So, you're curious whether you can place bets over the internet in California. The short answer is yes, with some caveats. California has a long history of legal gambling, from poker rooms and horse racing to the state lottery and tribal casinos. However, sports betting has been banned for decades due to federal law. That all changed in 2018 when the Supreme Court struck down a law banning sports betting, opening the door for states to legalize it. Can you bet online in California? California lawmakers are still debating whether to allow sports betting, but in the meantime, some offshore sites and a few tribal casinos offer regulated online betting options for Californians over 21. If you do your homework, you can safely and legally bet on sports from the comfort of your own home in the Golden State. But you’ll have to wager at your own risk until California formally legalizes it.

The Current State of Online Sports Betting in California

Can you bet on sports in California online? California is still waiting to legalize online sports betting, though legislation to allow it has been proposed. As of now, you can't place bets on sports via the internet in the Golden State. 

A handful of proposals aim to change that, but none have been signed into law yet. Two bills in the state legislature would legalize online sports betting and possibly allow Native American tribes to offer it, but they've stalled. Another proposal for the November 2020 ballot, backed by some big gaming companies, never gained enough signatures to qualify.

The good news is, public support for legalizing online sports betting in California seems to be growing. Recent surveys show a majority of residents are in favor of it. Some see it as a way for the state to generate new tax revenue. Others argue that since the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting in 2018, Californians should have the option to bet legally and safely.

Of course, there is opposition too. Some worry it could increase gambling addiction and "predatory" behavior by betting companies. And Native American tribes want to make sure any law protects their gaming rights.

The debate continues, but if other states are any indication, legalized online sports betting could happen in California within the next couple of years. When and if it does, you'll likely be able to log in, deposit funds, pick your teams and players, and start winning - or losing - real money. The choice will be yours. Place your bets! Can you bet online in California with confidence in the near future? The answer may soon become a resounding "yes."

Options for Betting on Sports Online When Living in California

If you're a Californian looking to bet on sports online, you have a few options to choose from.

Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks operate outside of US jurisdiction, so they're able to offer online sports betting to Californians. Popular sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting.ag fall into this category. They offer competitive odds and lines on all major US sports.
The downside is that these sites aren't regulated by the state of California. That means you don't have the same consumer protections as you would with a licensed operator. However, many offshore books have been operating for decades and have solid reputations. As long as you choose a trusted site, offshore betting can be a convenient option.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are legal in California. DFS isn't technically sports betting, but it scratches the same itch. You draft a fantasy roster, enter contests, and compete to win cash prizes based on your team's real-game performance.
DFS is a casual, fun way to get action on sports. The competition is soft, so you have a good chance to win as a beginner. The downside is that DFS only offers fantasy-style games, not traditional sports bets. But as an outlet for sports betting in California, it's better than nothing!
Until California legalizes sports betting, these are your two best options for wagering on sports from the Golden State. Keep your fingers crossed that real, regulated sportsbooks come to California soon!

The Future of Online Sports Betting in California

The future of legal online sports betting in California is still unclear. Although some legislators have proposed bills to legalize it, none have been signed into law yet. However, recent developments suggest legalization may be on the horizon.

Growing Support

Public support for legal sports betting has increased in recent years. A 2020 survey found that 65% of Californians support legalizing sports betting, up from only 54% in 2019. Many see it as a way to boost tax revenue for the state without raising income or sales taxes. Lawmakers are also taking notice of this shift in public opinion.

Several bills were introduced in 2021 to authorize sports betting in California, though none were enacted. However, their introduction shows that legislators recognize the public’s growing favorability toward legalization. The bills aim to allow betting on professional, collegiate, and some amateur sports, both in-person and online.

Economic Motivations

Legalizing sports betting is appealing to lawmakers for economic reasons. It could generate hundreds of millions per year in tax revenue for California. Neighboring states that have already legalized sports betting, like Oregon and Nevada, have seen substantial financial gains. California risks losing revenue to these states if they do not legalize soon.

While proposals have stalled so far, the combination of public support, economic opportunity, and policymaker interest suggests that legal online sports betting may be coming to California in the next few years. Of course, any laws would have to establish strong consumer protections and regulations to ensure responsible betting practices. But overall, the odds seem to be shifting in favor of legalization.

Conclusion

So there you have it. While California has some of the stricter gambling laws in the country, you absolutely have options to place bets online if you're located within the state. Offshore betting sites are a great way to get around the restrictions and many reputable sites will accept customers from California. Just be sure to choose a site that's been around for a while, has a solid reputation, and offers the betting options you're interested in. As with anything, do your research to find what works for your needs. Though the laws may be limiting, don't let that stop you from enjoying a little recreational fun. With so many sports teams in California, betting on your favorite local team can make watching the games that much more exciting. Happy betting!