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.
In a rush? The best California sports betting sites, after 95 hours of research:
BetWhale
150% deposit bonus Samuel, the lead iGaming expert at Northeast Times, believes that BetWhale is the top choice for California sports bettors, thanks to its excellent NFL and college football odds, fast and reliable payouts, and intuitive betting interface. |
Is BetWhale not quite what you’re after? Check out these other top California online sports betting sites:
- BetOnline: The best option for crypto-enthusiasts
- BetUS: Great for loyal bettors (the reload bonuses can’t be beat)
- Sportsbetting.ag: Our favorite for live betting
- Everygame: The go-to site for MMA and boxing
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 sportsbook for football odds and fast payouts
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 platform’s 150% deposit boost 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 deposits and VIP bettors
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 – not just for sports betting, but also for 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. BetUS – Leading California online sports betting site for horse racing and reload bonuses
Pros:
- 125% sign-up package for casino and sports betting
- Up to 50% re-up bonus on every crypto deposit
- A huge selection of races from around the world
- Unique BetUS TV feature
- Easy-to-use props builder
Cons:
- Can’t explore live betting lines without an account
- Limited free bet offers
Not only does BetUS offer a robust online sportsbook packed with great odds on over 20 sports – including some excellent odds on the upcoming Los Angeles Clippers games – but it has built one of the best online racebooks we’ve seen yet.
Horse racing fans will find exciting events worldwide, from American and Canadian races to events in Australia, the UK, and Sweden.
“While the rollover on bonuses was a little higher than some of the competitors I looked at, the sheer size of each promotion – especially the re-up offers – more than made up for it.”
BetUS even offers special promotions for racing events like their Money Back Special, where you get your wager back if a horse you bet on to win ends up in 2nd or 3rd place.
Speaking of great promotions, BetUS offers players a 125% match welcome bonus to get started. 100% of your first deposit is matched as a sports betting bonus while the other 25% match is usable at the casino.
On top of that, BetUS offers a host of cashback bonuses, special offers to incentivize crypto, and massive reload bonuses of up to 200% matched (bigger than virtually all competitors) to help keep your bankroll well-stocked.
4. Sportsbetting.ag – Best California sportsbook for live basketball and same game parlays
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 looks great on mobile, simplifying the betting process to the point that placing bets on the go is effortless.
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.
“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 – Top odds for boxing and UFC events among California betting sites
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.”
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 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 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 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:
