Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?

With 39 million people and some of the most popular teams in the world, California is the holy grail of the sports betting market, but sports fans in the Golden State are going to have to keep waiting. Voters soundly rejected two propositions in 2022, both designed to allow a form of legal sports betting. Daily Fantasy Sports is thriving, however, with California having the largest DFS market in the country.

Best Social Sportsbooks in California

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California Sports Betting Overview

What Is the Current Sports Betting Landscape In California?

Sports betting is not legal in California. The state has long been regarded as a potential major player in US sports betting, ever since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018. Since then, several proposals to legalize sports betting have been put forward in the state, none of which have gained much traction. 

The most significant moment came in November 2022, when two propositions were put to the voters in the state, after gaining enough signatures to appear on the ballot. Both were soundly rejected. 

Proposition 26

Proposition 26, known as the Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative, was originally introduced by 18 CA tribes in 2019. It proposed legalizing in-person wagering at more than 80 tribal casinos in the state, as well as expanding the existing casino gaming options. Prop 26 was ultimately backed by more than 50 tribes in the state and ultimately fell shot at the polls with 29.9% of the vote. 

Proposition 27

Proposition 27 was favored by major multi-state sportsbooks, with both DraftKings and FanDuel investing millions of dollars to support the campaign. It proposed legalizing online sports betting in the state, with any online sportsbook required to partner with a tribal casino. It also proposed to allocate 85% of sports betting tax revenue to support homelessness and mental health in the state. It received just 16.6% of votes in favor at the polls, in a resounding defeat. 

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in California?

California sports gambling looks unlikely in the short term. The voting public were unequivocal in their rejection of Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 in 2022, suggesting that there is a lot of work to be done to convince regular Californians. Still, the push for legal California online sports betting hasn’t stopped. 

Two new sports betting ballot measures were officially proposed in October 2023, just under a year after the previous vote, and then amended the following month in an effort to win the support of the state Native American tribes. However, the tribes again voiced their disapproval of the proposals. 

James Siva, the chair of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, summed up the mood when he said that “Decisions driving the future of tribal governments will be made by tribal governments, not outsiders who think they know what is best for tribes.“

All of this goes to say that California still has a way to go to persuade both the public and the state tribes. The pro-sports betting movement is unlikely to be deterred however, and the conversation is set to continue into 2025 and beyond. 

California Sports Betting Updates

Check out our timeline below to see how we got to this moment in the push for legal California sports betting.

• December 2023 - The California Nations Indian Gaming Association again expresses disapproval of the amended bills. 

• Nov. 30, 2023 - In a letter to clients of Jefferies Financial Group Inc., a capital markets firm, California is classified as a “work in progress” in terms of legalizing sports betting, with “hopes for a meaningful effort by 2025.”

• November 2023 - The bills are amended to give the tribes more power in an effort to gain their support.

• October 2023 - Two new sports betting bills are proposed, neither of which find support from CA tribes.

• Nov. 8, 2022 - Both Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 are soundly rejected at the polls. California sports betting looks very unlikely in the short term. 

• Oct. 31, 2022 - Ballotpedia suggests that almost $570 million was spent between both sides of the campaign

• September 2022 - Strong campaigning continues from all sides.

• Aug 2022 - The CA Republican Party officially opposes both Propositions. The MLB endorses Proposition 27. 

• July 10, 2022 - The CA Democratic Party officially opposes Prop. 27 and remains neutral on Prop. 26.

• July 2022 - Three Californian tribes now officially support Proposition 27.

What Sportsbooks Are Expected to Launch in California?

If and when legal sports betting does arrive in the state of California, it has the potential to be the biggest betting market in the country. Sportsbooks will be falling over themselves to get set up in the Golden State, and several have already expressed their interest, either directly or indirectly. DraftKings and FanDuel spent an estimated $60 campaigning for Proposition 27. Bally’s, BetMGM and Fanatics also supported the movement. Caesars launched its racebook in the state in May 2023. 

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile App 

FanDuel has the highest revenue of any sportsbook in the US. If you’re looking for an all-around excellent sportsbook with a great mobile app, go for FanDuel.

There are a few reasons why FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the country. For one, they do the simple things well. The software is excellent, with a fun and appealing design that is also user-friendly for beginners. FanDuel's mobile app is the best out there, smooth and simple to use, and it offers a wide range of betting options that fit right in your pocket.

Everything is easy at FanDuel, from signing up to claiming bonuses, making deposits and cashing out your winnings. Just like all the major sportsbooks, you’ll get a welcome bonus when you join FanDuel, but the sportsbook also excels in offering on-running promotions and bonuses that change up depending on what’s happening in the world of sport. One slight black mark is the loyalty program, which isn’t as valuable as some of its competitors. 

You can head over to our in-depth FanDuel review for more details and information about the welcome bonus available in legal FanDuel states. 

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

Pros

• Most popular sportsbook in the US

• Top choice for mobile betting

• Easy to use and beginner friendly

Cons

• Loyalty program could be better

• No phone support

2. DraftKings

Best For: Versatility

DraftKings is another sports betting behemoth in the US, with tons of features and extras that go above and beyond the average sportsbook. If you want a complete all-rounder, pick DraftKings.

It’s a real testament to the software design at DraftKings that the site never really feels confusing or overwhelming, despite the variety of different features and sections. In addition to the sportsbook, you’ll find quick links to the DFS site and the quick pick Pick6 game. There are pools you can play against friends or strangers, a social platform to chat with other DraftKings users, detailed betting guides and more. 

The range of sports betting markets is top-tier, with tons of ways to bet on a wide variety of sports. You’ll regularly find props bets at DraftKings that you can’t get anywhere else, and the in-game section of the site makes it very easy to bet live.

Check out our full DraftKings review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

Pros

• Tons of features

• Great range of prop bets

• Excellent mobile app

Cons

• Live chat is automated

• Not the most beginner friendly

3. BetMGM

Best For: Rewards Program

BetMGM is the online sportsbook operated by MGM Resorts, one of the most iconic names in US gambling. If you really value a platform that rewards its loyal customers, BetMGM is your best choice. 

MGM Rewards, the loyalty program which is integrated across the online sportsbook and in-person MGM casinos and resorts, is a real highlight. Anytime you gamble real money or pay for something, online or offline, you earn rewards points. As you collect more points, you can cash them in for all kinds of benefits, including exclusive sportsbook promos and discounted stays at MGM resorts. You can even apply for an MGM Rewards Mastercard.

The sportsbook is extremely impressive too, with one of the deepest menus of betting markets in the US. Placing bets is very simple, and tools like the Same Game Parlay builder go a long way to improving the overall user experience. You can also stream certain sports content live on the site, which is a great addition to in-play betting.

Head over to our full BetMGM review for lots more details.

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.1/5 (Android)

Pros

• Top quality loyalty program

• Fun betting tools like the SGP builder

• Great refer a friend program

Cons

• Live chat is automated

• Could be more separation between sportsbook and casino games

4. Caesars Sportsbook

Best For: Discounts at Luxury Casino Resorts

Caesars is another online sportsbook with close ties to its in-person locations. If you love getting discounts at the best casinos around the US, you should sign up to Caesars.

Caesars’ online racebook launched in California in 2023, suggesting they are keeping a close eye on the market. The sportsbook is nicely designed, with lots of little software touches that make it engaging and friendly for beginners. I’m thinking of the Quick Pick parlay suggestions that pop up on the homepage, or the red counter that shows how many live games are available to bet on at a glance. 

When you sign up to Caesars, you automatically get enrolled in Caesars Rewards, the loyalty program that spans all of Caesars products and resorts. Through Caesars Reward, you qualify for discounts at up to 50 different luxury destinations around the US, as well as complimentary hotel stays, restaurant covers, tickets to sporting events and entertainment and more. Every time you gamble on the sportsbook, you earn Tier Points that determine your position in the program, unlocking more benefits the more Points you get.

Read more in our in-depth Caesars review. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• App rating: 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

Pros

• Benefits at in-person resorts

• Daily odds boosts

• Fun betting tools like Quick Picks

Cons

• Live chat isn’t 24/7

• No phone support

5. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best For: Merch

The curtain opened on Fanatics Sportsbook in January 2023. If you love the idea of earning merch and memorabilia from your favorite teams while you bet, Fanatics is the site for you. 

The bonuses and promos at Fanatics are based around something called FanCash, which is an interesting concept and unique among US sportsbooks. You can claim a percentage of every single wager you make back in FanCash, as well as through various other promotions. FanCash can be redeemed for bonus bets, but it can also be used to purchase goods from Fanatics retail site. It’s an interesting concept and makes Fanatics sportsbook really appealing for anyone who likes to collect shirts or other mech. 

Fanatics is a mobile-only sportsbook, which has its positives and negatives. The majority of bets are placed on a phone these days, and the Fanatics app is really nicely designed and smooth on both iOS and Android. Still, it would be nice to have the option of a desktop site too. 

You can discover a lot more in our full Fanatics Sportsbook review. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $200 in Fan Cash

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)

Pros

• Earn merch from your favorite teams while you bet

• Great live betting experience

• The Withdrawal Tracker feature is great

Cons

• Only available on mobile

• Not quite as widely available as other top sportsbooks

Nearby Betting States

California shares a border with three states that have legalized sports betting in some form: Oregon, Arizona and Nevada. This means that residents of the Golden State do have some good options if they live near the border and want to place a bet. 

Oregon was one of four states (along with Nevada, Montana and Delaware) that were exempt from the federal ban on sports betting imposed by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 1992. From 1989 to 2007, a parlay betting service called Sports Action operated in the state before new legislation saw it close down. After PASPA was removed, sports betting returned to Oregon, and today DraftKings is the sole sportsbook and mobile operator in the state. 

Nevada, another state exempt from PASPA, was the only state in the US with a fully fledged legal sports betting industry for decades. In 2010, online sports betting was launched in the state, and today there are dozens of online sportsbooks to choose from. Even after PASPA was removed in 2018 and sports betting began to spread around the country, Nevada has remained one of the largest sports betting markets. It’s even affected the way we talk about gambling in the US, with concepts like Vegas Odds used all over the country. Californians who want to bet online across the border in Nevada should be aware that you must register for your account in person with your ID. 

Arizona sports betting does not have an in-person registration requirement and has a great selection of multi-state sportsbooks, making it arguably the best option for Californians. Legal sports betting arrived in Arizona in 2019 and has gone from strength to strength since then, with 16 online sportsbooks up and running in the state by 2024.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in California?

If and when sports betting does get over the line in California, it will arrive in a state that is sports crazy. The largest US state by population, California is home to many of the world’s most iconic sports teams, events and venues. Here’s what you can expect:

NFL 

The NFL is the most popular sport at US sportsbooks, and the Super Bowl is the most wagered-on event in the country. The sport is so popular with bettors that multiple US states have timed the launch of their sports betting industries to coincide with Week 1 of the NFL season. California is home to the LA Chargers, the LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, the latter of which is one of the most successful teams in NFL history with five Super Bowls and numerous other records. From September to February, the NFL is very much center stage at US sportsbooks. Check out our NFL promotions page to see what kind of promos you can expect.

NBA

NBA betting would be huge in California. The state has four NBA teams, including the 17-time NBA champions, the LA Lakers, led by LeBron James and the seven-time champions, the Golden State Warriors, led by Steph Curry. There are also the LA Clippers and the Sacramento Kings, neither of whom have managed any championship rings since they made it to the state. You’ll find tons of NBA promos at US sportsbooks throughout the season, from odds boosts to special props on top players like LeBron and Steph, making NBA betting a potential huge market in California.

MLB 

California is home to five MLB franchises that boast 14 World Series victories between them: the LA Angels, LA Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. The MLB season provides near constant betting action from April to October, with games every couple of days and tons of promotions running right up into the playoffs. Check out our MLB promotions section to see what kind of promos can be on offer in CA. 

NHL

The Anaheim Ducks, the LA Kings and the San Jose Sharks make up the NHL teams in California, with the Kings picking up Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. The Ducks picked one off in 2007 too, but hockey is not quite as iconic sport in California as the other major league teams above. Still, you’ll find tons of great NHL betting and promotions when California sports betting arrives, especially around the Stanley Cup.

UFC

UFC has proved a major hit at US sportsbooks since 2018. It’s still a relatively young sport but has enjoyed an explosion of popularity over the last decade or more, and the best US sportsbooks routinely come up with interesting promos around the most anticipated UFC events. For loads of details about how to bet on the sport, head over to our UFC betting guide.

What Wager Types Will Be Available in California?

If legal sports betting does come to California, it is likely to launch with all the popular bets available in other legal states in the US. 

Moneyline Bets

A bet on the moneyline is a simple prediction of which side will win an individual game. It’s just about the simplest way to bet in the US. The odds set by the sportsbook determine the payouts for each side. If you are wondering how to read odds just remember that positive odds show the underdogs, while negative odds indicate the favorites.

Here’s how moneyline odds work:

• Golden State Warriors -290

• LA Lakers +230

To understand the odds, it’s useful to think in terms of $100 increments. The Warriors are the favorites here, and you would need to bet $290 in order to win $100, for a total payout of $390. If you bet $100 on the Lakers, you would make a profit of $230 for a total payout of $330. See our moneyline betting guide for more information.

Points Spread Bets

Betting on the spread is all about the margin of victory. The sportsbook sets a spread of points which theoretically balances the playing field between the favorites and the underdog. Here’s how it might look:

• Golden State Warriors (-5.5) -110

• LA Lakers (+5.5) -110

Here, the spread is 5.5 points. That means, to win a bet on the Warriors, they need to cover the spread by winning by 6 points or more. If you bet on the Lakers, they simply need to avoid losing by 6 points or more. The odds with this type of bet are generally around -110 for both sides. To cover the spread between understanding and being an expert, you'll need to check out our points spread guide.

Totals Bets

A totals bet is a bet on the total number of points scored in a game. The winner and loser of the game is not a relevant factor. The sportsbook sets a line and you can either bet that the total score will be over or under that number. Here’s how it might look:

Golden State Warriors vs. LA Lakers

• Over 223.5 (-110)

• Under 223.5 (-110)

Total bets are more commonly known as over under bets. Check out our over under betting guide to find out more.

Prop Bets

Proposition bets or props are bets on things that happen in a game, which don’t directly determine the result. Sometimes, they can be totally unrelated to the result. Props often center around how a player or the whole team performs in a certain statistical category, like layups in the NBA, rushing yards in NFL or yellow cards in soccer. You can also place props on things happening in a single half or quarter, or live props on the “next” thing to happen, like the next player to score a point. 

Props let you get really granular with your betting strategy, focusing on making a good prediction about just one thing in a game. We shared a couple of tips and tricks in our prop betting guide.

Futures

Futures are bets on outcomes a long way in the future, as opposed to a single game or matchday. Futures are most commonly associated with betting on the winner of a championship or tournament, like the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup. Futures are often placed at the start of the season, but not necessarily. Hedging a future bet is a common strategy used here. Find out more about it in our futures guide.

Parlays

A parlay is simply a combination bet, where you string multiple bets together on a single betslip. To win, all of your individual bets must be correct. If just one loses, the entire parlay loses. For this reason, parlays can be very valuable when you start adding multiple legs, with the individual odds of each bet multiplied together. If you are still unsure how this one works, check out our parlay betting guide.

Live Betting

Live betting, where you bet on games that are playing out live, is becoming increasingly popular at US sportsbooks. It means you can react and tailor your betting strategy according to what you are seeing in real time, including even in stadiums if you use a mobile app. It’s a fun, fast and dynamic way to bet, with the odds changing all the time depending on what is happening on the field. Check out our live betting guide before you start with live betting.

Expected Betting Restrictions in California?

As legal sports betting has rolled out in different states, various restrictions have been included in the legislation. It remains to be seen exactly what the legal betting industry in California would look like, but below you can see some of the possible restrictions:

• Betting on high school sports is usually not permitted.

• Betting on college sports is more complicated. Some states have banned it outright, others allow betting on out-of-state college teams only, and others allow pretty much full-scale college betting. Prop bets on college athletes are often not permitted too. 

• Betting on politics or election results is often banned.

• Betting on entertainment events like the Oscars is also often banned.

• The legality of betting on e-gaming varies a lot state by state. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in California?

Although not explicitly legal, California is the largest Daily Fantasy Sports market in the US, with DraftKings, FanDuel and other DFS sites all active. Legally speaking, it’s kind of a gray area, since California has not actually legislated for whether DFS is legal or illegal in the state, similar to many other DFS states. But it’s a thriving market, and a great option for sports fans while we wait for the legalization of sports betting. 

Check out some of the best DFS sites below:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Social Gaming

Along with FanDuel, DraftKings kicked off the DFS explosion in the early 2010s, long before both made the jump into the world of sports betting. They remain the gold standard in the US, with DraftKings standing out for the ability to create customized games and leagues for friends. The platform incorporates elements from social media, including a chat feature, so you can share your experiences with your friends as you play. DraftKings also has a wide range of more traditional DFS contests from more than 15 different sports, an industry-leading selection.

Claim your DK DFS offer today!

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners

FanDuel shares many of the same features as DraftKings, with an excellent selection of games from a wide range of sports. It’s my go to pick for beginners in the world of Daily Fantasy Sports, with some great beginner-only contests which let you learn the ropes while playing against other beginners. The interface is exceptionally simple and easy to get the hang of too.

Grab FanDuel's 100% deposit match.

3. Owners Box

Best For: Simple Games

Owners Box has taken a slightly different tactic from the big two, creating a further stripped down DFS format based around two types of games called SuperFlex and Lightning Lineups for NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. The contests take place over a whole weekend or game week of matches, as opposed to the contests based on individual games which are common on other sites. There are some fun randomized touches too, where the site auto-fills your roster spots, and you can either accept or reject the suggestions. Owners Box is an easier way to play DFS, with fewer game formats to get the hang of, making it another good choice for casual players or beginners.

Don't miss out on OwnersBox offer.

4.Sleepers DFS

Best for: League of Legends Wagering 

Offered in several US states, including California, Sleeper DFS is a top choice for players searching for a social daily fantasy sports site. The detailed platform focuses on football, basketball, and League of Legends, offering practical features for premium fantasy picks. The site even includes tutorials on how to get started with League of Legends play, which is perfect for new DFS players. 

Accessing leagues and mock drafts is a breeze with Sleeper's user-friendly mobile app or desktop site. The special Sleeper Picks option is a fun element, allowing players to predict the outcome of a specific contest, similar to an Over/Under prop bet at a sportsbook. Overall, Sleeper is a great starting point for beginners to DFS or seasoned veterans, thanks to its intuitive interface that makes navigation a cinch.

Start wagering on LoL with Sleepers

Social Sportsbook

While sports betting is not legal in California, and it doesn't look like it will be any time soon, we have to look at other alternatives. Social Sportsbook fall under the sweepstakes law and therefore are a legal alternative to regular sports betting. The biggest and most important difference is that you can play at social sportsbooks for free, while at regular sportsbooks, you do have to make a deposit before you can play. Let's take a look at two social sports books available to California sports bettors: Fliff and Sportizno

1. Fliff Social Sportsbook

Fliff is a social sportsbook where you can redeem real cash prizes when you enter sweepstakes contests. The company was sued in late 2023, accused of running an illegal sportsbook. In January 2024, a California court sided with Fliff, sending the case away from court and into arbitration, which was considered a win for Fliff. So, is Fliff legal in California today? Yes.

Fliff uses a very similar mode to sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots, which operate in states that don’t allow legal online gambling. Fliff lets its users play prediction games using virtual currencies called Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash. The games mirror the bets you can place at regular sportsbooks, but you don’t use real money and the Coins and Cash can both be obtained for free, meaning there is no purchase required to play. You can purchase extra Coins if you want, however. When you win more Fliff Cash through the games, you can redeem them for cash prizes. 

Fliff is a great alternative for Californians while they wait for legalization. The recent signs from the court case are good too, suggesting it won’t be going anywhere any time soon. Nevertheless, it’s something to be aware of and keep an eye on. 

Fliff has a special 100% first purchase bonus on offer for new members, which is worth up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 Fliff Cash.

Claim your Fliff special offer.

2. Sportzino Social Sportsbook

Sportzino is a new social sportsbook offering in California connected to sweepstakes gaming. Players use Gold and Sweeps Coins to make sports picks, with over 30 sports markets on offer. Explore football, baseball, basketball, and more with US-based and international sports options.

The platform is available via mobile and desktop, offering a similar experience to a real-money sportsbook. Make your picks with SC, and you will have a chance to win real prizes from gaming. Players can also easily switch from sports picks to casino games, with options for slots and sports games. The platform offers a nice mix of gaming, perfect for every sports fan and casino player.

Sportzino welcome offer gives all new players 180,000 Gold Coins and 8 Sweep Coins, once they register their account.

Grab your Sportzino welcome offer.

Sports Teams in California

California is brimming with top level sports teams. It’s home to some of the most iconic athletes and franchises in the entire world, making it ripe for a sports betting explosion. Check out the biggest teams in the state below:

• LA Chargers (NFL) - The Chargers were a charter member of the AFL in 1960 and won the championship three years later. Although founded in Los Angeles, the Chargers relocated to San Diego, where they stayed for 56 seasons, before returning to LA in 2017.

• LA Rams (NFL) - The Rams were founded in Cleveland back in 1936, and spent time in LA and St. Louis before moving back to LA in 2016. They have two Super Bowl titles, one for St. Louis and one for LA in 1999 and 2021 respectively. 

• San Francisco 49ers (NFL) - The 49ers are one of the truly historic franchises of the NFL. Their golden age spanned the 80s and 90s, with five Super Bowl victories led by Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. 

• LA Clippers (NBA) - The Clippers were founded in 1970 and spent time in Buffalo and San Diego before landing in LA in 1984. They have the unwanted record of being the oldest franchise in any North American major league to never play a championship game.

• LA Lakers (NBA) - The Lakers are just about as iconic as it gets, with a joint-record 17 NBA championships and a role call of some of the biggest players the game has produced: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James to name a few.

• Golden State Warriors (NBA) - The Warriors have dominated the NBA in more recent years, led by superstars like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and setting a host of NBA records, including the best regular season. They have the third most championships of any team, with seven. 

• Sacramento Kings (NBA) - The Kings are the oldest team in the NBA, founded in 2023, and the only professional sports team in Sacramento. They spent much of their existence in Rochester, New York, before making their way to California in 1985 via Kansas City. 

• LA Angels (MLB) - The Angels were founded in 1961 and bounced around the state a little, from Anaheim to LA. They won their only World Series in 2002. 

• LA Dodgers (MLB) - The Dodgers are one of the oldest professional sports teams in the US, founded in 1883 in Brooklyn. Their mid-century years were marked by a fierce rivalry with the Yankees, before moving to LA in 1958. The Dodgers have seven World Series titles won between 1955 and 2020.

• Oakland Athletics (MLB) - For more casual sports fans, the A’s are synonymous with moneyball and the 2011 film starring Brad Pitt. They have represented Philadelphia, Kansas and Oakland respectively over more than 100 years of existence, winning nine World Series titles. 

• San Diego Padres (MLB) - The Padres have been in San Diego for their entire existence, since they were founded in 1969. They have never won a World Series championship.

• San Francisco Giants (MLB) - The Giants were founded in New York in 1883 before relocated to San Francisco in 1958. They have won five World Series titles in NY, and three more in California. 

• Anaheim Ducks (NHL) - The Ducks were actually founded by Disney, as the Might Ducks of Anahemin, to coincide with the 1992 film. They won the Stanley Cup in 2007, having been sold and rebranded the previous year.

• LA Kings (NHL) - The Kings were founded in 1967. The arrival of Wayne Gretsky in 1988 massively boosted the Kings’ profile as hockey grew more popular in LA, and they finally picked up two Stanley Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2014

• San Jose Sharks (NHL) - The Sharks are a relatively young team, founded in 1991. They have made one appearance in the Stanley Cup finals in 2016, losing out to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Why You Should Trust Us

Everyone here at WSN is a sports fan, first and foremost. We’re covering this stuff because it’s what we’re really passionate about, and we want to share that passion with our readers all over the US and the world. 

Everything that is covered on our site is based on first-hand experience from using these sportsbooks, forming original opinions and providing honest feedback about what we like and what we don’t. We’ve placed bets on just about every online sportsbook in the US, and we know what’s important from the perspective of a regular fan of sports betting. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in California

Although legal sports betting has not officially arrived in California yet, there are already plenty of resources out there to help anyone struggling in the Golden State. That goes for individuals looking for information or support, but also friends and family who are concerned about their loved ones. 

The following organizations are available for Californians:

• The California Council on Problem Gambling has lots of resources, including a 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537), plus 24-hour live chat support. You can also access the state-wide self exclusion program here. 

• You can contact Gamblers Anonymous to find meetings in California, along with additional support and information. 

Additionally, if and when legal sport betting does arrive in the state, California sportsbooks are likely to provide useful tools to help bettors manage their time and money on the site:

• Deposit limits and loss limits allow you to set a limit on the amount of money you can spend or lose over a given period of time, helping you to manage your bankroll effectively. 

• Reality checks are simply notifications which inform you how much time or money you have been spending on a site.

• Opt-ing out of offers and communication is useful if you want to avoid gambling for a period of time. 

• Cool-off periods allow you to temporarily lock your account, if you want to take a break.

• Self exclusion permanently bans you from a site.