Sport Betting 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.

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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.

Sports Betting in California With a population of over 40 million and a huge selection of professional sports teams, many Californian residents are questioning what's taking so long for the state to legalize sports betting. The states that have legalized sports betting are already seeing exponential revenue for their economy. Sports betting is not yet available in the state of California, and it remains to be seen if the initiative that allows online wagering will be the one that eventually is codified into law. If online/mobile wagering is eventually available in California, it's reasonable to expect that operators will offer the conventional withdrawal methods they typically make available in other states where legalized betting is already. California Sports Betting California is an exercise in frustration. Legal sports betting simply cannot get going in the Golden State. Most recently, a proposed ballot initiative failed to gain enough signatures to make it onto the ballot. California Sports Betting California is an exercise in frustration. Legal sports betting simply cannot get going in the Golden State. Most recently, a proposed ballot initiative failed to gain enough signatures to make it onto the ballot. Is online sports betting in California legal? Currently, there is no form of legal sports betting in the state of California. Since the federal law banning sports betting (PASPA) came to an end in May 2018, there have been a number of sports betting bills to bring legalization to the fore.

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.

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.

Sports Betting In California Legalize News

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!

When it comes to California online gambling, there are a lot of restrictions placed on California residents. In California, online casinos, online sportsbooks, and traditional online poker sites are illegal. But you do have a few options when it comes to online betting.

Namely, the state of California may run special 'second chance' promotions on scratchers. You can play online poker for sweepstake entries. You can bet online on horse races. And you can play Daily Fantasy Sports, which is legal in almost all US states.

Beyond that, California residents are limited to brick-and-mortar casinos and sportsbooks or illegal betting websites.

California Online Gambling Options And Restrictions

Here's a helpful breakdown of what is and isn't legal in terms of betting online in CA:

Snapshot Of Online Bets On Horse Racing, A Legal Option In CA

When we normally think about online betting, we're specifically referring to placing a real-money bet for a chance at real-money winnings. And because both Daily Fantasy Sports and sweepstakes sites are legal across the US, we thought we'd highlight one that's unique to California's legal online betting market: horse racing.

Brick-and-mortar horse racing in California spans four full-time tracks up and down the state: Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course. You can bet on those races remotely direct with some of the tracks – or from legal horse race betting websites.

See our comprehensive Guide To Online Horse Betting In The US.

Popular Horse Racing Sites In California

The most popular legal horse racing sites include TVG, Xpressbet, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica. Each hosts a wide range of events that span the entire globe. This includes races in Australia and Southeast Asia, on top of all the tracks within the US.

These websites are popular outlets for two simple reasons: traveling to the track isn't always feasible, and the promotions are worthwhile. The legal horse racing sites available in California offer no-deposit bonuses, risk-free betting, and loyalty programs, just like the traditional sportsbook.

The bets you can place at these horse racing sites are the same as if you visited the track itself. That means you can win small amounts on micro-bets as well as enormous payouts on long-shot bets like the pick-six bet.

A Rundown Of Each Type Of Online Gambling In California

For a state that has the largest Daily Fantasy Sports market in the country, California bettors have limited options beyond that. Here is a rundown of each type of online betting as it pertains to CA residents and visitors:

CA Online Casinos

There is currently no legally licensed online casino available to people located in California. Californians can travel to states with legal online casinos to bet on digital casino games. They can even join and deposit without placing a bet at many American online casinos. But doing both from within the state is currently against the law.

Will online casinos be legalized in California? Not anytime soon. No recent news coverage has identified any online casino legislation in the works. While the federal government no longer restricts states from legalizing online casinos, it's up to the state to pass the legislation, issue licenses, and regulate operators.

Online Sports Betting In California

The online sportsbook is another betting option currently unavailable to those located in California.

Folks with legal residencies in states where online sports betting is legal (like Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) cannot place a bet in those states unless they're physically located within state lines. In that same vein, California residents can legally bet in those states as long as they're located within the borders.

Further, the state of California doesn't even offer land-based sportsbooks aside from horse race betting at retail race tracks.

However, many people located in California are a close drive from Nevada, where they can place sports bets online and at brick-and-mortar sportsbook locations.

Online Poker In California

Online poker is currently unavailable in California. However, this is one area where legislation is moving forward.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, state legislators scheduled a bill for vote in November 2020. Whereas some states, like Maryland, moved forward on scheduling votes and referendums, California's legislation is currently stalled.

For the time being, poker players in California are limited to land-based poker tables. But Southern California is largely considered the brick-and-mortar poker capital of the world, as it's one of the few places in the country to allow poker since the 1930s.

That's on top of this being one of the richest regions, inviting both international, national, and local high-rollers to some of the most sought-after seats in world poker.

No wonder so many Hollywood celebrities double as professional poker players, including Tobey Maguire, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Tilly.

Playing The California Lottery Online

An online lottery is not legally offered in California. Normally, the only online interaction a Californian can have with the lottery is by checking a ticket to see if it's a winner. You simply download the app and scan the barcode.

Some websites allow you to purchase foreign lottery tickets. But you have to trust that they'll both buy the ticket for you in-person and pay out any winnings. Even more so than online casinos, we recommend avoiding offshore lottery websites. Imagine if you won a million dollars. What's to stop them from keeping the money? They have possession of the ticket, and you have zero recourse because the website is unlicensed.

However, California launched a 'second chance' promotion for scratch-off tickets in 2019. After a ticket is purchased, you can log in to the California Lottery app and try your luck at another chance to win. Two people won over a million dollars, so keep your eye out for the next time they roll out a promotion like that.

But, in general, you can't log in to the California Lottery app and buy tickets online. You have to go to a local retailer (the nearest of which is probably around the corner from your home).

Online Bingo In California

Plenty of bingo parlors exist across the state of California. Some even have payouts in the thousands of dollars, but most offer physical prizes.

Online bingo, on the other hand, is not legal in California. You cannot legally purchase digital bingo cards in the hopes of winning real-money prizes that can then be withdrawn. Instead, legal bingo sites are limited to sweepstakes betting.

Thankfully, a simple Google search will identify all the legal bingo events going on in your area.

Online Horse Racing Bets In CA

The only traditional online betting that's legal online in California is horse racing. You can bet on local, national, and international tracks, from local races in San Diego to races held on the other side of the world.

However, many betting websites that take horse racing bets from folks in CA are illegal and unlicensed, so it's important to be sure you're depositing at a legal choice.

It also might be worthwhile to note that horse racing could be nearing its finish line as a practice in California. The activist outcry against what many dub animal cruelty, particularly in a famously progressive state, could make horse racing illegal before the state legalizes online sportsbooks and casinos.

Still, even if horse racing goes the way of greyhound racing and is outlawed in CA, betting on it online will almost certainly remain legal.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal In California?

Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in most states because their operators convinced legislators that DFS is skill-based. So, while almost all states have outlawed online casinos, online sportsbooks, and poker sites, DFS is only unavailable in the following states:

• Hawaii
• Washington
• Idaho
• Montana
• Arizona
• Louisiana
• Alabama
• Delaware

In every other state as well as Washington DC, you can legally play DFS at DraftKings, FanDuel, and other operators.

If you're wondering how sports betting isn't skill-based but DFS is, that's a hotly debated topic. If you're wondering how DFS is more skill-based than poker, no one has a good answer for you. It's a total mystery.

See our guide to How To Play Daily Fantasy Sports In California.

Sweepstakes Betting Sites In California

Sweepstakes betting sites can legally offer online casino games, Bingo, digital scratch-offs, sportsbooks, and even poker. What's more, some are able to accept your money.

But you can't win cash through online sweepstakes games. Instead, winning the different bets earns you points that can be cashed in for prize drawings. It's sort of an online raffle, except you have to play to win entries to the raffle. Then again, many offer introductory promotions that give you free entries. But ongoing opportunities require playing the different games.

To call sweepstakes betting sites gambling is a massive stretch, even more so than considering DFS 'skill-based' but not sportsbooks or poker. Still, you can win cash prizes based on playing blackjack, slots, roulette, and so on. So, while it's not gambling, it has the feel of an online casino.

Check out our Guide To California Sweepstakes Sites And Online Casinos.

A Very Brief And Somewhat Disappointing History Of Online Gambling In California

Interestingly, gambling is one of the few bipartisan issues in the United States. Republican, Democrat, and Independent politicians can be for or against legalization, political party notwithstanding. This is important to mention because online gambling legislation is a political issue, and California is a historically left-leaning state.

Since states across the country began legalizing online casinos and online sportsbooks, California has been slow to follow. But this isn't for a lack of demand; rather, it's a matter of political will. Passing new legislation requires cutting through a mountain of red tape. And the recent push toward legalized online poker in 2020 was stymied by COVID-19.

Effect Of The Wire Act

For decades, the government used the Federal Wire Act of 1961 to restrict all forms of online gambling at the federal level. In September 2011, the US Department of Justice under the Obama administration declared that the Act only applied to sports betting.

In 2018, the Trump Justice Department reversed course. It retracted the 2011 DOJ opinion and declared the Wire Act applied to all forms of online betting. The Fifth Court of Appeals then said the Wire Act only applies to sports betting. Then the Department of Justice filed an intention to appeal that decision. And if you're confused, welcome to the club.

And that's where we are at the federal level.

Basically, the history of California's online gambling is yet to be written. Online poker seems to be the most likely legalization in the near future. And the growing demand for legal online sportsbooks will likely reach a fever pitch across the country, California included.

The Legality Of California's Brick-And-Mortar Gambling

The most liberal aspect of legal gambling in California compared to other states is the cardroom. These land-based establishments allow poker, blackjack, pai gow, and baccarat but do not permit slots or table games.

Cardrooms also serve food, drinks, and host events, which gives them the feel of a casino. But if you like the digital games or roulette, you'll have to travel one state over to Nevada. Further, since 1995, the state won't allow additional cardrooms to open. If a California cardroom goes out of business, the state will not issue a license for a new cardroom to open in its place.

Another option is to travel to Native American reservation casinos. In California alone, there are over 60 different tribal casinos that span the state.

You can also play the California State Lottery, which is available for purchase and cash-in only within the state borders. However, you can also play Mega Millions and PowerBall, which is available in 45 states, California included.

Quick Facts On CA Gambling

How Many Casinos Are Located In California?

Within the California state lines, there are two different types of casinos: tribal casinos and cardrooms. Currently, you can bet at more than 60 full-sized tribal casinos and approximately 90 state-licensed cardrooms. These establishments vary in size dramatically, especially when you compare small cardrooms to enormous casino resorts.

Unlike cardrooms, tribal casinos host every type of casino game. This includes slots, video poker, roulette, and craps. That's on top of the blackjack and poker the cardrooms offer.

How Has The California Casino Industry Grown?

California's casino industry took off after the ratification of the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts in 1999. Since then, dozens of casinos opened across the state on reservation land.

Because no new cardrooms can open as of 1995, the only way a new casino can open is if it's tribal-run or the state passes new legislation. That means, for now, the California casino industry has, by all indications, plateaued. This situation appears to be fluid, though. Currently, the moratorium on new cardroom licenses expires in 2023.

Who Owns California Casinos?

Right now, 61 Native American tribes own all the casinos located within California state lines. The names of the casinos normally do not relate to the name of the tribe.

As for the cardrooms, the ownership is even more varied, but they're often named after the location. For example, Commerce Casino is located in Commerce, CA, while the Napa Valley Casino is located in Napa.

An Overview Of The California Lottery

'Winning the lottery' isn't as hard as the term might suggest. Of course, the huge jackpots can hold incredibly small odds. Most people who play the Powerball or the Mega Millions every week for their whole lives never come close to winning the jackpot. But playing the lotto in California is a lot more nuanced than that.

Daily 3

Two drawings per day, every day. You can select three numbers or let the computer do it for you. One number can win you over $50, while the three numbers in order can pay out a few hundred dollars plus.

Daily 4

The same as Daily 3, except the prizes are bigger due to the increased difficulty of correctly guessing four in a row.

Daily Derby

This virtual horse racing game allows bettors to guess which 'horse' (number) will come in first, second, and third, and the results come in twice per day.

Fantasy 5

The same as Daily 3 and 4, except that the drawing is once per day, and the minimum win on the top prize is $65,000.

SuperLotto Plus

The California-only version of the MegaMillions. The drawing occurs twice per week. The minimum top prize is $7 million.

Hot Spot

In California, lottery retailers host screens with a Keno game called Hot Spot. The Hot Spot allows you to bet every four minutes from 6 AM to 2 AM every day. Payouts are determined by both the price of the ticket and the amount of correctly guessed numbers.

Nonprofit Casino Nights In California

According to California Gambling Law, a nonprofit can use casino games to raise money in what is commonly known as a 'casino night.'

However, 90 percent of gross revenue has to go to a registered charity, individual cash prizes cannot exceed $500, and total prizes can't exceed $5,000.

You also can't host any aspect of it online.

Are Raffles Legal In California?

Yes, but raffles have similar laws to that of charity casino nights in that 90 percent of revenue must go toward charity. However, 50/50 raffles at sporting events are also allowed and regulated by the Bureau of Gambling Control.

Online raffles are not legal in most cases. Even charitable online raffles are illegal if any form of marketing is done online. But you can legally advertise an in-person raffle, as well as list all the details of the raffle, such as prizes, rules, and even entry forms, which need to be printed out and completed manually.

Is An Office Pool Legal In California?

Yes. Office pools are legal in California so long as:

• It's not done online
• No one profits off of the pool
• The total pool money doesn't exceed $2,500

So, if you and your friends want to hold a pool for events like March Madness or do a Super Bowl board, there's nothing stopping you if you operate within those rules.

Learn More About California Gambling Laws

California Online Gambling FAQ

Sport Betting In California Casino

No. Not unless you're betting on horse racing, playing a sweepstakes casino or poker site or going for a second chance through the CA Lottery app. Otherwise, you're gambling at an illegal betting site.

While it's not illegal to gamble at an offshore casino, you won't have any recourse if you're ripped off. Many Californians still choose to bet at unlicensed sites and receive their winnings without issue. But is it safe? Strictly speaking, it is not.

In order to ensure the user base is in compliance with local regulations, online sportsbooks and casinos require members to let them know their location. Otherwise, there's no way of knowing whether the person is inside the state – or even within the country.

Sports Betting Update In California

Allowing bets from people located outside of the specific state is illegal. Even those who legally reside in states where online casinos or sportsbooks are legal cannot bet if they're outside of state lines.

Yes. The second you cross the border into Nevada, you can play at any of their licensed betting websites. Many who live close to the border can feasibly drive over state lines, place their sports bets, drive home, then drive back into the state to collect their winnings.

Yes. State residency does not matter. All that matters is that you're located within the state lines. That means you don't even need to be a United States citizen to legally bet at licensed online casinos. This applies to online casinos in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and other states.

Yes. California's standard income tax applies to any gambling winnings. The only exception is the CA Lottery, wherein the state automatically withholds the 24% tax (30% for non-US citizens or legal residents) if the winnings exceed $600.

So, if you're a US citizen and win $1,000 on the CA Lottery, you'd receive $760. You would not have to pay any additional taxes.

If your net winnings for the year exceeds $5,000, then your gambling winnings are subjected to a flat tax rate of 25%.

It's important to note that 'net winnings' means your winnings subtracted by your losses. If you won $10,000 but lost $5,0001, you would not have to pay federal taxes for gambling.

Sports Betting In California Casinos

Sports Betting In California Update

Tribal casinos in California are virtually the same as the casinos you find in Reno or Vegas. The biggest difference is the number of options. If you're in a more rural part of California, you may be a long drive from the closest tribal casino. If you're on the Las Vegas Strip, you're a stone's throw away from dozens of casinos.