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UKCalifornia Betting Sites — The Best Online California Sportsbooks
California betting sites give residents a way to bet on US and international sports, thanks to offshore licensing. These platforms operate under international gambling regulators and so are not subject to US laws. Their betting markets also cover the full range, from pre-match to in-play moneylines, spreads, and props.
This guide points you to the best CA betting sites to help you get started. You’ll discover everything you need to know about how to bet on sports in California, including the local laws, best payment methods, and more.
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
Sports Betting in California — Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best CA Betting Site | Bovada |
| Best Bonus for California Residents | 75% up to $750 |
| Payment Methods (Min. Deposits) | Credit Cards ($20), Bitcoin ($10), Bitcoin Cash (min. $10), Litecoin ($10), Ether ($50), Tether ($5), Check by Mail ($50), Bank Transfer ($50), MatchPay ($10). |
| Key Sportsbook Features | Plenty of promos, easy to use, 26+ sports, Request a Bet. |
Best California Betting Sites and Sportsbooks
There are plenty of California betting sites to choose from. We’ve narrowed them down to our top five, each based on the category in which they stand out best.
- Bovada – Best Online California Sportsbook Overall
- BetWhale – Best California Sportsbook for Beginners
- BetUS – Best Welcome Bonus for Sports Betting in California
- bet105 – Top California Sports Betting Site for High Rollers
- Lucky Rebel – Best Sportsbook for Californian Crypto Bettors
Bovada Best Online California Sportsbook Overall
Bovada is the most complete sports betting site in California. Sign-up takes two or three minutes at most, then you can claim up to $750 in bonuses when depositing through crypto. There are also plenty of ongoing bonuses for returning customers, including reloads and free bets. You’re also entered into the rewards program automatically when you sign up.
Navigating Bovada is also a breeze, making it easy to explore its competitive odds across over 26 sports. Most of the attention goes to where US interests tend to lie. Bovada covers pre-match, in-play, and futures markets on popular California teams, from the 49ers through to the Lakers.
If something else comes to mind, reach out to Bovada on X using #whatsyawager to see what else they have.
- 81%71%
- Bonus: 75% up to $750
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
BetWhale Best California Sportsbook for Beginners
BetWhale is our top choice for learning how to bet on sports in California. The platform’s clear, simple layout makes it easy to find everything. The mobile layout also feels exactly like the desktop version, just scaled for smaller screens. If you ever lose your bearings, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone.
Another strong point with BetWhale is the opening offer. Your first bet (up to $1,000) comes risk-free. Pick any market you like at a minimum odds of +100. If it falls short, you get the stake back as a free bet for another go. The platform also provides expert tips that help narrow choices.
- 83%59%
- Bonus: 100% $1,000
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
BetUS Best Welcome Bonus for Sports Betting in California
Out of all CA betting sites, BetUS is the best for bonus value and variety. New players can choose from four different welcome offers. The biggest one tops up your stake by 225% up to $3,750. Rollover terms land between 18x and 30x, which is standard compared to elsewhere. If a lighter play-through suits you better, there is also a cash promo set at just 6x.
Once past the welcome period, weekly reloads tend to follow as standard, with extra options available if you use crypto. Free bets also show up regularly, especially around major events. Free and paid contests are available for major sports like football, hockey, or basketball. These give fans another route to potential winnings with a more competitive edge.
- 80%71%
- Bonus: 125% up to $2,625
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
bet105 Top California Sports Betting Site for High Rollers
Bet105 treats every new account as if it were a high roller’s. We were tracking the Chargers in a road game, and the spread took wagers up to $10,000 from anyone. At Bovada or BetUS, limits often land around $250. Sticking with the NFL, Bet105 prices player props at -110 for every Monday night matchup.
Many players also appreciate Bet105’s fast deposits and cashouts. The platform sticks exclusively to cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Tether. These also bring in higher-value promos while adding an extra layer of privacy. It also works in favor of supporting large figures. You can withdraw up to $250,000 per week in a single request, with no internal fees applied.
- 88%–
- Bonus: Bet $100 $50
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
Lucky Rebel Best Sportsbook for Californian Crypto Bettors
If the focus is crypto only, Lucky Rebel pulls ahead. The platform supports Bitcoin Lightning, meaning transfers move quicker and cost less at the chain level. You won’t find that available at Bet105, for example. Also, cashouts move much faster than elsewhere. We saw funds reach our wallets within an hour on multiple occasions.
As for limits, these vary by token. Deposits open at 20 USDT and 0.0001 BTC, with no upper caps. Withdrawals reach $30,000 per week on certain options. Another major draw is the loyalty program. You climb through seven tiers using points collected from wagering and completing missions. In return, Lucky Rebel hands out several exclusive rewards like free bets, birthday bonuses, and even a personal host at the most elite level.
- 80%80%
- Bonus: 125% up to $1,250 + 50 free spins
- Visit SiteRead Review
This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.
California Sports Betting Bonuses and Promotions
The top California sportsbooks offer plenty of bonuses to reward new and returning players. You can find matched deposit promos, free bets, odds boosts, cashback deals, loyalty programs, and more. These bonuses help boost your bankroll, credited either before a bet is placed or paid back after settlement.
They can also provide a softer entry point for learning how to bet on sports in California. You can explore different markets, test strategies, and cover selections you might otherwise pass on with your own cash.
Welcome Bonuses and Promo Codes
All California betting sites shown on this page have at least one welcome bonus for new players. These are available in several forms, though the most common is a matched deposit, either on the initial payment or spread across the first few.
Check the table below for the top CA sportsbook welcome offers available right now, including their promo codes.
| Welcome Offer | Rollover | Promo Code | CA Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75% up to $750 | 5x | BTCSWB750 | Bovada |
| 100% Free Bet up to $1,000 | None | N/A | BetWhale |
| 200% up to $2,750 | 18x | JOIN200 | BetUS |
| Deposit $50 and get a $25 Free Bet | 5x | N/A | Bet105 |
| 125% up to $1,250 + 50 free spins | 10x | N/A | Lucky Rebel |
Ongoing Promotions and Loyalty Programs
CA betting sites start to show their range once the welcome offer is out of the way. Some, like BetUS, lean on a set schedule. You get weekly reloads and a structured loyalty setup that pays out as you move up, which is ideal for anyone who likes planning deposits in advance.
Over at BetWhale and Bovada, offers tend to come in the form of short-window deals that pop up from time to time. The easiest way to stay across them is to check the promotions page regularly or sign up for marketing updates so notifications land straight in your inbox.
These are the promos you will come across most while sports betting in California:
- Reloads: When you top up again, the sportsbook adds a percentage on top. It’s very similar to a deposit-match offer.
- Free bets: These act like site credit. If the bet wins, you keep the profit (not the stake).
- Risk-free bets: You place a normal wager first, then get your stake back as a free bet if it goes south.
- No deposit bonus: Any sort of promo that appears without funding the account.
- Odds boosts: For selected picks, CA sportsbooks bump the price for a short window to improve the payout.
- Rebates: When results turn sour, a portion of your losses over a set period is returned as cash or a free bet.
- Contests: Betting activity feeds into a leaderboard. You compete with others and win prizes based on the finishing position.
- Loyalty or VIP program: Regular play moves you through levels that bring perks such as cashback, better limits, or exclusive offers.
Bonus Terms and Rollover Requirements
All sportsbook bonuses come with T&Cs attached. Knowing what to look for and the meaning behind each makes it much easier to spot value.
| Term | What It Means | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering requirements | The total amount you must bet before any bonus-linked balance becomes withdrawable. | 10–20x |
| Minimum odds | Bets only count when the price meets or beats the stated line. | +150–+200 |
| Expiry date | A fixed time window to clear the rollover. Bonus money and winnings typically disappear after expiry. | 24 hours–30 days |
| Minimum deposit | The lowest amount you must add to your account for the sportsbook bonus to activate. | $10–$50 |
| Payment exclusions | Certain deposit methods do not qualify for sportsbook bonus eligibility. | Skrill, PayPal, Neteller, prepaid cards |
| Max cashout | A withdrawal cap is placed on winnings generated from bonus funds. | $500–Unlimited |
Best California Sports Betting Apps
Modern California sportsbooks like Bovada, Bet105, and BetUS design their platforms from the ground up to work well on mobiles and tablets. The big appeal here is flexibility. You can check odds and place bets from anywhere.
At the same time, the screen still feels very close to the desktop experience. Most changes show up in the layout. Menus tend to tuck away behind a hamburger icon, while the betslip relocates to the bottom so it’s easier to tap when adding or removing picks. In-play betting holds up too, including live streaming and features like the Quick Bet.
How To Use Offshore Sportsbook Apps in California
Most sportsbook apps in California are available straight through web browsers. You don’t need to download anything or go through an installation process. Here’s how to get started:
- Open your mobile browser on iOS or Android.
- Type the sportsbook website address.
- Create an account or sign in if already registered. Use the exact same credentials.
Expert Tip: Save your favorite sportsbooks to your home screen for easier access. After landing on the website homepage, tap “Share” or the menu icon, then select “Add to Home Screen,” and confirm.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
Online sports betting works differently in California than it does in other states like Massachusetts or Ohio. There are no locally-licensed platforms operating here, so most players turn to offshore sites. Sites like Bovada, BetWhale, and BetUS are based outside the US under foreign gambling regulators, so they don’t answer to California’s laws or U.S. laws. These platforms are also featured across our broader list of California gambling sites, which includes casino and poker options.
Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in California
Right now, California only signs off on pari-mutuel horse racing wagers. That happens through licensed racetracks, OTB venues, and a few approved online racebooks. There’s still no set framework for traditional sports gambling, so state-approved betting sites simply don’t exist. As of October 2025, sweepstakes-style social gambling apps have also been banned.
Meanwhile, daily fantasy contests operate openly, while their status lives somewhat in a gray area.
Last on the list, you will also come across prediction markets in California. These differ from sports betting in the sense that contracts replace odds. You purchase a yes or no position on an outcome, such as a team winning. The price reflects public expectation, and if the event happens, you get paid a fixed amount. This setup falls under market trading through federal oversight, which places it beyond state sports wagering rules.
Recent Ballot Initiatives: Prop 26 and Prop 27
California came closest to legalizing sports betting in 2022. The year before, four proposals came into view, with the following two eventually making it onto the ballot:
- Proposition 26: The focus here was on in-person sports betting only. It would have allowed wagers at tribal casinos and licensed horse racetracks, plus roulette and craps.
- Proposition 27: This one targeted online and mobile sports betting statewide. Large commercial operators supported it, with tribes as partners. Revenue promised funding for homelessness programs.
Future Prospects for Legal Sports Betting in California
Any path toward legal sports betting in California looks pushed well beyond the short term. Tribal leaders made clear in early 2025 that consensus across every tribe remains the gatekeeper. At ICE Barcelona 2025, Johnny Hernandez stressed the inclusion of non-gaming tribes. Meanwhile, Catalina Chacon dismissed 2026 outright and framed 2028 as the earliest realistic ballot window.
Quick Facts — Gambling Availability and Legal Age in CA
Why Californians Use Offshore Betting Sites
With offshore betting sites, you can place wagers on sports, politics, and even entertainment, whether it’s happening in the US or elsewhere. Payment methods include credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. From a legal standpoint, enforcement focuses on the gambling companies themselves. No players have faced trouble simply for using those platforms.
Legal Horse Racing Betting in California
Horse racing betting in California works through pari-mutuel wagering. You bet against other players rather than the house. Every wager of the same type feeds into one shared pool. Once the track and the state take their share, winning tickets split what remains. Returns shift as money moves between outcomes, which explains why prices keep changing right up to post time.
You can place pari-mutuel bets online through platforms such as TVG and Xpressbet or head along in person to licensed venues like Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and Los Alamitos Race Course. There are also some approved off-track betting locations available across the state.
Taxes on Winnings for Residents
In California, gambling wins count as taxable income. The one carve-out is California Lottery prizes. Rates start around 1% and climb to 12.3% based on total earnings, with an extra 1% surcharge once income passes $1M.
Now, because every sportsbook available to Californians operates offshore, those companies are not linked to US tax reporting rules. That means the responsibility falls entirely on you to declare winnings, and no W-2G form gets issued either.
How To Bet on Sports Online in California
To place a sports bet in California, start by opening an account, adding funds, and then placing a bet. The process becomes familiar quickly, even for complete beginners. Here are the steps to follow:
Start by choosing an online betting site that accepts California players. Among the available options, we found Bovada to be the best overall. Click the sign-up button, typically labelled as “Join” or “Register.” Then, enter the required personal details and create new login credentials. Finally, confirm your email to activate your account.
Once inside, head to the cashier and choose your preferred payment method. Then, enter an amount and follow the steps to complete the transfer. Check out the promos on offer, including the minimum deposit required and whether you need to enter a code.
You can compare available banking methods like cards, crypto, and transfers in our full guide.
Go to the sportsbook section and open the event that you’re interested in. All markets, like moneylines, spreads, totals, and futures, will show odds right beside them. Click one, and it goes straight onto the betslip. From there, you can play around with stakes and multiples. Tapping the same odds again removes that pick from the list.
Once you’re happy with the ticket, check everything over, then confirm. The bet will then move onto the active list, from where you can actively track it. Bovada and BetWhale also offer live streams for selected events. Results update automatically, and if it wins, the funds are added to your balance.
Betting on Politics, Esports, and Entertainment in California
Betting on politics, esports, or entertainment in California is only available through offshore sportsbooks, simply because no local options exist. Even states that do license betting sites mostly stick to traditional sports, with maybe a small esports menu at best. Politics and entertainment almost always stay off the board since regulators worry about influence and public trust.
Popular Sports and Teams To Bet on in California
Here are the most followed sports in California, along with the top local teams you can bet on for each:
California NFL Teams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Los Angeles Chargers
NBA and WNBA Teams in California
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
- Golden State Valkyries (WNBA)
MLB Teams in California
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Los Angeles Angels
- San Francisco Giants
- San Diego Padres
- Athletics
NHL Teams in California
- Los Angeles Kings
- Anaheim Ducks
- San Jose Sharks
Soccer and Other Major Sports
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Diego FC (MLS)
- Angel City FC (NWSL)
- San Diego Wave FC (NWSL)
- UCLA Bruins (NCAA)
- USC Trojans (NCAA)
- Stanford Cardinal (NCAA)
- California Golden Bears (NCAA)
California Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, you can bet on sports in California, but not through state-licensed sportsbooks. Local law only permits pari-mutuel horse racing. Traditional wagers are placed through offshore sites regulated by foreign authorities. From a federal angle, player participation faces no restriction. Prediction markets and daily fantasy contests also remain accessible through separate frameworks.
Yes, offshore sportsbooks are legal for Californians to use and very safe when you choose established platforms. These sites operate under foreign gambling regulators that oversee everything from payments to fairness and security. From a federal standpoint, placing bets is allowed. Laws in the US do not target individuals.
The legal gambling age in California depends on the activity. Lottery tickets, horse racing wagers, and daily fantasy contests require you to be at least 18. Casino-style gambling at tribal properties, including slots, poker, and table games, is 21+.
No, none of the California betting sites listed here require a VPN. Each of them caters to players based within state borders.
Sign Up at the Best Sports Betting Sites in California
Online sports betting in California works only through offshore sportsbooks, since state law does not license local platforms. The best one available is Bovada. You can wager in crypto and fiat on major US leagues, futures, live markets, and more niche events like esports, entertainment, and even politics.
Setting up an account is super quick, and you get access to several promos right away. These include match-up bonuses, free bets, reloads, and cashback deals. Those sticking around long-term can pick up loads of other perks through loyalty and VIP programs.
80% 80% This score goes to the highest rated sites by experts. Only sites that hold an expert rating of above 85% are given this status.
A green Jackpot Certified score is awarded when at least 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A red Bust score is displayed when less than 60% of expert reviews are positive.
A grayed-out gem means there are not enough expert ratings to produce a score. The gambling site could be new.
A green Jackpot Certified score means that at least 60% of player reviews are positive.
A red Bust score means that less that 59% or less of player reviews are positive.
A grayed-out face means there are not enough player reviews to produce a score.