Sports Betting California: A Guide to the Best Sportsbooks and Betting Options

California, known for its love of sports and vast entertainment options, has been the subject of ongoing debates surrounding sports betting. While the state has yet to fully embrace online sports betting, it offers several avenues for bettors looking to enjoy wagering on their favorite sports. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or a newcomer, understanding the best sportsbooks and betting options in California is essential. This guide will provide insights into the top sportsbooks, legal betting options, and things you need to consider before placing your bets.

1. The Current Sports Betting Landscape in California

Legal Status of Sports Betting in California

As of now, California has not fully legalized online sports betting, but the state does allow in-person sports betting at licensed tribal casinos and racetracks. The legal framework in California regarding sports betting remains complex, and while efforts to legalize online sports betting have been attempted, the state has yet to reach an agreement that satisfies all stakeholders.

In 2022, California voters faced two propositions related to sports betting: Proposition 27, which aimed to legalize online sports betting, and Proposition 26, which focused on allowing in-person betting at tribal casinos. Both measures were rejected, highlighting the challenges the state faces in moving forward with widespread legalization.

Despite these challenges, California’s sports fanbase remains one of the largest and most engaged in the country. As other states have moved ahead with sports betting, the demand for online and in-person options in California continues to grow.

In-Person Betting Options

For those who want to place legal sports bets in California, tribal casinos are the primary venues. Native American tribes have exclusive rights to offer casino-style gambling in the state, which includes in-person sports betting. These tribal casinos are located across California, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of sports wagering options.

Another option for in-person betting in California is horse racing tracks. While horse racing betting is more established, it remains a popular and legal option for sports betting enthusiasts. Many racetracks throughout the state offer betting on horse races as well as sports betting at designated sportsbooks.

2. Top Sportsbooks in California

1. In-Person Sportsbooks at Tribal Casinos

California is home to several large tribal casinos that offer sports betting. Here are some of the top tribal casinos where bettors can place legal sports wagers:

Pechanga Resort Casino (Temecula)

One of the largest and most popular casinos in California, Pechanga Resort Casino offers a variety of gambling options, including sports betting. The Pechanga Sportsbook features a spacious area for betting on major sports such as NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. The sportsbook also offers luxury seating, large screens, and multiple kiosks for placing bets.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa (Cabazon)

Another major casino in Southern California, Morongo Casino offers a large sports betting area, with a focus on providing a high-end experience. The casino features comfortable seating and a large selection of games and sports available for betting, including professional and college sports.

San Manuel Casino (Highland)

San Manuel Casino is a popular destination for Southern California sports bettors. Their sportsbook offers a variety of sports betting options, including football, basketball, and other professional and college sports. It is known for its modern amenities, large TV screens, and a variety of betting opportunities.

2. Racetracks Offering Sports Betting

In addition to tribal casinos, Sports Betting California provide bettors with another option to place wagers. While the primary focus is horse racing, many racetracks now also offer sports betting on other events, such as football, basketball, and baseball. Some of the top racetracks in California that offer sports betting include:

Santa Anita Park (Arcadia)

Santa Anita is one of California’s most well-known racetracks, and in addition to horse racing, it now offers a sportsbook where bettors can place wagers on various professional sports. Located in Southern California, it attracts a large number of bettors during racing and sports seasons.

Del Mar Racetrack (San Diego)

Del Mar Racetrack is another venue offering both horse racing and sports betting options. Located in beautiful San Diego, this racetrack allows bettors to place wagers on a variety of sports while enjoying the exciting atmosphere.

3. What to Expect When Betting in California

Types of Bets You Can Place

Whether you’re visiting a tribal casino or racetrack, the types of sports bets you can place in California are diverse. Some of the most common bets include:

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is the simplest and most popular type of sports wager. Bettors simply pick which team or individual will win a given game or event. The odds vary based on the perceived strength of the teams involved.

Point Spread Bets

In point spread betting, the bettor wagers on a team to cover a set margin of victory. For example, a team might be favored by 3.5 points, meaning the favored team needs to win by at least four points for a bet on them to be successful.

Over/Under (Totals) Bets

An over/under bet involves wagering on whether the total score of a game (both teams combined) will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook. This bet is popular in sports like basketball and football.

Prop Bets

Proposition bets allow bettors to wager on specific events that may or may not happen during a game, such as who will score the first touchdown, how many total home runs will be hit, or other unique, game-specific events.

Parlays

A parlay bet is a combination of multiple bets placed together, where all of them must win for the bettor to receive a payout. While parlay bets offer higher payouts, they also come with greater risk since all legs of the bet need to be successful.

Sports Available for Betting

When betting at a tribal casino or racetrack sportsbook in California, bettors can enjoy betting on a wide range of sports. Some of the most popular sports available include:

NFL (National Football League)
NBA (National Basketball Association)
MLB (Major League Baseball)
NHL (National Hockey League)
College Football and College Basketball
UFC/MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
Tennis, Golf, and Soccer

Responsible Gambling Practices

California has a robust framework for responsible gambling, and any legal sportsbook or casino will typically provide tools for managing your gambling habits. Most sportsbooks offer features that allow bettors to set limits on their deposits or wagers. Many California casinos also have access to responsible gambling support services, such as self-exclusion programs and gambling addiction resources.

4. The Future of Sports Betting in California

While in-person sports betting options are available, many residents and visitors are still eagerly awaiting the legalization of online sports betting. The demand for mobile sports betting is growing, especially as more states have embraced the convenience of placing bets from a mobile device.

Efforts to bring online sports betting to California are ongoing, with proposed bills and initiatives likely to appear on future ballots. If passed, California would join a growing number of states with legal online sports betting, allowing bettors to place wagers from the comfort of their own homes or while on the go.

5. Conclusion

Sports betting in California offers a mix of in-person options at tribal casinos and racetracks, but the state still has not legalized online sports betting. Bettors who wish to place legal wagers in California can visit these establishments to enjoy a variety of betting options across professional and college sports. However, as the demand for online sports betting continues to grow, California lawmakers will likely revisit this issue in the future. As of now, the best sportsbooks in California are the tribal casinos and racetracks, each offering unique experiences and betting opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, staying informed about California’s evolving sports betting landscape will ensure you’re ready when more options become available.