Sports Betting Legal Status in California
California, the most populous state in the U.S., has long been a focal point in the national conversation about sports betting legalization. However, despite widespread interest from both consumers and industry stakeholders, sports betting remains illegal in California as of now.
Legislative Background
Efforts to legalize sports betting in California date back several years, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Murphy v. NCAA, which overturned the federal ban on sports wagering. This ruling opened the door for individual states to craft their own laws regarding sports betting.
In California, several attempts have been made to regulate the market. The most notable efforts came in the form of two competing propositions on the November 2022 ballot: Proposition 26 and Proposition 27.
- Proposition 26 sought to allow in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks.
- Proposition 27 aimed to legalize online and mobile sports betting through partnerships between large national sportsbook operators and California tribes.
Both measures failed to gain voter approval, largely due to intense opposition campaigns funded by rival stakeholders, public confusion over the competing measures, and concerns about problem gambling and regulation.
Current Legal Status
As of now, all forms of sports betting—retail or online—remain illegal in California. There are no licensed sportsbooks operating within the state, and placing bets on sports events is not permitted under California law. This includes both wagering in physical venues and through mobile apps.
Californians are also prohibited from legally using out-of-state or offshore sportsbooks. While some residents may still access unregulated platforms, doing so carries legal and financial risks due to the lack of consumer protections.
Tribal Influence and Industry Interests
California is home to a large number of federally recognized Native American tribes, many of which operate casino resorts. These tribes have significant influence over gaming legislation in the state, and any effort to legalize sports betting must involve negotiations with them.
The tribal interests generally favor keeping sports betting within their existing casino framework and oppose online wagering unless it is directly controlled by tribal entities. This has created a conflict with national sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, which seek broader access to California’s massive market.
Public Opinion and Future Prospects
Polls suggest that public support for legalizing sports betting in California is mixed. While many residents are open to the idea, confusion over ballot measures and heavy advertising from opposing sides have made voters wary.
Looking ahead, stakeholders may regroup for another attempt in a future election cycle—possibly 2026. Any successful push will likely require a unified approach that includes compromise between tribal entities, commercial operators, and state lawmakers.
Conclusion
California remains one of the largest untapped markets for legal sports betting in the United States. Despite repeated efforts and massive spending by both tribal casinos and commercial operators, legal sports betting has not yet been approved by voters or lawmakers. For now, Californians must travel out of state to legally place sports wagers or wait for future ballot initiatives that may finally open the door to regulated sports betting in the Golden State.
