HomeCalifornia Sports Betting Apps

California sports betting apps

On this page, we’ve compiled a list of the California sports betting apps most likely to arrive if sports betting is legalized, as well as what players can expect from the mobile gambling platforms.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
Fact checked by: Gary Garry
| Last Updated:
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Sports betting is still prohibited under California law, but with momentum building for a vote in 2024 to legalize online gambling, voters should be informed on the benefits and traits sports betting apps could bring to the state.

Best California sports betting apps

By the time the state permits sports gambling, we expect the following California sports betting apps will be the best platforms to launch in the state.

Some of the apps listed below have dominated the markets in other states while other apps are newer but have the potential and financial backing to carve a path to success.

📱 DraftKings betting app California ⭐ Best California sports betting app
📱 FanDuel betting app California ⭐ Huge selection of sports
📱 BetRivers betting app California ⭐ Unique wagering system
📱 Fanatics betting app California ⭐ Industry-leading functionality
📱 ESPN Bet betting app California ⭐ Lucrative bonuses & promos
📱 BetMGM betting app California ⭐ Live streaming of sports

DraftKings California

DraftKings betting app California

Originally used for daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests, DraftKings is one of the top two apps in virtually every market where the company operates.

With a sleek, modern design, frequent generous bonuses, and an easy-to-use interface, DK is a great option for beginners.

FanDuel California

FanDuel betting app California

FanDuel is one of the most popular betting apps around and regularly competes with DraftKings for the top ranking in app stores and total betting handle.

The volume of same game parlay (SGP) offerings available daily is a major benefit of FanDuel, as is the selection of 16 sports to choose from on the app.

BetRivers California

BetRivers betting app California

BetRivers has made major strides on the casino betting app side, and that success is starting to carry over to sports betting as well.

The sports app launched out of the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh in 2019 and has brought a unique app to each of the 14 states where it has launched, meaning California would get its own version of the app following sports betting legalization.

Fanatics California

Fanatics betting app California

Fanatics is one of the newer entries to the sports betting landscape on this list. The popular apparel and merchandise company bought out PointsBet’s U.S. sportsbook operations in June 2023.

Fanatics has slowly started to roll out in the states where PointsBet was legal, targeting a rate of three state conversions per month between August 2023 and May 2024, meaning the app will be widely available by the time California is ready to launch sports betting.

ESPN Bet California

ESPN Bet betting app California

The face of PENN Entertainment’s sports betting app, ESPN Bet has replaced the “Barstool Sportsbook” platform entirely. PENN relaunched the app in November 2023, just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend NFL and NBA action.

The app is features content from ESPN’s on-air personalities, including betting insights, matchup analysis, and integration with ESPN’s other platforms.

BetMGM California

BetMGM betting app California

Noted for its generous rewards program that is an industry gold standard, BetMGM is a premier sportsbook operator with a first-rate betting app.

BetMGM offers live-streaming of many events, which is especially useful if you’ve placed an in-play wager on the event. The personalized promotions are a nice touch as well.

No, sports betting apps are not legal in California. State law still prohibits the practice, and as recently as 2022, voters struck down ballot propositions that would have legalized both online and in-person sports betting in California, as well as online casino gaming. The soonest gambling could reappear on the ballot would be in 2024.

How to download mobile betting apps in California

Once sports betting is legalized in the state, you’ll be able to download mobile betting apps to play anywhere within the state borders in an easy and convenient way.

Keep in mind that some companies have state-specific apps while others aren’t regional, so check first to make sure you’re downloading the correct version. Here’s how to get started

Downloading on Android

  1. Access the Google Play Store on your Android device and make sure you’re logged in.
  2. Search for the app by name and verify you’re downloading the correct version if the app is state-specific.
  3. Press “Install” and let the download run its course.

Downloading on iOS

  1. Open the App Store on your iOS device and log in with your Apple ID and password.
  2. Enter the app’s name in the search bar and locate the correct version, especially if the bookmaker has a state-specific platform.
  3. Press “Get” then “Download.”

How will you sign up for wagering apps in CA?

After CA legalizes sports betting, you’ll be able to sign up for wagering apps both online and directly through the app. The process for both will be the same through either method and should take about five minutes to complete, though there may be subtle differences between operators in the order of steps. Here’s how to get started.

  1. Look for a promo code: CASportsBettingSites.com will list all welcome offers and applicable promo codes on this site for all legal, licensed California operators. These promo codes will unlock bonus bets, deposit match offers, odds boosts, and more, so be sure to make the most of the signup process and maximize your profitability potential!
  2. Access the registration page: Once again, you’ll be able to find the direct links to the registration forms on this site once bookmakers set up their California betting apps. We will ONLY list sites that are legal and legit, so if you don’t see information about them on CASportsBettingSites.com, stay away.
  3. Enter your account details: Next, you’ll need to enter an email address and password. You may also be prompted to create a username and enter your phone number for two-factor authentication. This provides an extra layer of security for your account.
  4. Type in your personal info: After that, you’ll need to provide, at minimum, your full legal name, your street address, your birth date, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. These will be used to verify your identity and betting eligibility, and the info will be protected at all times by rigid cybersecurity standards.
  5. Agree to the terms of service: Finally, you’ll probably have to check a few boxes indicating you won’t let other people use your account, that your job doesn’t prohibit you from sports betting in California, and that you agree to the terms and conditions of use. After that, tap “Complete Registration,” log into your account, make a real money deposit, and start placing your bets!

Types of bets that will be available on betting apps in CA

When sports gambling arrives in CA, you’ll be able to choose from one (or more) of the many types of bets available on the betting apps. Here are some of the most popular options.

  • Spread bets: Spread bets are wagers on the margin of victory in a given game, with the team expected to win called the “favorite” and the team expected to lose known as the “underdog.” A bet on the favorite requires them to win by more than a predetermined margin as decided by FanDuel, while a bet on the underdog cashes if they win outright or lose by enough to cover the spread.
  • Totals bets: Totals bets are also called “over/under bets,” because they involve wagering on the combined point total of the two teams and whether that number is over or under the line posted by FanDuel. The bookmaker will adjust the line depending on the betting action, so the line you see when the books open may be different in the minutes leading up to the start of the game.
  • Prop bets: Prop bets are types of wagers that aren’t necessarily tied to the outcome of a game. These can include bets on whether the Angels’ starting pitcher will finish with more or less than 5.5 strikeouts, the combined points, assists, and rebounds of the Lakers’ point guard, or whether the Ducks or Sharks score a goal in the first 10 minutes of a game. During the Super Bowl, props can expand to include the color of sports drinks poured on the winning coach, the length of time of the National Anthem, and whether the opening coin toss lands heads or tails.
  • Parlays: Parlays are wagers that combine two or more betting outcomes (called “legs”) into a single bet, with multiplied odds for each leg you add. For this reason, parlays can be quite profitable for a relatively small stake, but if even a single leg fails, the entire wager is scored as a loss. There are also “same game parlays,” often referred to as “SGPs,” which consist of multiple betting outcomes from within the same matchup. FanDuel’s daily list of SGPs is one of the largest you’ll find.

Different kinds of promos that will be offered on betting applications in CA

Betting applications in CA will offer many different kinds of promos to appeal to new and returning players alike.

Before you sign up with a sportsbook, browse what California sports betting promos are available, including those that aren’t exclusive to new players to see what you can expect after you register. Here are some of the most common promos you’ll find.

  • Bonus bets: Bonus bets are betting funds you can use without having to tap into your real money bankroll. Think of them as bet credits without any actual cash value. They are usually locked in at a preset increment, such as $10 or $25, but FanDuel will decide on the amount for the promo. These bets can be played alongside real money wagers or as their own stake to enhance the profit on a winning wager, even though they aren’t included in the payout of a successful bet.
  • Second chance bets: Sometimes called “no-sweat bets” or “replay bets,” second chance bets give you bet credit in the amount of your initial stake if that wager settles as a loss, giving you a “second chance” to win. This is often part of a bonus for new players, though there have been instances where a second chance bet was available for returners.
  • Deposit matches: Deposit match promos award bet credits when you fund your sportsbook account. Usually, this is a 100% match, though the match will be capped at a certain amount that is more than enough for most players.
  • Welcome bonuses: Welcome bonuses are offers that are exclusive to new players and can include any of the options listed above. CASportsBettingSites.com will list all welcome bonuses, along with any necessary promo codes, once California launches sports betting.

Why should I download a CA betting application?

After California legalizes sports gambling, using a betting application will be the go-to way to play for most bettors. According to the Associated Press, more than 80% of sports wagers are placed online, the majority of which are placed through betting apps. Here are a few reasons why you should download CA betting applications when they become available.

  • Convenience: Betting apps allow you to place wagers anytime, anywhere, as long as you’ve got an internet connection. You also won’t have to travel to a brick-and-mortar location to place a bet or collect your winnings, saving you time and money.
  • Customizability: You can use a betting app to quickly find your favorite teams, players, leagues, and sports, allowing you to pounce on a favorable line before the odds shift.
  • Bonuses: You won’t find bonuses when you go play in person, but when you’re playing through an app, you can easily find odds boosts, profit boosts, parlay insurance, and other perks. Plus, you can get a generous promo when you first sign up that can enhance your profits or mitigate your losses.
  • Odds shopping: If you download multiple betting apps, you’ll often find sportsbooks have slight differences in the odds available for a bet. For example, if you’re betting on the 49ers to win the Super Bowl on a futures bet, Sportsbook A may have San Francisco at +300 while Sportsbook B may have them at +400. On a $100 bet, that’s an extra hundred in your pocket on a winning wager for the same stake. With practice, patience, and persistence, you’ll find these small differences add up to massive gains over time.

Payment methods that will be available at wagering apps in California

Depending on the wagering apps you choose, once California legalizes online betting, you may see some slight differences in the payment methods that are available on each platform. Below are some of the more commonly accepted methods through wagering apps.

Deposit

  • Credit/debit cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at almost every sportsbook, but Discover and American Express are usually unavailable. In some cases, you’ll also be able to withdraw to a debit card.
  • Wire transfer: Wire transfers can take a little bit longer to move your money into or out of your sportsbook account, but they are worth the extra time if you’re moving large amounts of money. Sportsbooks tend to have higher deposit and withdrawal minimums for this type of transaction (typically $1,000 each way), but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more secure method when that amount of money is involved.
  • E-wallets: These are still relatively new for sportsbooks to accept, but apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo are becoming more popular among wagering sites. They are incredibly convenient since you’re already using your mobile device to place a wager, so the integration process is easy.

Withdrawal

  • Play+ cards: Play+ cards function as a hybrid of a gift card and an ATM card. You can load the funds onto the card when making a deposit to fund your sportsbook bankroll or offload your winnings at an ATM. You can choose which sportsbooks your Play+ card applies to, and you will be protected if your card is damaged, lost, or stolen.
  • Online banking: You can link your bank account directly with the sportsbook for quick, convenient money transfers, and this is often one of the fastest ways to access your funds following a withdrawal request. There aren’t bank fees associated with transactions either way.
  • PayPal: Like the e-wallets listed above, PayPal is an online payment processing service with a long history of safe, secure transactions. This history has led to a preferable reputation in the eyes of sports betting operators, and as a result, it is more commonly available than e-wallets, even though it functions in a near-identical manner.

What should I think about when choosing a mobile betting app?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a mobile betting app, and when you’re preparing to choose, you’ll want to be sure to browse the sportsbook reviews we have on this website.

CASportsBettingSites.com will have thorough, detailed, and entertaining reviews ready to go once sports betting moves forward in California that include ratings of the operators. Here are a few of the factors we will consider when grading the sportsbooks that may sway your decision when choosing which apps are right for you.

  • Payment methods: As a general rule of thumb, the more methods a sportsbook has for you to access your winnings, the better. Sportsbooks pay fees to accept credit and debit cards, to make online transactions, and to send you a check in the mail so bettors don’t have to eat those costs when funding their bankroll. Having more options is an indicator the sportsbook is focused on making things as straightforward as possible for players.
  • Customer service: Another good idea is to look at the customer service channels that are available through the app. Like with the payment methods, more is better. Support should be available 24/7 to address any issues you may run into, with multiple channels available for assistance.
  • Bonus frequency and variety: Sportsbooks are constantly rotating promo offerings to bring the best bonuses possible to their players. Innovative, generous offers are always a good thing, especially if they are paired with a loyalty program. A welcome bonus is always worthy of consideration, but the bonuses for returning players are a better test of sports betting app quality.
  • App reviews: Online app reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, as people are more likely to write negative reviews than positive ones, especially when money is involved. However, they can still be a good way to see if any issues are consistently brought up. Looking at how the app representatives respond to criticisms and concerns is also a good idea.

Pros and cons of mobile betting apps in CA vs. desktop sportsbooks

Mobile betting offers some unique advantages compared to betting on conventional California sportsbooks, but there are some drawbacks as well. Here are some of the pros and cons of mobile betting in CA vs. desktop betting after both options are legal in the state.

Pros

  • Mobile betting allows you to place bets from anywhere in the state with an internet connection rather than being tied to your home computer.
  • Betting apps tend to have more customization options, such as the display, favorites, and preferences, than what a website can offer.
  • Notifications are seldom available for desktop sites, but on a mobile device, you can get an alert for a new bonus or a trending betting line.

Cons

  • Mobile betting tends to have more geolocation issues than desktop sites because there is a greater probability of positional drift. This can prevent you from being able to place a bet.
  • Betting apps can drain your phone battery quickly while a desktop connection likely won’t see the same battery problems.
  • With the smaller screen of a mobile device, you can’t browse lines as quickly or effectively as you can on a desktop device.

FAQ

When will California sports betting apps launch?

California sports betting apps will launch a few months after voters in the state legalize sports gambling. The act of placing wagers on sporting events is still prohibited under California law, but if the law changes, it would take a few months for a licensure review process before the first betting apps arrive. Voters in CA will likely have a chance to legalize sports betting on the 2024 ballot.

Which betting apps are confirmed to come to CA?

No betting apps are confirmed to come to CA as sports betting isn’t yet legal in the state. However, once California passes bills to legalize online gambling, you can expect many of the top operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM to be among the early applicants for a sports betting operator’s license in the state.

Are gambling applications in California safe?

Wagering applications will be safe after California online gambling is legalized. However, at this time, the practice is still prohibited. Offshore betting apps are not safe to use, as they can put your personal and financial information at risk; you’re also offered no legal protections against identity theft or improper gaming practices.

Will CA betting applications offer promos?

Yes, CA betting applications will offer promos once online gambling is legalized. These promos will largely be for new players early on, but you’ll also find odds boosts, bonus bets, deposit matches, and more for returning players once the industry gets up and running.

Are sports betting apps easy to use?

Yes, sports betting apps are easy to use. The majority of sports wagers, more than 80%, are placed online, with many of those coming through a betting app, leading many bookmakers to optimize their platforms for mobile access.

Which sports betting application is the most used in the US?

FanDuel and DraftKings are the most used sports betting applications in the U.S. Both operators see billions of dollars in betting revenue each year and often have the highest-rated betting apps for both iOS and Android users in markets where both are licensed and legal.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley, author at CaSportsBettingSites.com, is a sports betting expert with a junior hockey background. When not analyzing sportsbooks, Dan tries to catch as many NHL matches as possible.

Fact checked by: Gary Garry