Best California Sports Betting Sites (2025) – Top CA Sportsbooks, Rated by Experts

California sports betting is not for the weak. If you’re backing your favorite teams, whether that’s the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors, you need the most competitive odds and awesome deals from top online sportsbooks.

Fortunately, we’ve already been on the case with two of our most esteemed online gambling experts, John and Peter. They’ve spent the past few weeks and hundreds of hours between them to come up with the best California sports betting sites worth joining.

They’ve personally tested dozens of platforms across strict criteria and are now ready to give their verdicts.

Let’s get started!

Best California Sports Betting Sites

Meet the Authors

John

Aside from being the office joker, John has been gambling, whether offline or online, more than anyone else we know. Originally from Las Vegas, that’s not difficult to understand. Blackjack is his casino game of choice, although he also enjoys Roulette and Craps if Blackjack isn’t being kind to him.

While his early days revolved around casino gambling, he has loved nothing more than sports betting since then. While he is a huge Los Angeles Clippers fan, he’s quite the superstitious type, so he never bets on their games.

With at least two decades of sports betting experience and over a decade of writing about it, we feel John is an ideal expert for our California sports betting guide.

Peter

As for Peter, he does not have quite as much online gambling experience, but we’ve never known somebody who studies the odds, form guides, injuries on team rosters, and everything else so much before he places a bet. It’s almost like a science to him, and to be fair, he wins (or at least says he does) more often than he loses.

Peter has reviewed online sportsbooks and casinos for over five years and prioritizes competitive odds and sites that allow him to put together prop bets.

How Our Review Process Works

To give you a clearer picture of how we selected the best online sportsbooks in California, we want to break down the review process that both John and Peter adhered to.

This is how it went down:

Step 1: Research and Analysis

First, we wanted to get an initial shortlist to work with. Our experts drew up a long list of popular California sports betting sites they already knew about or were able to find trawling popular review sites and forums. Any sites with a bad or sketchy reputation were removed from the list.

They also removed any CA sportsbooks that had no licensing at all. Even though some unlicensed online sports betting California platforms could be trustworthy, in our experience, it’s best to avoid them rather than take a chance.

Step 2: Creating Accounts

With a shortlist of over 30 online casinos drawn up, the next step was for both reviewers to sign up and create accounts on each of them. Using their real credentials, they created the accounts and deposited, claiming the site’s welcome bonuses.

At this point, both reviewers also took the opportunity to have a quick look around each of the platforms. If there were any red flags, they were immediately removed from consideration. High wagering requirements, unfair terms and conditions, or a lack of transparency were some of the reasons a few of the sites on the initial shortlist were removed.

Step 3: Testing the Shortlisted Platforms

Now, for the fun part. Our expert reviewers spent many hours and weeks putting each of the best California sports betting sites through its paces. They made deposits and withdrawals, claimed welcome bonuses and other bonus deals, and generally used the sites as they would normally.

Every aspect, from customer support to payout speeds and sports market coverage, was analyzed and rated. As a result, our shortlist of CA betting sites was reduced further. Those not up to par were no longer considered among the top sportsbooks in California.

Step 4: Ranking the Winners

The final step was determining the best online betting sites California sports bettors can join. We asked the experts to declare their choice for specific aspects, such as the best overall and the best for sports coverage. Both picked their winners and gave their reasons as to why, and that’s what we’re about to find out below!

All-Round Best California Sports Betting Site

John: BetWhale

About three or four sites offering sports betting in California could be argued as the best, so it was quite difficult for me to choose the one. However, after much consideration, I’ve decided that BetWhale will receive my vote for the best overall CA sportsbook.

As for why, I felt it’s the best online sportsbook California bettors swear by, as it covers all major sports worldwide, offers competitive odds, and has a great welcome bonus worth up to $1,250. That bonus has fair 10x wagering requirements and even comes without any maximum cap on the winnings you can win from it.

Peter: BetOnline

BetWhale was among my favorites, but I had to disagree with John on this one. I went for BetOnline as the best California online sports betting site. It offers similar betting markets and payout speeds as BetWhale, but it has a few things that swung it for me.

The VIP program is excellent, with it handing out cash and level-up boosts, among many other perks. Furthermore, you can grab daily odds boosts on selected games, and there is a refer-a-friend program that gives you a special reload bonus with no wagering requirements whenever friends sign up and deposit.

Best California Sportsbook for Market Variety

John: BetUS

Going off the sportsbook’s name, I didn’t think BetUS would be my choice in this category. The site obviously targets American sports and is aimed at local bettors. That said, it is not at the expense of other betting markets and sports elsewhere. In fact, BetUS, in my opinion, has the best market variety of all the sites I tested.

Aside from those mainstream sports, you’ll find betting lines for major soccer leagues, tennis, boxing, and even niche sports like martial arts and lacrosse. There’s even a ton of non-sports betting options. For instance, you can wager on the results of elections or television shows.

Peter: BetUS

I have to agree with John. Having tested over two dozen California sports betting sites, I can safely say that BetUS has the best market variety. It covers practically every sport you can imagine, and not only that, but it also offers more betting markets for them. It’s also a fantastic option for Californians who want to bet on the Los Angeles Chargers and Sacramento Kings.

Additionally, BetUS offers a prop builder and allows you to place parlay bets. Both options allow you to create exciting bets that have longer odds but offer greater returns.

Best California Sports Betting Bonuses

John: Everygame

Most sports bettors prefer online betting sites with plenty of bonus deals. That’s understandable, as we all want more value for money when depositing or playing at online sportsbooks. Considering that, I believe Everygame is the ideal platform if bonus offers and other promotions are a major priority.

Everygame kicks things off by offering two different sign-up bonuses. One is a fiat-only offer worth 100% up to $500; the other is a crypto bonus delivering 50% up to $1,000.

Other bonuses include reload deals, parlay boosts, and a refer-a-friend promotion. Plus, there’s a monthly parlay bet competition that rewards the winner with $1k and regular prize draws offering tickets to the big games.

Peter: MyBookie

For me, MyBookie is the best sports betting site in California for the bonus variety. I’ve picked it over Everygame because it focuses more on reload bonuses. The welcome package is 50% up to $1,000 and a free $10 casino chip you can use at the platform’s online casino.

As for those reload bonuses, there’s a 50% reload offer for regular currencies, while crypto fanatics can opt for a 100% cryptocurrency deal. You’ll also find horse racing rebate offers, a referral bonus, and more. Another reason I chose MyBookie is the comparatively low wagering requirements on most bonuses.

Best Mobile Sports Betting California

John: BetWhale

Peter and I tested every CA sports betting platform across various devices. My personal experience has led me to select BetWhale as the best site for mobile betting. The interface is easy to navigate on smaller screens, and the website loads up incredibly quickly.

That’s not to say BetWhale isn’t just as good on desktop or laptop computers, by the way, as it is. I use both, so I want the best gambling sites California players recommend that offer an equally good experience no matter what device I use. When I’m at home and want to place a few bets, I use my PC. Obviously, when I’m out and about, my smartphone becomes my sports betting device.

Peter: Everygame

I have no complaints with John’s pick, but I think Everygame edges it. I found the site super easy to navigate on mobile devices. The platform takes a clutter-free approach and uses mobile responsive website technology to deliver fast-loading speeds and automatically configure to fit screens of all sizes.

I only wish the site had a dedicated app, although it’s not the end of the world. Usually, apps offer a bit more stability, especially when you’re relying on data connections. That said, I never experienced a clunky connection with Everygame.

Most Reputable California Sportsbook

John: Bovada

This was a no-brainer, as Bovada has the most recognizable name among all the sports betting sites we tested. This sportsbook and casino has operated in the sports betting industry since 2011. I’m confident that any bettor who has enjoyed betting online for some time will have heard of the platform.

With such a long history behind it and the site still going strong, you’d have to call it one of the most reputable platforms. I’ve even looked around online, and while you’ll always find complaints about online casinos, the site is generally well-regarded by players.

Peter: BetOnline

It’s difficult to argue against Bovada, as it’s certainly the most well-known. However, it has not been around the longest. BetOnline, for example, has been operating since 2004. That’s over 20 years in the sports betting industry, which is very impressive.

With such history, I believe even the most skeptical of bettors will admit that BetOnline is a trustworthy platform. You cannot imagine any site to last so long without providing a reliable and safe sports betting experience.

Best California Betting Sites – Other Important Features

While our expert reviewers have described their reasoning for picking the best California sports betting sites across our specific criteria, there are other considerations to make before choosing a new platform.

Both will explain what else they considered before signing up for California sportsbooks.

John’s Opinion

Personally, aside from bonus deals and the obvious aspects like sports coverage and betting odds, I looked for a California online sports betting site that has a loyalty/VIP program.

That’s mainly because I do a lot of sports wagering in my spare time, and I want a platform that rewards my loyalty. Just like choosing the best blackjack sites, I especially look out for loyalty schemes that give out cashback, as that’s always nice if you hit a bit of a losing streak.

Peter’s Opinion

A loyalty program is important, especially if you bet a lot. Aside from that, I want my California sports betting site to offer customer service that is both available and responsive. There’s nothing worse than experiencing an issue, like trouble making a deposit, and finding out the support team is unavailable.

Obviously, I prefer live chat, but only if I receive quick and clear replies. I do not like having to go around in circles with cut-and-paste replies.

California Mobile Betting Sites

Mobile betting has become the go-to choice for most punters. It’s no surprise when you consider more people own mobile devices than they do computers. Essentially, these devices allow bettors to place bets anywhere and anytime.

That convenience will forever give online sportsbooks a huge advantage over retail sports betting at local land-based casinos. You’re not limited by opening times; you never have to leave your home if you do not feel like doing so. Plus, when the right betting opportunity comes along, you can quickly log in and get the bet down without worrying about traveling.

Each of the top-rated California sportsbooks mentioned in the guide above offers a flawless mobile sports betting experience. Some offer mobile apps, but even those that don’t have mobile-optimized websites, meaning you can visit straight from your web browser!

California Sports Betting – FAQs

What Sports Can I Bet on in California?

The best betting sites California players can join cover nearly every sport imaginable. From major leagues to international events like Wimbledon and the Soccer World Cup, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to wager on the sports events you enjoy the most.

Can I Enjoy Live Betting at CA Sports Betting Sites?

Absolutely! The top California sportsbooks recommended by our two experts provide various live betting options across numerous sports and events. As the action unfolds, odds and betting options are updated in real time, giving you a chance to seize opportunities you think will pay off.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Place Sports Bets in California?

To sign up at any of the California online betting sites we’ve mentioned, you must be 18 years or older.

Ready to Play at the Best California Betting Sites?

So, there we have it. Now you know how to bet on sports in california. Our experts have spoken and revealed their best CA betting sites. Interestingly, both have gone for different platforms in most categories.

John has chosen BetWhale as the best overall sports betting site in California, while Peter has opted for BetOnline. They did agree that BetUS is the best option for sports bettors who prefer the greatest market variety.

As for reputability, opinions were split again, with John opting for Bovada and Peter going for BetOnline. Both are long-established brands, so we’d recommend checking them out.

All the sites mentioned offer sports betting in California to a very high standard. For that reason, you should visit each site to see which one suits your preferences the best.

Before we go, we wanted to end with some tips from our two experts:

John: 

“My ultimate tip to California bettors is to make sure you understand the terms before claiming a sports betting welcome bonus. It’s so easy to fail and lose your bonus, so make sure you know the wagering requirements and other terms. For instance, there might be a minimum odds requirement when wagering, such as 1.4 or greater.” 

Peter:

“My advice is to sign up to as many California sports betting sites we’ve spoken about in this guide as possible. Not all at once, but one by one. Then, you can take advantage of each of the welcome bonuses offered. If you do too many at once, you might struggle to complete the wagering requirements in time.”

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.

While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you think you are developing a gambling addiction problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with a professional. 

For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:

• https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/