Best California Sports Betting Sites 2026

Top California Sportsbooks in February 2026

Is Sports Betting Legal in California?

Whether you can bet on sports in California is a hot topic, with an evolving landscape. Technically, sports betting isn’t currently legal in the Golden State, at least not in the same way as frontrunners like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

Lawmakers have so far failed in their attempts to establish a fully regulated state-run California sports betting industry. This is most notable with 2022’s Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 referendums, which both resulted in the public voting against legalization and regulation. 

This is far from the end of the story, although progress has stalled since the 2022 voter rejection. The sports betting industry in California would likely become the nation’s most prosperous market after any potential legalization. Just look at New York’s impressive sports betting revenue after legalization to see what could be possible. 

In any case, Golden State residents aren’t completely shut out from legal sports betting in California. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been permitted at licensed racetracks under the Horse Racing Law for decades, with several state-regulated online platforms also available. 

And for those wanting the full online sports betting experience in California, don’t forget about internationally regulated options. These sportsbooks are often our favorites, even in legalized state markets, due to advantages such as more generous bonuses, better international odds, potential for anonymous betting, and cryptocurrency availability. They’re regulated by the likes of the Curacao Gaming Control Board and there are no cases of prosecution for their use in the state. 

Key Milestones in Sports Betting Legislation in CA

California has been circling the issue of legal sports betting for years, but progress has been slow and often fragmented. While the 2018 repeal of PASPA gave states the power to regulate wagering, California’s efforts have repeatedly stalled due to political complexity and competing interests.

Much of the deadlock has come from tension between tribal gaming groups, commercial operators, and lawmakers, each with different visions for how sports betting should be introduced. These divisions have made it difficult for any single proposal to gain the broad support needed to move forward.

The most significant moment in California’s betting debate came in 2022, when voters were asked to decide between two competing ballot initiatives. Proposition 26, backed by tribes, focused on in-person betting at casinos, while Proposition 27, supported by major operators, aimed to legalize statewide mobile wagering. Both were overwhelmingly rejected, halting momentum and sending the issue back to square one.

Since then, attempts to revive online sports betting have failed to gain tribal support, and public statements from major tribal organizations in 2024 and 2025 have made it clear that no agreement is in place. For now, California remains without a legal sports betting market, and any future progress will depend on whether stakeholders can finally align behind a single, unified approach.

Recent Updates and Future Outlook

Despite California’s enormous market potential, there is little expectation of immediate movement. Tribal leaders and lawmakers remain cautious after the 2022 ballot defeats, and there is no appetite for rushing another statewide vote that could fail.

Industry analysts had once pointed to 2026 as a possible return window, but that timeline now looks optimistic. Recent comments from tribal leadership suggest any serious push is more likely to come in 2028 or later, and only if it has broad tribal backing.

In reality, progress will depend less on public demand and more on whether tribes, legislators, and operators can align on a structure that protects existing gaming rights while allowing expansion. Until that happens, California’s sports betting future remains a long-term prospect rather than an imminent launch.

An Overview of Legal Betting Options in California 

Here is a snapshot of the state-regulated legal sports betting in California options at a glance:

Betting Options	Is It Legal in the State?
Retail Sports Betting	❌
Online Sports Betting	❌
Tribal Casinos that House Sportsbooks	❌
Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing Betting at Physical Tracks	✅
Horse Racing Betting Online	✅
College Sports Betting	❌
Esports Betting	❌
Politics Betting	❌
Entertainment Betting	❌

Retail Sports Betting Options in California

Land-based California sports betting is currently prohibited for everything other than horse racing wagering. Analysts expect a brick-and-mortar framework to emerge alongside the legalization of online sports betting, especially considering the state’s numerous tribal institutions. 

For now, however, the only options remain pari-mutuel horse racing betting at licensed racetracks. These include: 

Retail Horse Racing Betting Tracks	Address
Santa Anita Park	285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States
Del Mar Racetrack	2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States
Golden Gate Fields	1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States
Los Alamitos Race Course	4961 Katella Ave, Cypress, CA 90720, United States

Does California Have Tribal Casinos with Sportsbooks?

While California has more tribal casinos than any other state, none of these establishments are currently allowed to offer sports betting. Tribal casinos in the Golden State can currently only offer Class III games, such as slots and table games, although this is likely to change when California’s legal sports betting legislation is finally enacted. 

The CNIGA has repeatedly stated that it is closely monitoring all legislative and ballot-related developments in the sports betting space. Tribal leaders have made it clear that any future legalization in California will be shaped by, and ultimately depend on, tribal participation and approval, ensuring they remain central to the state’s long-term gaming framework.

Here are some of the state’s most popular tribal casinos and the most likely to be sports betting frontrunners when the time comes: 

Tribal Casinos	Address
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino	777 San Manuel Blvd S, Highland, CA 92346, United States
Pechanga Resort Casino	45000 Pechanga Pkwy #45000, Temecula, CA 92592, United States
Thunder Valley Casino Resort	1200 Athens Ave, Lincoln, CA 95648, United States

Is Esports Betting Legal in California?

Not at state-regulated sites, mainly because there aren’t any internal California sportsbooks at present. Esports wagering is extremely popular and comprehensive at our favorite internationally based CA betting sites, with integrated Twitch live streaming and exhaustive markets readily available. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in California?

Daily Fantasy Sports occupies a slightly tricky space in California’s legal landscape. Popular DFS platforms are still operating despite Attorney General Rob Bonta recently declaring daily fantasy is illegal in the state. 

But the plot thickened after Governor Gavin Newsom appeared to disagree, with a spokesperson saying he “welcomes a constructive path forward in collaboration with all stakeholders”. 

In any case, Californians can still access DFS for the time being. While it may not be explicitly legal, it also isn’t explicitly illegal. Watch this space, though – there could well be legal movement in the near future. 

Offshore Sportsbooks for Californian Bettors

As mentioned, operating a California mobile sports betting apps and websites based within the Golden State is currently impossible due to the state’s legal landscape. However, there are several top-tier international, offshore options available to residents, which can be legally accessed regardless of their location within the country. 

These offshore CA sportsbooks are licensed by international regulators like the Curacao Gaming Control Board and Anjouan Gaming Commission, similar to how US-based brands are licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and other state regulators. 

This is an extremely important point, as we never recommend placing bets on completely unregulated sites. Only ever use offshore sportsbooks with valid licensing, because this provides oversight regarding data processing, payment protection, fair betting odds, segregation of player funds, and other important characteristics. 

Globally headquartered sites are the only option for bettors in CA, which isn’t a wholly bad thing – at GamingAmerica we prefer offshore sportsbooks anyway. There are several key benefits to internationally licensed brands, including:

• Cryptocurrency Availability: Our favorite California sports betting sites operating overseas are free to offer cryptocurrency banking options, which is currently unavailable in most US internal markets. Benefits include faster payouts, greater anonymity, and a decentralized approach that eliminates the need for traditional banking institutions. It’s particularly eye-catching in the Golden State, where cutting-edge tech has consistently been heralded. 
• Unrestricted College Betting: Many offshore operators permit wagering on all college programs, including major California schools such as USC, UCLA, and Stanford. This contrasts with several regulated US states that ban or restrict college wagering entirely. The broader access has made offshore markets a frequent reference in debates about how California should structure future regulations.
• No State-by-State Geofencing: Offshore California betting apps and websites don’t have the typical geofencing seen with state-regulated platforms, creating a far more versatile experience for folks travelling across the country. Whether it’s driving to and from Las Vegas or flying to the East Coast for work, these platforms remain accessible without shutting down the moment you cross a state line. 
• Larger Bonuses: Internationally regulated online sports betting platforms typically offer significantly larger bonuses than their US counterparts. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, these sites aren’t bound by the same promotional restrictions imposed by American regulators, while they also typically have smaller overheads due to cheaper licenses, fewer taxes, and great crypto adoption. 
• More International Sports: Many offshore operators cover extensive international markets, including niche leagues and global competitions that don’t always appear on US-regulated books. This includes sports popular among California’s diverse communities, ranging from the Ecuadorian LigaPro to major cricket tournaments, top-flight European basketball, and more. 

How Does California’s Sport Betting Legislation Compare to Its Neighbors?

California is somewhat of an outlier regarding state-regulated sports betting, with the restrictive stance at odds with its West Coast neighbors. Considering how Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona approach legal sports betting contextualises the Golden State’s stalled efforts even further: 

Oregon

Sports betting in Oregon has been legal since 2019 and is offered exclusively through the state-supported DraftKings-run Scoreboard app. Unlike states with competitive markets, Oregon sports betting operates under a single-operator model, meaning bettors do not have access to multiple sportsbooks. Retail wagering is available at select tribal casinos, but online horse betting and DFS remain limited.

Nevada

Nevada remains the most mature sports betting market in the country, with legal wagering available in retail sportsbooks since the 1940s and online betting active since 2010. The legendary casino ecosystem is deeply integrated with the Nevada sports betting market, offering extensive options and a unique tangibility compared to most other states. However, in-state mobile apps require in-person registration, a rule that feels somewhat outdated. 

Arizona

Arizona launched sports betting in 2021, introducing a competitive marketplace that features both online and retail wagering. Partnerships between major sportsbooks and local tribes or professional sports teams have helped the state establish a robust ecosystem quickly. Arizona sportsbooks also allow extensive betting on college sports and its own in-state programs – a relatively permissive approach that isn’t too common in other regulated states.

Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options

California mobile sports betting apps aren’t as commonly available as in other states, although this doesn’t affect bettors’ ability to place stakes using their smartphones. Internally-regulated US brands have popularized dedicated native apps, but our favorite offshore platforms all have perfectly optimized mobile browser sportsbooks. 

Since California has not yet approved state-regulated sports betting, these are the only options currently available. The good news is that there are no apps, no downloads, and no storage limits. Just open your browser and start betting instantly.

Modern smartphone operating systems also allow you to pin a quick website shortcut to your home screen, mimicking the app experience without requiring a download. Our favorite options, such as BetWhale, offer streamlined betting market navigation, quick-loading live odds, and integrated live streaming. It’s by far the best way to enjoy sports betting in California while on the move. 

Popular Sports, Teams & Events to Bet On in California

The California sports betting ecosystem is packed with potential, and that isn’t just because of the Golden State’s massive population. It’s also by far the most sports-rich state in the country, home to more major league franchises than anywhere else in the US, spanning the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and beyond. 

With a deeply rooted, sports-crazed culture and passionate fan bases from Los Angeles and the Bay Area to San Diego, California offers an unparalleled landscape of teams and events that fuel interest year-round. 

League	California Teams
NFL	San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers
NBA	Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings
MLB	Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics (moving to Las Vegas in 2028)
NHL	Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks
MLS	LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, San Jose Earthquakes
NCAA	USC Trojans, UCLA Bruins, Stanford Cardinal, California Golden Bears, San Diego State Aztecs, Fresno State Bulldogs

Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)

The LA Lakers are arguably the NBA’s most distinctive franchise, with 17 championships to their name and the iconic purple, gold, and black colorway. Luka Dončić’s surprise mid-season trade in 2025 has heralded a new era, reshaping the team around his playmaking while veteran LeBron James provides leadership in the twilight of his career. Look for Dončić triple-doubles, LeBron rebounds, and team totals at California sportsbooks for the best results. 

Golden State Warriors (NBA)

The Golden State Warriors, winners of seven NBA championships, defined an era with their 2015-2022 dynasty, delivering four titles and revolutionizing the league through a three-point-heavy offense. Stephen Curry remains the focal point in 2025, supported by Draymond Green’s defensive engine and veteran pieces such as Jimmy Butler. Player props on Curry’s three-point prowess are popular at California sportsbooks and can often be advantageous betting angles.  

San Francisco 49ers (NFL)

The five-time Super Bowl champion 49ers remain one of the NFC’s blue-bloods, with Brock Purdy at quarterback and Christian McCaffrey still the offensive centrepiece, supported by stars like George Kittle. San Francisco’s balanced roster keeps them in perennial contention, and analysts often highlight McCaffrey’s dual-threat production and the defense’s ability to dictate tempo as key factors in their continued success.

Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)

The Dodgers are on a historic streak, having won back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025, which would give them nine championships overall. With a loaded roster featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and an absurdly dominant Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2025 World Series MVP), the Dodgers are a baseball powerhouse. World Series futures are always a strong option, while home runs for their sluggers and strikeout props for Yamamoto can also be regularly valuable. 

Los Angeles Rams (NFL)

Super Bowl LVI winners in early 2022, the Rams have retooled around Matthew Stafford and breakout star Puka Nacua, now joined by veteran receiver Davante Adams. Sitting firmly in the NFC mix in 2025, they’ve shown they can win shootouts and grind-it-out games. Common stat-based California sports betting markets include Stafford’s passing yards, Nacua’s receptions/yardage, or Adams’ red-zone usage in marquee matchups.

Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

The Ducks, 2007 Stanley Cup champions, are finally seeing their long rebuild turn a corner. A young core of Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov, and Beckett Sennecke headlines a 2025–26 roster that’s faster and more dangerous than in recent years. Ducks games often show up in total-goals markets or player-points props on Carlsson/McTavish – something to keep an eye on at California sportsbooks for sure. 

California College Sports 

California college sports are surging on multiple fronts. USC football is now in the Big Ten and ranked in the national top 20 in 2025, while Stanford adapts to the ACC under interim coach Frank Reich. On the hardwood, San Diego State men’s hoops stay relevant in the Mountain West, and UCLA and USC women’s programs are national title contenders, with UCLA a No.1 seed in the women’s 2025 NCAA Tournament. Pay particular attention during March Madness and the college bowl games. 

2026 Soccer World Cup 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be huge for California. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood are both host venues, with SoFi set to stage eight games, including the USMNT opener, and Levi’s hosting six matches in the Bay Area. Group-stage results, total goals lines, and player performance markets involving the US and Mexico will likely be major focuses. Elsewhere, futures on the eventual winner and props on iconic players like Lionel Messi will also be popular. 

Popular Types of Sports Betting Promos

California-friendly sportsbooks typically lead with welcome offers, most commonly deposit-match bonuses that boost your first bankroll as long as wagering requirements are met. After sign-up, ongoing promos take over, including no-sweat bets that refund losing wagers as bonus credits, weekly rebates on net losses, and regular odds boosts that improve payouts on featured games. These offers are designed to provide bettors with consistent value, rather than offering a one-time incentive.

Many platforms also roll out sport-specific promotions during major seasons. Think NBA parlay boosts, MLB home-run insurance, or enhanced NFL player props, alongside loyalty or VIP programs that reward repeat play with reloads or payout perks. As terms and eligibility can vary widely, it’s always worth checking the promotions page to confirm wagering rules, expiry periods, and which bets qualify.

Responsible Gambling

Never forget the importance of gambling responsibly when enjoying online sports betting in California. We cannot stress this enough. Setting clear limits, understanding the risks, and treating wagering as entertainment rather than a way to make money are essential principles for staying safe.

Don’t chase losses either, as this is a surefire way to land yourself even deeper in the red. Be open about your sports betting hobby, as the moment you start getting secretive, it’s a sign things may have gone too far. 

The best California betting apps and sportsbooks also have helpful tools to help you keep wagering in check. If you feel you need to, don’t hesitate to use these to place deposit or time limits on your betting. In extreme cases, you can even use self-exclusion to temporarily block access to your account. 

Here are some additional responsible gambling resources to help:  

• California Department of Justice Responsible Gambling
• California Gambling Control Commission Responsible Gambling 
• California Council on Problem Gambling 
• Problem Gambling Resources in California

The Bottom Line

California sports betting remains defined by potential rather than progress. Public interest is strong, the market opportunity is enormous, and the infrastructure already exists through tribal gaming, yet the legal framework has not moved forward. Each push toward legalization has run into the same reality: competing priorities, political caution, and a lack of consensus on how betting should be structured.

What’s clear is that California will not flip the switch overnight. Any meaningful change will require broad tribal support and a proposal that lawmakers believe can survive a statewide vote. Until that alignment happens, residents will continue to sit on the sidelines of the regulated market. In the meantime, many Californians look to offshore sportsbooks as an alternative, making it important to choose reputable platforms and understand the trade-offs involved when betting outside a state-regulated system.