Sports Betting California: Latest Updates and Legal Insights for 2024

Sports Betting: Current Legal Status

As of today, sports betting in California is illegal. This includes both in-person and online sports betting. California residents are not permitted to legally place bets on sporting events through licensed bookmakers, either at physical locations or via mobile apps.

Discussions on legalizing sports betting have been ongoing in California for years. In 2022, California residents voted on two propositions, Prop 26 and Prop 27, aimed at legalizing this form of gambling. However, both propositions were rejected by voters.

Currently, there is no clear timeline for the legalization of sports betting in California. Industry experts estimate that this may not happen until 2026 at the earliest, with some suggesting it could be as late as 2028.

The legalization of sports betting in California is a complex process facing numerous obstacles. Among the key stakeholders are Native American tribes, which hold a monopoly on gambling within the state.

Native American tribes control most gambling activities in California and oppose the expansion of sports betting, fearing increased competition. In 2022, voters rejected two sports betting proposals, one of which (Prop 27) was supported by major betting companies but met significant opposition from the tribes.

The tribes oppose the legalization of sports betting, fearing a loss of control over the gambling market.

Legalizing sports betting could generate substantial tax revenue for California. A mature online sports betting market could generate up to $3 billion annually.

Many states in the U.S. have already legalized sports betting, which could pressure California to follow suit.

With more Americans showing interest in sports betting, public opinion in California could shift in favor of legalization.

Considering these factors, it remains difficult to predict the likelihood of sports betting legalization in California in the near future. However, legalization appears inevitable given trends in other states and the potential economic benefits. Securing support from Native American tribes will be crucial to the success of any future legalization efforts.

FanDuel’s Offerings in California Amid Illegal Sports Betting

Although sports betting is currently illegal in California, FanDuel still provides residents with the opportunity to participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). DFS is neither explicitly banned nor legal in California, meaning it operates in a legal gray area. FanDuel is one of the leading DFS operators in the Golden State, with over 100,000 players estimated to wager tens of millions of dollars annually.

FanDuel also offers the FanDuel Faceoff app, where players can compete against each other in various games to win real cash prizes.

Additionally, California residents can sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and browse the latest odds on their favorite sports and teams. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the platform and be ready to place bets once sports betting is legalized in California.

Popular Sports for Betting in California

California is home to many popular sports teams, making it a potentially lucrative market for sports betting. Although sports betting is currently illegal in California, there is significant interest in legalization, and residents eagerly await the opportunity to bet on their favorite teams.

The most popular sports in California include:

• Football: California hosts three NFL teams: the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers.
• Basketball: California is home to four NBA teams: the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.
• Baseball: There are five MLB teams in California: the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.
• Hockey: California has three NHL teams: the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks.
• College Sports: California boasts several prominent universities with popular sports programs, including football and basketball.

In addition to major league sports, horse racing is also popular in California. The state has four major race tracks, including Santa Anita Park, which has hosted the Breeders’ Cup.

The popularity of a particular sport in California depends on various factors, such as:

• Team Success: The better a team performs, the greater the fan interest and, subsequently, the likelihood of people wanting to bet on it.
• Location: Teams from large cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, generally enjoy higher popularity than those from smaller cities.
• Tradition: Some sports, like baseball and football, have a long-standing tradition in California, contributing to their popularity.

Available Betting Options in California

Currently, the only legal way to place sports bets in California is through horse racing. California residents can wager on horse races online or in person at one of the state’s four main racetracks, including Santa Anita Park. There are also several off-track betting locations in California where residents can bet on horse races. The minimum age for pari-mutuel betting in California is 18.

While sports betting remains illegal, California residents have access to other forms of legal gambling that can serve as alternatives to traditional sports betting:

• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): DFS operates in a “legal gray area” in California, meaning it is neither explicitly legal nor illegal. Popular DFS platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings are active in California.
• Social Casinos: Social casinos offer online casino games where players wager virtual currency. Some social casinos also feature sports betting-style games where players can win real money.
• Pick’em Platforms: Platforms like Underdog Fantasy, Sleeper Fantasy, and Fliff offer pick’em-style betting, where players predict the outcomes of sports events to win cash prizes.

Popular DFS Platforms in California

Although sports betting is illegal in California, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operates in a gray area and remains very popular. Numerous DFS platforms provide California residents with opportunities to participate in virtual sports competitions and win cash prizes.

Here are some of the popular DFS platforms available in California:

PrizePicks: This DFS platform allows players to select lineups and predict whether players will exceed or fall short of specific stats.

Underdog Fantasy: This platform offers pick’em bets where players predict sports event outcomes, as well as fantasy drafts.

SuperDraft: As part of Caesars Entertainment, SuperDraft offers a wide range of sports for betting.

Fliff: A “social sportsbook” platform, Fliff offers both free and paid contests. Players can earn “Fliff Coins” and “Fliff Cash,” which can be redeemed for real money.

OwnersBox Fantasy: This platform provides various pick’em bets and contests.

ParlayPlay: Offering pick’em bets, ParlayPlay also provides a no-deposit bonus for new players.

Dabble Fantasy: Known for high payouts, up to 100x the stake, Dabble Fantasy specializes in pick’em bets.

Sleeper Fantasy: This platform offers both pick’em bets and fantasy drafts.

Boom Fantasy: Boom Fantasy provides several types of pick’em bets, including over/under, longshots, favorites, and matchups.

DraftKings Pick6: This pick’em platform by DraftKings lets players compete in contests where they predict the outcomes of sports events.

These platforms offer California residents a range of options for engaging in DFS while traditional sports betting remains restricted.

California Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in California?

No, sports betting is currently illegal in California, with restrictions on both online and in-person betting.

Which sports betting operators are available in California?

Since sports betting is illegal, no licensed online sports betting operators are available in California.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) allowed in California?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operates in California within a legal gray area. Popular platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings offer DFS contests, but they are not explicitly regulated or licensed for traditional sports betting.

Why are there no legal sports betting operators in California?

Efforts to legalize sports betting in California have been hindered by various factors, including strong opposition from Native American tribes that control most gambling activities in the state. In 2022, voters rejected two proposals (Prop 26 and Prop 27) that would have allowed sports betting.

When will California legalize online sports betting?

There is no set timeline for the legalization of sports betting in California. Experts predict the earliest possible legalization might occur in 2026, although some estimate it could be as late as 2028. Legalization would likely require a new proposal or negotiation with stakeholders, including Native American tribes.