Fact Checked by Ryan Hatfield
The Golden State is rightfully named – and California sports betting enthusiasts have tons of online sportsbook apps to place their bets.
To spare you the time and effort of looking for them on your own, we have ranked and reviewed the 10 best California sports betting sites available right now.
BetWhale took the top position with its competitive odds, generous sports bonuses, and exciting contests and tournaments – but there are many other California betting apps to consider.
Let’s dive in and check them all out.
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
There have been several attempts to make legal California sports betting possible, but none of them came through. As of right now, there is no information about a new online sports betting measure being proposed, but you can still join plenty of offshore-licensed sites to place bets.
The only legal gambling options in California are tribal casinos, the state lottery, pari mutuel wagering, and commercial cardrooms. So, before there are any legal online sports betting websites established in the state, you can go with overseas-based sites.
Best California Sports Betting Sites
| 🥇 Best overall | BetWhale |
| 📱 Excellent mobile betting app | Bovada |
| ⚽️ Best variety of sports betting markets | BetOnline |
| 🃏 Best for live betting | Everygame |
| 🏈 Best variety of prop bets | MyBookie |
| 🚀 Top pick for crypto | MyStake |
| 🥎 Best pick for college sports betting | BetUS |
| 🎁 Good reload bonuses | Sportsbetting.ag |
| 🎲 Best for eSports | Wild.io |
| 🎁 Up to $1,500 sports welcome bonus | BUSR |
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Read on as we break down each of the best CA sportsbooks in greater detail and review its sports betting markets, odds, bonuses for new players, and more.
1. BetWhale – Best California Online Sports Betting Site Overall
Pros:
- Competitive betting odds in major leagues
- Up to $1,250 sports welcome bonus
- Excellent mobile compatibility
- Accepts PayPal
- 24/7 customer support
- Dedicated esports betting section
Cons:
- Slightly dated site design
- Could have more payout options
BetWhale is a well-rounded sportsbook featuring everything from excellent odds, incredible features, and a bumper $1,250 welcome bonus, all of which easily make it the best online betting California site overall.
🏈 Betting Markets: 4.95/5
BetWhale offers a broad array of sports betting markets, encompassing everything from major sports to niche sports and even a dedicated esports betting section that broadcasts live events.
Safe to say, this CA sportsbook truly caters to diverse betting interests.
Apart from covering many sports, you’ll also find a ton of sports betting options under each one. For instance, if you choose any NFL, NBA, or MLB game, you’ll find that each one features 100+ markets to wager on, sometimes even more. It’s truly remarkable!
🎁 Bonuses: 5/5
Besides giving California sports bettors tons of markets to wager on, BetWhale also shines with its bonus offerings. New players can take advantage of a substantial welcome bonus by using the code WHALECOME on their first deposit, which is matched 100% up to $1,250.
Although BetWhale doesn’t offer a fixed reload bonus for sports bettors, there are still opportunities to get bonuses through ongoing promotions, particularly when the major leagues are in session.
💳 Banking: 4.9/5
BetWhale is one of the few online betting California sites on our list that accepts PayPal deposits, which is a major plus, given the popularity and convenience of this payment option.
Apart from that, you can deposit using a bank card, crypto, Flexepin, or Neosurf, and each option features reasonable limits.
Our only slight complaint is that there are only 4 listed payout methods, and you’re able to cash out between $150 and $2,500 per transaction.
🔥 User Experience: 4.95/5
Regardless of BetWhale’s template sportsbook design, the site is functional and easy to navigate, which is what most California bettors truly care about.
The mobile app platform perfectly mirrors this experience, as it’s optimized well for smaller screens and provides a seamless live betting feature. This ensures that users can bet on the go without any hassle.
And if you ever encounter a problem, you can rely on the site’s customer support team — which is available through email, live chat, and phone — to help sort all your issues out.
💯 Overall: 4.95/5
The best sportsbook in California offers a well-rounded sports betting experience with extensive market coverage, generous bonuses, and user-friendly banking options. It rightfully earns its place as the king of all California sportsbooks online.
2. Bovada – Best California Sportsbook Online for Mobile Bettors
Pros:
- Awesome mobile experience
- Great in-play betting
- Abundance of real sports betting markets
- Low bonus rollover
- $750 welcome bonus
Cons:
- Limited payment methods
- Simple website design
Want the best mobile sports betting experience in California? With in-depth market coverage, generous bonuses, and an excellent live betting interface? Look no further – Bovada’s got you covered.
🏈 Betting Markets: 4.9/5
The attention to detail when it comes to real-world sports gambling markets at Bovada is second to none.
So whether it be horse racing, college sports or something more niche like curling, the chances are that you’ll find the markets you’re looking for.
If you want to bet on your favorite team, like the San Jose Sharks or the San Diego Padres, you won’t just need to settle for standard bets. You can find all sorts of specials, like the timing of the first goal or whether or not a specific player will hit a home run.
We haven’t quite been able to give full marks for this category as the aforementioned attention to detail doesn’t quite stretch to eSports, but you’ll still find a fair few markets for this too.
🎁 Bonuses: 5/5
New Bovada customers will get a 50% matched deposit of up to $250 when they sign up. This isn’t the largest bonus in the world, but that max deposit is only going to affect players who really want to spend the big bucks. Crypto players can get as much as $750.
The good news is that you’ll only need to play through this bonus five times, thanks to a super low rollover. This means you’ll have a much better chance of taking home some of your winnings.
💳 Banking: 4.8/5
You’ll find that this online betting California site processes any payment requests pretty quickly or instantly if you choose one of the cryptocurrencies they support (although there are only a handful of major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum)
You also won’t find many other ways to pay at Bovada though. It’s generally lacking in payment methods, so be sure to check this out if you prefer an alternative banking option.
🔥 User Experience: 4.9/5
California sports bettors who like to play on the go will love Bovada. It’s one of the few California betting sites with a downloadable mobile app.
It isn’t a great option for casino game players, though. Compared to all our top online legal sports betting sites so far, which have a lot of games to choose from, Bovada is slacking, with less than 200 games to its name.
💯 Overall: 4.9/5
With its feature-rich California betting app and super in-depth sports betting markets, Bovada offers something different from our other top picks, and we’re here for it.
3. BetOnline – Most Betting Markets of all California Online Sportsbooks
Pros:
- Excellent live betting experience
- Thousands of daily betting markets
- Over 25 years of experience
- Up to $250 free bet bonus
- 100 FS included in the offer
Cons:
- High fee for credit card deposits
- Simple website design
Coming at number three, we have BetOnline – an excellent California sports betting site, offering users thousands of daily markets.
🏈 Betting Markets: 4.9/5
This sportsbook California is second to none when it comes to the sheer number of markets, with early lines for events all around the world – including niche sports like surfing and Aussie Rules.
We’re particularly impressed with two key areas: horse racing betting and eSports. Players can explore various international horse races and some less popular eSports games like SMITE.
🎁 Bonuses: 4.8/5
Just getting started at BetOnline? Then, make sure to activate their welcome bonus!
Simply make a minimum deposit of $50 and use the promo code FREE250 to activate the $250 free bet bonus. Plus, you’ll get 100 free spins with this offer!
Once you’ve finished with this welcome bonus, make sure to take a look at the reload promotions available for BetOnline users.
💳 Banking: 4.6/5
There are a handful of payment methods to use at this CA sports betting site, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, MoneyGram, and credit cards.
However, banking is the one area we find a little too tight for BetOnline. They charge a 9.75% fee for all deposits made with a credit card, which we found a little unfair and worth avoiding with an alternative payment method.
It is also one of the best instant withdrawal casinos in California!
🔥 User Experience: 4.9/5
One of the best parts of the BetOnline experience is live sports betting. There are live streams for many of the events on the site (mainly eSports), and if licensing isn’t available for an event, it will probably have live graphics keeping you in the loop with what’s happening.
That’s on top of the excellent in-play sports betting and cash-out functions. Odds are calculated very quickly with these to get the best rates.
This happens on a very neatly designed site for desktop and mobile devices. We have nothing to complain about in this department!
💯 Overall: 4.8/5
This California sportsbook has been doing business for over 25 years, and it shows. They offer online sports betting on a wide range of mainstream and niche markets. They also offer excellent welcome and reload bonuses and deliver an immersive live betting experience.
4. Everygame – Best Sportsbook in California for Live Betting
Pros:
- Amazing live betting tools
- Up to $1,000 crypto bonus
- Low wagering requirements
- Great prop bets on major events
- Top-notch mobile compatibility
Cons:
- The homepage might feel a bit cluttered
- Not a lot of markets outside of sports
Everygame offers an impressive live betting section, a generous welcome bonus, and other exciting perks that can hardly be matched by other California sports betting sites.
🏈 Betting Markets: 4.9/5
Everygame has an incredible variety of betting markets in California. The platform features thousands of daily markets.
Popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer are well-represented, alongside options for UFC, Tennis, and several niche sports.
The standout feature of this CA sportsbook is definitely its live betting tools. You can catch the action with live streams, get detailed graphics, and have the flexibility to place in-play bets. Plus, their fast cash-out options and great odds mean you can make the most of every game moment.
🎁 Bonuses: 5/5
Everygame stands out with its bonus offerings. They offer a hefty $1,000 welcome bonus exclusively for crypto users – just use the promo code CRYPTO1K when you deposit. Prefer fiat currency? No worries – there’s a $500 sign-up bonus for that. Just enter the code WELCOME500 to claim it.
And the bonuses don’t stop there! Everygame also has a variety of other promotions, including various free bets, parlay insurances, and bonuses tailored to events like March Madness.
With such generous offers, it’s no surprise that it also grabbed one of the top spots among the best sports betting sites in Texas.
💳 Banking: 4.8/5
At Everygame, you can make deposits using popular methods like Visa and MasterCard or opt for digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin for added convenience.
Payouts at Everygame are efficient, too. They are typically processed within 48 hours during the business week. However, it’s worth noting that transaction processing is not available on weekends.
🔥 User Experience: 4.9/5
The desktop interface of this online sports betting California site offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. The mobile site is efficiently optimized, providing all the features we’ve praised Everygame for, including the incredible live betting options, perfectly suited for the smaller screen.
💯Overall: 4.85/5
Everygame shines as a top choice for live betting in California. It offers an incredible range of sports and betting markets. Its notable features include significant crypto bonuses and recurring promotions for regular users.
5. MyBookie – Top CA Online Sportsbook for Prop Bets
Pros:
- Great option for prop bets
- Reload bonuses all the time
- Extra referral bonuses and more
- 25+ sports covered
- Lots of online poker games
Cons:
- Dated website design
- Not many banking options
Offering tons of bonuses for all players is a great way for a gambling site to keep the sports betting revenue coming as it helps them keep hold of their customers. And MyBookie goes the extra mile with this.
🏈 Betting Markets: 4.7/5
MyBookie is, yet again, a pretty good place to be for sports betting markets, and it also covers both eSports and novelty bets well. A couple of examples of the latter right now are the next UK Prime Minister or the outcome of the stock market on any one day.
We found that MyBookie is a particularly good option for football betting, whether pro league or in-state college teams. You’ll find quite a lot of interesting markets here, like the number of rushing yards for an individual player or how many sacks a team will get in a game.
In fact, it’s not unusual to find over 200 or even 300 props for a single game, which is practically the highest you can get even among the best California sportsbooks in the industry.
🎁 Bonuses: 4.9/5
MyBookie’s new customer offer sees players grab 50% up to $1000 to use in the sportsbook with a rollover of 10x – which is much lower compared to other California sports betting apps.
This welcome bonus is just the tip of the iceberg, though. MyBookie players will also benefit from an extensive list of extra bonuses, such as a 25% sports reload, an 8% horsebook rebate, a 200% referral bonus, and many more.
💳 Banking: 4.1/5
You won’t find a whole lot of ways to pay at MyBookie, although credit cards are available alongside fast payouts.
Speaking of fast payouts, if you choose to bet with Bitcoin in California or one of the other cryptocurrencies that they support, you can expect most of your payouts to be processed and delivered on the same day.
🔥 User Experience: 4.1/5
One issue we did find with MyBookie is that it’s not particularly great to look at. The site feels out of date and a little cluttered in its design.
The same can be said for the mobile sports betting app, but the problem is a little intensified due to the smaller screen. It may be particularly tricky to find your way around if using an older smartphone.
Nonetheless, MyBookie is a great place to be for live betting, so if you like to place your bets in-play then this could still work out as a great option for you.
We also quite liked the casino section which has around 20 poker games for California players, a pretty impressive stat and something to potentially check out if you want a break from online sports betting.
💯 Overall: 4.5/5
This California sportsbook is showing some serious sports betting initiative by offering all these bonuses to its players. For this reason, as well as a couple of others, it deserves a spot in our top five California sportsbooks online.
Our Ranking Criteria for the Best Online Betting Sites California
Betting Markets
Of course, it’s crucial for the best California sportsbooks to have comprehensive betting markets, but for it to really impress us, it also has to have good coverage of eSports and novelty bets like politics and TV.
Sports Bonuses
A good sports betting welcome bonus will give us players a bunch of bonus cash or free bets. On top of the welcome offer, we also looked at other available promotions like reload bonuses, risk-free bets, parlay bets, rebates, and more offered by California betting sites. More importantly, we want to see fair bonus terms and conditions attached to these bonuses.
Banking Options
Here, we’re looking for a wide range of payment methods, low minimum withdrawals and fees, and fast withdrawal processing for players to be able to get their cash quickly.
User Experience
This all-encompassing category refers to the design of each site for sports betting in California (mobile and desktop) in terms of how good they look and how easy they are to use. It also covers extra features like in-play betting and live streams.
Using similar criteria, we’ve ranked the best California Bitcoin gambling sites as well.
How to Get Started with Online Sports Betting in California
Not sure how to get started with legal sports betting in California? Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can follow to create an account at the top California betting sites.
Why Is BetWhale the Best California Sportsbook Online?
What is it about BetWhale that makes it such an awesome place for sports wagering in California? Well, we have a few ideas…
- Extensive Betting Markets: It’s hard not to be impressed by the depth and breadth of options that BetWhale offers for sports betting in California. From popular choices like horse racing to more niche offerings like curling, BetWhale ensures you’re never short of options.
- Impressive Bonus Structure: While the welcome bonus at BetWhale might not be the most lavish, it certainly packs a punch. New users can enjoy a 125% matched deposit of up to $1,250, allowing you to jump into the action with a boosted bankroll.
- Swift Banking Transactions: Whether you’re dealing in traditional currencies or dabbling in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, BetWhale handles payment requests efficiently. Instant processing is a highlight for crypto transactions.
- Top-notch Mobile Experience: For punters who are always on the move, BetWhale’s California mobile betting app ensures you never miss out on the action. A smooth, user-friendly experience is guaranteed, making it one of the state’s top mobile sports betting platforms.
Types of California Sportsbook Promos Available Online
Sign-Up Bonuses
When you register with online sports betting sites in California, many offer welcome bonuses. This promotion often includes matching your initial deposit by a certain percentage, giving you more funds to play with. Welcome bonuses are one of the biggest advantages online bookies have over retail sports betting venues.
Free Bets
Several top-tier California sportsbooks offer free bets to new and existing users. Whether you want to bet on your favorite sports or try out a new market, It’s a risk-free way to test the waters and possibly win big.
Loyalty Programs
Frequent bettors can take advantage of loyalty programs that some California online sports betting sites offer. As you place bets, you may earn points that can be redeemed for cash, free bets, or other perks.
Cashback
Cashback promotions are becoming increasingly popular at the best California sportsbooks. With this promotion, bettors get a percentage of their net losses returned to them over a specific period, like a week or month. This can ease the sting of a bad run and give players some insurance against losses.
How To Use CA Betting Sites & How To Bet Online in California
Placing your bets online comes with a few key perks, some of which you might not have even considered before:
- Welcome bonuses: You’re hardly going to get rewarded for walking into an actual bookmaker! Yet most California online sports betting sites have a welcome bonus and sometimes even more for online wagering.
- Bet wherever you go: With California mobile betting apps, it’s possible to bet on sports wherever you are in the world, just as long as you have a stable internet connection.
- Get the best odds: You can shop online to find the best odds for the sports wagering you want to carry out. Odds comparison sites are a great tool for this, but we can vouch that our top picks are all very competitive in this respect.
- Plenty of banking options: The best online gambling sites in California offer new players a whole bunch of payment methods, from eWallets to cryptocurrencies, which puts sports bettors in control.
Online Betting California – Top Sports to Bet On
Football
The gridiron excitement is intense in California. With several NFL teams calling the state home, betting on football is a fan favorite at California sports betting sites. From preseason matches to the Super Bowl, there are many opportunities to place a wager.
Basketball
California prides itself on several NBA teams, making basketball betting a popular choice among fans of sports betting in California. Whether it’s the regular season, playoffs, or the NBA finals, fans have many betting options.
Baseball
America’s pastime has deep roots in California. With multiple MLB teams, baseball betting offers a long season of opportunities. From the spring’s first pitch to the World Series in fall, there’s always a game to bet on.
Hockey
The NHL’s presence in California ensures that hockey betting has its place in the online sports wagering scene. Whether it’s the regular season or the thrill of the Stanley Cup playoffs, puck fans have many betting opportunities.
College Sports
From March Madness to college football bowl games, California’s universities have strong sports programs. Betting on these sports adds another layer of excitement, full of stories of underdogs and fierce rivalries.
Esports
Rapidly growing in popularity, esports betting in California is on the rise. With various games and tournaments, from League of Legends to Counter-Strike, there’s always an electrifying match to place a wager on.
Teams to Bet on
California has a lot of great sports teams, and if you’re looking to get into betting, you’ve got some solid options. Whether you’re into basketball, baseball, or hockey, there’s always a team in season.
Here are a few of the local favorites bettors keep an eye on.
Los Angeles Lakers: One of the most famous teams of the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have a rich history of success, including multiple championships and a star-studded list of former players.
With their solid fan base and consistent performance, betting on the Lakers is popular among fans in Cali.
Golden State Warriors: Located in San Francisco, the Warriors are another NBA powerhouse known for their unique playstyle and shooting accuracy. They’ve secured several recent championships and continue to be a strong team for sports bettors.
San Diego Padres: The Padres represent Major League Baseball and have gained momentum in recent seasons, making them a great option for betting.
Los Angeles Kings: In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings have a loyal following and a history of success, including multiple Stanley Cup victories. They are known for their strong defensive play, making them a solid bet during the hockey season, especially during crucial playoff games.
San Francisco 49ers: A historic NFL team with multiple Super Bowl wins, the 49ers have a strong legacy and a dedicated fan base. While they have had varying success in recent seasons, their strong presence and potential for high-profile wins make them a staple in sports betting circles.
How the California Online Betting Market Compares To Other States
Georgia: With the Atlanta Falcons reaching Super Bowl finals twice, Georgia is a state where betting on the NFL (and other sports) is very common. Naturally, there are plenty of Georgia betting apps to choose from – and you can check this Georgia betting apps guide for more information about them.
Florida: The Sunshine State has a handful of huge sports teams – Miami Heat (NBA), Dolphins (NFL), and now even Inter Miami (MLS) is gaining huge traction with the latest signing of Lionel Messi. This, paired with the availability of legal sports betting apps, makes Florida one of the biggest states when it comes to sports betting. Check out this article to learn more.
Mississippi: The Magnolia State is filled with college sports teams like the Ole Miss Rebels and the State Bulldogs. Therefore, placing bets on college football and basketball is the most common sports betting activity in the state. Check out a list of the best Mississippi betting apps to learn more.
New Mexico: While New Mexico doesn’t have as strong sports teams as most other states, sports betting on football and basketball – especially college basketball – is very popular among residents. Check out the top New Mexico betting sites.
California Sports Betting – FAQs
Can You Bet on Sports in California?
Yes, you can! California has many online sportsbooks where you can bet on professional and college sports. Just make sure you’re betting with reputable sportsbook apps like those on our list for a safe betting experience.
What Are the Best California Sports Teams to Bet On?
In LA alone, you’ve got sports teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers in basketball, the Los Angeles Kings in hockey, the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball, and more…
And that’s not even mentioning the likes of the San Francisco Giants, the Golden State Warriors, and many other teams that you can bet on at the best California sportsbooks.
Which Are the Best California Sportsbooks Online?
The best mobile app for California sports wagering right now has to be the brilliant, downloadable iPhone and Android app from Bovada. But you can still get great quality through sports betting mobile sites like BetOnline and MyStake.
Which Online Sportsbooks in California Pay Out the Fastest?
Bovada has the fastest processing times among top California sportsbooks. If you prefer a variety of payment options, BetOnline and MyStake are also known for their swift payment processing. Going with crypto or e-wallets ensures you get your money as fast as possible.
Which California Online Sportsbook Has the Most Competitive Odds?
It’s a close call between BetWhale, Bovada, BetOnline, and Everygame. Bovada and BetWhale often leads with competitive odds for sports betting in California, especially for major sports events. BetOnline and Everygame are not far behind, offering attractive odds across a wide range of sports.
Can I Bet on Daily Fantasy Sports in California?
You can bet on Daily Fantasy Sports at various sites in California, as DFS betting is considered a game of skill rather than gambling.
Top 5 Best Betting Sites California – Quick Comparison
Here are some of the best sports betting sites that California bettors will approve of once sports betting is finalized in the State.
BetWhale: Competitive odds on 30+ sports, fast payment options like crypto and PayPal, and a $1,250 welcome bonus — it’s not hard to see why BetWhale tops the list of the best betting sites California offers.
Bovada: The best California online sports wagering mobile site has the whole package, including a ton of markets and a 50% up to $250 on your first deposit.
BetOnline: This California sports betting app offers diverse markets and a 50% sports betting matched deposit of up to $1000 when you use the code BET1000.
Everygame: A standout choice for live betting features, Everygame offers an awesome experience and a generous $1,000 crypto welcome bonus. This CA sports betting site excels with its extensive sports offerings, solid promotions, and quick payment options.
MyBookie: The 50% up to $1000 matched deposit sports betting welcome bonus is just one of the huge range of promotions at MyBookie. It’s a very generous sports betting initiative.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Using the Best California Betting Sites
Find the Best Odds for Your Favorite CA Sports Betting Team
If you like to bet on the same team a lot, it’s worth using an odds comparison site to find out which California online sports betting site has the best odds for them.
Whether it’s the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Padres or the Los Angeles Clippers, some sites will offer better odds than others, so you’ll get more money from your wins by finding the best ones.
Join Several California Sportsbooks
Apart from being able to spot the best odds, you’ll also be able to get plenty of bonuses by joining different California sportsbooks. This way, you can conveniently boost your bankroll.
Make the Bets You Know Best
It might sound obvious, but it’s always worth betting on the sports you know the most about so that you can plot the form of each team or player and make a better call.
Stay Up to Date With Sports News
On a similar topic, it’s always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and results from any sports (or teams) that you bet on frequently. For those interested in sports betting in California, staying informed can help you outsmart the bookies and get a win on some great odds.
Check Out All Terms and Conditions
Bonuses are a great retail sports betting initiative but they can be too complicated if they have a whole lot of terms and conditions attached to them, so be sure to read these for every new bonus you try out.
Practice Responsible Online Sports Betting in California
It’s super important to make use of safer gambling tools like deposit limits even if you don’t think you’re ever going to need to use them. They just might help you stay in control.
We shared more tips in our Nevada sports betting article.
So, What Are the Best Sports Betting Sites in California?
It’s been quite a journey seeing sports betting in California become a reality, and it’s not over yet.
But California sports enthusiasts are quite hopeful it’s going to be finalized soon. When that happens, BetWhale should be the first on your list. It’s got everything you could ask for in a modern sportsbook.
We’ve also included a few other sites that are worth checking out. No matter which California sports betting app you end up with, you can guarantee a premium betting experience at any of our recommended betting sites.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and guides are rated 21+ only.
If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
