With a population of over 40 million and a huge selection of professional sports teams, many Californian residents are questioning what’s taking so long for the state to legalize sports betting. The states that have legalized sports betting are already seeing exponential revenue for their economy. Within days of the PASPA ruling, California Assembly member Adam Gray announced his desire for a pro-sports betting amendment.
It’s assumed that sports betting won’t be legalized until 2020, so Californian sports bettors still have a ways to go before they can legally bet on sports in Californian casinos or sportsbooks. Currently, gambling in the state is regulated and limited to card rooms, tribal casinos, the state lottery, horse racing and charitable gaming.
California has 69 Native American casinos, hosting 70,000 slot machines and more than two thousand table games. The California State lottery includes Mega Millions and Powerball, which is always well received. Horse racing is a big deal in California – the home of Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita, making horse betting a huge revenue stream left untapped.
So, what does all of this mean? Californian residents love to bet and legal sports betting in California will open up new jobs, and significant revenue streams for the Californian government.
Can I bet on sports in California?
There are no legal physical sports betting venues in California, yet. It’s easy to hop over to Nevada and place a wager in the neighboring state, but there is another option for bettors that requires no travel time.
Online sportsbooks are a great option for Californian residents because they do not break any state laws, are easy to use and the top sportsbooks are safe and secure. Sportsbooks like BetDSI.eu offer competitive odds and bonuses that will keep loyal bettors happy.
Online sportsbooks can tide over sports bettors until the legalization evidently arrives, whether its next year or 2020, you can still get in on the action.
Betting on California Teams
Host to 18 professional sports teams, the most of any state by 8, California has a huge sports following, and plenty of options regardless which sport you enjoy.
With four NFL teams, The LA Rams, LA Chargers, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers, it would be hard to choose a team to root for every Sunday if you live in California! The Raiders have won the Super Bowl three times, and the 49ers have five wins.
The Raiders will be packing up and moving to Las Vegas eventually, so loyal fans will have to travel to cheer on (and bet on) their favorite team. The Rams and Chargers are newly relocated to Los Angeles within the past few years, formerly the San Diego Chargers and the St. Louis Rams.
The NBA also has four teams based out of California. The dominant Golden State Warriors are currently the state’s pride and joy, winning three of the last four NBA Finals. The other teams, the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are all living in the Warriors shadows, though the Lakers might be on their way to a title soon.
California is home to five MLB teams, the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers have won five World Series titles in LA, the Athletics have won four, and the Angels only won one back in 2002. There is no shortage of ball games for sports fans to bet on in the summer months!
The National Hockey League boasts three Californian teams: the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. The Kings were crowned Stanley Cup Champions twice in 2012 and 2014, the Ducks in 2007 and the Sharks have made it to the big show, but were unsuccessful in taking home Lord Stanley.
In addition to all of these professional sports, there are many collegiate teams the play out of California including 11 division I college football teams, and 16 division I college basketball teams.
What to look for in an online sportsbook
For new bettors looking to dip their toes in on an online sportsbook, we have great sportsbook reviews that can help you find a safe, secure and easy to use place to bet on sports. Our reviews were compiled by experts and are honest, because they use these sportsbooks themselves. Criteria reviewed includes deposit options, bonuses, odds selection, sports offering, and more.
Check out our online sportsbook reviews and find a sportsbook that is right for you.
