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.
Bovada took the top position with its competitive odds, generous sports bonuses, and exciting contests and tournaments – but there are many other sportsbook apps to consider.
Let’s dive in and check them all out.
🥇 Best overall
🔝 Best variety of betting markets
🏈 Great live betting options
🃏 Awesome prop bets
🎲 Top pick for crypto
💸 Up to $1,500 sports welcome bonus
⚽️ Best pick for college sports betting
🎁 Good reload bonuses
🚀 Best for eSports
Read on as we break down each of the best CA sportsbooks in greater detail and review its betting markets, odds, bonuses for new players, and more.
1. Bovada – Best California Online Sports Betting Site Overall
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
Players who take their sports gambling seriously will like what Bovada has to offer. It’s one of the most detailed California sportsbooks in the super-competitive online sports betting market.
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 Bovada 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 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 downloadable mobile app and super in-depth betting markets, Bovada offers something different from our other top picks, and we’re here for it.
2. BetOnline – Best California Sportsbook for Variety of Betting Markets
Pros:
- Excellent live betting experience
- Super extensive betting markets
- 25% sports reload bonus
- Over 25 years of experience
- Up to $1,000 welcome bonus
Cons:
- High fee for credit card deposits
- Simple website design
The best online retail sports betting for California bettors, without a doubt, is BetOnline. This site is the whole package, and we’re about to explain why.
Betting Markets: 4.9/5
BetOnline 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
The BetOnline new customer offer is triggered with the code BET1000. Use this when you place a sportsbook deposit to get it matched 50% up to $1000 with a rollover of 10x. That’s not a bad way to get started on the site!
Once you’ve finished with this welcome bonus, you can get a 25% reload bonus on all deposits of $100 or more moving forwards just by using the code LIFEBONUS. This comes with a reduced rollover of 6x.
Banking: 4.6/5
There are a handful of payment methods to use at BetOnline, 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.
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
BetOnline 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.
3. Allbet – Best Sportsbook in California for Live Betting
Pros:
- Over 30 sports
- Dedicated horse betting section
- 210% welcome offer
- 15% bonus on all crypto payments
- Accepts CashApp and Venmo
Cons:
- The homepage might feel a bit cluttered
- Slight inconsistency in layout on desktop and mobile
Allbet offers an impressive live betting section, a generous welcome bonus, and other exciting perks for California bettors.
Betting Markets: 4.9/5
Allbet has an incredible variety of betting markets in California. The platform covers over 30 sports globally.
Popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer are well-represented, alongside options for UFC, Tennis, and several niche sports.
The horsebook covers over 130 horse and dog tracks that you can wager on.
Their in-game betting feature and broad betting limits cater to all types of bettors, from novices to veterans.
Bonuses: 5/5
Allbet stands out for its generous bonus offerings. New customers can benefit from a 210% match bonus of up to $5,250 on their first deposit. The minimum deposit to qualify is $20, and you can use any payment method you want – there are no restrictions.
The platform boosts your bankroll by an additional 15% for every crypto deposit. Besides sports betting, there’s a 400% casino welcome offer for fans of slots and other casino games.
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.
While these offers are quite generous and impressed us with their low wagering requirements, Allbet also offers custom bonus packages. All you have to do is contact customer service, and they’ll work with you to create the perfect, one-of-a-kind offer for you.
Banking: 4.8/5
Allbet supports various banking options, including various cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and even Venmo and Cash App – which is something you don’t see too often among legal online sports betting sites in California.
The minimum deposit across the board is $20.
User Experience: 4.9/5
The desktop interface of Allbet offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. The mobile site is efficiently optimized, but the interface is slightly different from its desktop counterpart.
However, the live betting section might not be as advanced as some of its competitors. This aspect slightly impacts the overall betting experience but doesn’t significantly detract from it.
Overall: 4.85/5
Allbet shines as a top choice for live betting in California, offering an extensive range of sports and a standout horsebook. Its notable features include significant crypto bonuses and customizable bonus packages.
4. 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 in the online sports betting 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. Not bad at all.
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 they do process withdrawals pretty quickly. But, you won’t even need to worry about that if you choose to bank with Bitcoin or one of the other cryptocurrencies that they support.
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
MyBookie 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 the final spot in our top five California retail sportsbooks.
5. MyStake – Best California Sports Betting Online Site for Crypto Users
Pros:
- 14 cryptocurrencies supported
- Dedicated e-sports section
- Awesome choice of casino games
- 170% matched deposit crypto welcome bonus
- Near flawless betting markets
Cons:
- Crypto-exclusive
- Dark website theme might not be for everyone
These days, more and more people are venturing away from credit card casino banking, and MyStake has risen to that in fine style by offering a fully compatible crypto sports betting platform that supports over 10 cryptocurrencies.
Betting Markets: 4.9/5
Sports wagering at MyStake is pretty much perfect. Dozens of sports are covered extensively, and we even found a lot of special bets like the winner of the next Presidential election and Big Brother Brazil.
MyStake has also doubled its modern aesthetic by loading up the eSports betting markets. You can find odds on Call of Duty competitions, Arena of Valor, and more. And these are games that are often missing from online betting sites.
Bonuses: 4.9/5
There’s another high-quality new customer offer awaiting everyone who signs up for MyStake: a massive 100% matched deposit up to $500. A match percentage this high is rare in the world of sports betting, and the rollover is fair at 10x. There’s also a crypto deposit bonus with a 170% match rate up to $1,000.
A California sports betting reload bonus is also available here, and MyStake takes it one step further by bumping the bonus percentage up to 35%. However, the rollover is a touch higher at 7x.
Banking: 5/5
There are tons of eWallets and other banking options to pay with at MyStake on top of the standard VISA or Mastercard. They include WebMoney, Discover, ecoPayz, and more.
Withdrawal processing times for these options are usually around 24 hours, which is also pretty good. You can also pay with one of the 14 cryptocurrencies available (including TRON and Monero) for instant withdrawals and anonymous banking.
User Experience: 4.4/5
Using the MyStake website on a desktop computer or laptop is very satisfying. The modern, dark theme feels sleek, and finding your way around is easy.
However, You may find that if you have a smaller smartphone, you’ll have difficulty placing your bets. The desktop site doesn’t scale to smartphone size, and the dark theme won’t be the best bet for smaller displays.
Nonetheless, most modern smartphones should still be able to get the best out of it, and you can still play most casino games and participate in live betting on the mobile site.
Overall: 4.8/5
This California sports betting site earned a well-deserved spot on our list thanks to its variety of sports betting markets and bonuses. It’s also one of the best online casinos in California.
6. BUSR – Best Welcome Bonus of All California Sportsbooks Online
Pros:
- Great choice for horse racing betting
- Up to $1,500 welcome bonus
- Wide range of real-world sports markets
- Cryptocurrencies for instant withdrawals
Cons:
- Limited eSports betting
- Slightly dated site design
BUSR is another well-rounded sports betting site that California sports bettors would love to join, especially with a generous welcome offer that goes up to $1,500.
Betting Markets: 4.7/5
Whether you want special bets surrounding politics or entertainment (e.g., the outcome of a certain TV) or real-world sports, BUSR is the place for it.
We couldn’t think of a single sport BUSR doesn’t cover, but it exceeds expectations even further in horse racing betting.
We did find that there weren’t quite as many novelty bets here, and the eSports markets only cover the most popular games like Dota 2, but this is, of course, only going to be an issue for a small group of people.
Bonuses: 4.8/5
If you thought what MyStake had to offer new players was good, wait until you see what’s in store at BUSR.
Just use the code SPORTS100FP when you put down your first deposit to get it matched an enormous 100% up to $1,500. You must put down at least $100 to activate this bonus, but that will be worth it for most people.
There’s no reload bonus here, but you can still get bonus funds through referrals or the ongoing horse book bonus.
Banking: 4.6/5
If you want to get your withdrawals instantly at BUSR, you’ll need to use one of the cryptocurrencies supported by the site, like Litecoin and Ethereum.
Although if that’s not for you, you can still cash out with Money Order, credit card, and one or two other options.
User Experience: 4.6/5
Whether you like the BUSR will be down to your preference. Some might say it looks a little dated but otherwise might enjoy the 90s aesthetic for nostalgia. Either way, it works well and is easy to use.
The mobile California sports betting app is pretty good. Aesthetically, it’s similar, but it’s been properly optimized to function well on small displays. Plus, it lets you engage in live betting quite neatly.
Overall: 4.7/5
BUSR is a very consistent sports betting site that ticks many boxes for California bettors, and we’re confident that it deserves our number three spot.
Best Online Betting Sites California – Our Ranking Criteria
Betting Markets
Of course, it’s crucial for a sportsbook 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. 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 (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.
How to Get Started with Online Sports Betting in California
Not sure how to get started with sports betting in California? Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can follow to create an account at Bovada. If you choose another betting site, you can still follow the same steps.
Why Is Bovada the Best of All California Betting Sites?
What is it about Bovada 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 Bovada offers for sports betting in California. From popular choices like horse racing to more niche offerings like curling, Bovada ensures you’re never short of options.
- Impressive Bonus Structure: While the welcome bonus at Bovada might not be the most lavish, it certainly packs a punch. New users can enjoy a 50% matched deposit of up to $250, and those delving into crypto can grab up to $750. One of Bovada’s standout features is its low bonus rollover, which sits at a mere five times.
- Swift Banking Transactions: Whether you’re dealing in traditional currencies or dabbling in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Bovada handles payment requests efficiently. Instant processing is a highlight for crypto transactions.
- Top-notch Mobile Experience: For Californians always on the move, Bovada’s downloadable mobile app ensures they 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.
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.
Cashbacks
Cashback promotions are becoming increasingly popular. 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.
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.
Online Sports Betting California – FAQ
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.
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.
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 more.
Which Are the Best Sports Betting Apps California Has?
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 Sportsbook in California Pays 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 Bovada, BetOnline, and Allbet. Bovada often leads with competitive odds for sports betting in California, especially for major sports events. BetOnline and Allbet 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 Sites for Sports Betting in California Online – 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.
Bovada: The best California online sports wagering 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 site offers diverse markets and a 50% sports betting matched deposit of up to $1000 when you use the code BET1000.
Allbet: A standout for live betting in California, Allbet offers over 30 sports and over 130 tracks for horse and dog races. New players get a 210% welcome bonus up to $5,250 – and then benefit from many other bonuses (which are much better when you use crypto).
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.
Mystake: Here’s another brilliant all-rounder that actually goes one better in one area: banking. You can use most of the wide range of banking options to trigger the impressive 100% up to $500 welcome bonus here.
Tips for Sport Betting in California
Find the Best Odds For Your Favorite 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.
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. You just might be able to 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
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 California Has to Offer?
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, Bovada 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 site 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:
