The Ultimate Guide to Sports Betting in California: Everything You Need to Know

Sports betting has become a widely popular activity across the United States, and California is no exception. The Golden State, home to a massive sports fanbase and a growing gaming industry, has long been a hotspot for discussions about the legalization of sports wagering. As of now, California remains one of the largest markets where sports betting is not fully legalized. However, recent legislative efforts and changes in public opinion signal a potential shift. This guide covers everything you need to know about sports betting in California, from the current legal status to where and how you can place bets in the state.

1. The Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in California

As of 2024, sports betting in California is not yet fully legal. There have been multiple efforts to change this, but progress has been slow due to opposition from various stakeholders. In 2022, California voters rejected Proposition 27, which would have allowed online sports betting through licensed operators. Proposition 26, a competing measure that sought to legalize in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks, was also defeated in the same election.

Despite these setbacks, California lawmakers are not giving up on the issue. Several bills have been introduced to legalize sports betting, and public opinion on the matter continues to shift. While it’s still unclear when sports betting will be legalized in California, there’s optimism that the state could eventually follow in the footsteps of others that have embraced sports wagering.

2. Why California is a Key Market for Sports Betting

California is a sports-crazy state with a rich history of success in nearly every major sport. The state is home to multiple professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL), and Los Angeles Rams (NFL). College sports are also hugely popular, with universities like the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Berkeley, boasting strong athletic programs.

With such a large and passionate sports fanbase, the market for sports betting in California could be massive. The potential revenue from legal Sports Betting California is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, making it an attractive prospect for both the state government and potential operators.

3. Types of Sports Betting in California

Once sports betting becomes legal in California, there will likely be several ways to place bets. These include:

In-Person Sports Betting

Under Proposition 26, sports betting would be allowed in person at tribal casinos and select racetracks across the state. This would be similar to how sports betting is currently conducted in Nevada. If legalized, you could visit a nearby casino or racetrack to place your wagers on various sporting events, from football and basketball to horse racing and beyond.

Online Sports Betting

Proposition 27, which was rejected in 2022, proposed the legalization of online sports betting in California. If a similar measure is passed in the future, residents could place bets via mobile apps or websites licensed by the state. Online betting would open up opportunities for Californians to bet from the comfort of their homes or while on the go, offering a more convenient option than in-person betting.

Fantasy Sports

In the meantime, Californians can still engage in daily fantasy sports (DFS) through platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo Sports. These contests allow players to create fantasy teams and compete for cash prizes, though they are not classified as traditional sports betting.

4. How to Bet on Sports in California (Once Legal)

Once sports betting is legalized in California, the process of placing bets will be fairly straightforward, but there will be certain steps and considerations to keep in mind.

1. Choose a Betting Platform

You will likely need to select a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated by the state. This could be a brick-and-mortar casino, a racetrack, or an online platform. When online sports betting is legalized, sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM could dominate the California market.

2. Create an Account

For online sportsbooks, you will need to create an account by providing personal details and verifying your identity. Most platforms will require you to be at least 21 years old and located within the state’s borders to place a legal bet.

3. Deposit Funds

Once you’ve created your account, you can deposit funds using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, or bank transfers. Make sure to check for any deposit bonuses or promotions that the sportsbook may offer.

4. Place Your Bets

With money in your account, you can start placing bets on a variety of sports. Most sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting options, from point spreads and moneylines to prop bets and parlays.

5. Withdraw Winnings

If you win, you can request a withdrawal of your earnings through the same payment methods used for deposits. Depending on the platform, withdrawals may take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

5. Sports to Bet on in California

Once sports betting is legalized, Californians will have access to a broad spectrum of sports to wager on, including:

• NFL: The NFL is the most popular sport in California, with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams drawing huge fan followings.
• NBA: Basketball is another big draw, especially with iconic teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
• MLB: California has several Major League Baseball teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres.
• NHL: Hockey has a passionate fanbase in California, with the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks leading the charge.
• College Sports: College football and basketball are incredibly popular, especially with powerhouse programs like USC, UCLA, and Stanford.
• Soccer: With the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams like LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes, soccer has become an increasingly popular sport to bet on.

6. Responsible Gambling in California

While sports betting can be exciting and rewarding, it’s important to approach it responsibly. California has numerous resources to help individuals who may struggle with gambling addiction, including the California Gambling Control Commission and the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Operators will likely implement responsible gambling measures such as setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and providing access to counseling services to ensure a safe betting environment.

7. The Future of Sports Betting in California

Although California has yet to fully legalize sports betting, the momentum for change continues to build. As neighboring states like Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon have legalized sports betting, the pressure is on for California to follow suit. The state’s size, sports culture, and potential revenue make it a prime candidate for a robust sports betting industry.

Stay tuned for updates on the evolving landscape of sports betting in California as lawmakers continue to push for change. The day may soon come when Californians can legally bet on their favorite sports teams with ease.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current sports betting landscape in California, along with insights into what the future might hold once the state finally legalizes this popular form of entertainment.