Best Sports Betting Sites Available in California
With a population nearing 40 million people, the largest in the United States, California is widely considered to have the biggest sporting fan base in the country. Unsurprisingly, there is a massive number of people here that love to bet on their favorite sports. Today, our team of experts is here to help you find the best California sports betting sites currently operating.
There are some truly amazing online sportsbooks available here. To help out those new to online gambling, we’re listing the most important features to look for in internet sports betting sites. Later on, we’ll be going over the current laws and regulations over this popular industry.
Below are five of our favorite California betting sites available right now. Check them out to see why they’re growing more popular every year.
Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
#1 |
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BetUS Casino
|
250% Up To 5,000 USD | Visit Site | |
#2 |
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BetOnline Sports
|
60% Up To 1,000 USD | Visit Site | |
#3 |
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SportsBetting.ag
|
100% Up To 1,000 USD | Visit Site | |
#4 |
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Bovada Casino
|
100% Up To 3,000 USD | Visit Site |
Features That All California Sports Betting Sites Should Have
Unlike many US states, California has not yet regulated its online gambling market. Until it does, players here will need to find safe betting sites that are based in other areas. Fortunately, this industry here evolved massively over the years.
The majority of online sports betting sites in California are fantastic. Most are completely safe and offer a huge range of different betting options. Those new to internet sports betting may feel overwhelmed trying to choose a site to play through for the first time. Below are four of the most important things to look for in an online sportsbook today.
Safe and Easy Payment Options
Safety is, and always has been, the most important thing when looking for a website to bet online in California. A site may offer thousands of incredible betting odds on every single sport, but if it doesn’t provide you with safe payment options, it’s not even worth looking at. Fortunately, this is an easy thing to look into.
One of the best ways to learn more about a website’s payment system is to head over to our list of sportsbook reviews. Our team has looked through hundreds of different sports betting sites over the years. In each review on California betting websites, we explain exactly which payment options are available. If any sites are caught charging unusual fees or withholding payments, we’ll let you know about it.
Another easy way to look into a website’s cashier system is to check out the site for yourself. All of the reputable sports betting sites in California will clearly list exactly which forms of payment are accepted. Head on up to the sites we recommend at the top of this page and look into the payment options provided at each one.
We recommend joining websites that allow deposits to be made using both debit and credit cards. Most of the online sportsbooks in CA only allow withdrawals to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this scare you! Bitcoin payouts come with extremely low fees and are processed within just a few days. Some sites, including Bovada sportsbook, even have entire pages that explain how Bitcoin payouts are made.
Nothing is more important than safety when betting online in California. We feel strongly that the first thing you should always look for in a betting website is a safe cashier system.
Modern Design and User Interface
Some might argue that the design of an online sportsbook isn’t tremendously important. We disagree. The style and designs of these websites will affect your entire gambling experience. Every sportsbook has a different design, and it’s not easy to say that one is better than another.
Almost every internet sportsbook will allow you to check them out before you join. We recommend heading over to a few different sites and looking at their homepages. Check to see that the sites don’t crash, and make it easy to actually place bets.
As we just mentioned, all of the California betting sites operating today are different. Some feature busy homepages with hundreds of odds and bonus offers. Others are simplistic, with just a few odds on major US sporting events.
The most important thing is to find a sportsbook that fits your needs. There are so many great options available today, so this should be easy! Spend a little time looking at a few different site designs today.
We want to note that the sites at the top of this page are all well-known for offering incredible designs. Each has amazing functionality that makes it extremely easy to find the exact sport you want to bet on.
Great Customer Support System
This is, unfortunately, the most overlooked feature of gambling websites. You would be surprised to find out how many new bettors sign up to a website without even looking at which support options are provided. Don’t make this mistake.
The state of California will not be around to assist you if an issue arises with your betting experience. You will need to rely on the website you play at to help answer any questions. Today, every reputable online sportsbook will provide members with a number of different customer service options.
The very best sports betting sites in California will offer a live chat feature. This allows you to speak directly with a customer service representative over text. It’s without a doubt the easiest and most convenient way to seek help while betting online in California.
If the sites you’re looking at only offer an email support option, they are probably not worth joining. Email support can oftentimes take weeks to actually answer your questions. Stick to sportsbooks that offer direct customer support options.
There’s a very good chance that you will never have to utilize the customer support services of the betting site you join. If, however, you need a question answered, it’s important to know that the company you are betting through will have your back.
Wide Range of Betting Odds
You should make sure that the US betting website you are looking to join provides a wide range of different betting options. Generally speaking, the more odds that a site provides to its members, the better the entire site really is. The best California sports betting websites today provide thousands of different betting odds every single day.
Do you love the NFL? Find a sportsbook offering betting odds on every single team throughout the entire season. Are you a baseball fan? Look for a betting site that provides a wide range of different MLB odds.
It’s also a good idea to compare the odds between a few different websites. Some sports betting sites in California are known to offer better odds than others. The better the odds are, the better your chances are to win big!
Many CA internet sportsbooks today provide members with unique betting options on things such as politics and entertainment. Novelty betting is growing more popular than ever. If this is something you are interested in, find a company offering a number of different fun novelty bets!
Much like design, all California betting sites will offer different odds. We feel that it’s always a good idea to join a betting website that provides you with a wide range of different betting options every single day.
Why Are Sports Betting Sites in California so Popular?
California is home to many professional sports teams. As you’d probably expect, many of the sports fans in this state have been searching for an easy way to bet on their favorite teams for years.
There are many reasons why betting sports online in California is growing so popular. We’ve asked a number of Californians why they love to place wagers online, and two reasons come up time and time again.
Easiest and Safest Option Available
California legalized tribal casinos years ago. Unfortunately, lawmakers here have not yet taken the steps to regulate sports betting. It’s unusual, as this industry would likely bring the state millions in additional revenue every single year.
For now, California sports betting websites are the safest and easiest option available. As we mentioned earlier, most of the betting sites operating in this state provide completely secure payment options to all their members. The only other option is an illegal bookie!
Huge Range of Betting Odds
The top sports betting sites in California will always offer more betting options than even the biggest land-based sportsbooks around the country. There are simply more betting options available online. The huge list of betting options is a major reason why so many people love to bet on their favorite sports over the internet.
This doesn’t just include sports. Legit California sports betting sites will allow you to bet on things like politics, movie outcomes, and more. You can place bets on just about everything from anywhere in the state with an internet connection.
Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?
For many years, lawmakers in California didn’t even want to talk about the legalization of sports betting. In 2017, things took a turn. That year, Assembly member Adam Gray introduced an amendment to California’s constitution to regulate the sports betting market.
This amendment got much more realistic just a year later. In May of 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional. This decision now allows every state to set its own laws on sports gambling. Many sports fans in the state began hoping California would begin to open this market.
As of this writing, there hasn’t been much progress made. Sports gambling remains banned throughout the state. Most analysts predict that this industry will become legal and regulated within just a few years.
“(a)State law prohibits commercially operated lotteries, banked or percentage games, and gambling machines, and strictly regulates parimutuel wagering on horse racing. To the extent that state law categorically prohibits certain forms of gambling and prohibits gambling devices, nothing herein shall be construed, in any manner, to reflect a legislative intent to relax those prohibitions.
Based on this text, it would seem that all forms of gambling in this state are banned unless specifically approved by the state government. Many experts note that there are no specific laws here that prohibit placing sports bets over the internet. It’s well-known that California has one of the biggest online sports betting markets in the world, despite the legality lying in somewhat of a gray area.
Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Sports Betting Sites in California?
It’s extremely unlikely. California has not taken the same anti-gambling measures that many other states have. There are millions of people here that make online wagers on a regular basis. We have not come across a single case of any individuals in this state facing legal trouble for making bets online.
How Do I Stay Safe Betting on Sports in California Online?
Online gambling in the US is generally extremely safe. Even without regulation, there are very few reports of any players dealing with payment issues. With that being said, there are some simple steps that everyone can take to ensure their betting experience is nothing but fun.
Even the best California sports betting sites can’t protect players from themselves. A few of the best ways to stay safe betting online fall on your own shoulders. Below are the five most important tips to protect yourself while playing at sports betting sites in California.
Only Play Through Reputable Betting Websites
The easiest way to stay safe gambling online is to only make bets through reputable websites. Make sure to take the time to find a website that provides you with safe payment options and a solid customer support system. If you do this, there’s a great chance you’ll never encounter an issue while betting online.
Track How Much You Are Betting
Sports betting is extremely fun. Unfortunately, some players wager more money than they can actually afford to lose. It’s a common issue that’s surprisingly easy to avoid. Simply track how much you are spending! If you realize that you are betting too much money, take a break for a month or two.
Place Wagers on Sports That You Know About
Many who are new to sports betting will instantly begin throwing money on sports they don’t understand. This is one of the easiest ways to lose money. It’s always a good idea to only bet money on sports you know about.
Keep Your Betting Account Information Private
This is a no-brainer. You should think of your sports betting account like a bank account. There is real money on the line, and it’s crucial to keep your account information private. None of the legit sports betting sites in CA operating today will ask for your personal account information.
Be Willing to Change Sports Betting Sites
If you follow the steps that we recommend, there’s a very good chance that you will find the perfect online sportsbook. With that being said, if you encounter any issues with the site you are playing at, always be willing to move onto another. There are many incredible California sports betting sites operating today and one of them will offer the experience you’re looking for.
FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in California
What Are the Most Important Features of California Sports Betting Sites?
It’s fairly easy to spot a good betting site from a bad one nowadays. The most important features you should look for in a betting site are safe payment options, a modern design and user interface, solid customer support options, and betting odds on the sports you want to wager on.
Why Are so Many People Joining Sports Betting Sites in CA?
California, like many other US states, is experiencing a huge surge in online gambling. Most bettors that we’ve talked to here claim that online sports wagering is the safest option available, and it offers more betting odds than even the top land-based sportsbooks in the country.
Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?
California is currently working to legalize and regulate sports gambling. There are still laws here that prohibit land-based sports betting, yet nothing in the State Statutes specifically bans placing sports bets over the internet. Most experts feel that California sports betting sites will become fully legal within the next couple of years.
How Can I Stay Safe Betting Online in California?
Most of the sports betting sites in California that operate today are perfectly safe. The best ways to ensure that your betting experience is perfectly secure are only playing through reputable companies, tracking how much you are betting, sticking to sports you understand, keeping your betting account information private, and being willing to change to a different online sportsbook.
Conclusion
Once California legalizes online gambling, it’s likely to become the biggest sports betting market in the country. Millions of people are already placing sports bets over the internet here. With regulation, the state government can begin collecting taxes on this revenue being earned.
Fortunately, there are some amazing California sports betting sites available right now. For expert predictions on major sporting events taking place around the country, head over to our gambling blog page. Good luck making your bets!