like the NBA, the NFL, the MLB, and the NHL, as well as soccer, tennis, golf, cricket, and rugby. You can also bet on eSports, motorsports, and combat sports, while some California betting sites also let you bet on college sports.
Yes, you can win real money betting on sports in California. You just need to create a sports betting account at a California sportsbook before depositing money.
Then, once you’ve picked out a bet, entered a stake, and placed it, you’ll be playing for real money.
Most California online sports betting sites accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Some also accept eWallets like Skrill and Neteller, prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, Vouchers, and MatchPay.
However, the exact banking options differ from California sportsbook to California sportsbook. Sometimes, not all deposit methods are available for withdrawals, and vice versa.
It’s always good to review the payment methods offered before joining a site. That way, you can prioritize the fastest payout payment methods and get your winnings quickly.
All the top California sports betting online sites let you place singles bets, parlays, and futures bets. Some sportsbooks also let you place same game parlays, teaser bets, if bets, and round robins.
In terms of the betting markets, you can choose from moneyline bets, totals bets, and spread bets, as well as props bets like the first touchdown in an NFL game.
Online sports betting in California is extremely safe, but only if you play at legitimate California sports betting sites that are regulated by independent bodies.
Just make sure to do your research before joining any betting sites in California. Things to look out for include trusted payment methods and security measures like SSL encryption.
Whether sports betting is worth it or not depends mainly on what you’re looking to get out of it. Most people who join CA sports betting sites are just looking for some fun and to increase their enjoyment of sports, which sports betting can do.
However, if you’re looking to make a side income out of sports betting, you need to understand the potential risks and rewards. While the idea itself can be attractive, the reality is that very few professional sports bettors exist. What’s more, sports betting can be addictive.
It’s safe to say that Californians love sports — and they’re hungry for sports betting.
There’s plenty of appetite to join online betting sites that let you bet on all the top sports, eSports, niche sports, and more.
And with lots of reputable betting sites to choose from, Californians are able to bet safely without worrying that they won’t be able to withdraw their winnings. Plus, the top sportsbook and casino bonuses come in clutch and help bettors boost their bankroll.
You can also bet on horses online, though many Californians prefer to visit the four horse racing tracks in Golden State and place their bets there.
A slight drawback is that some of the best betting sites charge transaction fees. Still, these are generally minor, and they’re offset by the fact that you’ll be using trustworthy payment methods, where payouts are always reliable.
I’ve reviewed and rated the best California sports betting sites you can sign up to safely and securely. Each one stands out in a specific category, but they’re all equally solid when it comes to odds, bonuses, and markets.
Bovada is the recommended top pick overall for Californiaian bettors, and you can grab a $750 sports betting bonus as a new player.
Whether you choose to roll with Bovada or any of our other recommended picks, always remember to have fun and prioritize responsible gambling.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffers from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend that you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are only for people who are 21+. Also, check with local laws to find out if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
