1. Sports Betting In California 2019
2. Sports Betting Books In California
3. Best Online Sportsbook For California

If you’ve been trying to identify the best California sports betting sites, your search is over.

Here, we’ve established the leading online sportsbooks for players from the Golden State.

• Although technically not sports betting, it is legal to play daily fantasy sports on sites such as DraftKings, FanDuel and Monkey Knife Fight, as well as horse race betting online in California through sites such as TwinSpires and TVG.
• Online sports betting is legal in California. No legal sports book in the United States takes bets online because of the Federal Wire Act. But you can find plenty of online sports books who would be happy to take your action from California. We suggest several trustworthy offshore California gambling sites.
• California online gambling is not yet legalized and regulated within state borders. However, there are real money gambling sites available in CA. They’re just based elsewhere. So if you’re wondering you can gamble online for real money in California, the simple answer is yes.

Compiling our rankings for the top CA betting sites is a team effort. And we have a great team. We’re all passionate sports bettors with lots of experience of gambling online. We know exactly what to look for when trying to find the best sports betting sites, and you can benefit from that.

Betting with the best online sportsbooks and bookmakers is a great experience. The same cannot be said for some other sports gambling sites on the web. So, if you want to get the best from your online sports betting, our list of the best sports betting sites for California is exactly what you need.

Currently, there is no form of legal sports betting in the state of California. Since the federal law banning sports betting (PASPA) came to an end in May 2018, there have been a number of.

Pick one or more of these sites for placing your real money sports wagers and you can’t go wrong. They’re all top quality. Importantly, they’re also very reputable and completely trustworthy.

Our Method For Ranking CA Sports Betting Sites

We’ve developed an advanced system for ranking online sports betting sites that allows us to recommend only those sites that meet the highest of standard.

We evaluate numerous gambling sites in a number of key areas, and the sites that receive the highest marks across the board are ranked accordingly.

This is something of a simplified explanation, but that’s it in a nutshell. Here are a few more details on some of the things we look at and why.

As you might imagine, many gambling sites are specifically designed for residents of certain countries. When we are looking for the best California betting sites, we seek out operators that actively cater for people in the United States.

This isn’t as much of a no-brainer as it may seem, because there are online gamblers in other English-speaking areas like Great Britain and Australia. While it’s true that you can understand the content perfectly, the website’s sports betting opportunities might not be consistent with your preferences.

Punters in these countries are primarily interested in gaming options that are popular there. And the preferences for Americans are quite different in some instances.

There’s also the matter of currency. Exchange rates are different, so a player in California should wager on a site that primarily uses the US dollar.

Keep in mind, also, that there are various service providers that facilitate financial transactions over the internet but don’t offer banking methods for certain locations.

We take all of this into account when we develop our ratings. It’ll be easy for Americans to deposit funds at any of the best California sports betting sites that we have identified.

There are multiple different options, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. They may also accept gift cards and ACH transfers.

It’s just as easy to withdraw your winnings, and most methods provide fast turnarounds on withdrawal requests. If you use Bitcoin, the transfers are usually instant.

You might be wondering if there’s anything that stops an online sportsbook from simply disappearing with your money. This is a legitimate concern, because a site could easily engage in sketchy practices.

But when you stick to the sports betting websites on our list of preferred operators, you won’t have to worry.

We stay up to date on the requirements for online gambling licenses around the world. This is one of the most important factors we consider to determine the legitimacy of a given site.

Sometimes you need to discuss an issue or concern with a representative of your chosen sports gambling site. This is another of the great strengths of the online bookmaker and sportsbooks that we recommend. They all provide good customer service

You can speak with a representative by phone. Some are even available to take calls around the clock. Live chat is another great option, along with email correspondence. These sites respond to inquiries very quickly and focus on timely and efficient resolutions.

Because it’s costly to obtain a reputable online gambling license, the people behind betting sites have to think in terms of long-term profit. Of course, you don’t start a business because you expect to hang around for a year or two then shut down.

As we all know, a lot of businesses with passionate, motivated owners simply fall by the wayside every day. The online sports betting industry is no different in this regard.

Having the right license is a huge factor for us to consider, but the test of time may be even more important. When an online sportsbook has been holding its ground for an extended period of time, you know that they’re likely doing everything they can to retain their customer base and build on it.

An established reputation is also a key indicator. When people share their opinions about a site, you can come away with a profound impression.

There are message boards designed to serve the online gambling community, and our people visit them regularly to keep up. We also have several professional connections within the industry, and all relevant information is shared within our network.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you were given hundreds or thousands of dollars after walking into a brick and mortar casino for the first time? That sounds like a far-fetched notion, but it’s routinely done at the CA betting sites we listed above.

After receiving your sign-up bonus, the extra incentives don’t disappear. The best sports betting sites continue to post promotions that center around upcoming tournaments or events.

You don’t have to limit yourself to a single bonus as a new player. If you make deposits at more than one online sportsbook, you can rake in several bonuses.

Online Betting Options for Different Sports

When you make a deposit and place your bets at one of the top California betting websites, you’ll have a wide range of sporting events and wagering options. Though it’s a virtual environment, the offerings are pretty much identical to the general scheme you would find at any Las Vegas sportsbook.

Of course, some people have never ventured into a physical sportsbook. If you’re one of them, you wouldn’t know what to expect, so we will provide the rundown.

In the US, the sport that takes the most betting action is American football. Nearly 40% of people polled named football as their favorite sport, with basketball as a distant second.

Most people make their football bets against the point spread, but this is not your only option. You could bet on the point spread, the moneyline, or totals.

At the best California sports betting sites there are also teaser bets, in-game wagering, and futures bets. Proposition bets may be available over the course of the season.

Typically, you’re able to wager on all the NFL games, and the majority of NCCAA football games.

Once you review and understand the different types of wagers, you have a solid foundation, you’ll notice that the same options are offered for other sports with some variations.

College and NBA basketball bets are identical to football with just a small tweak. In basketball, there are 6-point, 6 ½-point, and 7 ½-point teasers available. The fewer points you take, the higher the potential payout.

In basketball, the teaser points you can choose from are not that high, typically between 4 and 6 points.

There are some similarities and a few differences when it comes to Major League Baseball betting conventions. Straight bets on sides are traditionally made on the moneyline, but when there’s a very big favorite, you’re looking at a negative value.

One way to get around this would be to play a parlay with multiple teams that are very likely to win their games. Even if all of the teams are laying big minus money individually, when you combine multiple betting interests, the payout odds become much more palatable.

While there’s no betting against a variable spread that is determined based on the matchup, there’s a run line option. This will always be set at 1 ½ runs, so the favorite must win by at least two runs, and a bet on the underdog would be a winner even if they lose by a single run.

As for the anticipated payout on a winning run line bet, sportsbooks set a moneyline that varies depending on the perceived strength of each side.

Basketball and football are pretty much right in line when it comes to betting structures, and the same could be said for baseball and hockey.

NHL options mirror the Major League Baseball wagers that are available. This would include the run line, but for hockey it is called the “puck line.”

The best California sports betting sites post lines on a number of different sports outside of the “big four.” NASCAR fans are as passionate as it gets, and online sportsbooks post odds on each driver to win the respective events. You can also place wagers on major IndyCar races.

Odds on the winner of major tennis tournaments and golf tournaments are posted, along with boxing, MMA fights, and soccer. It’s interesting to note that any site that calls the sport “soccer” rather than “football” is almost certainly designed for the US market.

State-Regulated Sports Betting in California

Unless you’ve been living under the proverbial rock, you should be aware of the fact that a Supreme Court ruling on sports gambling was handed down in 2018 that had a profound affect on gambling laws in the United States.

To refresh your memory, it started with the state of New Jersey legalizing the practice in 2012. The voters decided they were in favor of sportsbooks in the existing casinos in Atlantic City along with the state-licensed horse racing tracks.

The major sports leagues and the NCAA have always been adamantly against sports gambling, because they are concerned about game fixing and point shaving.

These entities filed a lawsuit to prevent sportsbooks from opening in the Garden State. As a premise, they used the federal law that prohibits wagering on sporting events that was enacted in 1992. They were victorious in the lower courts, and the state’s attorneys filed appeals.

That’s how the matter made its way to the highest court in the land, where the Supreme Court found it to be unconstitutional.

They specifically cited the 10^th Amendment that ensures the rights for states to make their own laws as long as there is no constitutional infringement.

Since New Jersey already had a law spelling out the regulatory parameters, they had sportsbooks up and running shortly after the landmark ruling. Several other states followed their lead, but the vast majority of them have not taken advantage of this opportunity.

California is not at the top of the “next up” list for legalization of brick and mortar sportsbooks, but many legislators are supportive. There’s going to be a sports gaming referendum on the ballot in 2020, so voters will decide if their state should move forward.

If they pass the referendum, there will be another time-consuming phase that will delay the opening of sportsbooks. All the regulatory details must be hashed out and agreed upon by the legislature and the governor, so Californians will not be visiting local sportsbooks any time soon.

There’s a lot to digest on this page, so we will leave you with some summarized takeaways. We conducted in-depth research to evaluate all of the contenders while evaluating the best California sports betting sites. Our list has been carefully prepared based on relevant data.

You can trust the sites on every level, and they go the extra mile to provide world-class customer service. All of these online sportsbooks are specifically designed to suit the needs of American players.

States have the right to regulate and license sports betting facilities, and California is slowly moving in that direction, but it will take a while. And in the meantime, our approved sites will always be available to take your real money sports wagers.

After the repeal of PASPA in 2018, states had the right to decide if they wanted to legalize and how to regulate gambling in their states. Though some states (like New Jersey and Pennsylvania) forged ahead with legalizing sports betting in retail locations and online, California legalities have been slower fought.

Despite having made various attempts to legalize online betting and sports betting in the state, California so far hasn’t been able to. Though CA online sports betting is currently illegal, the potential tax benefits are likely to sway even those most apathetic to gambling.

California Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players. DFS is available in California. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, read our Monkey Knife Fight review. Play fantasy games by selecting prop contests on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, soccer, and more.

Most Likely CA Online Sports Betting Sites

Though the future of California online sports betting is still up in the air, we can make some educated guesses about what the market will potentially look like. Here are some likely CA online sports betting sites to open in CA after legalization. These are top sports betting sites in other states and have a high probability of gaining access to the California market as future CA online sportsbooks.

FanDuel

FanDuel has both an online sportsbook as well as a daily fantasy app and site. Since fantasy bets are legal in California online sports betting, there is a strong chance that Fanduel will expand once California laws are finally drawn.

Caesars Sportsbook

Since there is a Harrah’s retail casino in California and Harrah’s is owned by Caesars, it is highly likely that Caesars would open a CA online sportsbook once online betting is legalized.

DraftKings

DraftKings are another daily fantasy based site. The success and popularity of this legal form of California online sports betting is a great way for DraftKings to become a California online sportsbook after legalization.

BetMGM

MGM’s largest single retail casino is located in Las Vegas, not far outside the California border. Since MGM already has affiliations with the California Gaming Commission, they could prove a valuable resource and a pretty safe bet for a future BetMGM site.

California Betting Laws

There aren’t currently any laws in California prohibiting online gambling. However, this also means that it is not state sanctioned or regulated. You cannot legally start a gambling business in the state, but technically there are no laws saying you cannot bet online. You will not face any type of prosecution for betting online in California, but you should still be aware of the safety of the sports betting websites you’re using.

States where you can already place an online sports bet today :

Updated on :

Colorado | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Michigan | Nevada | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia

California Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

Since the sports industry is so large, the potential for California online sports betting is endless. From types of wagers to the sheer number of California teams to bet on, there will be plenty of options when California online sports betting is legalized.

Common Types of Bets

The wide variety of sports leaves the market open for a ton of innovation in betting styles.

Straight Bets

Sports Betting In California 2019

These are the most common types of bets in the industry. When the betting line is set, bettors decide whether to bet on the favorite or the underdog. If you choose the favorite, you increase your betting odds. However, the favorite has to win the game with a higher number of points than the point spread for you to cash in. If you choose the underdog, they have to win or at least lose by less than the point spread. Therefore, while your betting odds increase when betting for the favorite, so does the burden of requirements.

Total Line Bets

This is also a popular sports bet. It’s also pretty straightforward. A number is set for the predicted combined final score of both teams. Then, you would guess whether you believe the actual total will be over or under that amount. It can often be a bet made for half a game in sports like football or basketball.

Money Line Bets

Mostly used in baseball and hockey, these types of bets can be a risk as they do not involve a point spread. Meaning the amount you have to bet varies whether you choose to bet on the favorite or the underdog. For instance, if the Yankees are favored to win against the Dodgers, you may see the betting odds described like this: Dodgers (+120), Yankees (-135). This means to bet on the Dodgers, you would only need to put down $100 and you could potentially win $120. Whereas, you would need to bet $135 on the Yankees to win $100.

Parlay Bets

These are probably the highest risk bets out there. They involve grouping together multiple bets together and can often be bets that last an entire season. There is very little room for error in these types of bets because you need to win all of your separate bets to see any money.

Teaser Bets

This bet is a bit of a twist on a parlay. It is not as high risk and also not as high reward. Bets are still grouped together like a parlay, but you are able to tweak the point spread in this style of betting. Making it a bit less lucrative and a bit more controlled.

Head-to-Head Bets

These bets are made on non-team sports. In sports such as golf and NASCAR, these bets simply represent which of two competitors will win. Often, a money line will be attached as a way to handicap a race. Though this is a popular betting style, it’s also a hard gamble to make considering the size of the field.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

• Football (both NFL and college)
• Basketball (NBA)
• Tennis
• Hockey (NHL)
• Baseball (MLB)
• Soccer
• Golf
• Boxing
• NASCAR
• Formula 1

Popular California Events

• Auto Club 400 - this is the only NASCAR event held in Southern California. It’s held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and usually takes place in March.
• Vans U.S. Open of Surfing - this is known as the biggest surfing event in the world. It’s held in Huntington Beach over nine days in July/August.
• AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM- this golfing event started in 1937 with an idea from Bing Crosby. It’s a fun event held in February involving golf professionals and A-list celebrities so it draws a huge crowd of in person as well as at home spectators.
• BNP Paribas Open - held in March, this is the largest international tennis tournament other than the four Grand Slams.
• Sea Otter Classic - known as a “celebration of cycling”, this Monterrey based biking event features a wide range of cycling opportunities.

Best Teams to Bet On

Below is a list of the Major League teams in California. California has nearly twice the amount of major league teams than any other state. All of them present great betting opportunities.

Baseball

• Los Angeles Angels
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Oakland Athletics
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants

Basketball

• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Sacramento Kings
• Los Angeles Sparks

Football

• Los Angeles Chargers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Oakland Raiders
• San Francisco 49ers

Hockey

• Anaheim Ducks
• Los Angeles Kings
• San Jose Sharks

Soccer

• LA Galaxy
• Los Angeles FC
• San Jose Earthquakes

Common Payment Options

Sports Betting Books In California

For most states, there are a few common payment methods in online sports betting. Here are some of the more popular options.

• Debit/Credit cards
• Paypal
• Prepaid Cards
• Cash at a retail partner’s sportsbook
• ACH/Wire Transfer

CA Online Sports Betting FAQ

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

In the United States, there was a federal ban on sports betting from 1992 to 2018. Known as PASPA, this law made it impossible for states to make their own laws about sports betting. Unless they had been grandfathered in and were already partaking in sports betting before 1992.

Best Online Sportsbook For California

When PASPA was overturned in 2018, states regained control of being able to make laws individually. There are legal sports betting sites in the US, however, you should be aware of what state you’re in and what laws apply before betting.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in California?

Registering for an account with most sports betting websites is pretty easy and usually can be done in a couple of minutes. You will have to give your full name, address and date of birth to prove you are at least 21 years of age. You will also have to give an email address as well as some account information like username and password. Additionally, you will have to choose your payment preferences.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in California?

Since the California online sports betting market is still unregulated, choosing a top sports betting site with a good reputation for safety is important. The best way to find out whether a particular sports betting website is safe is to do some research. There are plenty of reviews out there for bettors to read and educate themselves with. Choose a website with a good reputation and you should feel very secure about depositing your money.

Can I set betting limits?

Yes. On most betting sites you can set deposit limits, loss limits and transfer limits. This helps you limit your losses and betting liability. You can decide whether you want these limits to apply on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

Final Thoughts on Betting in California

Though it’s still unregulated now, California online sports betting has some great groundwork for legalization. Since other states have been paving the way, there are also some great established online sports betting sites to potentially open in CA. Though California online sports betting is currently all offshore and unregulated, bettor’s look forward to potential future California online sportsbooks. In addition to serving a purpose for vested CA bettors, legalizing CA online sports betting also stands to bring in tons of tax revenue for the state. A win win solution for the state!