Sports Gambling In California
California is one of the biggest states in the country in terms of size and the largest in terms of population. With all of these people, you can bet that California sports gambling is a hot commodity in the Golden State. California also has a lot of sports teams to bet on, giving bettors tons of options.
Sports gambling is a touchy subject in general, so it’s worth noting the proper procedures in regards to gambling safely, which is a primary objective for www.sportsgamblingcalifornia.com. This guide will show you how to not only place bets safely, but also where to place those bets and which teams to look out for. We also provide information to assist sports fans in determining what sports betting options are legally sanctioned. You will find an overview in this guide that explains the legal status of sports betting in California.
Is Sports Gambling Considered Legal in California As Of 2024?
Sports gambling is only legal in four states in the United States: Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 bans sports betting in all other 46 states. However, PASPA doesn’t include any restrictions or prohibitions on offshore sportsbooks. The sportsbooks that we recommend in this guide are all legally licensed and regulated, operating outside of US jurisdiction. California’s state gambling law restrictions also don’t include these offshore sportsbooks, allowing residents to bet freely and safely.
The Federal Wire Transfer Act and Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) both attempt to stifle online sports gambling through monitoring the transmission of funds. The Federal Wire Transfer act has to deal with individuals placing bets through online gambling while the UIGEA deals with banks processing these funds. Again, these two provisions only deal with US-based sports gambling, allowing offshore sportsbooks to operate without fear of penalty or prosecution.
Most Trusted Online Sportsbooks Available To California Residents In 2024
Below you will find a listing of the most reputable online sports betting sites that accept California residents. These sites have all been carefully vetted by our team of analysts, and have been found to hold legitimate licensing and compliance certifications and are subject to regulatory oversight by a respected governing jurisdiction. They utilize a security profile that exceeds licensing requirements, and treat their customers like gold, including efficient, fast payouts.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | US Friendly | Our Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% Max $1,000 |  | 4.8 | Visit Site |
 | 125% Max $3,125 | | 4.5 | Visit Site |
 | 50% Max $250 | | 4.4 | Visit Site |
 | 100% Max $500 | | 4.3 | Visit Site |
 | 50% Max $250 | | 4.1 | Visit Site |
Where Does California Stand Regarding the Legalization of Online Sports Betting?
California is actually actively discussing and debating the possibility of a state licensed online gambling initiative that includes online poker. Controversy between pro-gambling and anti-gambling proponents as well as concerns and hesitations from the owners of existing tribal gambling properties in the state have combined to limit the progress in this type of initiative.
When it comes to sports betting however, California’s hands are tied. The federal laws that govern US base sports betting, including PASPA and the Federal Wire Act, effectively prohibit state based sports related gambling in California both online and offline. Thankfully these laws do not prohibit California residents from enjoying legally licensed and regulated offshore sportsbook betting action.
Popular Sports Teams to Bet On in California
With California being such a large state with so many people, there are an abundance of sports teams that can be bet on. California has multiple teams in all four of the major American sports leagues (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB). With huge stadiums and arenas spanning the state, sports are a huge part of California culture.
The Golden State Warriors are the most dominant team out of California right now. This team won the NBA Championship two years ago and were in the Championship again last year, though they lost out to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors’ roster is stacked with talent. Steph Curry is arguably the best shooter in NBA history, while Klay Thompson and the rest of the team make up a dangerous squad in the league.
Perhaps the most interesting component about the Warriors is their latest offseason addition: Kevin Durant. Durant formally played for one of the Warriors’ biggest rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, though he opted to come over to the Warriors and go for a Championship. Durant adds yet another weapon to their already explosive audience, making this team a favorite to win it all this season.
Surprisingly, the Oakland Raiders are the most successful California-based NFL team right now. Their Cinderella Story of a season came to a dramatic halt when star quarterback Derek Carr went out with a torn ACL, though you can bet the Raiders will be back for the 2017-2018 season with a vengeance. The Raiders will be considered to make waves in the postseason and are a team worth watching if they can pick up where they left off before Carr’s injury.
California is a big hockey state, with three competitive teams in the Ducks, Kings and Sharks. Interestingly enough, all three teams are in the running for the title this year with the Ducks and Sharks in first and third place of their division, respectively, and the Kings in the Wild Card. All three teams will be fighting for their chance at the Stanley Cup, so you can be sure to place some successful bets.
California also has some good college sports with schools like University of Southern California, Stanford, UCLA and more. UCLA’s basketball team has one of the most exciting young talents in the country in Lonzo Ball, so they are definitely a team worth watching as they sit at #3 in the AP Poll. You can read the latest news stories here.
NFL Teams in CA
NBA Teams in CA
MLB Teams in CA
NHL Teams in CA
Popular College Sports Teams in CA
FAQ’s About Betting On Sports
How Do I Deposit Funs Into Offshore Sports Betting Sites?
The online sportsbooks that we recommend in this guide all offer a variety of funding options. The majority of them will accept some combination of the following popular deposit methods: credit cards, debit cards, prepaid options, money transfers and Bitcoin.
How Will I Be Able To Collect My Winnings?
Withdrawing your funds from your online sports gambling account can be done through a few methods. In some cases, the establishment will require you to receive your payout a specific way based on how you deposited your funds into your account. If you fund your account using your credit or debit card, then you will likely be limited to a check payment or a person to person wire transfer using a service such as MoneyGram or Western Union. If you choose to deposit using Bitcoin, then you can accept your payout using Bitcoin as well.
Is It Safe For CA Players To Bet At Offshore Sportsbook Gambling Sites?
Yes. We only recommend sites that have been around for at least ten years and have made efforts to establish a solid foundation of reliability and professionalism. These sites deal with a large number of players and payouts and always come through. Through the use of secure servers, your personal and financial information is kept secure online as well.
Do These Sites Offer Any Bonuses or Special Promotions To California Residents?
All of the California friendly online sports betting sites you see listed in this guide offer various bonuses and promotions. You will find welcome bonus offers, reload bonuses and seasonal promotions that vary depending on specific sports events. In their effort to compete for your business, they are often trying to outdo each other with their incentives, so you’ll never find a shortage of ‘free money’ available.
Am I Required To Pay Taxes on My Winnings In California?
Gambling income is almost always taxable income. It’s important that you pay taxes on them according to your state’s laws. Most states have a minimum threshold concerning the size of your winnings that determine if reporting them is required. We suggest you contact a California tax professional for questions regarding tax reporting requirements to ensure you are complying with the most current regulations governing gambling winnings taxation.
Can I Place Sportsbook Bets From My Mobile Phone?
Our featured online sportsbooks that accept California residents have all incorporated a mobile betting application into their repertoire. In most cases the app is web based, and utilizes responsive technology in order to remain compatible with most devices and operating systems. The apps also utilize a sophisticated security profile so that your betting action is safe and secure.
Are There Any Sports Teams in California That Have A Shot At Winning A National Title in 2024?
Yes. The Golden State Warriors are expected to battle LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third straight NBA Finals showdown. With the Warriors winning the first meeting and the Cavs winning the second, the third meeting of these two NBA titans is up in the air. However, the Warriors are looking to be the strongest team coming out of the West.
The Raiders had a shot at the playoffs, but lost out after losing QB Derek Carr to injury. Look to the boys from Oakland to have another strong season come 2017-2018, as they will be out to prove what they could’ve achieved this season if not for injuries.
In the NHL, all three of California’s teams are in the running for the Stanley Cup. The Anaheim Ducks lead their division while the San Jose Sharks are close behind in third place. The LA Kings are fighting for the Wild Card spot. These three will be looking to cement themselves as the best in the state.
March Madness is almost upon us and the UCLA Bruins are currently sitting in third place. Lonzo Ball is arguably the most exciting talent in NCAA basketball right now and makes this team one to look out for when making your brackets and placing your bets.