Current Status of Sports Betting in California
California voters have consistently rejected measures to legalize sports betting. In 2022, both Proposition 26, which aimed to allow in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racetracks, and Proposition 27, which sought to permit online sports betting, were defeated by significant margins.
Efforts to introduce new sports betting initiatives for the 2024 ballot were also unsuccessful. Proponents faced challenges in gathering sufficient support and addressing opposition from various stakeholders, including tribal gaming interests.
What’s Legal?
Online betting on sports and casinos is not permitted in California except for horse racing and daily fantasy betting at racetracks and betting parlors.
While online betting in California as a whole is not legal, there are exceptions. Residents are able to bet on horse racing in-person and through websites at the racetrack and betting parlors. Californians can also play daily fantasy games as the practice is legal and leading operators are active in the region.
Betting in commercial casinos is prohibited within the borders of the Golden State, although tribal-based casinos are present, offering card and table-based games. There have been calls to ease the regulations on betting in California, but for now the current legislature remains in place.
Sportsbook Sites in California
The best sites available to bet with in California are:
TVG – Offers betting odds on horse racing at a competitive value for their customers, with solid bonus offers.
FanDuel – Provides one of the best fantasy games on the market, with bonus deals for regular users.
TwinSpires – Allows bets on a wide range of horse races providing good value on their betting odds.
Online betting is not legal in California, therefore residents do not have access to leading sites for sports and online gambling. Californians utilize betting websites for gambling on horse racing at the track and when playing daily fantasy games.
Best California Sportsbook Sites/Apps in 2025 and further:
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- Hard Rock
- DraftKings
These sites are not live in California. Use alternatives.
While sports betting is not permitted, Californians can legally participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and use social sportsbooks. Platforms such as Thrillzz and Fliff operate legally within the state, offering sports-related contests and games.
Top Land-based Sportsbooks in California
No land-based sportsbooks operate in the Golden State due to sports betting being prohibited. There are betting parlors away from the racetrack allowing you to bet on horse racing in California, but there are no plans to open land-based sportsbooks or casinos to accept wagers on other sports.
Betting Bonuses in California
Betting bonuses are restricted to the online websites that allow horse racing betting and daily fantasy sites in California. As daily fantasy sites are legal in the Golden State, all major operators are active and will offer bonuses to entice customers onto their platforms over their rivals.
Professional Teams in California
California has several professional sports teams. From the NBA, there are the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings. The Rams and the Chargers and 49ers from the NFL. The MLB boasts the Athletics, Giants, Dodgers, Angels and Padres, and the NHL’s Kings, Ducks, and Sharks.
FAQ
Can you bet online in California?
You cannot place a wager on a sports bet or use an online casino in California. Only pari-mutuel bets on horse racing and daily fantasy sites are permitted.
How old do you need to be to bet on horse racing in California?
You need to be 18 or over to place a legal bet on horse racing in California.
Can you find betting bonuses in California?
Yes. Bonuses are available from websites that cater to horse racing betting and from daily fantasy sites.
What is the Legal Betting Age in California?
The legal betting age for horse racing betting in California is 18. Daily fantasy sites also require their users to be aged 18 or over to register on their platforms. Casinos in the region stipulate that their customers must be at least 21 to play in their venues.
Tax When Betting in California?
Californians do have to pay tax on their betting winnings. You must report the amount you have attained through betting on your tax returns. Californians may have to pay as much as 13.3% on their winnings depending on the amount gained.