Sports betting has been a popular hobby for people all over the world. Since the internet revolution it has become easier than ever to gamble from any part of the world and any place whether it is your home, a beach or public transport. However, if you’re located in California or plan to visit the US state, you may be wondering if it’s legal to bet on sports there. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the legality of sports betting in California and if you can bet on your favorite sports both offline and online.
Is It Legal in CA?
To be short, sports betting is illegal in California, as California is one of the US states that do not allow it within the state borders, whether offline or online. The only exception is in-person horse racing betting, legal at CA racecourses.
Still, that doesn’t mean that if you live or stay in California, the option of betting on other sports is closed to you altogether. How is that possible? Read on to understand how to navigate this area.
Offshore Online Sportsbooks as a Way Out
Though California doesn’t license sportsbooks, using offshore betting websites is one alternative, though it is important to remember that this is still technically illegal under California law. The state residents can place their bets through offshore betting platforms, which must operate from somewhere else – be licensed and regulated by a different jurisdiction.
If you decide to use the services of any offshore sportsbook, be sure to explore the list of available betting platforms well and choose a reputable and trustworthy betting partner. You’d better choose those that are licensed and regulated by some well-known gambling jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom or Malta, or are located in the US states that legally allow sports betting.
How to Do It
When you’re ready to start, you’ll need to create an account with the online sportsbook you have chosen. After registering you can fund your account and place bets on your favorite competitions. Do not forget to take advantage of using bonuses and promotions offered by the bookmaker of your choice – just read the terms and conditions to understand all the conditions that come with any betting offer.
What About Other States?
The situation in California is quite different from some other US states. Some of them, including New York and New Jersey, have made significant steps in making sports betting available on their territory. So, online gambling in New Jersey brought in $132 million in tax revenue in 2020. And in November 2020 alone, sports betting brought in $62 million in revenue for Nevada with Las Vegas, a gambling mecca of the United States and probably the whole world.
Nevada is a neighbor of California, so while you wait for the Golden State to legalize sports betting, you can cross the state border and have sports betting fun, for instance, in Nevada.