A guide on the online gambling industry in California

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Sports gambling in California is still illegal and unlicensed, although there is great news in store for the state's residents. The state of California has attempted to regulate internet gambling several times in the past and is expected to do so again in the near future.

Including California in a legalized sports betting market in the United States would result in a $2.5 billion industry.

There is a lot of opposition to legalizing online sports wagering in the state, as the state is mainly dominated by the tribal casinos as well as the political scene is tangled. For the time being, all internet wagering is done at offshore casinos or through Daily Fantasy Sports, which would be legal because it hasn't been categorized as real money gambling.

In California, sports wagering is neither illegal nor explicitly controlled, therefore it is best thought of as a gray area.

Are you looking for a sportsbook

Finding a sportsbook may be difficult as there are many variables you need to take into account. “Are they trustworthy?” “Legit?” “Offer the types of sports I want to wager on?” These are all important questions. With the Sports betting in Golden State legal landscape you are able to see exactly what is on offer for you. Here, you will be able to view some renowned sportsbooks that allow players to wager on a variety of sports. Additionally, there may also be a bonus in which you are able to take advantage of, so make sure to check it out!

History of sports gambling in California

January 8th, 2020: California Sports Wagering Hearing

To begin the conversation regarding legalized sports betting in the Golden State, California made a significant step forward on January 8.  Experts from the sports betting business were invited to the state capital by the Senate Governmental Organization and the Committees Joint Assembly to explore the potential structure of a legal sports wagering market in California.

In the event that smartphone sports wagering becomes available in California, research specialist Chris Grove estimates that the state's market might be valued at $2.5 billion annually. Grove, on the other hand, tweeted after the session that he could "feel" the blockage in the room and that he didn't believe California will allow online wagering in the near term.

November 2019: Tribal Casinos File Sports Wagering Authorisation Ballot Measure  

A ballot initiative put up by a group of 18 Native American tribes seeks to allow sports wagering if the state as a whole agrees. Tribal casinos will be able to provide sports wagering and horse racing wagering, with a 10% tax on gross winnings, if the bill becomes law. However, this bill excludes smartphone gambling.

June, 2019: Bill Dodd Sports Wagering Bill Introduced 

The ACA 16 constitutional amendment bill was submitted to the legislature by Senator Bill Dodd as well as Assemblyman Adam Gray. If approved by a majority of voters in the state, the measure would open the door to statewide sports gambling. California Indian Gaming Association members opposed sports gambling legislation until card games were returned to the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.

July, 2017: California Online Bookmakers Amendment Proposal

Gray sponsored a bill that would allow for the legalization of sports wagering in California if PASPA were abolished. Prior to being put on the ballot for the next election, the amendment would need to be approved by a two-thirds majority. 

January 2016: Daily Fantasy Sports Authorization

It was Adam Gray who proposed the AB 1437 law that authorized and legalized Daily Fantasy Sports. Following a unanimous vote, the measure was signed into law in January 2016 and since then has controlled DFS.

Is California legal to gamble on

There are just a few possibilities for gambling in the state of California at this time:

  • Cardrooms
  • Charitable Gambling
  • Pari-mutuel Horse Wagering
  • Daily Fantasy Sports (contested whether legal or not) 
  • Indian Gaming
  • Lottery

Cardrooms

Nearly 70 card rooms are located inside the state of California, making it one of the most popular pastimes in the state. Blackjack,  Non-banked poker, Baccarat, Pai gow, and Chinese poker and Panguingue are available at these card venues.

Charitable gambling

Bingo games, raffles, and poker evenings can be offered by non-profit groups.

Pari-mutuel horse wagering 

All wagers placed on a race are combined in a pari-mutuel pool, and the winners of the pool are distributed. In the state of California, this is the only option to wager real money on sports right now.

Daily fantasy sports 

DFS is not authorized as interactive gambling in California, hence it is not illegal. This eliminates the need for actual money to wager on sporting events. If you're not a fan of horse racing, this is an excellent option for you.

Indian gaming

Only Native American tribes have the ability to provide casino gaming, and there are now more than 60 Native American-owned casinos operating in California.

California state lottery

Scratchcards and drawings are both available at the lottery. The California state lottery sells tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions drawings that take place in other states.

Wagering on sports in California: What the future holds

The legalization of sports wagering in California is in the midst of a fascinating debate, so it's no surprise that many are looking to book a flight to come and visit the state of California.

For both the state and Native American tribes in the state, the alliance that sponsored a bill in November 2019 could be the closest choice at this time.

Although they did not include smartphone wagering in their plan, the market size would fall short of the $2.5 billion that really is available. Until additional legislative action, this question remains unsolved.

As any measure would need a two-thirds supermajority, there'll be a lot of parliamentary effort to build an agreement before any serious progress is made.