Top California Sportsbook for September, 2025
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#1
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#1
BetWhale |
Up to $6,000 Sports Betting Welcome Bonus |
Up to $6,000 Sports Betting Welcome Bonus
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BetWhale
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Get Offer
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Score reflects games, banking, UX and security |
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#2
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#2
BetNow |
Sports Welcome Bonus Worth Up To $250 |
Sports Welcome Bonus Worth Up To $250
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BetNow
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Get Offer
NO CODE REQUIRED
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#3
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#3
BetOnline |
Up to $250 in Free Bets |
Up to $250 in Free Bets
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BetOnline
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Get Offer
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Score reflects games, banking, UX and security |
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#4
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#4
BetUS |
125% Bonus on First 3 Deposits |
125% Bonus on First 3 Deposits
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BetUS
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Get Offer
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Score reflects games, banking, UX and security |
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#5
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#5
MyBookie |
Sportsbook Welcome Bonus of 50% Up To $1,000 |
Sportsbook Welcome Bonus of 50% Up To $1,000
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MyBookie
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Get Offer
NO CODE REQUIRED
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In This Article
- Top California Sportsbook for September, 2025
- Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
- An Overview of Legal Betting Options in California
- How Does California’s Sports Betting Legislation Compare to Its Neighbors
- Reviewing the Sportsbooks in California
- Best California Sports Betting Options with a Seamless User Interface
- Overall Verdict
- Overall Verdict
- Best for Custom and Competitive Prop Markets
- Overall Verdict
- Overall Verdict
- Best for Betting on Harness and Thoroughbred Horse Racing
- Overall Verdict
- Overall Verdict
- How to Register
- CA Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options
- Popular Sports, Teams, & Events to Bet On in California
- Popular Types of Sports Betting Promos
- Responsible Gambling in California
- What are the Top CA Sports Betting Sites?
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
As of now, there are no state-licensed California sports betting options. Unlike neighboring states like Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, which offer both retail and online sportsbooks, California voters said no to legalizing a local sports betting market in 2022. Currently, the state’s gambling laws, governed by the California Gambling Control Commission and tribal gaming compacts, permit tribal casinos, cardrooms, pari-mutuel wagering (horse race betting), and the state lottery. But not sports betting in any form.
The state’s constitution requires voter approval for any expansion of gambling. In November 2022, two sports betting measures appeared on the ballot and were overwhelmingly rejected by voters. Proposition 26 proposed in-person betting at tribal casinos and racetracks, while Proposition 27 would have legalized online sports betting. Both failed by wide margins.
The failure of Prop 26 and 27 highlighted the significant influence of California’s 79 gaming tribes, who hold exclusive rights to casino gambling and are key stakeholders in any gambling expansion. The tribes’ push for retail-only betting was partly to maintain control over gaming revenue, estimated at $8 to $9 billion annually, and to limit competition from online platforms. However, the lack of consensus among tribes, cardrooms, racetracks, and lawmakers, combined with voter skepticism, has delayed legalization.
The Path to CA Sports Betting Legislation
California’s road to legalizing sports gambling has been a rocky one. Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), California sports betting stakeholders have struggled to find common ground and bring sports betting to the state’s residents. So, how far has sports gambling come in the Golden State? What legislation has been proposed or passed? Let’s find out.
The 2018 Supreme Court ruling paved the way for California to introduce state-regulated sports betting; however, this hasn’t been as straightforward as one would expect. Early attempts to get the ACA16 and SCA6 bills on the California ballots failed in 2019. This was because tribes sidelined these initiatives and launched their plans for limited betting at casinos and tracks. The 2022 sports betting propositions were defeated decisively, indicating that Californians aren’t open to the idea of big, corporate sportsbooks.
Since 2022, the pattern has largely been cautious regrouping among those interested in pushing legal sports betting in California. On October 27, 2023, Ryan Tyler Walz, of Eagle One Corp, and Reeve Collins submitted filings titled: ‘The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act’ to the California Attorney General. This move was staunchly opposed by California’s tribal organizations, who criticized the sponsors for a lack of prior consultation.
California tribal leaders signaled in January 2025 that they aren’t rushing a 2026 ballot push, with the focus on developing a tribal-led approach to sports betting in the state. This implies heavy negotiations till 2027, at least, before the next tribal framework or compact is once again put to the vote in 2028.
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
There has been a sustained push from major U.S. sportsbook operators, including FanDuel and DraftKings since at least 2023 to engage with California’s tribes and reintroduce regulated sports betting to the ballot. An alternative to the ballot would be a negotiated framework to establish legal sports betting in California. There have been no positive agreements yet, although this remains mainly on the stakeholders’ agendas.
The most significant hurdle to legalized sports betting in California is the state’s native American tribes, who control gaming and must lead any effort. Over 100 tribes are based within California state lines, and these tribes are divided by interests. Some want in-person betting, while others are more interested in online partnerships with big names like DraftKings and MGM, but only on their terms. Discussions will continue to iron out these differences, but no immediate resolution is expected.
An Overview of Legal Betting Options in California
| Betting Options | Is It Legal in the State? |
| Retail Sports Betting | ❌ |
| Online Sports Betting | ❌ |
| Tribal Casinos that House Sportsbooks | ❌ |
| Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing Betting at Physical Tracks | ✅ |
| Horse Racing Betting Online | ✅ |
| College Sports Betting | ❌ |
| Esports Betting | ❌ |
| Politics Betting | ❌ |
| Entertainment Betting | ❌ |
Retail Sports Betting Options in California
There is no legal retail sports betting in California. The state has complex sports betting laws and does not permit betting at tribal casinos, racetracks, cardrooms, or any other retail locations.
Proposition 26, aimed at legalizing in-person sports betting at California’s tribal casinos and four licensed horse racing tracks, made it to the ballot in November 2022. However, it was rejected due to voter confusion, divisions among tribes, strong opposition among tribes, and concerns about expanding gambling in the state.
Does California Have Tribal Casinos with Sportsbooks?
No, California does not. While the Golden State is home to around 76 tribal casinos, none offer retail sportsbooks. Due to the state’s ongoing restrictions on sports betting, these casinos are not legally authorized to operate sportsbook facilities. Leaving residents of California without a regulated in-state sports betting option, meaning that a trip out of state to neighboring Nevada or Arizona is necessary to wager on sports.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
No, there’s no legal online sports betting in California. The state’s push to legalize retail and online sports betting has repeatedly hit dead ends, leaving it unregulated as of September 2025. The 2022 efforts failed by a wide margin, and a 2024 push also fizzled out as proponents struggled to present a united front. Nothing will likely hit the ballot again until at least 2028.
Technically, the next chance for legalization, in theory, is the 2026 midterm elections, when a new ballot measure could be put to voters. However, this is a long shot, as California’s native American tribes are determined to protect their gaming rights, and any sports betting plans require their approval to be passed. Therefore, 2028 is a more realistic target for sports betting in CA.
Is Esports Betting Legal in California?
No, it’s not. Although not considered a traditional sport, esports are treated similarly to regular sports and are prohibited for gambling in California. No retail or online sportsbooks are authorized to provide esports betting within the state.
If you want to wager on your favorite game titles, your best bet is to use one of our recommended international esports betting sites that legally accept California players.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in California?
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operates in a legal gray area in California. In 2023, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) submitted an official letter to the state attorney general, requesting that DFS Pick’Em games be considered illegal. The AG’s office formally received the request in October 2023 (filed as Opinion 23‑1001) and began soliciting public input on whether California’s daily fantasy contests are legal under state gambling laws.
On July 3, 2024, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an opinion stating that state law prohibits draft-and-pick ’em style daily fantasy contests. However, a spokesman for Gov. Gavin Newsom, in an interview, later said the governor disagrees with this interpretation. Many DFS companies, in response, say that they are open to new talks or negotiations, as they do not plan to leave the state anytime soon.
What about Offshore Sportsbooks in CA?
Even though California hasn’t legalized domestic online sportsbooks, you can still wager safely through offshore sportsbooks. These sites are fully accessible across the state and, in many cases, provide a broader menu of betting markets than what you’ll find on tightly regulated platforms in other jurisdictions.
The most reputable offshore sportsbooks operate under international gaming licenses from jurisdictions like Curaçao, Panama, and Anjouan. These regulators allow sportsbooks to serve US players, and to date, no Californian has ever been prosecuted for placing bets with them.
That said, here are a few benefits you can enjoy from using these international sportsbooks as a CA bettor:
- College Sports Betting Options: Back your favorite college teams, including the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins (unavailable at state-regulated sportsbooks).
- Access to CA Betting Options: Enjoy a wider variety of betting markets, including props on college players.
- Lucrative Bonuses: Claim bigger welcome bonuses and consistent ongoing promos.
- No Restrictions: Bet from anywhere in California without geo-fencing.
- Convenient Payments: Get fast crypto payouts and flexible banking options.
How Does California’s Sports Betting Legislation Compare to Its Neighbors
While California sports betting continues to hit roadblocks, its neighbors are already reaping the rewards of establishing fully legalized sports betting markets. As California eyes 2026 for another shot at legalization, let’s take a closer look at how things are shaping up in the states next door.
Arizona
Arizona legalized both retail and online sports betting on April 5, 2021, and launched its market four months later, just in time for the NFL season. The state permits up to 16 online sportsbooks and over 15 retail locations, including in stadiums like the State Farm Stadium. Although the market is broad, Arizona sports betting does not allow prop bets on college players, nor does it permit wagers on injuries, penalties, or high school events.
Nevada
Nevada sports betting has been legal since 1931. The Silver State was the first to start allowing online bets via STN sportsbooks in 2010. Although the state’s gambling infrastructure is one of the oldest, quite surprisingly, there are still a few restrictions on online wagering. For example, you can only open an account in person at a licensed casino and make your first deposit on-site before betting online.
Oregon
Sports betting in Oregon is legal, but the market is more limited than in neighboring states. The Oregon Lottery controls all sports wagering in the state, and you can only bet in person at Chinook Winds Casino or online via DraftKings. College football betting is banned at lottery-run sportsbooks, but it may be permitted at certain tribal retail sites.
Reviewing the Sportsbooks in California
Looking for the best California sports betting apps? Our recommended betting sites provide unique features that make them top destinations for wagering on sports in CA. These are our top three options for 2025.
Best California Sports Betting Options with a Seamless User Interface
BetWhale
Launched in 2023, BetWhale has quickly emerged as one of the most modern international sportsbooks serving California players. The sportsbook has 27 sports betting categories, which is more than most CA betting sites. Additionally, the BetWhale site works perfectly across mobile and desktop devices, with vertically-optimized display and millisecond loading times.
BetWhale’s sportsbook is a dream for California bettors. Here, you can access hundreds to thousands of live and pre-match betting options for sports popular in the Golden State. These include major U.S leagues, such as the MLB, NBA, and NFL, featuring local CA teams, along with niche markets like darts and water polo. There are also dedicated esports and racebook sections, where you can bet on titles like League of Legends or races at Santa Anita Park.
That said, one downside is the lack of frequent promotions compared to other top CA betting sites, so BetWhale may not be ideal for the best sportsbook promos. However, a modern design ensures you have no issues navigating the site as a first-timer or experienced user. Firstly, the site’s dark and gold theme is easy on the eye and improves visibility when scrolling through markets. Also, the betting site is divided into sections for sports, horse racing, and esports, so you know exactly where to find your preferred markets. The left menu bar on the BetWhale website separates live and pre-match events, and the numbers next to each sport let you know precisely how many betting markets are available at any point.
Score reflects games, banking, UX and security
Quick Overview
Launched in 2023, BetWhale has quickly emerged as one of the most modern international sportsbooks serving California players. The sportsbook has 27 sports betting categories, which is more than most CA betting sites. Additionally, the BetWhale site works perfectly across mobile and desktop devices, with vertically-optimized display and millisecond loading times.
BetWhale’s sportsbook is a dream for California bettors. Here, you can access hundreds to thousands of live and pre-match betting options for sports popular in the Golden State. These include major U.S leagues, such as the MLB, NBA, and NFL, featuring local CA teams, along with niche markets like darts and water polo. There are also dedicated esports and racebook sections, where you can bet on titles like League of Legends or races at Santa Anita Park.
That said, one downside is the lack of frequent promotions compared to other top CA betting sites, so BetWhale may not be ideal for the best sportsbook promos. However, a modern design ensures you have no issues navigating the site as a first-timer or experienced user. Firstly, the site’s dark and gold theme is easy on the eye and improves visibility when scrolling through markets. Also, the betting site is divided into sections for sports, horse racing, and esports, so you know exactly where to find your preferred markets. The left menu bar on the BetWhale website separates live and pre-match events, and the numbers next to each sport let you know precisely how many betting markets are available at any point.
Pros
- Comprehensive esports section with embedded Twitch streams
- Occasional sportsbook free bet offers
- User-friendly website design
Cons
- A $1 deposit is needed to access the site’s horse racing markets
- High $150 minimum withdrawal limit
- A few ongoing sports promotions
🎯 Why It’s Best for Sports Variety
As you would expect from a top sportsbook, BetWhale covers all of California’s major sports preferences, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The sportsbook equally excels with its selection of betting markets and odds for niche sports. While browsing the BetWhale website, we found markets for lacrosse, futsal, darts, floorball, water polo, and snooker. BetWhale also has a ‘Specials’ section where you can bet on the outcomes of mayoral, governorship, and presidential elections in the United States.
⚽ Available Sports Betting Markets
BetWhale lists 26 sports betting categories, notably ice hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Each sport covers professional and amateur leagues in the United States, and several high-profile international leagues and tournaments. The esports section lists 15 game titles, including Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Valorant. Lastly, the racebook covers events from local parks across the United States, as well as from international racetracks in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and several other countries.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
The BetWhale interface is arguably the best-organized one we’ve seen on a CA sportsbook. We tested the sportsbook’s website on mobile and desktop and consistently got fast loading times between one and three seconds for streams, payment options, and the site’s betting markets. The bet slip is constantly available on all screens of the BetWhale website, so you can seamlessly switch between shopping lines and editing picks with one click.
Key Features
🎯 Why It’s Best for Sports Variety
As you would expect from a top sportsbook, BetWhale covers all of California’s major sports preferences, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The sportsbook equally excels with its selection of betting markets and odds for niche sports. While browsing the BetWhale website, we found markets for lacrosse, futsal, darts, floorball, water polo, and snooker. BetWhale also has a ‘Specials’ section where you can bet on the outcomes of mayoral, governorship, and presidential elections in the United States.
⚽ Available Sports Betting Markets
BetWhale lists 26 sports betting categories, notably ice hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Each sport covers professional and amateur leagues in the United States, and several high-profile international leagues and tournaments. The esports section lists 15 game titles, including Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Valorant. Lastly, the racebook covers events from local parks across the United States, as well as from international racetracks in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and several other countries.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
The BetWhale interface is arguably the best-organized one we’ve seen on a CA sportsbook. We tested the sportsbook’s website on mobile and desktop and consistently got fast loading times between one and three seconds for streams, payment options, and the site’s betting markets. The bet slip is constantly available on all screens of the BetWhale website, so you can seamlessly switch between shopping lines and editing picks with one click.
Key Features
Best for Custom and Competitive Prop Markets
BetOnline
BetOnline delivers a polished, feature-rich sportsbook designed for California bettors who value flexible parlay creation and a wide array of prop options. The platform balances its prop markets with tools like same-game parlays and built-in filters to sift through hundreds of games easily.
The BetOnline betting menu spans everything, from major US sports and college leagues to niche markets like table tennis, futsal, eSports, politics, and motorsports. However, the sportsbook’s standout feature is its selection of game and player props. BetOnline lists hundreds of player-level prop lines, team/game props for top events, and specialty markets across U.S. sports.
While the sportsbook could do with expanding its props to cover more niche markets, popular CA sports on BetOline have an abundance of prop options for you to choose from. Furthermore, BetOnline has a ‘Book My Bet’ feature that lets you contact the sportsbook’s odds team with custom props requests. The sportsbook also offers in-game lines and fast updating odds for prop markets, allowing live prop trading and bet hedging.
Quick Overview
BetOnline delivers a polished, feature-rich sportsbook designed for California bettors who value flexible parlay creation and a wide array of prop options. The platform balances its prop markets with tools like same-game parlays and built-in filters to sift through hundreds of games easily.
The BetOnline betting menu spans everything, from major US sports and college leagues to niche markets like table tennis, futsal, eSports, politics, and motorsports. However, the sportsbook’s standout feature is its selection of game and player props. BetOnline lists hundreds of player-level prop lines, team/game props for top events, and specialty markets across U.S. sports.
While the sportsbook could do with expanding its props to cover more niche markets, popular CA sports on BetOline have an abundance of prop options for you to choose from. Furthermore, BetOnline has a ‘Book My Bet’ feature that lets you contact the sportsbook’s odds team with custom props requests. The sportsbook also offers in-game lines and fast updating odds for prop markets, allowing live prop trading and bet hedging.
Pros
- Supports over 15 cryptocurrencies for instant deposits and fast payouts
- Competitive odds for the NFL, NBA, and MLB
- Regular odds boosters for props
Cons
- Occasional limits on player prop and arbitrage bets
- Fiat withdrawals can take up to two weeks
- No official native app
🎯 Why It’s Best for Props Betting
BetOnline’s dedicated prop builder has a special build mode that lets you select specific players, choose your preferred statistic, depending on the sport, and adjust lines for ‘At Least’, ‘Over’, ‘Under’, and ‘Exactly.’ Furthermore, you can apply optional filters to display the props for a particular player or game, and combine multiple prop markets to form a regular or same-game parlay.
🏀 Range of Props Markets Available
BetOnline provides prop betting options for 14 major sports and leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NCAAFB, WNBA, MLS, and NBA. All prop categories feature the standard game market, over/under, and player doubles props; however, additional prop options vary by sport. The NFL, for instance, has 14 prop categories and over 40 subcategories, including passing yards, pass completions, receptions, receiving yards, and tackles + assists.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
We found that BetOnline combines prop markets, its bet builder tool, prop-parlay link, and solid in-play lines perfectly, making it the best CA sportsbook for props betting. We especially enjoyed being able to customize prop lines, as this allowed us to set risk levels we were comfortable with managing.
Key Features
🎯 Why It’s Best for Props Betting
BetOnline’s dedicated prop builder has a special build mode that lets you select specific players, choose your preferred statistic, depending on the sport, and adjust lines for ‘At Least’, ‘Over’, ‘Under’, and ‘Exactly.’ Furthermore, you can apply optional filters to display the props for a particular player or game, and combine multiple prop markets to form a regular or same-game parlay.
🏀 Range of Props Markets Available
BetOnline provides prop betting options for 14 major sports and leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NCAAFB, WNBA, MLS, and NBA. All prop categories feature the standard game market, over/under, and player doubles props; however, additional prop options vary by sport. The NFL, for instance, has 14 prop categories and over 40 subcategories, including passing yards, pass completions, receptions, receiving yards, and tackles + assists.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
We found that BetOnline combines prop markets, its bet builder tool, prop-parlay link, and solid in-play lines perfectly, making it the best CA sportsbook for props betting. We especially enjoyed being able to customize prop lines, as this allowed us to set risk levels we were comfortable with managing.
Key Features
Best for Betting on Harness and Thoroughbred Horse Racing
BetUS
BetUS leverages its racebook roots to offer one of the deepest horse racing selections available to CA bettors, alongside a solid sportsbook and casino suite. Fans get access to over 300 tracks worldwide, including live streaming and exotic bets.
The BetUS sportsbook covers Thoroughbred races from 150+ parks across the United States and worldwide. These include races at Fairmount Park, Finger Lakes, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Mountaineer Park. Additionally, races at California’s local venues, such as the Del Mar racetrack and Santa Anita Park, are regularly featured on the BetUS racebook. Similarly, BetUS provides lines for races in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and harness events in Sweden.
Although the BetUS website interface may not be the easiest to use, you can enjoy quality video streams for ongoing horse races on desktop or mobile. The sportsbook provides odds for top events, like the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and the Breeders’ Cup. You can wager on future markets or place exotic bets, like the Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta, on these events.
Quick Overview
BetUS leverages its racebook roots to offer one of the deepest horse racing selections available to CA bettors, alongside a solid sportsbook and casino suite. Fans get access to over 300 tracks worldwide, including live streaming and exotic bets.
The BetUS sportsbook covers Thoroughbred races from 150+ parks across the United States and worldwide. These include races at Fairmount Park, Finger Lakes, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Mountaineer Park. Additionally, races at California’s local venues, such as the Del Mar racetrack and Santa Anita Park, are regularly featured on the BetUS racebook. Similarly, BetUS provides lines for races in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and harness events in Sweden.
Although the BetUS website interface may not be the easiest to use, you can enjoy quality video streams for ongoing horse races on desktop or mobile. The sportsbook provides odds for top events, like the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and the Breeders’ Cup. You can wager on future markets or place exotic bets, like the Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta, on these events.
Pros
- Expert horse racing analysis and picks through BetUS TV
- Detailed stats and clear live streams for horse racing
- Up to 60% loyalty free play bonus for horse matchups
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to fiat payouts
- No horse racing rebates or bonuses
- Relatively few payout options
🎯 Why It’s Best for Horse Racing Betting
BetUS’s ‘Stats’ feature provides the information you need to analyze and make racebook picks without you needing to leave the site. These include details about the race type, location, time zone, distance in furlongs, surface, and race purse. Furthermore, BetUS TV provides regular horse racing news and picks from industry experts, providing guidance for when you need help with bet selections.
🐴 Horse Racing Details Available on BetUS
If you need horse racing data beyond the basic info on BetUS, the sportsbook has you covered. For every race, you can get information about each horse’s post number, morning line odds, and runner info (horse’s name, age, sex, color, sire/dam, and foaling date). BetUS provides rider and trainer names plus win percentages from the last 30 days. You can also find data on horse medication and weight, as well as detailed running lines from past races.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
We found that BetUS accepts more horse racing wager types than most other top CA betting sites. You’ll find options like win/place/show, exactas, trifectas, daily doubles, and parlays. We also appreciate that bets placed after post are graded as ‘No Action’, which keeps things in line with the standards at California’s best racetracks.
Key Features
🎯 Why It’s Best for Horse Racing Betting
BetUS’s ‘Stats’ feature provides the information you need to analyze and make racebook picks without you needing to leave the site. These include details about the race type, location, time zone, distance in furlongs, surface, and race purse. Furthermore, BetUS TV provides regular horse racing news and picks from industry experts, providing guidance for when you need help with bet selections.
🐴 Horse Racing Details Available on BetUS
If you need horse racing data beyond the basic info on BetUS, the sportsbook has you covered. For every race, you can get information about each horse’s post number, morning line odds, and runner info (horse’s name, age, sex, color, sire/dam, and foaling date). BetUS provides rider and trainer names plus win percentages from the last 30 days. You can also find data on horse medication and weight, as well as detailed running lines from past races.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
We found that BetUS accepts more horse racing wager types than most other top CA betting sites. You’ll find options like win/place/show, exactas, trifectas, daily doubles, and parlays. We also appreciate that bets placed after post are graded as ‘No Action’, which keeps things in line with the standards at California’s best racetracks.
Key Features
How to Register
Signing up at California-friendly online betting sites is easy when you know what to do. In just four steps, you can set up your account and claim a bonus. The process outlined below is generally the same for any of the top sports betting apps in California.
- Visit the Site: Visit the site and click “Join” (or something similar) to sign up.
- Register Betting Account: Fill out the registration form with your name, email, postal code, password, phone number, and date of birth.
- Credit Account and Enter a Promo Code: Select a payment option. Fund your betting account, ensuring you meet the minimum requirement, and enter the promo code (if required) to claim the welcome offer.
- Start Playing: Once your deposit is reflected, head to the sports lobby, explore the betting markets, and select your bets.
CA Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options
There are currently no state-regulated desktop or mobile sports betting apps in California. This is despite the rising popularity of mobile betting across the United States, especially among younger users. In states where sports betting is legal, many players have moved from casino floors to mobile platforms. And sportsbooks have responded by adopting a mobile-first approach.
While California doesn’t have state-regulated sports betting apps, there are solid mobile-friendly alternatives. Many bettors turn to international sportsbooks, which operate in a legal grey area. These sites are not regulated or licensed by California authorities, but they do accept players from the state. Our recommended international sites have mobile-optimized sites with fast load times, smooth navigation, and real-time bet updates. In addition, you can bookmark a betting page from your browser and add the icon to your home screen for quick access, without needing to install any additional software.
Popular Sports, Teams, & Events to Bet On in California
California, home to roughly 39.4 million people, is the most populous state in the United States. Its population is debatably one of the reasons why it has more professional sports teams than anywhere else in the US.
The Golden State has 15 major pro franchises across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. With close to 40 million residents, there’s enough local support to fill stadiums, drive TV ratings, and support multiple franchises.
| 🏈NFL | 🏀NBA | ⚾️MLB | 🏒NHL | ⚽️MLS | 🏀🏈NCAA |
| Los Angeles Rams | Los Angeles Lakers | Los Angeles Dodgers | Los Angeles Kings | LA Galaxy | University of Southern California |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Golden State Warriors | San Francisco Giants | San Jose Sharks | Los Angeles FC | UCLA Bruins |
| San Francisco 49ers | Los Angeles Clippers | San Diego Padres | Anaheim Ducks | San Jose Earthquakes | University of California, Berkeley (Cal Golden Bears) |
| Sacramento Kings | Los Angeles Angels | San Diego State (Aztecs) | |||
| Fresno State University (Bulldogs) | |||||
| Santa Clara University (Broncos) |
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in California and NBA history, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most NBA Championships in league history. Unsurprisingly, they command a massive global following and are the second-most followed US professional sports team on Instagram, behind only the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers, led across different eras by NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal, have built a legacy of dominance, drama, and superstardom that spans generations. You can find regular season and matchday odds, odds boosts, and live streams of the LA Lakers on BetOnline.
Golden State Warriors
The 2014-2019 Golden State Warriors, with their superstar core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and later Kevin Durant, are one of the NBA’s all-time best teams. They shook up basketball with their quick defense and amazing three-point shots, making it hard for traditional teams that rely heavily on their big men.
Under coach Steve Kerr, they’ve won four NBA titles and have a huge fan base across the US. The Warriors, seven-time NBA winners, are known for their third-quarter surges and explosive runs. They are popular picks for live and three-point prop bets on first-team players, such as Curry and Jimmy Butler. You can place live bets or place same-game parlays on Warriors games on BetOnline.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers hold the NFL record for the most playoff wins (38) and most NFL Championship game appearances (19). San Francisco has five Super Bowl victories, only behind the Steelers and Patriots, who have six Super Bowls apiece.
A sports betting California app like BetUS offers some of the best odds on the 49ers. They also have a weekly TV show where experts analyze past games, break down roster strengths, preview upcoming NFL matchups, and make picks and predictions to help bettors make informed betting decisions.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams haven’t won as many Super Bowls as the 49ers, but they are a force in their own right as well. Their latest glory came with a dramatic Super Bowl LVI win at SoFi Stadium in 2022, thanks to stars like Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp.
With a passionate LA fan base and consistent national visibility, the Rams frequently draw heavy betting action, especially on playoff-related odds. Most sports betting apps legal in California offer deep betting markets on the Rams, but we suggest BetOnline simply because it provides several free and paid NFL contests, notably the $1,000,000 NFL Survivor contests.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Oakland Athletics may have more championships overall, but the Los Angeles Dodgers have the bigger fan base. That’s primarily because of their recent success, including a World Series win in 2024. Since 2013, the Dodgers have led Major League Baseball in attendance, a testament to their popularity both within and outside California.
MyBookie offers a wide range of betting options on Dodgers games and other MLB matchups. You can explore 20 or more betting markets per game, including player props, run totals, and inning bets on this sports betting California app.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings, while not among the NHL’s most decorated teams, hold their own on the West Coast. They have appeared in three finals and won two of those. However, despite their talented roster, they have struggled in recent years, losing to the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.
You can count on the Kings to make the playoffs nearly every year. During the offseason, Bovada offers futures bets on the NHL Draft, the Stanley Cup, and various awards, including the Hart Trophy for MVP. You will find even more betting options, including game lines, prop bets, and live wagers, in the regular season.
LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy have won six MLS Cups, more than any other MLS team in the league’s history. Their 2024 title came from great play by Gabriel Pec, Riqui Puig, and new stars Marco Reus and Matheus Nascimento. Coach Greg Vanney’s fast, possession-based style makes overbets popular.
Despite injuries to players like Puig slowing their 2025 start, the Galaxy remains a solid betting pick. Everygame is a top choice for California soccer fans, offering promotions like a $50 free bet draw if your parlay misses by one leg.
Popular Types of Sports Betting Promos
The best sports betting sites in California offer attractive welcome and ongoing promotions to boost players’ bankroll and manage their risk. The most common is the deposit match, typically a welcome promotion offered by most sportsbooks, which matches a percentage of your deposit up to a specified amount. Top CA sportsbooks also commonly offer a no-sweat or risk-free bet that refunds your stake if your initial wager loses. This refund is usually in the form of a free bet, bonus credit, or site credit with minimal wagering requirements.
Additionally, there are cashback rewards you receive whether you win or lose a bet, and you can benefit from ongoing sport-specific promotions at top CA sportsbooks, like BetOnline and Sportsbetting. Rebates are often calculated and awarded by CA betting sites as a percentage of the amount you have wagered over a given period. Most of our recommended California sportsbooks also offer odds boosts where the payout odds on specific individual bets and parlays are increased. Similarly, you can benefit from VIP and loyalty programs that provide cashback, perks, and exclusive bonuses to regular or high-volume players.
Responsible Gambling in California
Struggling with a gambling addiction? The best CA online gambling apps have responsible gambling tools that can help you manage your addiction. These include deposit and loss limits, cool-down periods, and self-exclusion.
You can also explore the following peer-support platforms if you need more emotional, social, and experiential support:
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gam-Anon
- GamTalk
- California Council on Problem Gambling
What are the Top CA Sports Betting Sites?
Legal sports betting in California has been a contentious debate for years, with tribal nations insisting on leading any charge for its legalization. As such, the industry appears very much stuck in the mud in 2025. Still, as covered in this article, California bettors aren’t out of options even if a deal is never reached.
The precise sportsbook for your needs is up to you alone, but GamesHub is happy to verify that all the sites listed in this guide meet our high expectations for trust and fairness. Regardless, if you’d like our prize pick, BetWhale offers unmatched sports variety, a sleek interface, and smooth performance across devices, making it the best all-round option for California players.
