Facing a massive budget shortfall in 2020, California sports betting looked like it could become a reality in the coming years. This was always going to be an uphill battle because of heavy tribal casino presence and influence. Ultimately, that's what halted California's sports betting bill and pushed its legalization date to 2023 at the earliest. However, sports betting at regulated online betting sites in California is not explicitly stated as legal under state law. The laws surrounding unregulated online sportsbooks servicing the state from offshore locations, however, are in a gray area and many California residents continue to utilize them on a daily basis with no issues. California online horse betting has the advantage of offering 24/7 access to domestic and international tracks from any computer or smartphone with an Internet connection, which is something that horse racing betting.
Horse race betting in California has a rich and storied history. The famed Santa Anita Park thoroughbred race track in Arcadia is the showcase of some of the biggest and most important racing events in the United States. The track was opened in 1934, and is the oldest racetrack in Southern California.
In 1933, California passed legislation allowing pari-mutuel wagering, and it is no coincidence that this particular racetrack with its gorgeous backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains – considered by many horse racing aficionados as the most beautiful racetrack in the world – was opened only one year after that gambling legislation was put into effect.
Today, there are half a dozen or so California horse race tracks and numerous OTB (off-track betting) locations. However, not everyone who wants to play the ponies can do so conveniently at these retail venues. For that, California online horse betting allows access without having to travel to Santa Anita Park or any of the other five racetracks in the state.
Thoroughbred horse racing has also become an intricate part of the California online betting platform, available at multiple online sportsbooks and casinos that accept CA players. You will often see CA online poker betting available on these sites as well.
Can I Legally Bet on Horses in California?
When it comes to horse betting, California gamblers have access to a regulated and approved gambling market in the state. The California Horse Racing Board is the regulatory body that governs horse racing in both brick-and-mortar and domestic online capacities. They allow the state's horse tracks to offer online wagering, and tracks like the Del Mar Turf Club have handy horse racing apps for iPhone and Android.
Is Online Horse Betting Legal In California At Offshore Sites?
Yes! And for most horseplayers, this is by far the best option. California online horse betting has the advantage of offering 24/7 access to domestic and international tracks from any computer or smartphone with an Internet connection, which is something that horse racing betting in CA at land-based tracks simply cannot match.
For online horse betting, California residents can wager with the following offshore racebooks. Each of these books features tracks from the US, Canada, Mexico, England, Ireland, Japan, the Middle East, and more. We have approved each of these racebooks through a careful review process that determines the legitimacy of each site and the quality of their CA betting options.
Industry Leading Online Racebooks Accepting Bettors From California
Online Sportsbook California
| Casino Name | Bonus Offer | CA Accepted? | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Racebook | 50% Up To $250 | Visit Site | |
| Betonline Racebook | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | |
| Bookmaker Racebook | 100% Up To $300 | Visit Site |
Online Betting California Sports
Our Recommended Online Racebook for California Bettors
Bovada is America's favorite online gambling site, and it features a robust racebook as part of their Internet casino experience. CA residents and visitors can legally place wagers on thoroughbred horse races that are held at horse tracks in California, including the Delmar, Santa Anita Park, and Hollywood racetracks, as well as multiple racetracks throughout the United States and internationally. At Bovada, you'll be able to bet on the ponies nearly every day, all year round!
By opening an account at Bovada, you can take advantage of horse racing rebates, and you can accept a $250 Sports Welcome Bonus that can be used at their racebook, as well. Because the website is based outside the United States in Costa Rica (operating under the license of the renowned Bodog brand), California online horse betting is legal and safe with this provider.
Off-Track Betting on Horses in California
Simulcast betting is a horse racing platform that allows gamblers to wager at off track betting (OTB) facilities. OTB horse racing isn't available online, as bettors must be at physical brick-and-mortar facilities to wager on live races being held elsewhere. These venues also broadcast the races themselves, and they often feature meets from many different states.
California Sports Betting News
With approximately two dozen California off-track betting locations, residents and visitors can more easily bet horses than in years past. Still, for true convenience, nothing beats the multiple California casino betting options listed here, as each offers California online horse betting as part of their virtual casino and sports betting experiences.
Online Wagering California
Live Land Based Horse Betting vs California Online Racebooks
Nothing can beat the physical thrill of gambling at a beautiful and historically important racetrack. You can place a bet, have a drink, hear the thundering hooves of the powerful thoroughbreds sprinting out of the gate and rocketing down the homestretch, enjoy some fine dining, and interact with other like-minded individuals. The experience that is second to none.
Online Betting California Reddit
But for those who can't make it to the track and don't care for OTB California betting, offshore racebooks are the best solution. At these sites, you can get the exciting rush of California online horse betting no matter where you are in the Golden State. Like the great Secretariat, that kind of convenience is king, and because it's legal, you'll never get a Citation for participating. Whether online or off, horse race betting in California is a hot tip on a can't miss sure thing.