Sports Betting Laws in California: A Comprehensive Overview

Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in California

As of now, sports betting is not legal in California. Despite several efforts through ballot initiatives and legislative proposals, the state has yet to legalize sports wagering in any form. Both in-person and online sports betting remain prohibited, making California one of the largest untapped markets in the United States.

Ballot Initiatives and Tribal Interests

In 2022, two major ballot initiatives sought to legalize sports betting but ultimately failed:

Proposition 26: Backed by a coalition of tribal casinos, this proposal aimed to legalize in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and select horse racing tracks. It did not include mobile betting and was designed to preserve tribal control over gaming operations. It failed to pass, garnering only about 33% of the vote.
Proposition 27: Sponsored by major online operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, this initiative aimed to legalize online and mobile sports betting statewide. It promised tax revenue to combat homelessness but was heavily opposed by tribal groups and failed with only around 18% of the vote.

The failure of both propositions highlighted the significant divide between commercial operators and tribal entities in California, which continues to complicate legislative progress.

Federal and State Framework

While the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018—granting states the authority to regulate sports betting—California has not enacted any state-level legislation to capitalize on this opportunity. Any future legalization will likely require either new legislation or another public ballot measure, due to the restrictions in the California Constitution regarding gambling expansion.

Tribal Sovereignty and Exclusive Rights

One of the most influential factors in California’s sports betting debate is the power of tribal gaming interests. Federally recognized tribes operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which allows them to offer certain types of gambling on tribal lands. Tribes have historically held exclusive rights to operate most forms of casino gaming in California, and they are protective of these rights.

Tribal leaders have expressed interest in a model where sports betting is limited to tribal casinos or offered under tribal control. They are generally opposed to mobile sports betting that bypasses their operations, especially if it involves commercial operators entering the market directly.

Legislative Efforts and Future Outlook

Legislative attempts to legalize sports betting have stalled in the California State Legislature, largely due to the political influence of tribal groups and the failure to find a compromise between competing interests. Without a unified approach, lawmakers have been reluctant to move forward with a bill that might alienate key stakeholders or voters.

Looking ahead, industry experts predict that the next opportunity to legalize sports betting will come in 2026 or later, as stakeholders regroup and prepare new ballot measures. Any successful proposal will likely need to be negotiated with tribal representatives to ensure broad support and legal viability.

Implications for Residents and Bettors

Because sports betting is illegal in California, residents do not have access to legal sportsbooks within state lines. Some Californians choose to travel to neighboring states such as Nevada or Arizona to place bets. Others risk using offshore or unregulated sportsbooks, which offer no consumer protections and operate outside U.S. law.

Until the law changes, all sports wagering within California remains unlawful, including through mobile apps and online platforms.

Conclusion

The path to legal sports betting in California remains complex and highly political. Tribal sovereignty, voter skepticism, and fierce lobbying from commercial operators all contribute to the state’s slow progress. While there is significant public interest and financial incentive, the legal framework must evolve through consensus-driven legislation or a successful ballot initiative in future election cycles.