Is Sports Betting Online Legal In California

  
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  6. Is Sports Betting Online Legal In California

California offers a massive choice of gambling products to visitors and residents alike. From tribal gambling establishments to race tracks, California boasts a wide selection of gambling options. Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the legalisation of sports betting in California has been a hot topic.

  • California’s legal sports betting age is 18. In order to partake in sports betting at online sportsbooks, you must be at least 18 years of age or older. Online sportsbooks will not allow sports bettors to wager without legal identification that proves they are at least the required legal sports betting age.
  • Bovada is not legal in California, since it's an unregulated offshore sportsbook operating in the shadows of the U.S. But it's the sports betting avenue many turn to since there's no legal betting in the state. California Sports Betting Tips Sports Betting for Beginners.

Is it legal to bet on sports in California?

No, but state lawmakers are taking steps to introduce sports betting legislation relatively soon. In July 2017, Assemblymember Adam Gray introduced ACA-18, an amendment to the constitution to allow sports betting. The amendment, Gray suggested, would allow the state “to permit sports wagering only if a change in federal law occurs.” After it was announced that PASPA had been repealed, Gray spoke again on the matter, making it clear that he wanted to amend the constitution to allow sports betting.

Another group, Californians for Sports Betting, has also made legislative efforts to legalize sports betting in the state. In June 2018, the group filed a ballot initiative to legalize California sports betting, but this will not be considered until the 2020 state election. However, if the group can secure between 500,000 and 600,000 signatures supporting the initiative, it may be brought forward to an earlier consideration.

Yes, it is legal. However, sports betting at regulated online betting sites in California is not explicitly stated as legal under state law.

But before anything solid can materialize, the state government will need to look at the compacts it holds with tribal gambling communities. Sports betting is categorized as a class III gambling activity, however the tribal gaming compacts grant the tribal communities exclusive rights to offer class III gambling options in their establishments. If the state were to legalize sports betting it would essentially make the compacts redundant and cause tensions between state government and tribal communities. As a result of this, there is still a lot for the government to consider at this point.

What sports will I be able to bet on?

There isn’t yet any clear indication as to the sports you will be able to bet on in California. If the state follows the same route as Nevada and New Jersey US sportsbooks, it is likely that legislation will permit wagers on all professional sport events and collegiate events with the exception of events featuring Californian college teams.

Where will I be able to place bets on sporting events in California?

There is currently only one establishment in California that is in a position to offer sports betting, if state government were to legalize it. The Thunder Valley Casino Resort, operated by the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) may be the first establishment in California to offer sports betting if it is made legal.

In October 2018, the tribal group announced that it had entered into a partnership with MGM GVC Interactive for future sports betting operations. MGM GVC Interactive is a joint venture between the Nevada-based MGM Resorts and the British company, GVC Holdings. Details of the partnership are vague, but MGM and GVC will provide the UAIC with the technology and brands to help launch mobile and retail sports betting, as well as an online casino. However, there isn’t yet any information regarding sports betting sites or legal online sports betting in California.

Tribal gaming establishments in California

The tribal gambling market in California is ripe with options and variety. In fact, California’s tribal gambling market is one of the largest regulated casino markets in the world, recording annual revenues of $7bn. There are currently 69 California tribal gaming establishments, offering a variety of gambling activities that include slot machines, table games, off-track betting and bingo.

What else can I bet on in California?

In California there is a wide array of gambling options available to residents and visitors. There is a state run lottery and, in the absence of sports betting in California, bettors can enjoy a variety of different casino games, including:

  • Slots
  • Off track betting
  • Poker
  • Bingo
  • Blackjack
  • Baccarat
  • Roulette
  • Craps
  • Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Gambling laws in California are very different to other states- certain types of gambling are deemed legal or illegal based on different factors. Games played with a dice or ball, like craps or roulette, are illegal in California. Certain establishments in the state have found a way around this by putting their own spin on the games, using cards instead of dices or balls.

Online gambling sites have not yet been legalized in California. There have been many discussions on the topic of online gambling in the state, these have been centered mainly around the legalization of online poker. The main issue with legalizing online gambling in California is potential impact it could have on State-Tribal gambling compacts, as online gambling sites would be a large competitor for these land-based gaming establishments.

In the absence of online gambling in California, residents and visitors can enjoy social casino sites. California offers a selection of social casino sites that is very similar to other US states. You can find the typical range here with big names including Zynga, Slotomania, Doubledown and Bigfish, as well as MGM’s MyVegas platform. The tribal gambling establishment, Black Oak Casino, located in Tuolumne, also offers a social casino site for California residents.

Are offshore gambling sites legal in California?

Offshore gambling and sports betting sites in fall into a grey area for California, given that online gambling is not legal here. While there is prohibiting or permitting them, we’d recommend steering clear of offshore gambling sites. These sites don’t have a license to operate in California, which means there are no guaranteed measures in place to protect players and their finances.

You can spot offshore gambling sites by looking at the website’s domain name. Domains ending in .EU or .AG don’t hold a California license and should be avoided at all costs.

Will it be safe to bet on sports in California?

Providing that sports betting operators abide by any Californian regulatory policies, sports betting should be safe and fair. However, even with regulation in place, it’s important to gamble responsibly and avoid betting more than you can afford to lose.

If you have any concerns that you or a loved one may be suffering from problem gambling, you should contact the California Council on Problem Gambling or the Office of Problem Gambling, run by the California Department of Public Health. Both have a number of resources available to help.

You can contact the California Council on Problem Gambling via:
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537)
Text the word ‘support’ to 53342

You can contact the Office of Problem Gambling via:
Phone: (916) 327-8611
E-Mail: [email protected]

Who regulates sports gambling in California?

The regulation of the gambling sector in California is split between two bodies: the California Gambling Control Commission and the California Bureau of Gambling Control. The California Gambling Control Commission is the official state gambling regulator and aims to ensure that the gambling industry in California is free of criminal activity and corruption, honest and fair. The California Bureau of Gambling Control is a part of the California Department on Justice which is responsible for regulating legal gambling in California.

How old do I have to be to gamble in California?

In California, the legal age to play the lottery, bingo and place pari-mutuel wagers is 18, but . bettors must be 21 years old to participate in any other form of gambling. However, many of the state’s casinos have restricted entrance to over 21 as a way of managing alcohol sales more easily.

The journey to legal and regulated sports betting in California

1980s – Native American tribal communities cite that they are recognized as sovereign nations and begin offering bingo games with real money prizes.

1984 – The state government enact the Gaming Registration Act, tasking the Attorney General’s office with providing a regulation for card rooms in California. However, inadequate funding makes the body realize it needs a much broader look at the industry. This lead to the implementation of the Gambling Control Act and the creation of the Division of Gambling Control.

1987 – After a lengthy court case between the State of California and the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, the Supreme Court rules that tribal communities can operate casinos outside of the state’s jurisdiction because they are recognized as a sovereign nation. As long as a state does not prohibit all forms of gambling a Native American tribal group are free to operate a casino establishment.

1988 – Congress passes the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to handle native American gambling in the future. This act states that tribal communities and state governments can enter into agreements called compacts or joint agreements to make clear what types of gambling can be offered by native establishments.

1992 – Congress passes the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) prohibiting sports betting across US states. Four states are made exempt from the law: Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana. These states have legal sports betting regulations in place.

1998 – Tribal communities spend $67.5m on Proposition 5, allowing the tribes to establish gambling rights in the state of California. This is a hotly debated topic, as Governor Pete Wilson does not want to allow the tribal casinos to offer slot machines and other forms of gambling.

1999 – Governor Gray Davis signs 58 tribal gaming compacts that would allow them to offer card games and up to 2000 slot machines in each casino. In terms of revenue it is agreed that $150m will be allocated to tribal communities that do not gamble. The state does not receive any of this revenue for its general fund.

2000 – The public votes on another proposition, Proposition 1A, making an amendment to the Californian constitution and allowing tribal casinos to offer class III gambling on tribal property, as long as it was in accordance with gaming compacts between the state. The state Supreme Court strikes down the 1998 measure that granted the Californian tribal communities the right to offer different gambling options, rendering the compacts void.

2004 – The tribal communities negotiate with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to reinstate the tribal gaming compacts. One of the main negotiation points is scrapping the limit of 2000 slot machines in casinos. The tribes are offered a payment of $1b to ensure this.

2007 – The Attorney General redefines the Division of Gaming Control as a Bureau. This becomes the Bureau of Gambling Control and is positioned within the Department of Justice Division of Law Enforcement.

2017 – In July, Assemblymember Adam Gray introduces ACA-18, an amendment to the constitution to allow sports betting. The amendment would allow the state “to permit sports wagering only if a change in federal law occurs.”

2018 – On 14 May, the Court reaches a decision. A 7 – 2 vote agrees that one of the clauses in PASPA violated the Tenth Amendment, commandeering power from states to regulate their own gambling industries. This paves the way for all US state to decide whether or not to legalize sports betting.

In October the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) enters into a partnership with MGM GVC Interactive for future California sports betting operations. MGM GVC Interactive, is a joint venture between the Nevada based MGM Resorts and the British company GVC Holdings. This puts the UAIC in a strong position to offer sports betting if it is deemed legal by the state in the future.

The legal battle for legal sports betting in California is still happening, so be sure to check back with Compare.bet for updates as the situation develops.

After the repeal of PASPA in 2018, states had the right to decide if they wanted to legalize and how to regulate gambling in their states. Though some states (like New Jersey and Pennsylvania) forged ahead with legalizing sports betting in retail locations and online, California legalities have been slower fought.

Despite having made various attempts to legalize online betting and sports betting in the state, California so far hasn’t been able to. Though CA online sports betting is currently illegal, the potential tax benefits are likely to sway even those most apathetic to gambling.

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Most Likely CA Online Sports Betting Sites

Though the future of California online sports betting is still up in the air, we can make some educated guesses about what the market will potentially look like. Here are some likely CA online sports betting sites to open in CA after legalization. These are top sports betting sites in other states and have a high probability of gaining access to the California market as future CA online sportsbooks.

FanDuel

FanDuel has both an online sportsbook as well as a daily fantasy app and site. Since fantasy bets are legal in California online sports betting, there is a strong chance that Fanduel will expand once California laws are finally drawn.

Caesars Sportsbook

Since there is a Harrah’s retail casino in California and Harrah’s is owned by Caesars, it is highly likely that Caesars would open a CA online sportsbook once online betting is legalized.

DraftKings

DraftKings are another daily fantasy based site. The success and popularity of this legal form of California online sports betting is a great way for DraftKings to become a California online sportsbook after legalization.

BetMGM

MGM’s largest single retail casino is located in Las Vegas, not far outside the California border. Since MGM already has affiliations with the California Gaming Commission, they could prove a valuable resource and a pretty safe bet for a future BetMGM site.


California Betting Laws

There aren’t currently any laws in California prohibiting online gambling. However, this also means that it is not state sanctioned or regulated. You cannot legally start a gambling business in the state, but technically there are no laws saying you cannot bet online. You will not face any type of prosecution for betting online in California, but you should still be aware of the safety of the sports betting websites you’re using.

States where you can already place an online sports bet today :

Updated on :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia


California Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

Since the sports industry is so large, the potential for California online sports betting is endless. From types of wagers to the sheer number of California teams to bet on, there will be plenty of options when California online sports betting is legalized.

Common Types of Bets

The wide variety of sports leaves the market open for a ton of innovation in betting styles.

Straight Bets

Is Sports Betting Online Legal In California

These are the most common types of bets in the industry. When the betting line is set, bettors decide whether to bet on the favorite or the underdog. If you choose the favorite, you increase your betting odds. However, the favorite has to win the game with a higher number of points than the point spread for you to cash in. If you choose the underdog, they have to win or at least lose by less than the point spread. Therefore, while your betting odds increase when betting for the favorite, so does the burden of requirements.

Total Line Bets

This is also a popular sports bet. It’s also pretty straightforward. A number is set for the predicted combined final score of both teams. Then, you would guess whether you believe the actual total will be over or under that amount. It can often be a bet made for half a game in sports like football or basketball.

Money Line Bets

Is Sports Betting Online Legal In California

Mostly used in baseball and hockey, these types of bets can be a risk as they do not involve a point spread. Meaning the amount you have to bet varies whether you choose to bet on the favorite or the underdog. For instance, if the Yankees are favored to win against the Dodgers, you may see the betting odds described like this: Dodgers (+120), Yankees (-135). This means to bet on the Dodgers, you would only need to put down $100 and you could potentially win $120. Whereas, you would need to bet $135 on the Yankees to win $100.

Parlay Bets

These are probably the highest risk bets out there. They involve grouping together multiple bets together and can often be bets that last an entire season. There is very little room for error in these types of bets because you need to win all of your separate bets to see any money.

Teaser Bets

This bet is a bit of a twist on a parlay. It is not as high risk and also not as high reward. Bets are still grouped together like a parlay, but you are able to tweak the point spread in this style of betting. Making it a bit less lucrative and a bit more controlled.

Head-to-Head Bets

These bets are made on non-team sports. In sports such as golf and NASCAR, these bets simply represent which of two competitors will win. Often, a money line will be attached as a way to handicap a race. Though this is a popular betting style, it’s also a hard gamble to make considering the size of the field.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

  • Football (both NFL and college)
  • Basketball (NBA)
  • Tennis
  • Hockey (NHL)
  • Baseball (MLB)
  • Soccer
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • NASCAR
  • Formula 1

Popular California Events

  • Auto Club 400 - this is the only NASCAR event held in Southern California. It’s held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and usually takes place in March.
  • Vans U.S. Open of Surfing - this is known as the biggest surfing event in the world. It’s held in Huntington Beach over nine days in July/August.
  • AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM- this golfing event started in 1937 with an idea from Bing Crosby. It’s a fun event held in February involving golf professionals and A-list celebrities so it draws a huge crowd of in person as well as at home spectators.
  • BNP Paribas Open - held in March, this is the largest international tennis tournament other than the four Grand Slams.
  • Sea Otter Classic - known as a “celebration of cycling”, this Monterrey based biking event features a wide range of cycling opportunities.

Best Teams to Bet On

Below is a list of the Major League teams in California. California has nearly twice the amount of major league teams than any other state. All of them present great betting opportunities.

Baseball

  • Los Angeles Angels
  • Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Oakland Athletics
  • San Diego Padres
  • San Francisco Giants

Basketball

  • Golden State Warriors
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • Los Angeles Sparks

Football

  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Los Angeles Rams
  • Oakland Raiders
  • San Francisco 49ers

Hockey

  • Anaheim Ducks
  • Los Angeles Kings
  • San Jose Sharks

Soccer

  • LA Galaxy
  • Los Angeles FC
  • San Jose Earthquakes

Common Payment Options

For most states, there are a few common payment methods in online sports betting. Here are some of the more popular options.

  • Debit/Credit cards
  • Paypal
  • Prepaid Cards
  • Cash at a retail partner’s sportsbook
  • ACH/Wire Transfer

CA Online Sports Betting FAQ

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

In the United States, there was a federal ban on sports betting from 1992 to 2018. Known as PASPA, this law made it impossible for states to make their own laws about sports betting. Unless they had been grandfathered in and were already partaking in sports betting before 1992.

When PASPA was overturned in 2018, states regained control of being able to make laws individually. There are legal sports betting sites in the US, however, you should be aware of what state you’re in and what laws apply before betting.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in California?

Registering for an account with most sports betting websites is pretty easy and usually can be done in a couple of minutes. You will have to give your full name, address and date of birth to prove you are at least 21 years of age. You will also have to give an email address as well as some account information like username and password. Additionally, you will have to choose your payment preferences.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in California?

Since the California online sports betting market is still unregulated, choosing a top sports betting site with a good reputation for safety is important. The best way to find out whether a particular sports betting website is safe is to do some research. There are plenty of reviews out there for bettors to read and educate themselves with. Choose a website with a good reputation and you should feel very secure about depositing your money.

Can I set betting limits?

Yes. On most betting sites you can set deposit limits, loss limits and transfer limits. This helps you limit your losses and betting liability. You can decide whether you want these limits to apply on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

Final Thoughts on Betting in California

Though it’s still unregulated now, California online sports betting has some great groundwork for legalization. Since other states have been paving the way, there are also some great established online sports betting sites to potentially open in CA. Though California online sports betting is currently all offshore and unregulated, bettor’s look forward to potential future California online sportsbooks. In addition to serving a purpose for vested CA bettors, legalizing CA online sports betting also stands to bring in tons of tax revenue for the state. A win win solution for the state!