Is Sports betting legal in California?
As of the last knowledge update in January 2024, the legal status of sports betting in California remained a subject of ongoing discussion and change. While horse racing enjoys established legality at tracks within the state, the broader landscape of sports betting, encompassing a wide range of sporting events, had not yet achieved full legalization and regulation at that time.
California's long-standing tradition of legal horse racing provides enthusiasts with opportunities to place wagers at tracks. However, the legalization of comprehensive sports betting, covering various sporting events, including online and retail sportsbooks, had not been formally established.
Individuals seeking clarity on the current legal status of sports betting in California are advised to monitor the latest updates and developments from the state's legislative and regulatory authorities. The landscape of gambling laws can evolve, and staying informed is essential to understanding the ever-changing nature of sports betting and other forms of gambling in California.
Betting Laws in California
As of the most recent information available, California has yet to legalize sports betting, despite changes in federal law that allowed states to regulate and legalize sportsbooks. Despite several years passing since the US Supreme Court's decision, California has not taken steps to fully legalize and regulate sports betting within the state.
Efforts were made to advance the legalization of sports betting in California, including two ballot initiatives, Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, presented to voters in November 2022. However, neither of these initiatives secured approval from California voters, resulting in the continued absence of legal sports betting in the state.
Timeline
| 1992 | The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was enacted at the federal level, prohibiting sports betting in most states, including California. |
| 2009 | The California Horse Racing Board approved Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW), allowing residents to bet on horse racing online or by phone. |
| 2018 | PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Murphy v. NCAA. This decision allowed states to legalize and regulate sports betting if they choose to do so. |
| 2018 | Assemblymember Adam Gray introduced ACA 18, a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in California. The bill aimed to place a measure on the ballot for voters to decide. |
| 2019 | ACA 18 was re-introduced by Assemblymember Gray as ACA 16. It sought to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks while also allowing for mobile and online betting. |
| 2020 | ACA 16 was withdrawn by Assemblymember Gray due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on legislative priorities. |
| 2020 | A ballot initiative called the California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act of 2020 was proposed. The initiative aimed to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks, as well as allow online sports betting. |
| 2020 | The ballot initiative failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the 2020 election. |
| 2021 | Senator Bill Dodd and Assemblymember Gray introduced a new sports betting bill, SCA 6, which proposed a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in California. |
| 2021 | SCA 6 passed through the Senate Governmental Organization Committee but did not progress further in the legislative process. |
| 2022 | Prop 26 and Prop 27, two sports betting initiatives that went on the ballot in California, whose measures failed to pass. |
States with legal sports betting
| State | Online Betting | In-Person Betting |
| Alabama | X | X |
| Alaska | X | X |
| Arizona | ✓ | ✓ |
| Arkansas | ✓ | ✓ |
| California | X | X |
| Colorado | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connecticut | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delaware | X | ✓ |
| Florida | X | X |
| Georgia | X | X |
| Hawaii | X | X |
| Idaho | X | X |
| Illinois | ✓ | ✓ |
| Indiana | ✓ | ✓ |
| Iowa | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kansas | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kentucky | ✓ | ✓ |
| Louisiana | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maine | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maryland | ✓ | ✓ |
| Massachusetts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Michigan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minnesota | X | X |
| Mississippi | X | ✓ |
| Missouri | X | X |
| Montana | X | ✓ |
| Nebraska | X | Pending |
| Nevada | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Hampshire | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Jersey | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Mexico | X | ✓ |
| New York | ✓ | ✓ |
| North Carolina | Pending | ✓ |
| North Dakota | X | ✓ |
| Ohio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Oklahoma | X | X |
| Oregon | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pennsylvania | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rhode Island | ✓ | ✓ |
| South Carolina | X | X |
| South Dakota | X | ✓ |
| Tennessee | ✓ | X |
| Texas | X | X |
| Utah | X | X |
| Vermont | Pending | X |
| Virginia | ✓ | ✓ |
| Washington | X | ✓ |
| Washington D.C. | ✓ | ✓ |
| West Virginia | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wisconsin | X | ✓ |
| Wyoming | ✓ | X |
Where to bet in California?
Under current state laws, there is nowhere in California where it is legal to place bets on sports events. The only exception is horse racing. California boasts several world-renowned horse racing tracks where enthusiasts can experience the thrill of live racing and place their bets. While other forms of sports betting are still evolving, horse racing remains a popular and legal betting option.
| Some of the most popular Racing Tracks in California: |
|---|
| Santa Anita Park |
| Del Mar Racetrack |
| Los Alamitos Race Course |
California's Expected Sportsbooks
As it stands, the exact number of sports betting licenses to be granted in California remains uncertain. However, the industry is abuzz with anticipation as several prominent brands are eagerly eyeing the opportunity to launch California sportsbooks. Here's a glimpse of the California betting sites and sportsbook apps you can look forward to:
BetMGM California Sportsbook
BetMGM is poised to become the go-to choice for new bettors in California, offering a user-friendly platform, enticing welcome bonuses, and a convenient mobile app.
Caesars California Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook may introduce a top-notch rewards program for California bettors, featuring enticing perks and incentives to enhance the betting experience.
FanDuel California Sportsbook
FanDuel is poised to emerge as the highest-rated sportsbook in California, garnering acclaim for its outstanding services and feature-rich platform.
DraftKings California Sportsbook
DraftKings may establish itself as a prominent sportsbook in California, providing a diverse array of betting options and an intuitive platform for bettors.
Popular sports teams from California
California is home to numerous beloved sports teams across various leagues. Here's a list of some of the most popular and fan-favorite teams from different sports:
| NFL | |
|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the 49ers have a storied history with multiple Super Bowl victories and a passionate fan base. |
| Los Angeles Rams | The Rams returned to Los Angeles in recent years and have rekindled their connection with the city's football fans. |
| NBA | |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | The Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, boasting numerous championships and a dedicated following. |
| Golden State Warriors | The Warriors, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, have become a dominant force in the NBA, earning a massive following for their exciting style of play. |
| MLB | |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | With a rich history, the Dodgers are among the most storied baseball franchises in the country, with a passionate fan base in LA. |
| San Francisco Giants | The Giants, also based in the Bay Area, have a strong following and have won multiple World Series titles in recent years. |
| NHL | |
|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Located in Anaheim, the Ducks have had success in the NHL and continue to draw hockey enthusiasts. |
| NCAA | |
|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) Trojans | USC has a rich tradition in college football and other sports, with a dedicated following among college sports enthusiasts. |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins | UCLA is another prominent college sports program, known for its basketball and football teams. |
Final Thoughts
While California has yet to legalize sports betting, the trend in other populous states suggests that it's only a matter of time. Recent launches in these states have paved the way for what many believe is an inevitable future for legal online sports betting, mobile sports betting, and retail sportsbooks in the Golden State. Patience is key as we await the green light, but the odds seem to be in favor of California joining the sports betting arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting now legal in California?
There are a few states that remain on the outside looking in when it comes to legal sports betting sites, and California is one of them.
What sports betting can I use in California?
Sports betting in California is sadly still not legal. However, daily fantasy sports and horse racing sites operate legally in the state.
How do people bet on sports in California?
California, like the majority of states in the USA, does not allow sports betting within the State. This means that if you're a California resident that would like to bet on sports you will need to open an account at an online sportsbook that is licensed and regulated outside of the State.
Will sports betting ever be legal in California?
Lawmakers remain locked into a fight with local tribes and lobby groups that are strongly against legalizing California online sports betting. At this rate, the earliest that California sports betting could be legalized is 2024.
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