As of my last update in early 2023, sports betting in California was not fully legal for online or retail betting within the state, including betting on NFL games. However, there were efforts to legalize sports betting through ballot measures, such as Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, which were on the November 2022 ballot.
Proposition 26 would have allowed in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks, while Proposition 27 would have permitted online sports betting through licensed operators, with a portion of the revenue going to the state. Both propositions were defeated by California voters, meaning that as of the last update, sports betting in California remained illegal except for certain forms of horse racing betting and daily fantasy sports, which are considered games of skill rather than chance.
It’s important to note that laws can change, and there may be efforts to revisit this issue in the future. For the most current information on the legal status of sports betting in California, you should check with the state’s gaming authorities or refer to the latest state laws. Additionally, offshore sportsbooks are often accessible to California residents, but betting with these operators is not regulated by the state and can carry legal risks.