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While California betting apps are not currently available in the state, there are plenty of online sportsbooks that can be used on mobile devices.
These fully licensed and legal sportsbooks offer sharp odds, excellent betting features, and the best bonuses. And you guessed it, they are every bit as good as any would-be CA betting app.
While we can highly recommend all of the California sports betting apps listed above, some might be better suited to your own tastes. Here are a few standout sportsbooks and why we think you should try them.
1. BetOnline – Top California Betting App
Payout time: 0-2 days
Established: 2004
License: Panama Gaming Control Board
Available in California: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
BetOnline is one of the best sports betting apps in California for several reasons. It offers fast-loading mobile pages, countless betting options, mobile push notifications, and a simple process for creating an app icon.
Beginning with the mobile navigation, you can quickly maneuver between different sections of this site in no time. Pages loaded immediately through an iOS and Android device during our review.
We did notice that the BetOnline menu and navigation functions are at the bottom, rather than the top like with most online sportsbooks. These differences threw us off initially, but it’s easy to get used to.
Once you get the navigation down, you’ll find many props, alternate lines, futures, and more at BetOnline. You’ll also find a large live betting section and a custom props tool here.
You can deposit at BetOnline through credit cards and lots of major cryptocurrencies. Watch out for the 9.75% card fees – you’re best off using crypto at this CA sports betting app.
2. Bovada – CA Betting App with Low Bonus Rollover
Payout time: 0-1 days
Established: 2011
License: Curaçao
Available in California: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
While none of our top picks offer California betting apps, Bovada is an interesting case because it once featured an app. Anyhow, it eventually scrapped this approach, opting for smoother in-browser betting like the rest of the CA sports betting apps on our list.
Bovada’s mobile homepage is a little busy with promotional banners, but we still had a good experience overall. This bookmaker has a great selection of markets with 25+ sports at the time of writing. You can quickly see all these options by choosing the Sports A-Z icon in the lower left-hand corner of the sportsbook.
We love the push notifications when you’re logged in. These notifications alert you to interesting bets, helpful news, and short-term promotions.
You can get a decent sized bonus when registering and depositing in crypto. It could be bigger, but we’re okay with the size considering the low wagering requirements. The bonus is just another reason to choose Bovada when placing mobile wagers in the Golden State.
Features Overview
Mobile & App Experience: 10/10
Betting Options: 10/10
Betting Odds: 10/10
Streaming & Features: 8/10
Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
Payment Methods: 8/10
Customer Support: 10/10
Pros
Helpful push notifications
Low rollover on bonus
25+ markets
Markets are well displayed
Large live betting section
Cons
Mobile homepage feels cluttered
15.9% fees on card deposits
50% match bonus up to $250
50% match bonus up to $250
25+ sports markets including niche options like chess
Redeem points for cash through loyalty program
Sportsbook and racebook covers most major events on the calendar
3. BetNow – Best California Betting App for Contests
Payout time: 0-1 days
Established: 2016
License: Curaçao
Available in California: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
BetNow is the king of California mobile sports betting contests and promotions. This sportsbook regularly features contests worth five or six figures. For example, it runs a $500,000 Thanksgiving Giveaway competition each year.
BetNow offers a great high-value welcome bonus too. The only catch is that the rollover requirement is pretty high. Other promotions here include no vig on NFL bets and $1,000,000 Bracket Madness.
This operator also features rebates on sports betting, casino games, and horse racing. The sports wagering rebate is unique as most bookmakers don’t provide cashback on losses.
BetNow supports card payments and cryptocurrencies. The fastest option for payouts is, of course, crypto, but this is limited to just two currency options at the time of writing.
Everygame is among the most trustworthy California sports betting app. It claims to be the world’s first online sportsbook, launching in 1996 as Intertops.
Besides longevity, Everygame stands out for a unique mobile navigation system. Rather than featuring a cluttered homepage with too many icons, it provides two drop-down menus in the sportsbook section.
Everygame provides all the betting basics from parlays and futures to live bets and spreads. We think that this bookmaker could go deeper with some markets, but it still does a good job overall.
Everygame stands out for offering some of the industry’s most-unique promotions. You can chase tickets for major sporting events, free bets, and weekly betting pools. And when it comes to funding your account, you can use cards or cryptocurrencies.
Features Overview
Mobile & App Experience: 10/10
Betting Options: 8/10
Betting Odds: 8/10
Streaming & Features: 8/10
Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
Payment Methods: 9/10
Customer Support: 10/10
Pros
Unique betting promotions
Long-running operator since 1996
Clean mobile site with handy menus
Plenty of bet types
Low bonus rollover
Cons
Some markets not very deep
100% Welcome Bonus up to $500
100% Welcome Bonus up to $500
Free bet offers and special promos every week
Exclusive halftime betting options for most events
Niche betting markets including politics and stocks
The world’s first Telegram gambling site is a must for mobile sports betting in California. Despite its name, TG.Casino is more than an online casino as it also has a solid sportsbook.
TG.Casino was once only available on Telegram but you can now access it through its mobile website. This makes it a great CA betting app option.
You’ll find one of the largest market selections at TG.Casino. This bookmaker covers over 30 markets, including niche sports ones like cycling and volleyball.
This is a cyrpto-only sportsbook with its own native $TGC token. If you don’t have any crypto, there’s an option to buy using your card through the site itself.
One drawback is the lack of promotions. TG.Casino will run the odd promo now and then but could it could up its game here. That said, the welcome bonus is a good one and is possibly one of the highest value in the business.
Features Overview
Mobile & App Experience: 10/10
Betting Options: 10/10
Betting Odds: 9/10
Streaming & Features: 9/10
Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
Payment Methods: 10/10
Customer Support: 10/10
Pros
Deposit with native $TGC token
30+ market
Simple navigation
Cons
No sportsbook bonuses
200% Welcome Bonus up to 10 ETH
Official Partner
AC Milan
200% Welcome Bonus up to 10 ETH
Generous 10 ETH bonus and high roller NFTs
Trusted by Web3 influencers and powered by $TGC token
World’s first licensed telegram sportsbook – fully anonymous
Looking for something specific from CA sports betting apps? Our recommended offshore sportsbooks offer different benefits based on how you bet on sports.
You can use the following comparison table to find the one that suits you best.
Sportsbook
Best For
Crypto Support
Loyalty Program
Mobile Site
Betting App
BetOnline
Betting options
✅
✅
✅
❌
BetWhale
Live streaming
✅
❌
✅
❌
Bovada
Low bonus rollover
✅
✅
✅
❌
BetNow
Betting contests
✅
❌
✅
❌
CoinPoker
Anonymous Betting
✅
❌
✅
❌
Everygame
Unique promotions
✅
❌
✅
❌
SportsBetting.ag
Odds boosts
✅
❌
✅
❌
TG.Casino
Fast Payouts
✅
❌
✅
❌
BetUS
Sports betting tips
✅
❌
✅
❌
MyBookie
Reload bonuses
✅
✅
✅
❌
BUSR
Live betting
✅
❌
✅
❌
Lucky Block
Crypto options
✅
❌
✅
❌
WSM Casino
User experience
✅
❌
✅
❌
How to Pick the Best California Betting Apps and Mobile Sites
Picking the best sportsbooks for mobile use in California is no easy task considering all the options out there. Here are a couple of tips from our experts:
Mobile security: Any bookmaker site should be licensed by reputable and trustworthy regulators. They should also be fully encrypted meaning all financial transactions and personal details are protected from third parties.
User-friendly interface: Sites should be compatible with all mobile devices such as Android and iPhone. You never know when you may change device in the future.
iPhone Sports Betting in California
The iPhone is the top choice for mobile sports bettors throughout the country. Therefore, California betting apps must put forth a strong effort with iOS devices.
Of course, our top 10 recommended offshore sportsbooks don’t feature CA betting apps. They are compatible with iPhones and other smartphones. We’ve tried regulated betting apps in other states, and offshore California sports betting on mobile devices is just as good. It runs seamlessly on the iPhone, boasting quick loading times and user-friendly layouts.
Best Betting App in California for iPhone – BetOnline
One reason why we chose BetOnline as our top CA sportsbook is its performance on an iPhone. We navigated to the various sections of this betting site in no time. BetOnline also makes it easy to create an icon for your iPhone home screen. This effect lets you quickly launch sessions and makes it feel like you’re using sports betting apps for California. You can also expect a solid layout at BetOnline thanks to helpful drop-down menus.
Android covers several major smartphone brands, including Samsung, Oppo, and Google Pixel. Therefore, you have more phone options when enjoying California sports betting on Android mobile devices.
We’ve used iPhones and Androids to place wagers, noticing no difference performance-wise between the two. The big determining factor comes down to which setup you prefer. A Samsung or Oppo will have unique layouts from an iPhone. But again, you shouldn’t notice a difference regarding speed and performance.
Best Betting App in California for Android – Bovada
We tried Bovada on an Android smartphone and found it to be an interesting mobile experience. We like how the menu not only lists sports but also many different betting categories within each sport. Like BetOnline on an iPhone, Bovada provides fast navigation with little time wasted. This quick navigation speed lets you rapidly place bets and browse the site.
Android tablets and iPads provide more ways to enjoy sports betting apps in California. They also work great for our offshore sportsbooks, which provide in-browser mobile wagering through their websites. You might prefer tablet betting due to the larger screen. It enables you to see more markets and bet types without as much scrolling.
Best Betting App in California for Tablet – TG.Casino
Our favorite iPad mobile sportsbook is TG.Casino. This bookmaker is well optimized for the larger tablet screen. You’ll be able to see TG’s 30+ markets and all its wager types easily on an Android tablet. Provided your connection speed is fine, you can quickly browse the through the various sports and easily place bets.
Assuming regulated CA sports betting apps were available, your first step to wagering would be downloading an app. But you don’t have to worry about this part with top offshore sportsbooks in California. The following steps show how simple it is to place mobile wagers in the Golden State.
Step 1: Visit a CA Mobile Sportsbook
We want to reiterate the convenience of not having to download sports betting apps in California. Instead, you simply visit your chosen sportsbook through a smartphone or tablet browser. You can rely on our picks when looking for the best CA sportsbooks. For this example, we are using BetOnline.
Step 2: Select “Join” and Sign Up
You’ll see a Join or Sign Up option on the homepage. This prompt leads you to a registration form, which requires details like your name, address, phone number, username, and password. You will officially become a member of the betting site after completing the sign-up process.
Step 3: Enter a Bonus Code
Most betting sites in California require you to enter a promo code to qualify for a bonus. You may need to input this code during the sign-up or deposit process. In either case, you must have the appropriate code to get your desired California sports betting bonus.
Step 4: Visit the Cashier and Deposit
You’ll be able to fund your account after completing registration. This process begins with visiting the cashier and choosing a banking option. The best California mobile betting sites accept some combination of cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and additional options (e.g. Person2Person). You should always check the minimum qualifying deposit for a bonus if you’re interested in the welcome promo.
Step 5: Go to the Sportsbook Area and Make a Bet
The last step is to visit the sportsbook section and place your first wager. You’ll find numerous wagering options at the best California betting apps and mobile sites. Most of our recommended offshore sportsbooks provide 15-25 markets and all major bet types. You just need to choose a wager, enter the amount, and confirm it.
Pros and Cons of California Mobile Betting over Desktop
You can see how California mobile sports betting compares to the desktop option below.
Pros
Most convenient way to bet
Capitalize on lines immediately
Enjoy live wagering on the go
Quick and easy access to the sportsbook
Cons
Screens are smaller versus desktop
24/7 availability makes bankroll management tough
California Betting App Bonuses
You can find plenty of sports betting bonuses in California. However, you may want help figuring out the different types of bonus offers. The most popular California mobile sportsbook bonuses are below.
Mobile-Only Bonuses
Offers that are specifically for mobile bettors, but they are rare to come across.
Welcome Bonuses
A sportsbook welcome bonus often matches your first deposit by 50-100% and can be worth $1,000 or more.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Common for welcome bonuses, this offer matches your deposit by a certain percentage up to a maximum amount (e.g. 100% up to $1,000).
No Deposit Bonuses
This infrequent sports betting no deposit bonus will give you a free bet or cash for registering.
Ongoing Promotions
These promotions are available to existing bettors who’ve already gone through the welcome bonus process.
Free Bets
This promo provides a free bet, which pays winnings minus the stake when successful.
Loyalty Bonuses
A loyalty bonus is available through the VIP program and can include deposit match bonuses, free bets, and birthday gifts.
Betting Contests
Contests provide free opportunities to compete for cash prizes, and they usually involve making sports picks each week or so.
Payment Methods
Many mobile sportsbooks in California offer several payment methods, if not over a dozen banking options. These payment methods generally fall into three categories, including eWallets, traditional, and cryptocurrencies. You can see what each type of payment method entails below.
Cryptocurrencies: Crypto enables peer-to-peer transactions between you and a mobile betting site—cutting out third parties like banks and credit card companies. Notable cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether.
Traditional Payment Methods: Traditional banking options include credit cards, bank transfers, and wire transfers. Only credit cards work for depositing at offshore sportsbooks among this group.
eWallets: An eWallet is a link between your bank account and CA mobile sportsbooks. Prominent eWallets like PayPal and Neteller aren’t available at offshore betting sites, instead only serving the best betting apps in regulated states.
How to Create a California Betting App Shortcut
You may not be able to use online betting apps in California, but you can create an app-like icon for offshore sportsbooks. This lets you launch the California mobile sports betting site from your Android or iPhone home screen. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the Sportsbook in Safari or Chrome
You’ll have to use Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android to create a betting app-style shortcut. So to start, open your browser and load your favorite mobile sportsbook.
Step 2: Select the Menu
Choose the menu at the bottom of the page.
Step 3: Choose Add to Home Screen
Next, scroll down until you see “Add to Home Screen.” This option adds the app icon to your home screen. On Chrome, you can hit the three dots and follow the same process.
Step 4: Give the App a Name
A box will pop up with the sportsbook’s URL by default. We suggesting renaming the app rather than leaving the long URL.
Step 5: Confirm that the App Is Available
The final step is to select “Add,” which should place the app-like shortcut on your home screen. Once you click this icon, the mobile sportsbook will launch through your browser. This effect is just like having California betting app right there on your phone.
Are Betting Apps Legal in California?
You will not find any regulated sports betting apps in California. So you may wonder if mobile sports betting in California is legal. The answer: mobile sportsbooks lie in a gray area.
The Golden State takes a hands-off approach towards offshore betting sites. It has never legally pursued these bookmakers nor prosecuted anybody for placing wagers with them. Therefore, you should be fine when using CA mobile sports betting sites because nobody has faced legal troubles for doing so.
The California mobile sports betting landscape may change in the future. Politicians have proposed the following pieces of legislation to regulate the market:
Prop 26 – Bill to let tribal casinos and racetracks operate legal California betting apps.
Prop 27 – Legislation to allow online sports betting apps in California but not retail sportsbooks.
21-0009A1 – Would have made card rooms the primary beneficiary of CA sports betting apps.
These efforts have all failed, leaving offshore betting sites as the only reliable options. You can enjoy more benefits with offshore sportsbooks versus potential regulated California betting apps. This is because the operators provide superior odds, more betting options, larger bonuses, and crypto banking options.
Operators of any California betting app would have to pay heavy licensing fees and taxes, causing them to offer worse odds and fewer bonuses.
Regulated California Betting Apps
Again, regulated CA sports betting apps do not exist. This state currently has a divide between multiple parties on who could run online betting apps in California.
If mobile sports gambling legislation did pass in this state, it would pave the way for regulated California betting apps. CA sports betting apps would have to obtain licensing, pay fees, and operate within stricter parameters versus offshore bookmakers.
The latter offer better odds and bigger bonuses because they don’t need to pay these extra licensing cost and fees. You, as a bettor, benefit from the savings being passed on, versus if sports betting apps were legal in California.
Offshore Mobile Betting Sites vs Regulated Apps
You may already have an understanding on how offshore mobile betting sites and regulated CA sports betting apps differ. We’ll dive deeper into these differences and cover how offshore bookmakers vary from proposed sports betting apps for California.
Mobile App
Pros
Launch straight from the home screen
Well optimized for mobile devices
Regulated apps have low bonus rollover
Traditional banking options available
Unique sports team partnerships and promos
Cons
Require storage space on your phone
Geolocation may be an issue
No anonymity
No crypto banking
Mobile Site
Pros
Doesn’t use device space
Crypto banking and other options
Better odds and promos on average
More markets available
No worries about app crashing
Cons
Requires opening a browser first
May not appeal to app lovers
Few traditional banking options
What Sports Betting Apps are Legal in California?
We want to reiterate that the Golden State has not regulated mobile sports wagering. Past initiatives like SCA-6 have failed to create legal California betting apps. Therefore, regulated sports betting in California does not exist.
As explained earlier, offshore sportsbooks are legal and hold licensing in other jurisdictions like Panama and Curaçao. They have operated in California with no legal incidents for three decades. That said, you can feel confident in placing wagers at these mobile sportsbooks.
Time will tell when California does regulate mobile betting. If regulation happens, the state will require the best betting apps in California to obtain licensing. But this point has not come yet, meaning offshore sportsbooks are the main options for Californians. We’ve heavily vetted the 10 recommended bookmakers on this site to ensure that they’re trustworthy and reliable.
Best California Betting App for September 2024 – BetOnline
BetOnline is the best California mobile sportsbook because it offers many betting markets, super user-friendly with iPhones, and accepts 18 cryptocurrencies. This bookmaker also features push notifications and a solid VIP program.
The Golden State has not regulated CA Mobile sports betting apps. On the other hand, it has not outlawed offshore betting sites either. These popular mobile sportsbooks are legal and licensed in their respective jurisdictions. Therefore, you can place wagers at these mobile sportsbooks without worries.
What sports betting apps are legal in California?
No California sports betting apps currently exist. However, you can still bet at mobile sportsbooks via in-browser wagering. Many offshore betting sites let you wager through their mobile sites. These bookmakers are legal and licensed in jurisdictions like Curaçao and Panama.
What sports betting apps in California work?
CA sports betting sites are not available like in states with regulated sports gambling. You can still place mobile wagers in the Golden State, though, through offshore sportsbooks. These betting sties allow California bettors to register, deposit, and bet through a mobile browser.
Can I use betting apps in California?
The Golden State has not regulated sports gambling, so sports betting apps in California are not available. However, you can still use offshore mobile sportsbooks in this state. You simply visit a betting site through your smartphone or tablet browser to get started.
What are the best California betting apps?
The best betting apps in California technically don’t exist because there are no regulated apps here. However, plenty of fine mobile sportsbooks with in-browser wagering are available. The top 5 mobile sports betting sites in California include BetOnline, TG.Casino, BetNow, MyBookie, and Everygame.
Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be a legal gambling age.
Techopedia’s editorial policy is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
Jeremy has been writing about gambling since 2004, when he began covering poker and casino games. He has since written and ghostwritten thousands of pieces involving casino games, poker, and sports betting. While he's covered strategy and news in the past, his key areas of focus today include how-to pieces, promotions, and reviews. Jeremy has also written for BasketballInsiders, Gambling.com, OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos, and Props.com.
When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
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