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Sports betting remains illegal in California.
The state with the largest population in the country has not passed legislation to authorize wagering on professional or college athletics.
Residents who want to place a legal bet must leave the state to do so.
This fact surprises many people, given California’s size and the billions of dollars generated by its existing gambling industry.
The path forward looks uncertain, with tribal interests, political gridlock, and competing proposals all contributing to a prolonged stalemate.The Current Legal Status
California law prohibits sportsbooks from operating within state borders. No retail locations exist, and no mobile apps are authorized. The state’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has issued an opinion declaring daily fantasy sports illegal under state law as well. This interpretation places platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel contests in a legally questionable position.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 into law, banning sweepstakes platforms effective January 1, 2026. The bill received unanimous support with a 36-0 Senate vote and 63-0 Assembly vote. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association backed this legislation, arguing that sweepstakes casinos violated agreements between tribes and the state that had been in place for years.
Tribal Gaming Holds Considerable Weight
More than 70 tribal casinos operate in California under exclusive tribal-state compacts. These facilities generate over $9 billion annually. The tribes have built a powerful lobbying presence in Sacramento, and they have historically opposed any sports betting proposal that does not grant them control over the market.
Two ballot measures failed in 2022. One would have allowed tribes to operate retail sportsbooks at their casinos. Another would have permitted commercial operators to run mobile betting apps. Both propositions attracted massive campaign spending, and both lost by wide margins. The defeat sent a message that California voters remain cautious about expanding gambling, or at least skeptical of the specific proposals presented to them.
Neighboring States as Alternatives
Arizona legalized retail and mobile sportsbooks in 2021, while Nevada has operated legal sports wagering for decades. Residents in border cities like Needles or Blythe can cross into these states to place bets through licensed operators. California sports betting remains prohibited, leaving these nearby markets as the closest legal options for now.
Road trips to Las Vegas or Phoenix sportsbooks have become routine for some California bettors. The drive from Los Angeles to Laughlin, Nevada, takes roughly four hours, and several Arizona tribal casinos sit within a two-hour radius of San Diego.
Public Opinion Favors Legalization
A Politico-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey of over 1,400 registered voters found that 60% support legalizing sports betting. This number represents an increase of about 15% from similar polls conducted in 2022. The gap between public sentiment and legislative action remains wide. Voters may want the option to bet legally, but translating that preference into policy has proven difficult.
The 2022 ballot failures resulted from several factors. Confusing proposition language, competing measures that split the vote, and aggressive opposition campaigns all played a role. Supporters of legalization believe the groundwork exists for a future attempt, though no specific timeline has emerged.
When Might Betting Become Legal
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Stakeholders have offered estimates, but nothing concrete has been scheduled. Victor Rocha, chair of the Indian Gaming Association conference, has indicated that online sports betting may not go live until 2028. Retail betting could launch before mobile options become available.
The distinction matters. Retail sportsbooks would be located at existing casinos, requiring bettors to visit in person. Mobile betting would allow wagers from anywhere in the state through a smartphone app. Tribes have shown more willingness to discuss retail options while expressing reservations about mobile platforms that could be operated by out-of-state commercial interests.
What California Bettors Can Do Now
Legal options require crossing state lines. Arizona and Nevada both accept bets from anyone physically present within their borders. A California resident visiting Las Vegas can walk into any sportsbook and place a wager. The same applies to mobile apps, which use geolocation technology to verify that the user is inside state boundaries.
Some bettors plan their trips around sporting events. A weekend in Nevada during football season allows for legal betting combined with entertainment. Border towns like Primm and Laughlin see steady traffic from Southern California residents looking for a shorter drive than Las Vegas requires.
The Road Ahead
California’s sports betting situation will likely remain unchanged for at least another year or two. Legislative proposals have stalled repeatedly. Any ballot measure would need to qualify for a future election cycle, gather sufficient signatures, and survive another expensive campaign.
The state loses potential tax revenue to neighboring markets each year. Estimates vary widely, but the size of California’s population suggests that a regulated sports betting market would generate substantial funds. Proponents argue these dollars currently flow to Nevada, Arizona, and offshore operators.
For now, California bettors who want to wager legally must plan accordingly. The state’s prohibition remains firm, and the political obstacles to legalization show no signs of disappearing soon.
Keeping track of legislative developments and upcoming ballot measures offers the best way to stay informed about when the situation might change.
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