Thanks to the best California sportsbooks, you can turn your passion for local and international sports into real action. With a growing number of trustworthy offshore sites available, you’ll find markets for everything from the Super Bowl to the Stanley Cup Final.
Here are the top sports betting sites in California compared, so you can see which one is best suited to your needs.
Best California Sportsbooks Compared
We’ve compared the top five sportsbooks in California to help you see how they stack up when it comes to the things that matter.
| California Sportsbooks | Welcome Offer | Payment Methods | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetUS | 100% sports bonus up to $2,000 – 150% sports bonus up to $1,500 for crypto deposits | Debit/Credit Cards, Cryptocurrency, E-Wallets | Strong VIP program, the Locker Room feature offers inside analysis and predictions |
| BetWhale | 100% up to $1,000 for fiat deposits – 200% up to $6,000 when using crypto | E-Wallets, Cryptocurrency, Debit/Credit Cards, Flexepin | One of the most generous welcome offers in the industry, the Arena feature allows you to purchase bonuses |
| BetNow | 100% up to $2,500 with fiat – 125% up to $2,500 with crypto | PayPal, Cryptocurrency, Bank Transfer | Industry-leading rebate programs, a wide variety of contests |
| BetOnline | 50% up to $250 in free bets | Cryptocurrency, Debit/Credit Cards, Money Order, Check by Courier, Bank Wire, MoneyGram, ACH | No wagering requirement on the welcome bonus, 15-tier VIP program |
| MyBookie | 100% up to $1,000 when using crypto | Debit/Credit Cards, Person-2-Person, Cryptocurrency | An excellent selection of promotions, an official app for smoother mobile play |
Must-Have Features of Top California Betting Apps and Sportsbooks
You can quickly narrow down the California sportsbooks field by analyzing the following key features:
- Sport and Market Variety: The best sports betting sites in California cover North American and international sports, and have dozens, if not hundreds, of markets for each major event.
- Competitive Odds: Focus on sportsbooks with low vig. Your only chance of long-term profitability lies in finding the best value odds every time.
- Generous Bonuses & Fair Rollovers: While big welcome offers are great, the best sports betting sites also keep wagering requirements reasonable.
- Flexible Payment Options: Worthwhile legal betting apps in California support cryptocurrency, E-wallet, and credit card payments. Cards offer convenience, while digital currencies are the best for fast payouts.
- High Limits: Serious bettors appreciate sportsbooks that allow large deposits, sizeable bets, and significant withdrawals.
- In-Play Betting & Live Streaming: Use live streaming to make quick, informed decisions on in-play markets.
Best California Sportsbook Overall: BetUS
BetUS leverages all of its industry experience by providing the perfect combination of generous welcome bonuses and reloads, flexible payment methods, and a huge collection of sports betting markets.
BetUS rewards cryptocurrency users with a special 200% sign-up bonus, along with a 100% reload. It allows the use of several digital currencies, as well as popular debit and credit cards, and E-wallets.
Although BetUS focuses on North American sports, there’s plenty of room to explore internationally popular pursuits, including cricket, soccer, darts, and rugby union. With a high upper deposit limit, fast payouts, and competitive odds, this platform is the complete package.
BetUS has a vast library of sports betting information and news. Take a few minutes to browse the site to see if you come across any information that gives you an edge.
Bonuses and Promotions at Sportsbooks in California
We’ve outlined the most common bonuses you’ll find at CA sportsbooks to help you decide the most suitable options for your needs.
Welcome Bonus
- What it is: A sign-up offer that gives you extra funds on your first deposit. While many California sportsbook apps offer a matched deposit, some are more generous. For example, BetWhale has a 200% welcome offer worth up to $6,000.
- How to claim: Earning this bonus is as easy as registering and making a qualifying first deposit. The site typically credits the bonus automatically, although some may ask you to enter a promo code.
- How to maximize: Deposit with cryptocurrency because a growing number of California sportsbooks offer enhanced bonuses. For instance, the 200% bonus offered by BetWhale is exclusively for cryptocurrency deposits.
No Deposit Bonus
- What it is: A small bonus that doesn’t require a deposit. It may come as free bet credits or bonus funds.
- How to claim: Check the site’s promotions page before signing up to see if it offers a no deposit bonus. Some sportsbooks send them as exclusive email offers, while others include them as VIP perks.
- How to maximize: Use this bonus to try out new markets you’re unfamiliar with. Alternatively, make a long odds play since there’s no risk attached.
Reload Bonus
- What it is: A deposit match bonus for existing players. Betting apps in California may offer reloads on specific days or as part of seasonal promotions.
- How to claim: Read the terms and conditions to ensure you make an eligible deposit, and enter any necessary codes.
- How to maximize: Time reloads when you’re planning to place several bets. For example, if you love American football, use MyBookie’s 55% sports crypto reload before the NFL Divisional Playoffs.
Loyalty/VIP Club
- What it is: An ongoing program with rewards for regular players. Some sportsbooks give you points for each bet, which you can redeem for cashback, exclusive perks, or free bets. Others have tiered programs with perks improving as you climb the VIP ladder.
- How to claim: In most cases, the site automatically adds points to your account as you earn them. In a tiered system, you move to the next level once you reach the points threshold. You’ll either receive special offers directly or redeem your bonuses via the loyalty section.
- How to maximize: If you’re serious about racking up loyalty points, stick with one or two of the best California sportsbooks on our list. While using multiple sites is great for line shopping, it also dilutes your VIP potential.
Tournaments
- What it is: Time-limited competitions where you bet on specific sports or markets to climb a leaderboard. For instance, BetOnline has a Daily Race with a $15,000 prize pool. Sportsbook, eSports, and Racebook wagers count, and you’ll win a cash prize if you finish in the top 250 on the leaderboard.
- How to claim: Opt in via the site’s promotions page, place qualifying bets, and track where you are on the leaderboard.
- How to maximize: Stick to the sports you know best to boost your chances of climbing the leaderboard. Tournaments with smaller entry pools are also good options as they improve your odds.
Rebate
- What it is: A percentage of your net losses returned as cashback. It’s a common promo at sites with strong racebooks. For instance, SportsBetting.ag has a rebate of up to 9% on exotic horse racing wagers placed online.
- How to claim: Place qualifying bets on eligible sports, and if you incur a net loss over a certain period, the site credits your account.
- How to maximize: Use rebates as a safety net when betting on high-variance markets like horse racing. The extra few percent offered by this bonus can make all the difference to your bankroll in the long term.
Terms and Conditions
Even at the best online sportsbook in California, you can expect the site to protect itself by adding specific stipulations to its promotions.
The most common bonus conditions include:
- Wagering requirements: Bonuses at CA sportsbooks will generally come with wagering requirements before you can withdraw your winnings. If you withdraw before you meet the requirement, your winnings are forfeited.
- Bet Size: Bets may have a minimum or maximum size to be eligible for a bonus. If a bonus is capped at $1,000, and you bet $1,200, you will only get the bonus up to $1,000, or the bet may be excluded altogether.
- Expiry Date: Typically, the bonus requirements will need to be met within a certain number of days or weeks. Check the terms before depositing and accepting a bonus offer to see if they are realistic.
- Eligible Sports: Some bonuses may be tied to specific competitions or sports, such as a bonus for the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup.
- Minimum Odds: Bets over or under certain odds may be excluded from bonus eligibility. Make sure you check this before placing a bet.
Reputable California sports betting sites are transparent when it comes to bonus terms and conditions, and try to be as fair as possible.
Best Betting App in California for Bonuses: MyBookie
MyBookie offers fantastic value for money with different welcome bonus options, reloads, rebates, and real money contests.
At MyBookie, you benefit from numerous interesting promos after using one of the new player bonuses. Sports bettors and crypto users can earn reload bonuses, while horse racing fans will appreciate rebates of up to 8%.
Embrace your competitive streak with tournaments such as the Survivor Contest, where you pick a team each week and grab the prize if you’re the last player standing.
Download the official app and place bets on the go in popular leagues, including the NFL, MLB, and NBA. MyBookie is ideal for bonus hunters and also suits serious bettors who understand the value of squeezing an extra half point out of a line.
Join the MyBookie Telegram channel for access to exclusive promotions and giveaways.
Sports, Teams & Markets to Bet on with California Sportsbooks
A combination of a colossal population and a passionate sports culture means CA is one of America’s most vibrant sporting hubs. The best sports betting sites in California know this and cater to their audience accordingly.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular sports, lines, and teams featured on sportsbooks in the Golden State.
Football
- California Teams: Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and college football sides like UCLA and USC.
- Major Events: Super Bowl, Big Ten Football Championship.
- Popular Markets: The spread, first touchdown scorer, total team points.
Basketball
- California Teams: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Valkyries, Los Angeles Sparks, and NCAA D1 teams, including UC Davis and University of the Pacific.
- Major Events: NBA finals, March Madness, WBNA Finals.
- Popular Markets: Over/under points, player rebounds, quarter totals.
Baseball
- California Teams: Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Athletics (Moved from Oakland to Sacramento in 2024).
- Major Events: MLB World Series.
- Popular Markets: Run line, player over/under home runs, total bases.
Ice Hockey
- California Teams: Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks.
- Major Events: Stanley Cup (NHL).
- Popular Markets: Money line, player assists, puck line.
Soccer
- California Teams: LA Galaxy, LAFC, San Jose Earthquakes.
- Major Events: MLS Cup Playoffs, Premier League, El Tráfico, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League.
- Popular Markets: Moneylines, over/under total goals, both teams to score (BTTS).
Tennis
- California Players: Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien, Marcos Giron, Katie Volynets, Claire Liu, Iva Jovic.
- Major Events: BNP Paribas Open, US Open, Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon.
- Popular Markets: Moneyline, total games/sets, correct score.
Golf
- California-Based Players: Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa.
- Major Events: Genesis Invitational (Riviera), Farmers Insurance Open (Torrey Pines), AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
- Popular Markets: Outrights, top-5/10/20 finishes, round leader props, head-to-head matchups.
Boxing & MMA
- California Fighters: Dan Henderson, Nate Diaz, Urijah Faber, Chuck Liddell, Ryan Garcia, Dominick Cruz.
- Major Events: Headline fights, UFC.
- Popular Markets: Moneyline, method of victory (KO, submission, or decision), round betting.
Rugby Union
- California Teams: California Legion
- Major Events: Major League Rugby Championship
- Popular Markets: Anytime try scorer, alternative handicap lines, player points
Best Sportsbook in California for Market Variety: BetWhale
From favorites like basketball and baseball to lesser-known options such as water polo and handball, BetWhale is a treat for sports fans.
There are dozens of sports to choose from once you register with BetWhale, along with an impressive collection of markets. It’s easy to navigate the site, and you can switch between six odds formats with a single click.
We were also impressed by the in-play variety, which features an excellent collection of betting options for tennis, soccer, and basketball throughout the day. BetWhale’s sportsbook welcome bonus is one of the best around, offering quick and easy deposits via PayPal, credit cards, and several cryptocurrencies.
Go to the BetWhale Arena to find missions and tournaments. Use the gold stars you earn to buy free sports bets and enhanced deposit bonuses.
Payment Methods for Fast Transactions at Betting Apps in California
Like at top online betting sites, the best California sportsbooks offer fast, safe, and flexible ways to deposit and withdraw. Options range from crypto to traditional bank cards.
Since each method has its own benefits, downsides, fees, and speeds, you need to compare them to determine the best option. Here are the payment methods commonly found at sports betting sites in CA.
Cryptocurrency
The number of sportsbooks in California that accept digital currency is growing. Indeed, these sites actively reward you for depositing with coins such as BTC, ETH, USDT, and DOGE.
Pros
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Fast payouts (often within an hour)
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Minimal transaction fees
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Eligible for larger bonuses and payouts
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Extra privacy for your transactions
Cons
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Value can fluctuate due to market volatility (use a stablecoin to combat this)
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Requires setting up a crypto wallet
Debit/Credit Card
Top-rated sports betting apps in California usually accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AmEx.
Pros
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Easy to use
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Instant deposits
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Widely accepted across California sportsbooks
Cons
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Lower withdrawal limits than if you use crypto
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Some banks block gambling transactions
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Fees may apply for international transactions
E-Wallets
CA sportsbooks typically support E-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz. This payment option acts as an intermediary between your bank and the betting site.
Pros
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Fast deposits and withdrawals
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Extra privacy as gambling transactions stay off your bank statement
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User-friendly apps for mobile betting
Cons
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Not every platform accepts E-wallets
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Some sites exclude this payment options from bonus eligibility
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You may have to pay transaction fees
Wire Transfer
With a wire transfer, you can send money directly from your bank account to betting sites in California.
Pros
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High deposit and payout limits
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Extremely secure
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Ideal for larger transactions
Cons
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Very slow processing time
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Higher fees than other methods
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Relatively high deposit minimums
P2P Transfers and Vouchers
Some betting apps in California accept other payment options, including peer-to-peer transfers (P2P) and prepaid vouchers like Flexepin.
Pros
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A great option if you don’t want to use crypto or cards
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P2P is often instant with minimal fees
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With vouchers, your gambling transactions are completely private
Cons
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Not many sports betting sites offer P2P or prepaid vouchers
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You need to find a trusted sender/agent when using P2P
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Vouchers are deposit only
Best Sportsbook in California for Quick Cashout: BetOnline
If you’re a winner on BetOnline, you can withdraw with cryptocurrencies and see the funds in your wallet within minutes.
At BetOnline, you can request a payout using one of 17 cryptocurrencies, along with MoneyGram and wire transfer. For the fastest possible payouts, use coins such as Cardano, Solana, and Stellar.
We love that this platform has such high withdrawal limits of up to $500,000 for popular coins, including Bitcoin, Tether, and Ethereum. There’s also a terrific selection of contests with substantial prizes for the winners.
BetOnline is known for its excellent range of sports and betting markets, and is also renowned for having some of the earliest odds lines around.
When using the BetOnline VIP program, remember that racebook, sportsbook, and eSports wagers are worth triple what you’ll earn for casino play.
Expert Tips for Staying Safe at Legal California Sportsbooks
It’s natural to wonder whether you can trust offshore sportsbooks. The truth is, reputable sports betting apps in California are generally secure.
However, it’s a good idea to complete the following quick checks before registering.
- Look for Licensing: Use platforms licensed by recognized gaming authorities, including Anjouan, Panama, and Curaçao.
- Online Reputation: Focus on sportsbooks with positive player reviews and long track records. For example, BetUS was founded in 1994, whereas BetOnline has been present in the industry since 1991.
- Security: Any site that claims to be the best online sportsbook in California will have bank-grade encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure banking methods.
- Report Your Winnings: Since offshore sportsbooks don’t report your activity, the onus is on you to report gambling winnings to the IRS. Make sure you keep a detailed record of your activity in case you need it.
- Test Support & Withdrawals: Get in touch with the site’s customer service team to gauge its speed and helpfulness. If you’re not seeking a big welcome offer, start with a small deposit and request a payout as soon as possible to see if the process is smooth.
- Ensure Clear Terms & Conditions: Check bonus rollover rules, payout limits, and eligible bet types before you begin.
Legality of California Sportsbooks
In 2022, voters rejected Proposition 27, which would have legalized online and mobile sports betting in California. They also said ‘no’ to Proposition 26, which would have permitted online casino gambling.
Thus, while residents are passionate about sports and gambling, the legal framework hasn’t caught up. Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about the current status of California sportsbooks.
- Legal status of gambling: Illegal at the state level.
- Gambling offshore: Safe when using a VPN
- Taxation of winnings: Recommend contacting a tax advisor
- Land-based casinos: Pechanga Casino, Harrah’s Resort SoCal, Black Oak Casino Resort
- Most popular games/sports: Football, basketball, and baseball
- Responsible gambling tools: National Problem Gambling Helpline, California Council on Problem Gambling, Gam Talk
While in the online world, gambling is heavily restricted to offshore platforms, California-regulated forms of gambling include card rooms, lottery, horse racing (parimutuel), and certain forms of charitable gaming.
A number of tribal casinos also operate in California.
Online Sportsbooks in California Vs. Other States
Unlike many other countries, the United States has no national gambling policy. Instead, each state is permitted to create its own laws.
In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA). This led to a dramatic change in the legal landscape of sports betting.
Now, more than half of American states permit online sports betting, but legal betting apps in California are not yet available. As you’re about to find out, the state’s three neighbors have different rules regarding online sportsbooks.
Let’s first check out how California’s neighbors compare:
- Arizona: AZ sportsbooks and retail sports wagering were legalized in April 2021 via House Bill 2772. The state has multiple licensed sportsbooks available to residents.
- Nevada: Online sports betting in Nevada is legal, but the state accounts for little more than 1% of the nation’s online gambling revenue. Why? Nevada’s laws require registering in person at a casino before using online gaming apps.
- Oregon: You can only access online sports gambling in Oregon via the DraftKings sportsbook.
Only residents aged 21 and over can access online sports betting sites in all three states.
Let’s also take a look at how California compares to the other most populous states in the US:
- Texas: While there are currently no state-licensed sportsbooks, offshore licensed Texas sportsbooks are available to residents of the Lone Star State.
- Florida: Offshore Florida sportsbooks remain a very popular option in the state, thanks to the variety and better odds available.
The hope is that eventually, players in the Golden State can access legal sportsbooks in California. Yet, this situation is potentially several years away.
FAQs About California Sportsbooks
At present, California has not yet legalized state-regulated online sportsbooks. If you’re a resident, you can safely use reputable offshore sports betting sites. These platforms are licensed overseas, and many of them accept CA players.
After a detailed review process, we’ve found that BetUS, BetOnline, MyBookie, and BetWhale are the best California sports betting sites. In addition to accepting players from CA, they offer great bonuses, fast payouts, and coverage of dozens of sports, including all the most popular North American options.
Yes, because the best betting apps in California have embraced cryptocurrency payments. You can play with digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether. In most cases, a withdrawal will be in your crypto wallet within a few minutes.
Yes, licensed sports betting sites in California require basic Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. Many platforms request this information during registration, while others may wait until you make a deposit or withdrawal. They typically ask for your full name, date of birth, a photo ID, and proof of address.
