California’s ongoing sports betting initiatives have created a veritable minefield for bettors seeking options beyond daily fantasy sports. That’s why we’re here to help.
Whether you’re betting on the Los Angeles Angels, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings – you name it – we’ve put together a list of the best California sports betting sites catering to bettors in the Golden State.
Let’s check them out.
Best California sports betting sites
- BetWhale: Best overall
- BetOnline: Top crypto sportsbook
- BetAnySports: Best for prop bets
- Sportsbetting.ag: Best live betting platform
- Everygame: $1,000 welcome bonus
Our expert’s opinion on the best California sports betting sites
Our team of iGaming experts has carefully reviewed and ranked the best California sports betting sites based on factors like odds, payout speed, and special features.
Below, you’ll find our top picks, along with quick insights from our team to help you choose the best platform for your betting style.
1. BetWhale – Best California sports betting site overall
Pros:
- 150% deposit boost
- Excellent odds for NFL and college football
- Dozens of sports to choose from
- Secure crypto and fiat banking options
- 24/7 phone and email support
- Easy signup
Cons:
- No in-app streaming of live events
- Would like to see more e-wallet options
BetWhale has quickly become the go-to bookmaker for California football fans, especially those betting on popular teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and USC Trojans.
We were impressed with BetWhale’s top-tier football odds on both NFL games and college matchups, giving bettors a solid advantage when supporting their favorite local teams.
Additionally, the 150% deposit boost offered by this CA sportsbook provides a generous starting point for new players, making it easier to build a solid bankroll and “get your foot in the door,” so to speak.
“The excellent NFL odds, combined with the no max cashout on the welcome bonus, make BetWhale fantastic for those of us who have done our homework in advance.”
Beyond football, BetWhale covers a wide range of sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis – and you’re not limited to betting on teams like the Los Angeles Chargers. You’ll find great odds on sporting events worldwide, so no matter what you follow, they have what you’re after.
While the site could benefit from live-streaming options and additional e-wallet support, BetWhale’s user-friendly interface and reliable customer service make it a strong pick. Although the fastest payouts are limited to e-wallets and crypto, even the classic credit card withdrawals were quick, with our tests resolving in just a day or two.
2. BetOnline – Best California sports betting site for crypto users
Pros:
- $250 in free bets
- $50 risk-free live bet
- Competitive odds across 25+ sports
- Frequent sports contests
- Accepts over 15 forms of crypto
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
Cons:
- Slow payouts on some options
- Limited eSports markets
BetOnline is a powerhouse for sports betting, online slots, card games, and poker tournaments. It’s become quite the popular pick among California sports fans who value crypto-friendly betting options.
With support for 15+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and niche coins like Dogecoin and Tron, BetOnline is the perfect choice for bettors who want fast, secure payouts.
That being said, it’s no surprise that BetOnline also ranks as one of the fastest-paying casinos, allowing you to access your winnings quickly and securely.
“If you haven’t embraced crypto for your online betting yet, you’re missing out – especially with sportsbooks like BetOnline out there. Better bonuses. More security. Instant payouts. What’s not to love?”
The BetOnline sportsbook itself is every bit as comprehensive as the payment options, with bettors having access to a huge variety of sports ranging from popular choices like the NBA, MLB, and NFL to specialized options like international league events and darts.
Back all of that up with a generous $250 free bet bonus for first-time depositors and one of the most extensive VIP programs we’ve seen – packed with exclusive perks, better bonuses, and personalized service – and it is clear why it was one of the top contenders for our #1 spot.
If you’re a blockchain enthusiast looking for great odds on local favorites like the San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Lakers, BetOnline is well worth checking out.
3. BetAnySports – Best sports betting site in California for prop bets
- Great prop bets on major sports events
- Unique “Less Juice” promotion
- Wide range of betting markets
- 100+ horse racing tracks
- Super responsive 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Slightly confusing site design
- Smaller welcome bonus than competitors
BetAnySports offers an exceptional experience for fans of prop bets. Its standout feature, the “Less Juice” promotion, lets players pay half the usual bet price, giving it a significant edge over competitors.
The welcome bonus—a 25% matched deposit up to $500—is decent, but it falls short of the larger offers at some competing sites. However, the low 6x rollover requirement makes it a competitive choice and deserves a place among the top offers.
“BetAnySports is a game-changer for Californian users who enjoy prop bets. The ‘Less Juice’ promotion is a standout, letting you pay half on your bets, which adds a unique twist to your betting strategy.”
This California betting site also offers an excellent selection of betting markets, making it competitive with the best California betting sites. This is a strong contender if you’re looking for a site with solid betting options, unique promotions, low wagering requirements, and excellent customer service.
4. Sportsbetting.ag – Best California sportsbook for live betting
Pros:
- 50% welcome bonus up to $500
- Great odds on early and in-play basketball
- Intuitive live betting interface
- Mobile-friendly design
- 24/7 customer support service
Cons:
- Limited horse racing options
- Fees on many fiat banking options
Whether you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Clippers or a die-hard hockey fan hunting for decent lines on the Los Angeles Kings, Sportsbetting.ag’s robust markets and incredible live betting options are a great place to start.
We were most impressed with the sharp odds on both NBA and NCAA basketball games, especially for in-play events. The site makes it easy for fans to stay on top of the action, with odds adjusting in real-time, making it easy for savvy players to maximize their winnings.
The live betting platform is user-friendly and one of the best for mobile sports betting in California.
While most events do not have in-app streaming, the ability to place your bets from your phone means you can enjoy some wings at the local sports bar, watch the game, and still stay on top of your wagers.
If you’re not too concerned about live betting, this sportsbook still delivers an exceptional experience, especially with its comprehensive same-game parlay betting tools.
Not only does it set you up with a variety of picks popular among other players, but the Parlay Builder is easy to understand, even for newbies – though we generally advise against beginners building parlay and prop bets.
Fun Fact: Sportsbetting.ag is also one of the top NY online sportsbooks.
“Parlay bets are not for everyone, but if you’re tired of playing it safe with low-stakes bets, Sportsbetting’s Parlay Builder is the only way to go.”
While it offers one of the weakest horse racing options on our list and has some surprisingly stiff fees on certain deposits, we still think that Sportsbetting.ag is the top choice for in-play basketball.
>> Bet Now at Sportsbetting.ag
5. Everygame – Best betting bonuses of all California sportsbooks
Pros:
- $1,000 crypto welcome bonus
- Excellent odds on combat sports
- NFL pools, trip giveaways, and other promos
- Top-notch customer support
Cons:
- Fewer betting markets than some competitors
- Limited crypto banking options
Everygame doesn’t offer as many sports markets as other CA betting sites on this list (it’s rocking around 15 compared to BetWhale’s 25+), but the odds we found during our review left us suitably impressed.
Especially when it comes to upcoming boxing and MMA events. At the time of writing, we are just a few days away from the anticipated Mike Tyson and Jake Paul matchup, and had to go with Everygame for our wagers on this event.
It’s not every day that one of the greatest athletes on Earth comes out of retirement.
The excellent odds extend beyond combat sports, with solid odds on the NFL, NBA, and more – so even though you’re missing out on some of the niche betting options you’d find at our #1 site, there’s still plenty of value to be found.
“Honestly, you won’t even miss the sports markets that this sportsbook lacks. Everygame has really trimmed the fat so it can focus on providing great odds on major sporting events – plus a wide range of stock market bets if you’re feeling clever.”
Plus, from the $1,000 crypto welcome bonus to the host of NFL pools and trip giveaways, there are enough promotions available to warrant a look even from bettors of a more pacifistic nature.
Other California sports betting alternatives we tested
- Bovada: One of the most comprehensive sports betting California sites around, but didn’t make the top 5 due to dual lines for sharp bettors
- MyBookie: Amazing promotions and competitive odds, but limited payout options
- BUSR: Massive $2,500 welcome bonus, but lackluster esports representation
- Wild.io: Huge selection of international markets, but bonuses favor the casino
- XBet: $200 in bonus bets and a wide range of markets, but limited bonus variety
This is just a taste of some of the other high-end online sports betting California sites we reviewed while researching for this article. While none of the sportsbooks in this section made it into the top five, it was a close call – they only had minor shortcomings that held them back.
However, we will be regularly revisiting all of the sites on our list to ensure you have access to the best options available.
As these sports betting California sites continue to evolve – adding new features or bonuses, expanding sports coverage, or improving their user experience – our top picks may change, and the above five are the most likely candidates for breaking into our top picks.
Why trust us?
At Northeast Times we are committed to providing you with accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date information on the top gambling sites and online casinos.
Our team consists of iGaming experts with years of experience vetting platforms for security, fairness, and quality. We rigorously test each site, only recommending only those that meet the highest standards for trustworthiness and reliability.
How to know if a California sports betting site is safe
With so many best betting sites California offers, it can be difficult to tell which ones are safe to play at and which are best avoided. Here are a few things to look for when shopping around to ensure you spot the real winners:
Licensing and regulation
A reputable sportsbook should have a license from a recognized regulatory authority like the Malta Gaming Authority or Curacao eGaming.
These licenses ensure that the legal sports betting site follows strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gaming, so you know they are safe. They can usually be found at the bottom of the sportsbook’s homepage.
SSL encryption
Look for the best online sports betting California sites that protect your personal and financial information with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. You can usually tell whether a betting site has a valid SSL certificate by either looking for a locked padlock symbol in the URL bar or checking for “https” at the beginning of the website URL.
Transparent payment policies
The best online sportsbook California has to offer will clearly outline all payment policies, including withdrawal and deposit options, processing times, and any associated fees.
Reliable sites will also accept secure payment options like major credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
Responsive customer support
A friendly, responsive support team is a good sign when testing out a new California sportsbook. You want to avoid sites that take more than a few minutes to respond via live chat or more than 24 hours for email support.
The best online betting sites California has to offer will also have a customer support member available 24/7, to ensure you get the help you need no matter what hours you keep.
“One of the best ways to get a peek behind the curtains is to read up on player reviews. You can check out Reddit or other social media sites and get a clear picture straight from the mouths of other players.”
You can also use these tips to find other reputable gambling platforms, like online casinos in Texas.
Sports to bet on at California online sportsbooks
California’s sports culture provides endless opportunities for bettors. Whether you’re into high-stakes football games, fast-paced basketball matchups, or action-packed baseball tournaments, online sportsbooks in the state cover a wide range of options with competitive odds and dynamic betting markets.
Football
Football holds a special place in California’s sports scene, with NFL and college football dominating the action. Sportsbooks offer various betting markets, including moneyline bets, point spreads, player props, and live wagers, giving football fans plenty of ways to get involved.
Basketball
Basketball’s fast-paced nature makes it one of the most exciting sports to bet on. California sportsbooks feature extensive markets, from individual player stats to game totals and point spreads.
Baseball
Baseball’s enduring popularity means that sportsbooks deliver countless betting options. From run lines and total runs to player-specific props, baseball bettors can engage with the sport at every level. The season’s length and high number of games mean there’s almost always an opportunity to place a wager.
Soccer
Soccer’s growing presence in California extends to online betting markets, with sportsbooks covering domestic and international matches. Bettors can explore markets like goals scored, match results, and outright tournament winners, making soccer an increasingly popular choice for wagering.
Combat Sports and Other Markets
Combat sports, such as boxing and MMA, offer high-intensity betting opportunities. Sportsbooks also provide odds for other sports like golf, tennis, motorsports, and even esports! So, there’s something for every type of bettor available at these top sites.
Sports teams to bet on in California
California is home to remarkable sports teams with passionate fans across the state. These teams deliver unforgettable performances and present exciting opportunities for bettors to engage with the games.
Los Angeles Lakers: A legendary NBA franchise, the Lakers have a storied history of championships and star-studded rosters. Betting on the Lakers often involves dynamic point spreads, player props for superstars like LeBron James, and futures markets for playoff performance.
San Francisco 49ers: One of the NFL’s most celebrated teams, the 49ers are synonymous with excellence. With betting options ranging from moneyline bets and point spreads to team props and in-play wagers, supporting the 49ers through your sportsbook is as fun as watching their games.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A mainstay of MLB, the Dodgers have passionate fan support and consistent success. Bettors can explore diverse options, including run lines, pitcher props, and total runs. The Dodgers are a favorite for many sports bettors and have a strong presence in the playoffs.
LA Galaxy: As one of MLS’s most successful clubs, LA Galaxy draws significant attention from soccer fans. Betting on the Galaxy often involves markets for goals scored, halftime results, and outright match winners.
Golden State Warriors: A dynasty in the making, the Warriors redefine basketball dominance. California sportsbooks offer a range of options, from point spreads and over/under totals to player props focusing on sharpshooter Stephen Curry. The Warriors’ fast-paced gameplay makes their matches a favorite among live betting fans.
Tips and tricks for wagering at the best sports betting sites California has to offer
Sports betting is fun, but if you’re not careful, you can burn through your bankroll in no time. To help you avoid such a fate, we’ve prepared some helpful tips and strategies to make the most of your wagers at the best gambling sites California has to offer.
1: Research before you bet
Successful sports gambling starts with informed decisions. Always research California sports teams, players, recent performance, injuries, weather, and other relevant factors that could impact the game’s outcome.
Making your bets based on data and not gut feeling, is the first step to online betting success.
2: Limit your markets
While most online sports wagering sites offer a broad array of sports and leagues, it’s usually best to pick one or two sports to specialize in.
Mastering a specific sport gives you the upper hand by allowing you time to deep-dive into stats, player performance, and trends, making it easier for you to accurately predict outcomes.
For California bettors, sports like NBA basketball, NFL football, and even local MLB or MLS games can be great options due to the wealth of information available.
3: Understand the different types of bets
From moneyline bets and point spreads to player prop bets and parlays, each type of bet has its own risk level and payout potential.
Point spreads are popular in the Golden State for major sports like basketball and football, but player props and in-play bets can offer more nuanced strategies if you know what you’re doing.
Familiarize yourself with each type to understand which bets match your style and goals.
4: Manage your bankroll
If you want to come out smelling like a rose, you’re going to need to be disciplined – and that all starts with bankroll management.
Set aside a specific amount of cash for wagering each month, and try to avoid betting more than 1-2% of your bankroll per wager (unless you really know what you’re doing). This approach helps prevent major losses when Lady Luck has her back turned on you and keeps betting as an ongoing hobby, rather than a make-or-break situation.
5: Take advantage of bonuses
Most sportsbook sites and top online casinos offer a variety of promotions, including some sort of sign-up bonus. This is a great way to stretch your bankroll a little further, letting you place even more wagers without risking more hard-earned cash.
Make sure to read the fine print, though, as some bonuses come with stiff rollover requirements or restricted bet types, which can make it harder to cash out your winnings in the end.
“The number-one mistake bettors make is betting based on loyalty. No matter how much you might love your team, the stats never lie.”
California sports betting sites – FAQs
Is online sports betting safe in California?
Yes, online sports betting sites in California are absolutely safe, so long as you stick with safe, reputable platforms like the ones we’ve outlined in this article.
What is the easiest sports bet to win at California sportsbooks?
The simplest bet to win is generally the moneyline bet, where you’re simply choosing which team or player will win a game.
Moneyline bets avoid the complexities of spread bets or specific scoring margins, making them a great choice for beginner California bettors. Just keep in mind that betting on favorites may offer smaller payouts, while underdog picks tend to yield higher returns but come with more risk.
What is the best online betting site in California?
The best California betting site depends heavily on what you’re looking for. However, after hours of testing and comparing sportsbooks to each other, we found BetWhale to be the overall best due to its wide range of markets, competitive odds, and generous bonuses.
Can you win real money betting at California Sportsbooks?
Yes, California online sports betting gives you the chance to win real money, assuming you’re clever (and lucky) enough to place winning wagers.
However, betting is inherently risky, and outcomes are never guaranteed. Always remember to bet responsibly and manage your bankroll wisely.
What kind of bonuses are available at California sports betting sites?
The sports betting industry is brimming with different bonuses, ranging from welcome bonuses, which offer a generous amount of bonus cash with a player’s first deposit, to reload bonuses for returning bettors, as well as free bets and cashback offers on losses.
Additionally, many sites now offer exclusive bonuses for cryptocurrency deposits, providing extra value for sports bettors who use Bitcoin or other digital currencies.
Are you ready to tackle the California sports betting market?
Now that you have seen how the top sites for online sports betting measure up, our job here is done.
All of the California sports betting sites highlighted in this guide are safe, secure, and offer competitive odds across a wide range of sports. We’re confident that no matter which one you choose, you’ll have a good time.
Just remember, while online gambling is safe, it should only be done for entertainment purposes. So get out there, have fun, and please wager responsibly.
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.
All gambling sites on this page are 21+ only. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction.
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:
