While online sports betting in California is still not legal, there are
plenty of ways to get your gamble on. Below, we’ve broken everything down so you know what your options are now, what’s coming in the future, and where you can still play online.
Sports Betting Alternatives in California
| Legal Now? | Option | Notes |
|---|
 | Horse Racing | Legal online + retail. Big tracks like Santa Anita dominate. |
 | DFS (Fantasy Sports) | Technically legal, operating in a grey area. |
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Token-based sites that mimic casino action. No real gambling licenses. |
 | Online Sports Betting | Not yet. Failed Props in 2022 pushed everything back. |
Top Picks (Sweeps + Offshore): BetOnline, Bovada, Everygame
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
Nope. Not yet. Despite a nationwide green light in 2018, California has stalled. Props 26 & 27 were both shot down in 2022, and voters weren’t even close to approving them.
Why Did Props 26 and 27 Fail?
- Prop 26: Legalize retail-only betting at tribal casinos. No mobile.
- Prop 27: Let brands like FanDuel, DraftKings offer mobile betting in partnership with tribes.
- Outcome: Massive public pushback. Neither passed.
When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in California?
Earliest estimate?
2026 or later. Maybe even 2028. It all depends on:
- Tribal agreement
- Legislative proposals
- Voter sentiment
California Legal Updates Timeline
| Date | Event |
| April 2025 | Tribes slam rumors of deals with DraftKings/FanDuel as false. |
| Jan 2025 | Tribes confirm they won’t pursue sports betting for 2026 ballot. |
| June 2024 | Supreme Court denies appeal, opening potential legal window. |
| Jan 2024 | Proposals stall. Legalization unlikely before 2026. |
| Nov 2022 | Props 26 and 27 overwhelmingly rejected by voters. |
Projected Market Potential
- Revenue: Up to $3 billion/year
- Tax Revenue: Hundreds of millions (TBD)
- Licensing Fee (2022 plan): $100M initial, $10M renewal
Regulation & Partnerships
- Oversight: California Gambling Control Commission
- Expected Model: Tribal casinos as mandatory partners
Expected Bonuses (When Legal)
| Bonus Type | What It Does |
| Bonus Bets | Risk-free bets or bet-and-get offers |
| Deposit Match | Matches your initial deposit up to a set amount |
| Referral Bonuses | Earn cash/credits by inviting friends |
| Odds Boosts | Enhanced odds for specific games or markets |
| Parlay Insurance | Refunds if one leg of your parlay busts |
Sports To Bet On (Once Legal)
- NFL: Rams, 49ers, Chargers
- NBA: Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, Kings
- MLB: Dodgers, Giants, Angels, A’s, Padres
- NHL: Sharks, Kings, Ducks
- MLS: Galaxy, LAFC, Earthquakes
- College Sports: To be determined (may have restrictions)
Where Can You Bet Now?
- Horse Racing: Online and at the track
- DFS: Platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, Underdog
- Social Casinos: Play-to-win token models like Chumba, LuckyLand
- Offshore Casinos: Riskier but available – use with caution
Betting Options to Expect
- Moneyline
- Point Spreads
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Futures
- Parlays
- Prop Bets
- Live Betting
Final Thoughts
Right now, legal online sports betting in California is stuck. But the market is too massive to ignore forever. In the meantime, players can still enjoy legal alternatives like horse racing and social casinos. When the day comes, expect fierce competition, killer promos, and tribal partnerships to define the scene.
Stay tuned. The Golden State will go green – eventually.
