Last updated on: March 12th, 2025
Best Legal California Sports Betting Apps + Sportsbooks In 2025
The top legal California sports betting apps in 2025 allow players from all over the West Coast to bet and win real money safely. In a state known for its star power, sports betting sites in California like Bovada and BetOnline stand out. Notably not among those options are popular US-based sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings. No regulations for online sports betting California legislators have proposed have passed, which is why the best CA sportsbook apps are all based outside of the state. As this page covers, those failures to pass sports betting laws in CA do not really affect players who still want to bet on sports legally. That’s because the sports betting sites that accept California residents are legal, safe, and easy to use.
- It is legal to bet on sports in CA when using internationally-based sportsbooks in 2025.
- There are many highly rated California betting sites with odds on every major professional and collegiate sport in the state.
- The best sportsbook California bettors can use is Bovada, with BetOnline and MyBookie also strong options for sports gambling.
Best Legal Online Sportsbooks In California
| Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Exclusive 50% Bonus Code up to $1000!Read Review | BVD1000 in Cashier |
| 2 |  |
50% Up To $1,000Read Review | Visit BetOnline! |
| 3 |  |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit MyBookie! |
| 4 |  |
100% Up To $300Read Review | Visit Xbet! |
| 5 |  |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit SportsBetting! |
Is Bovada Legal In California?
Bovada is legal in California. Serving California since the 90s, Bovada has proven to be a top betting site for over 20 years. There is no record of troubles when using Bovada in California. Bovada specifically accepts CA residents in their TOC, and no laws restrict using it. For more on the best CA sportsbooks, head over to our complete 2025 Bovada sportsbook review.
#1
Bovada Sportsbook
Best Sportsbook In California
There is no better site for online sports betting in California than Bovada. The online gambling platform has served sports betting CA residents since the days of Shaq and Kobe lighting up the Staples Center and has only improved over time. Bovada now offers players a $1,000 sports betting bonus (use code BVD1000) and has more betting options than any other platform. It is legal to use Bovada in California for all residents who are at least 18 years old, with users able to get in on the action using the world-renowned sportsbook from all devices with an internet connection. There is no Bovada Sportsbook app in Cali., with the betting site available through mobile browsers like Safari and Google Chrome instead.
Rating: 
- Exclusive Bonus Code
- 50% up to $1000
- Use code BVD1000 in Cashier
Is BetOnline Legal In California?
#2
BetOnline Sportsbook
Easily Bet From Your Phone
One area where BetOnline thrives is in the mobile betting department. You can access BetOnline in California from any smartphone with internet or Wi-Fi. iPhone, Android, Samsung, or Google device – it all still operates. This makes BetOnline the best mobile sportsbook in Cali, able to open in a second. With how instant the world is, make sure your CA sports betting site acts the same way.
Rating:
- Reliable Banking Methods
- Strong Server Connection
- 10+ Year Track Record
- Huge Assortment Of Odds
- No App Mobile Betting
Can I Use MyBookie In California?
#3
MyBookie Sportsbook
One Of The Safest Online Sportsbooks
MyBookie has been serving California as one of the industry-leading online sportsbooks. They offer some of the top odds and sports betting promotions in Cali. On the backend, they thrive, spending lots of time and effort in making sure you and your funds are safe. They use an encrypted link to make sure your web browser is secure along with the server to the sportsbook.
Ratings:
- Huge Player Bonuses
- Consistent Odds
- Easy Interface
- Rapid Live Betting
Depositing Into A California Online Sportsbook In 2025
Depositing into legal betting sites in CA is easy. Depending on the site, players can use legal sportsbook deposit methods such as crypto or cards. Some CA legal betting sites accept other deposit methods, but the former is the most common. For example, Bovada accepts California residents that use Bitcoin and credit cards to fund their accounts. A few crypto varieties are possible too.
| Deposit Method: | Bovada Min/Max: | BetOnline Min/Max: | MyBookie Min/Max: |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISA | $20/$1,500 | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 |
| AMEX | N/A | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 |
| MasterCard | $20/$1,500 | $25/$5,000 | $45/$2,500 |
| Discover | N/A | $25/$5,000 | N/A |
| Bitcoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$500,00 | $20/$10,000 |
| Ethereum | $50/$5,000 | $50/$100,000 | $20/Customer Level |
| Litecoin | $10/$5,000 | $20/$100,000 | $20/$10,000 |
| Bitcoin Cash | $10/$5,000 | $20/$100,000 | $20/$10,000 |
Best Promotions At California Sportsbooks 2025
Sportsbook promotions for California residents are one of the best things about signing up for a new betting site. The sportsbook bonuses and promotions at online sportsbooks that accept California residents often have a 50-100% deposit match. Some of the best sports betting bonuses in 2025 are even offered on future deposits too. Aside from sports betting deposit bonuses, you can find other smaller promos too. Inflating the odds, having risk free bets, free play, or moving the line are all possible. Sportsbooks taking California players offer bonuses and promotions in order to keep interest up.
| Sportsbook: | Bonus: | Rollover: |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | 50% Deposit Match Up To $250 | 5x Rollover |
| Bovada | 75% Crypto Deposit Match Up To $750 | 5x Rollover |
| BetOnline | 100% Crypto Deposit Match Up T0o $1,000 | 14x Rollover |
| MyBookie | 100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
| SportsBetting | 50% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 | 10x Rollover |
| XBet | 100% Deposit Match Up To $500 | 7x Rollover |
What Do I Need To Register At A California Sports Betting Site Fast?
To register for legal online sportsbooks in California, start with giving them your name. Included is some basic information as well. Sign into your legal California online sports betting account. Take advantage of one their bonuses for California sports bettors. Look at our breakdown of what to expect when you register at legal sports betting sites in California.
- First and Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Contact Info: Email/Phone Number
- Account Password
- Postal Zip Code
- Welcome Bonus Selection
- Make First Deposit
What Is The California Betting Sites Age?
Legal sports betting sites in CA typically set the minimum age at 18 years old. If California launches its own regulated industry, then the legal sports betting age could jump to 21. But, until then, 18 is the age.
California Sports Betting Laws In 2025
The sports betting laws in California are clear – the state’s ban on betting in § 337a of the California Penal Code (Part 1, Title 9, Chapter 10) focuses on sportsbooks, not sports bettors. Looking to curb “pool selling + bookmaking”, no sportsbooks in California have a license. But, there aren’t any laws banning citizens or tourists from betting on sports online in California.
California Sports Betting Propositions That Failed in 2022
In November 2022, California voters rejected two competing sports betting propositions: Proposition 26 and Proposition 27. These measures aimed to legalize sports betting in different ways but were both defeated by wide margins after a record-breaking $450–$600 million campaign, making it the most expensive ballot measure fight in U.S. history.
Proposition 26: Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative
- Proposition 26 would have legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and four private horse racing tracks (Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Race Track, Los Alamitos Race Course, and Golden Gate Fields). It also allowed tribal casinos to offer roulette and dice games like craps. Online sports betting would have remained illegal.
- A coalition of about a dozen Native American tribes, including the Pechanga Band of Indians, backed the measure under the campaign “Yes on 26, No on 27 – Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming.” The campaign raised $132.2 million, with major contributions from tribes like the Pechanga Band.
- Card rooms (e.g., California Commerce Club) opposed it, fearing a tribal monopoly on gaming, and formed the “No on 26 – Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies” PAC, raising $44.9 million. Editorial boards like the San Francisco Chronicle, Orange County Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, and Mercury News/East Bay Times opposed it, citing self-serving tribal provisions and lack of broader benefits.
Vote Results
| No | 68.49% | Approximately 7.6 million votes |
| Yes | 31.51% | Approximately 3.5 million votes |
Proposition 27: Legalize Online and Mobile Sports Betting Initiative
- Proposition 27 would have legalized online and mobile sports betting statewide for adults 21 and older, operated by tribes or licensed gaming companies (e.g., DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel) in partnership with tribes. It imposed a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, with funds directed to homelessness programs, mental health support, and poorer tribes without casinos.
- Major gaming companies like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel led the “Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support” campaign, raising nearly $170 million. A few tribes, such as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, supported it. Also, Major League Baseball endorsed Proposition 27.
- Over 50 tribes and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) fiercely opposed it, spending heavily to protect their gaming exclusivity. They formed the “No on 27” campaign, arguing it was a corporate power grab by out-of-state companies. The California Democratic Party opposed it, while remaining neutral on Proposition 26.
Vote Results
| No | 83% | Approximately 9.2 million votes |
| Yes | 17% | Approximately 1.9 million votes |
The dueling measures confused voters, with conflicting ads and complex provisions (e.g., Proposition 26’s dice games, Proposition 27’s homelessness focus) muddling the debate. The $450–$600 million campaign flooded voters with ads, many of which attacked the opposing measure rather than promoting their own, leading to voter fatigue and skepticism.
- Proposition 27 faced overwhelming resistance from most tribes, who saw it as a threat to their gaming monopoly.
- Proposition 26 lacked strong public support beyond tribal interests.
Failure Of Future Efforts
The California sports betting initiatives proposed for the November 2024 ballot failed to qualify. The Tribal Gaming Protection Act & Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act were filed in 2023 by Eagle1 Acquisitions Corp., LLC. These twin measures aimed to legalize both retail and online sports betting, restricted to tribe-owned casinos. They sought to amend the California Constitution and state laws to give tribes control over sports betting, requiring in-person registration at tribal facilities for online betting.
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), representing 52 tribes, unanimously opposed both measures in December 2023, calling them “disingenuous” and a threat to tribal sovereignty. Chairman James Siva criticized attempts to “divide and conquer” tribes. Tribal leaders like Victor Rocha of the Pechanga Band expressed frustration at not being consulted, labeling the proponents “idiots” on social media.
- After the 2022 debacle, stakeholders were hesitant to invest heavily without a unified strategy, delaying serious efforts to 2026 or beyond.
- The initiatives required 997,139 valid signatures by mid-2024 to qualify for the November 5, 2024 ballot. They failed to gather sufficient signatures, and no vote occurred.
California Sports Betting Timeline
2023
- June 8, 2023: Fliff sued for operating an illegal sportsbook while claiming to be a free-to-play app in violation of the Wire Act.
- February 17, 2023: No legislators introduced any sports betting bills for the 2023 session.
2022
- December 27, 2022: California’s Red Hawk Casino opens a new entertainment center in the the failures of Prop 26 and 27.
- November 16, 2022: Tribal leaders claim sportsbook regulation can be successful including tribes.
- November 8, 2022: Prop 26 fails as a California ballot proposal with 67% voting no. This accounted for 7.1 million votes. Prop 27 also failed, this one by a vote of 82% to no. Almost 9 million voters decided against sports betting in Cali.
- October 31, 2022: CA Gov. Gavin Newsom comes out against Prop 27.
- September 14, 2022: The advertising battle between Prop 26 and Prop 27 heats up. Both parties air attack ads on each other’s sports betting California proposal.
- August 17, 2022: The MLB has comes out in support of sports betting in California. They back Prop 27 for passage.
- June 27, 2022: Prop 27 qualifies for the November 2022 ballot. Full name: The California Solutions to Homelessness & Mental Health Support Act
- May 11, 2022: California tribes want tribal mobile sports betting on the 2024 ballot.
- March 17, 2022: California tribes fight back against anti-sports betting attacks with ads.
- February 25, 2022: The Berkeley IGS Poll shows 45% accept change, 33% oppose change, and 22% are undecided toward the regulation of legal California sportsbooks.
- February 9, 2022: Tribes in California begin a late push for mobile sports betting in 2022.
- January 18, 2022: A stand down gains national attention by major media outlets.
2021
- December 27, 2021: A lawsuit launches to invalidate props by card room owners.
- November 2, 2021: California’s tribes propose a new tribal gaming proposal for the 2022 ballot.
- October 20, 2021: Four mayors of major CA cities come out in support of legal sports betting in California. Their backed by major sports betting operators. Mayors Jerry Dyer (Fresno), Libby Schaaf (Oakland), and Robert Garcia ( Long Beach) back the homelessness bill.
- August 12, 2021: Commercial sports betting operators join forces with California card rooms. They see the California Solutions to Homelessness & Mental Health Support Act.
- February 9, 2021: The California Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation give market access to sports betting entity Kindred Group.
2020
- December 18, 2020: A tribal betting bill achieves the goal of one million signatures to get on the 2022 ballot.
- November 2, 2020: A presentation of a proposed gaming compact. It would give sports betting in California exclusivity to the 109 recognized tribes.
Can I Bet On Sports From My Phone In California?
Betting from your phone in California has never been easier. Online sportsbooks that take California players are almost always mobile optimized. Examples include Bovada and MyBookie offer mobile betting sites that are optimized versions of their standard desktop sites. These sports betting sites are legal to use in CA, but don’t have apps – you need to use their desktop sites only.
Devices You Can Use Bovada With In CA
- IPhones – IPhones can easily use Bovada by visiting their mobile website in Safari.
- IPads – IPads are Bovada-capable by using the browser installed on it to visit Bovada’s website – no app needed
- Samsung Galaxy Phones – You can access Bovada on Samsung Galaxy phones via their mobile website.
- Microsoft Surface Tablets – Surface tablets can use Bovada by accessing the mobile website in their browser.
- Google Pixel Phones – You can easily use Chrome to visit Bovada, without needing to download anything on the Play Store.
And More!
Where’s The Closest Sportsbook From California?
The closest in-person sportsbooks from California are a drive away. These sportsbooks will be in nearby states with legal sports betting. For example, legal sportsbooks in Oregon are closest to those in northern California, while San Diego residents would be best off traveling east to partake in some legal sports betting in Arizona. Despite two good options nearby, the vast majority of California travel to the best sportsbooks in Nevada, which of course are in Las Vegas. Once land-based sportsbooks in California are legalized, players should expect locations near major population hubs like Los Angeles or San Francisco or at tribal casinos in surrounding areas.
Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In California?
Yes, real money sports betting is available in California. The sportsbooks that accept California residents are real money sportsbooks. They pay out real money in the form of checks, crypto, bank wires, and more.
Where To Place A Parlay Bet In California
A parlay bet is a wager that comprises 2-16 wagers together. Each wager ties into themselves, increasing the potential payout. This means that if you every bet, you win your parlay. A large payout usually follows, depending on the odds. But if you lose one, you lose the whole bet. When looking for where to bet on sports in California, most betting sites offer parlays.
Parlay Restrictions In CA
There are some limits on what you can wager in a Parlay in California, most of them imposed by the sportsbooks themselves.
- Same game props are not allowed unless explicitly stated as such.
- Generally, you can’t parlay spreads and moneylines from the same team.
- You can’t combine halftime and full time spreads/moneylines from the same team.
- Alt-lines in a parlay can’t be combined.
Professional Sports Teams To Bet On In California
MLB Betting in California
California is one of the best states for Major League Baseball (MLB) betting, with passionate fan bases and historic franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres driving year-round action. While California has yet to bring sportsbooks to baseball stadiums like in Arizona, residents can still bet on MLB games using trusted offshore sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline. They have wagers for every Dodgers and Padres game (As, Angels, and Giants as well), along with futures odds, player props, and in-game betting.
- Whether betting on Shohei Ohtani MVP odds or Jackson Merrill’s breakout season, Californians have plenty of ways to get in on the MLB betting action.
Betting on the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are always a World Series betting favorite. With Shohei Ohtani on the roster, the Dodgers odds have surged, as the two-way superstar adds even more firepower alongside Mookie Betts. Bettors can wager on Ohtani’s home run totals, strikeout props, and MVP odds, as well as Betts’ batting averages and Gold Glove performances.
Betting on the San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have built one of the most exciting young cores in baseball, featuring Fernando Tatis Jr. and rising star Jackson Merrill. One of the easiest bets on Fernando Tatis Jr. is his stolen base totals, home run props, and RBI lines. Betting on Padres games, playoff chances, and player props are the most popular ways to bet.
Top College Football California Sportsbooks 2025
All of the betting sites we recommend on this page take action on in and out of state college football. You can bet on player props and game lines on the UCLA Bruins, USC Trojans, or any other teams that grab your interest. These college football sportsbooks are legal in CA and give all bettors over the age of 18 the chance to make money on college sports betting from home.
Legal California Sports Betting Apps With NFL Odds
The top NFL betting sites in California are all available over the internet. You can use websites like Bovada to place wagers on the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. NFL sportsbooks that take California residents are all international – they operate online, and not in-person, but you can use them legally. You will also find future Super Bowl betting odds for SB59 at Bovada and the other top betting sites that take California players in 2025.
Top 6 Questions About California Legal Sports Betting
Can I Bet Online If I Live In California?
Anyone looking for how to bet on sports in California will be happy to know that it is legal to use the online betting sites that are reviewed on this page.
Can CA Residents Bet On FanDuel?
No. CA Residents can only bet on FanDuel if they are not currently inside the borders of CA, and are instead in a state where FanDuel is approved.
Can I Bet On Bovada If I Live In California?
Not only is Bovada legal in California, but it has been one of the most popular sports betting sites available for over a decade.
Can I Use A VPN To Bet On Sports In California?
You can, but you might be contravening local laws if you do. Most legal sports betting sites that accept California residents do not like players using a VPN.
What Gambling Websites Are Legal In California?
California’s legal gambling websites are only the online sportsbooks that take CA players like Bovada. Remember Bovada will take California players as long as they are 18 or older.
Is BetOnline Legal In California?
Yes, BetOnline is legal in California. Although many people ask “can I use BetOnline in California”, the answer is always the same – yes.
Horse Racing Betting In California
Pari-mutuel horse racing betting has been legal in California since 1933, with the industry regulated by the California Horse Racing Board. For players looking for the best legal horse betting sites, players can choose to use sites that offered throughout the US like Bovada. Those legal racebooks in California offer odds on horse racing in both the racebook itself or in the sportsbook for the biggest races. This is one of the best ways to engage in legal California sports betting.
Daily Fantasy Sports In California
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) in California is not regulated. This doesn’t mean its against the law, though. Like sports betting, the lack of an industry doesn’t outlaw the activity. The largest DFS sites in California include DraftKings and FanDuel. As recently as 2018, there were attempts to pass bills to legalize DFS in California. Though it didn’t pass, nothing changed, allowing paid DFS tournaments in Cali. Your memberships at DraftKings and FanDuel should always be in good standing.
Legal California Sports Betting FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Safe In California?
Online sports betting in California is safe and secure. Using sportsbooks in California like Bovada are important. As long as you find a reputable brand or one with a license outside the US, you’ll be fine. They are a great alternative to long trips to Nevada for California players looking to bet safe.
Will Sports Betting In California Ever Be Legal?
Despite the failure in 2022, optimism remains high that sports betting in California will be legalized soon. Government officials know that they are losing out on taxes by not regulating the industry yet, while sports franchises and popular sports betting sites from other sites are missing out on revenue. Legal California sports betting sites like Bovada have provided players with a safe sportsbook for decades, meaning any new companies would be competing with an established brand that already has established trust among residents.
Will I Get Arrested For Sports Betting In California?
When using internet sportsbooks, there is no risk of being arrested in California for sports betting as they’re legal for residents to join. However, using other sources to gamble, like a neighborhood bookie, could result in legal ramifications for California sports bettors.
Where Is The Best Place To Bet On Sports In California?
Without any state-regulated sports betting, the best place to bet on sports in California is websites like Bovada. These outlets are legal and offer thousands of betting lines daily.
Is It Legal To Bet On Sports With My Friends In California?
Yes, it is completely legal to bet on sports among friends in California.