Sports Betting In California
The path to legal sports betting in California appears to be a long one. Many expected Cali to be one of the first States to legalize both online and offline sports betting after the Supreme Court Case win for New Jersey last year. That hasn’t happened yet, though. So, when can we expect sports betting legal in California?
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In California?
Sports betting in California is not legal. Not yet, at least. An amendment to the constitution is due to be discussed and voted on at some point in 2020. If an amendment is approved, we could see sports betting legal in California in the form of retail sportsbooks first.
The main issue appears to be held by the tribal groups who control the majority of land-based casinos in the State. There is allegedly an unwillingness on their part to share possible financial gains with other betting operators. The other States, though, have shown that sports and casino betting, both online and offline, can bring financial rewards to all parties.
As for online sports betting California, this should follow soon afterward should the legislation be passed. States like New Jersey, who legalized online betting in 2018, have shown that online and retail gambling can be combined. Online betting California could work just as well.
Current Sports Gambling Laws In California
So, where are we at right now with sport gambling California? Somewhat of a standstill, it seems. There is unlikely to be any developments until next year, once the vote to allow online sports betting California, as well as in retail, has been held.
For now, residents of California are unable to place a bet on sports legally in the State, either online or offline.
There are particular forms of gambling that are permitted in the State. The history of gambling in California dates back to over a century, with the introduction of card rooms.
Card games such as blackjack and poker are legal to play in selected land-based casinos found throughout the State. Classic versions of roulette and craps are not permitted, though different forms of these games can also be played.
To add to the confusion, betting on horse racing is allowed. Visitors to any of the four full-time horse racing tracks in California can place wagers on selected horse racing markets, overseen by the CHRB (California Horse Racing Board).
These tracks are Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields and Los Alamitos Track.
For now, there is no other sports betting in California that is regulated. Online betting California is restricted to offshore sites, which are not recommended.
What To Expect Once Sports Betting Is Legalized In California
Once sports betting legislation is finally passed, we expect a huge number of operators to provide betting platforms for California residents. With the largest population of any US State, many bookmakers will be attracted by the number of potential customers.
It’s likely that retail sportsbooks located in land-based casinos will be approved first. As for sports betting in California online, legislation could take slightly longer to be implemented.
So, what sports will be available to bet on? Looking at available markets in other States, we expect pretty much everything! Amongst the most popular sports to bet on are basketball, baseball, ice hockey, football, and soccer.
Some States don’t allow bets to be placed on teams connected to that area, or on events taking place in that State. With California home to a huge number of sports teams, it will be interesting to see if this same law applies here.
Sport gambling California laws could allow some of the world’s most popular bookmakers to start trading in the Golden State. In the next section, we’re going to examine which operators we expect to introduce an online betting platform in Cali.
Possible Operators
To assess which bookmakers are most likely to break into the California online betting scene, we can look at who’s operating in other States where online gambling is legal. Let’s look at New Jersey.
FanDuel and DraftKings are the two most successful online operators in New Jersey. We expect both of these bookmakers to launch online betting sites once legislation is passed.
Other possible operators for sports betting in California include SugarHouse, Caesars, 888sport, BetStars, William Hill and PointsBet.
We will have to wait and see if any of these bookmakers can launch independently or be required to join forces with land-based casinos. SugarHouse and Caesars are famous for their casino offerings and have incorporated a Sportsbook within their online casino sites.
All operators will be required to ensure every customer provides identification details. Age and location restrictions will apply, once the sports betting regulations are passed we will know more.
Sports Betting Apps
Mobile betting has invigorated the online betting scene. Mobile apps will be subject to separate legislation, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the introduction of betting apps for sports betting in California will be approved.
A sports betting app gives bettors the freedom to bet no matter where in the State they are. Location restrictions will apply to any betting app offered, meaning you won’t be able to place bets if you’re near or across the State border.
Where to Bet on Sports in Other States
Read about online sports betting legislation in other states here:
| Delaware | |
| Maine | |
| Michigan |  |
| Nevada |  |
| New Jersey |  |
| New Hampshire |  |
| New York |  |
| Pennsylvania |  |
| Rhode Island |  |
| Tennessee |  |
| West Virginia |  |
