Legal USA online gambling sites. Learn all you need to know to safely and legally gamble online at offshore US casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms.

.site for that specific sport. Obviously to pick the top betting sites you need to know a bit about the different places to bet online and what makes. There are 0 online sports betting sites available in California currently. Online sports wagering isn’t legal, so there aren’t any dedicated sites for the activity. If it becomes legal in the future sites will be released.

The best betting sites on the internet focusing on online sportsbooks but also discussing which betting websites are best for each sport. Gambling Reviews for USA 2021 US Legal Betting Sites: Best Online. We at American gambler hope New York, Texas and California will follow and legalize.

After the repeal of PASPA in 2018, states had the right to decide if they wanted to legalize and how to regulate gambling in their states. Though some states (like New Jersey and Pennsylvania) forged ahead with legalizing sports betting in retail locations and online, California legalities have been slower fought.

Despite having made various attempts to legalize online betting and sports betting in the state, California so far hasn’t been able to. Though CA online sports betting is currently illegal, the potential tax benefits are likely to sway even those most apathetic to gambling.

California Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players. DFS is available in California. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, read our Monkey Knife Fight review. Play fantasy games by selecting prop contests on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, soccer, and more.

Most Likely CA Online Sports Betting Sites

Though the future of California online sports betting is still up in the air, we can make some educated guesses about what the market will potentially look like. Here are some likely CA online sports betting sites to open in CA after legalization. These are top sports betting sites in other states and have a high probability of gaining access to the California market as future CA online sportsbooks.

FanDuel

FanDuel has both an online sportsbook as well as a daily fantasy app and site. Since fantasy bets are legal in California online sports betting, there is a strong chance that Fanduel will expand once California laws are finally drawn.

Caesars Sportsbook

Since there is a Harrah’s retail casino in California and Harrah’s is owned by Caesars, it is highly likely that Caesars would open a CA online sportsbook once online betting is legalized.

DraftKings

DraftKings are another daily fantasy based site. The success and popularity of this legal form of California online sports betting is a great way for DraftKings to become a California online sportsbook after legalization.

BetMGM

MGM’s largest single retail casino is located in Las Vegas, not far outside the California border. Since MGM already has affiliations with the California Gaming Commission, they could prove a valuable resource and a pretty safe bet for a future BetMGM site.

Which Is The Best Online Betting Site

California Betting Laws

There aren’t currently any laws in California prohibiting online gambling. However, this also means that it is not state sanctioned or regulated. You cannot legally start a gambling business in the state, but technically there are no laws saying you cannot bet online. You will not face any type of prosecution for betting online in California, but you should still be aware of the safety of the sports betting websites you’re using.

States where you can already place an online sports bet today :

Updated on :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

California Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

Since the sports industry is so large, the potential for California online sports betting is endless. From types of wagers to the sheer number of California teams to bet on, there will be plenty of options when California online sports betting is legalized.

Common Types of Bets

The wide variety of sports leaves the market open for a ton of innovation in betting styles.

Straight Bets

These are the most common types of bets in the industry. When the betting line is set, bettors decide whether to bet on the favorite or the underdog. If you choose the favorite, you increase your betting odds. However, the favorite has to win the game with a higher number of points than the point spread for you to cash in. If you choose the underdog, they have to win or at least lose by less than the point spread. Therefore, while your betting odds increase when betting for the favorite, so does the burden of requirements.

Total Line Bets

This is also a popular sports bet. It’s also pretty straightforward. A number is set for the predicted combined final score of both teams. Then, you would guess whether you believe the actual total will be over or under that amount. It can often be a bet made for half a game in sports like football or basketball.

Money Line Bets

Mostly used in baseball and hockey, these types of bets can be a risk as they do not involve a point spread. Meaning the amount you have to bet varies whether you choose to bet on the favorite or the underdog. For instance, if the Yankees are favored to win against the Dodgers, you may see the betting odds described like this: Dodgers (+120), Yankees (-135). This means to bet on the Dodgers, you would only need to put down $100 and you could potentially win $120. Whereas, you would need to bet $135 on the Yankees to win $100.

Parlay Bets

These are probably the highest risk bets out there. They involve grouping together multiple bets together and can often be bets that last an entire season. There is very little room for error in these types of bets because you need to win all of your separate bets to see any money.

Teaser Bets

This bet is a bit of a twist on a parlay. It is not as high risk and also not as high reward. Bets are still grouped together like a parlay, but you are able to tweak the point spread in this style of betting. Making it a bit less lucrative and a bit more controlled.

Head-to-Head Bets

These bets are made on non-team sports. In sports such as golf and NASCAR, these bets simply represent which of two competitors will win. Often, a money line will be attached as a way to handicap a race. Though this is a popular betting style, it’s also a hard gamble to make considering the size of the field.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

• Football (both NFL and college)
• Basketball (NBA)
• Tennis
• Hockey (NHL)
• Baseball (MLB)
• Soccer
• Golf
• Boxing
• NASCAR
• Formula 1

Popular California Events

• Auto Club 400 - this is the only NASCAR event held in Southern California. It’s held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and usually takes place in March.
• Vans U.S. Open of Surfing - this is known as the biggest surfing event in the world. It’s held in Huntington Beach over nine days in July/August.
• AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM- this golfing event started in 1937 with an idea from Bing Crosby. It’s a fun event held in February involving golf professionals and A-list celebrities so it draws a huge crowd of in person as well as at home spectators.
• BNP Paribas Open - held in March, this is the largest international tennis tournament other than the four Grand Slams.
• Sea Otter Classic - known as a “celebration of cycling”, this Monterrey based biking event features a wide range of cycling opportunities.

Best Teams to Bet On

Below is a list of the Major League teams in California. California has nearly twice the amount of major league teams than any other state. All of them present great betting opportunities.

Baseball

• Los Angeles Angels
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Oakland Athletics
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants

Basketball

• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Sacramento Kings
• Los Angeles Sparks

Football

• Los Angeles Chargers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Oakland Raiders
• San Francisco 49ers

Hockey

• Anaheim Ducks
• Los Angeles Kings
• San Jose Sharks

Soccer

• LA Galaxy
• Los Angeles FC
• San Jose Earthquakes

Common Payment Options

For most states, there are a few common payment methods in online sports betting. Here are some of the more popular options.

• Debit/Credit cards
• Paypal
• Prepaid Cards
• Cash at a retail partner’s sportsbook
• ACH/Wire Transfer

CA Online Sports Betting FAQ

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

In the United States, there was a federal ban on sports betting from 1992 to 2018. Known as PASPA, this law made it impossible for states to make their own laws about sports betting. Unless they had been grandfathered in and were already partaking in sports betting before 1992.

When PASPA was overturned in 2018, states regained control of being able to make laws individually. There are legal sports betting sites in the US, however, you should be aware of what state you’re in and what laws apply before betting.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in California?

Registering for an account with most sports betting websites is pretty easy and usually can be done in a couple of minutes. You will have to give your full name, address and date of birth to prove you are at least 21 years of age. You will also have to give an email address as well as some account information like username and password. Additionally, you will have to choose your payment preferences.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in California?

Since the California online sports betting market is still unregulated, choosing a top sports betting site with a good reputation for safety is important. The best way to find out whether a particular sports betting website is safe is to do some research. There are plenty of reviews out there for bettors to read and educate themselves with. Choose a website with a good reputation and you should feel very secure about depositing your money.

Can I set betting limits?

Yes. On most betting sites you can set deposit limits, loss limits and transfer limits. This helps you limit your losses and betting liability. You can decide whether you want these limits to apply on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

Final Thoughts on Betting in California

Though it’s still unregulated now, California online sports betting has some great groundwork for legalization. Since other states have been paving the way, there are also some great established online sports betting sites to potentially open in CA. Though California online sports betting is currently all offshore and unregulated, bettor’s look forward to potential future California online sportsbooks. In addition to serving a purpose for vested CA bettors, legalizing CA online sports betting also stands to bring in tons of tax revenue for the state. A win win solution for the state!

Are you a US resident looking for a legal online betting site? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

We know how frustrating the online betting experience can be for US punters. Ever since the UIGEA (2006) sent American players into online betting exile, it’s been a tough road.

Yet, it is still possible to bet online if you’re American. There are still sites that happily cater to you, and thanks to innovations like cryptocurrencies, there is an increasing number of them. Check out the sites in the table above to get started.

Essential Points for US Bettors to Understand

• In 2006, the US government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This made it tough for American players to place bets online. While the legislation is aimed at operators rather than players, it still makes things a little difficult to understand. One important change is that online providers are no longer able to operate from within US borders.
• As you might expect, since the USA is one of the biggest gambling markets in the world, the US online betting sites simply moved offshore. Places like Costa Rica and Curacao now host most of the top US betting sites.
• There has been plenty of talk about reform in US betting online. That said, nothing concrete ever seems to happen. Luckily, it’s still possible for American players to bet on sports, play casino games, and enjoy poker online.
• Due to the fact that some casinos won’t accept American players, there has been much innovation with US betting sites accepting cryptocurrencies. We’ll talk a little more about this later.
• Because it’s a legal grey area, it’s that much more important to be safe. There are plenty of sharks waiting to take advantage of inexperienced bettors. Below, we’ll explain how to stay safe when betting online.

So, as you can see, the US online betting scene is a little up in the air. It’s okay, though, because we are here to shed light on it for you and guide you through the process of selecting a safe US betting site.

As the old saying goes, it’s easy when you know how!

A Little History of Online Gambling in the USA

Online gambling has always been a contentious issue in the good old land of the free. Even from way back in the ‘90s, there have been attempts to block and curtail US online gambling.

The earliest attempts didn’t work, though, and for a while, the USA was the biggest market by a mile for online gambling. During the ‘90s and early 2000s, there was somewhat of an online gambling extravaganza, and US players lead the pack.

During these boom years, online poker rooms, sportsbooks, and casinos were chockablock with US players. The industry was at its peak, and billions were exchanging hands annually.

In 2004, the Department of Justice took the position that the Federal Wire Act could be interpreted to prohibit online gambling in any form via wire and that those who promote online gambling may be ‘aiding and abetting.’ The response was almost instant, and search giants Google and Yahoo both put a stop to paid advertising for gambling.

While there was plenty of bickering over whether this move by the Justice Department was in accordance with the law, the US continued to take a harsh stance against online gambling. Several executives of major online gambling firms, such as Peter Dicks of Sportingbet, were detained while traveling in the USA.

Then, in 2006, the UIGEA was passed. This made it illegal for banks and financial institutions to make transactions to online gambling sites. What was once a tidal wave of gambling cash was reduced to a river, then a stream, and then barely a trickle by the end of 2008, when the regulations came into full force. Offshore sites in the Caribbean, among other places, never stopped offering services, though, and they have reaped vast profits since the clampdown.

There have been legal challenges since, such as the well-known one by the state of New Jersey to allow online sports betting for its residents, which was successful. There have also been disputes over whether poker can be legally banned, since proponents claim it is a game of skill, and the wording of the law prohibits transactions to sites offering games of chance.

However, as long as UIGEA stands, the US online gambling market is unlikely to ever recover to what it once was.

Online Betting Sites in the US by State

With growing numbers of states lifting their ban on sports gambling and so many online betting sites becoming more sophisticated, there are now more options for wagering in more states than ever before.

While sports betting legalization is handled by the state and the state alone, the changing gambling culture in the United States has opened numerous opportunities for profitable action. To capitalize on this, we have researched the legalities and functionality of these shops to ensure local customers will be protected and involved in ethical gaming practices.

Additionally, we have taken the time to lay out all the options bettors have to gamble in their state using the online sportsbook markets provided below.

US Betting Sites – How to Stay Safe

With all those offshore servers hosting US gambling sites, the need to stay safe is great. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered. That’s what this section is all about.

The easiest way to stay safe is to stick with expert-approved sites. That said, we get that you might want to understand the process of picking a US betting site.

It’s hugely important to be cautious when making a decision. Sadly, there are lots of unscrupulous operators willing to take advantage of US gamblers, knowing there’s little legal recourse if you choose to bet online.

Even if a site is hosted offshore in a place like Costa Rica, it should have a license to operate. Curacao is a popular destination for sites catering to US players, so a license from there is a start.

A poor website design, slow or unprofessional customer service, unrecognizable game software providers, or poor English on the website can all be tell-tale signs that a gambling site may be one to avoid. Go with your gut on this, and if you have any doubt, leave it out.

If the site offers casino games and publishes its Return To Player percentages, that’s a good sign. It’s especially good if these are verified by a third-party specialist in this area, such as eCogra.

The customer service team isn’t hired to sit and twiddle their thumbs all day. They are paid to assist you and answer your questions. Ask them anything you want to know and ask for clarification if you find anything suspicious or unclear.

We know — reading betting site terms and conditions is about as exciting as waiting for a bus. However, we suggest skim-reading at the least and paying attention to the deposit and withdrawal policies and the general terms of service. If there’s anything sinister afoot, it will likely be written right there in the terms.

In our in-depth reviews, we always take time to focus on the management. If they have a history of ripping people off, we’ll tell you. If they’re award-winning superstars, we’ll tell you that, too. The people behind the site can tell you a lot about what to expect.

If you have any doubts about the site, don’t be tempted by a generous welcome bonus. What use is that if you can’t ever get your money back? Deposit a small amount, bet, and try to make a withdrawal. You’ll soon find out if the site is legitimate.

We don’t want to scare you off! There are so many more honest and trustworthy US betting sites than there are frauds. We’re just trying to give you a heads-up so you don’t get swindled, especially if you’re new to betting online.

Since knowledge is power and the best way to avoid a scam is to see it coming, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most common online gambling swindles.

Common Online Gambling Scams US Players Should Watch Out For

Unfortunately, because the USA has no official online gambling regulator, scammers sometimes target US players. Don’t be afraid, though. It’s perfectly possible to avoid these scams by knowing what to look out for.

These are some of the most common online gambling scams:

This one is simple enough. It’s the equivalent of being lead up a digital alleyway and mugged. A scam site will entice you to deposit, take your cash, and make it impossible to get it back. Be wary of ‘too good to be true’ welcome bonus offers, and deposit a small amount first to test the waters.

This is a little trickier, but because even legitimate casinos ask bettors to send in ID and a utility bill for verification, it can be harder to spot. Generally speaking, a scam site will be shady in more ways than one. If you have any bad feeling or experience any unfairness or questionable practices, just cut your losses and don’t send in your documents. Sticking with well-known, established brands is a great way to avoid this.

This is all too common among scam sites, and the saddest part is that it’s often plainly obvious when the terms and conditions are consulted. Some sites will return your deposits, but simply refuse to pay out any winnings. Watch out for higher-than-average wagering/rollover requirements, excessive withdrawal fees, and low cash-out or withdrawal limits.

This can be harder to detect because everything else about the gambling site in question might seem legitimate. Rigged games are simply what the name suggests – they can’t be won. Play at sites with reputable software like NetEnt, Playtech, or IGT games. If it’s a sports betting site, be sure to cross-check with other sites and make sure you’re getting fair, competitive odds.

Using Cryptocurrencies at US Gambling Sites

As mentioned a little earlier, there are now lots of US-friendly Bitcoin gambling sites. However, Bitcoin isn’t the only cryptocurrency that can be used to bet online.

Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Monero, Dash, Dogecoin, and some other altcoins can now be used, too.

While we would suggest learning a bit more about cryptocurrency before using them to make a deposit at a betting site, the process itself is theoretically simple enough. Here’s how it works in three steps:

You buy cryptocurrency on an exchange with USD or another currency. If you’re buying altcoins, you will likely need to buy Bitcoin first, then trade that on an exchange for your altcoin of choice.

After you register an account with a US gambling site that accepts cryptocurrencies, you get the wallet address either directly from the cashier section of the site or by asking customer service. It’s extremely important to send the correct cryptocurrency. For example, never send Ripple to a Bitcoin address, or you’ll likely lose your money forever.

Legal Online Betting Sites

You send the amount you wish to deposit, wait for it to show up in your balance, and gamble. It’s just like using any ‘real world’ currency.

It’s really as simple as that. The only learning curve might be in the actual purchasing and sending of cryptocurrencies between addresses if you aren’t already familiar with how to do so.

US Betting Sites – Some Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions regarding US betting sites, mostly because people are unsure what exactly the legal situation exactly is. We’ll answer some of the most common ones here.

Q. What does UIGEA stand for?

A. It stands for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. It was passed in 2006 and has stayed in play since. You can find out more about it here.

Q. Is it illegal for US citizens to bet online?

A. The UIGEA does not state that it is illegal for US citizens to bet online. It does put the burden on gambling site operators, prohibiting them from knowingly accepting wagers from US players. It also puts pressure on financial institutions like banks to prohibit deposits to sites offering gambling services. Plenty of operators still do, though.

Q. Why do so many US gambling websites accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?

A. Since it isn’t actually expressly illegal for US citizens to gamble online, cryptocurrencies are arguably a legal way around the restrictions. Financial institutions aren’t allowed to transact with gambling sites, and gambling sites aren’t allowed to accept wagers from US players, but with cryptocurrencies, this transaction is peer-to-peer and often anonymous. We’re not advising you to use them, but rather are simply explaining why so many sites accept them.

Q. Which US betting sites accept cryptocurrencies?

A. This is a common question, and lots of Americans use cryptocurrencies when betting online. You can find some US Bitcoin betting sites, as well as those that accept altcoins, in the table above.

Best Online Betting Sites For California Fires

Q. What is the safest US betting site online?

A. Every site listed on this page is 100% safe and secure. Our experts have checked them out, they are all running on secure connections, they are all licensed, and they all have a history we can trace, proving they are honest. Pick any one of them, and feel free to do some further research yourself.

Q. Are the approved US betting sites on this page for sports betting only, or do they also offer casino games and poker?

Is It Legal To Bet Online In California

A. Honestly, that depends on the site. There are several, as you can see, and they are all different. Check out the full reviews, or better yet, click through and visit the sites yourself.