California Sports Betting – How to Bet Today
Sports betting has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years, and California remains home to one of the country’s largest and most passionate sports fan bases. Even though state-regulated sports betting is not yet available, millions of California residents are actively wagering on sports every week. The widespread adoption of online technology and the global reach of digital financial services means that California bettors have multiple safe, robust methods for getting in on the action right now. In particular, offshore sportsbooks—licensed operators based outside the United States—represent the main gateway for Californians to enjoy a full spectrum of sports betting options.
This comprehensive guide will explain, step by step, how residents in California can start betting on sports today using reputable offshore sportsbooks. We’ll provide in-depth guidance on choosing a sportsbook, account registration, depositing funds, placing your first bets, and—importantly—betting responsibly. You’ll also find detailed, standalone reviews of five leading offshore sportsbooks: BetOnline, BetUS, Bovada, MyBookie, and Xbet. Each review includes platform features, user experience, bonus structure, betting market diversity, payment options, and customer support. Whether you’re brand new to sports betting or looking to expand beyond traditional options, this guide will equip you with the practical knowledge to get started right away.
Why Offshore Sportsbooks Are the Go-To Choice for Californians
Offshore sportsbooks are online betting platforms licensed and regulated in jurisdictions such as Panama, Curacao, or Costa Rica. While they operate outside the US, these sportsbooks are designed to be accessible to American customers, including residents of all 50 states—especially those like California, where domestic sports betting is not yet available. Californians can safely create accounts, deposit and withdraw funds, and bet on a complete slate of US and international sports.
The primary advantages for California bettors include:
- No geo-restrictions: Offshore sites are accessible from anywhere in California, without requiring in-person verification or in-state residency.
- Broad market access: Full menus covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, global soccer, tennis, combat sports, niche competitions, props, and futures.
- Higher limits and rapid payouts: Compared to retail or local bookies, offshore operators typically offer higher bet and withdrawal limits and process crypto payouts within hours.
- Financial flexibility: Secure, fast deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrency, credit cards, bank wires, and e-wallets, often with reduced fees.
- Enhanced privacy: Many offshore books allow for fast registration and betting with minimal personal information, particularly for crypto users.
- Extra bonuses and loyalty programs: These platforms typically feature much larger welcome offers, higher ongoing reload bonuses, and creative loyalty clubs than future regulated California options.
Offshore sportsbooks thus provide Californians with the immediacy, variety, and value they desire in a modern betting experience.
Criteria for Choosing an Offshore Sportsbook
Not all offshore sportsbooks are created equal. Before signing up and depositing funds, Californians should carefully review the following criteria to ensure safety, value, and a great user experience:
- Reputation and Licensing: Prioritize books with at least 7–10 years in the market, current valid licenses (typically Panama, Curacao, Costa Rica), and a proven record of honoring withdrawals and fair play.
- Market Diversity: Look for sites covering all the sports and leagues you want, including props, live betting, and unique bets.
- Odds Competitiveness: Sharper odds and early lines can mean better returns, especially if you line shop or wager regularly.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Evaluate the total value, rollover requirements, and flexibility of sign-up, reload, crypto, and loyalty offers.
- Payment Methods: Check for fast, fee-free options: Bitcoin and other cryptos (fastest), as well as credit/debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets (PayPal, Venmo, etc., at some operators).
- User Experience: The best books have responsive sites and mobile apps, easy bet slips, clear navigation, and accessible support.
- Customer Service: 24/7 live chat, phone lines, email, and robust help centers are now the standard among serious operators.
- Responsible Gambling Tools: Look for deposit limits, loss caps, self-exclusion programs, cool-down periods, and access to problem gambling resources.
Each of the five sportsbooks featured in this guide—BetOnline, BetUS, Bovada, MyBookie, and Xbet—meets or exceeds these standards, with unique strengths and some small differences, as detailed in the following standalone sportsbook reviews.
Standalone Offshore Sportsbook Reviews
BetOnline
BetOnline is one of the oldest and most established offshore sportsbooks serving the US market, having operated continuously since 2001. The company holds a Panamanian gaming license and is known for its reliability, sharp odds, and broad market coverage.
Features: BetOnline stands out for its robust sports betting platform, with advanced live betting features, early line releases for major events, and a huge catalog of bet types. Users enjoy a seamless experience on both desktop and optimized mobile browsers, with everything from standard moneylines and spreads to player props, teasers, and parlays. The platform also offers an integrated online casino and poker room, all accessible via a single wallet.
User Experience: BetOnline’s platform is intuitive and quick, with dedicated sections for live betting, promos, and a deep help center. The bet slip makes it simple to manage singles, parlays, and multi-leg teasers, and odds can be displayed in American, decimal, or fractional format. The live betting page provides real-time market updates and easy toggling between events on both desktop and mobile, while the quick bet toggle allows instant wagering during fast-paced action.
Betting Markets: Bettors will find odds on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball, MMA, golf, tennis, soccer (from Premier League to MLS and international play), auto racing, and every major and niche sport. BetOnline is also noted for creative props, futures, entertainment, and political betting offerings.
Bonuses: New users can claim a 50% deposit match up to $250 (with reasonable rollover), plus 100 free spins in the casino. Crypto users occasionally access even higher match rates with promo codes. Promotions for existing players include 25–35% crypto reloads, parlay and live bet insurance, contest entries, and an active rewards program that unlocks higher tiers and enhanced perks over time.
Payment Options: BetOnline leads the market with crypto payments—including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and others—plus Visa/Mastercard, wire transfer, e-wallets, and P2P money transfers. Crypto deposits start as low as $20, while withdrawals are routinely completed within hours at no fee for crypto. Traditional methods (like bank wire or check) are also available but process more slowly and may incur fees.
Customer Support: The support center features live chat, email, and phone contact, as well as FAQ libraries for every product. Player feedback is broadly positive, especially regarding prompt cashouts and technical help.
BetUS
BetUS is one of the longest-running offshore books still serving US bettors, established in 1994 and now licensed in Curacao. Its longevity, deep market coverage, generous bonuses, and trusted brand continue to make it a top choice for California players.
Features: BetUS offers a highly polished browser-based sportsbook covering all major leagues (NFL, NCAA, NBA, MLB, NHL), global soccer, combat sports, tennis, golf, and numerous niche events. In addition to an extensive racebook, BetUS provides in-play betting with updated odds and a broad array of player/team props, plus access to a full-featured online casino and live dealer suite.
User Experience: BetUS is recognized for a clean, fast interface on both desktop and mobile, with a straightforward sign-up process and a convenient wallet that lets users move seamlessly between sportsbook and casino. Its “Locker Room” delivers expert previews, betting strategy, news, and contests for active bettors. Live betting and market filtering are snappy, and the overall feel is modern and efficient.
Betting Markets: In addition to standard bets, BetUS is known for creative prop bets (particularly for NFL and NBA games), early lines, and high-value markets during major sporting events. The platform also accepts parlays, teasers, round robins, and long-term futures.
Bonuses: BetUS is famous for its massive welcome bonuses—often 125% up to $3,125 for new sports bettors, split between sportsbook and casino play. There are also crypto-specific bonuses (up to 200%) and a comprehensive referral program that matches 100% of friends’ first deposits up to $2,000. Reload and risk-free bet promotions are common for ongoing users, with rollovers ranging from 10x for sports to higher amounts for casino play.
Payment Options: Bank-grade SSL encryption secures all transactions, and users can deposit or withdraw using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, credit/debit card, bank wire, and person-to-person transfers. Crypto withdrawals are typically processed within 24–48 hours, while checks and wires take longer. There are no fees on crypto payouts, but other methods may include small service charges.
Customer Support: BetUS provides 24/7 live chat, email, and toll-free phone support. Comprehensive help sections ensure most issues can be resolved promptly, and VIP players may be assigned dedicated account managers.
Bovada
Launched in 2011 and carrying on the legacy of the Bodog brand, Bovada has earned a reputation as the most user-friendly, all-in-one offshore sportsbook for American bettors. It is licensed and regulated in Curacao, with a special focus on seamless mobile play and fast crypto banking.
Features: Bovada is especially beloved for its clean and uncluttered design, easy navigation, and integrated sportsbook, casino, racebook, and poker room all accessible with a single account. It stands out for its exclusive prop builder, anonymous poker tables, and a uniquely smooth mobile browser experience.
User Experience: On both mobile and desktop, users enjoy fast-page loads, clear bet slips, and intuitive sorting by league, event, and market type. Live betting is a standout, with rapid line changes and an excellent live tracker for in-game events.
Betting Markets: Bovada covers every major North American league, college sports, global soccer, combat sports, esports, and a long list of smaller sports and entertainment–from politics to reality TV. The prop menu is especially deep, allowing users to create custom player, game, and team bets.
Bonuses: New sportsbook customers receive a 50% match up to $250, or a 75% match up to $750 if depositing with Bitcoin or other accepted cryptocurrencies. The low 5x rollover on sports bonuses is one of Bovada’s top selling points. Occasional free bet offers, casino bonuses, and poker promotions keep the experience engaging for regulars.
Payment Options: Bovada is known for revolutionary banking solutions, such as the MatchPay system, which allows instant transfers using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and more. Bitcoindeposits ($10 minimum) and withdrawals (as fast as 15 minutes) are supported, along with Litecoin, Ethereum, Visa/Mastercard, and traditional checks by courier. Crypto payouts are nearly always processed within 24 hours, while checks and wires can take days.
Customer Support: A 24/7 customer service team is available via chat and email. Detailed in-platform help sections answer most player questions, and Twitter support is particularly responsive.
MyBookie
MyBookie launched in 2014 and quickly established itself as an innovator among offshore sportsbooks. The brand is recognized for frequent promos, broad betting lineups, a strong bonus program, and top-notch customer support. The experience is especially inviting for casual and intermediate bettors who want a reliable, fast, and creative sports betting home.
Features: MyBookie is built for ease of use, with a slick modern interface, one-click navigation to popular events, and a powerful mobile browser experience. The books offer live betting, casino, racebook, and a growing esports section, with all features accessible under one account.
User Experience: MyBookie is user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned bettors. The layout is uncluttered, odds are easy to find and filter, and the bet slip makes customizing parlays and teasers a breeze. Unique market boosts and frequent “bet back” risk-free promotions add further value.
Betting Markets: Bettors can enjoy odds on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball, global soccer, golf, combat sports, motorsports, esports, and even entertainment and political futures. MyBookie consistently leads the way on player and team props, particularly for player performance markets.
Bonuses: New users can claim up to a 100% match on crypto deposits or a 50% traditional match bonus (up to $1,000), both with competitive rollover terms. Ongoing reload offers (up to 55% for crypto), 8% racebook rebates, and a creative refer-a-friend program add recurring value. Loyalty credits for frequent play provide additional free bet opportunities.
Payment Options: MyBookie supports Bitcoin and major cryptos (fastest and with highest limits), as well as Visa/Mastercard, eCheck, person-to-person transfer, and traditional wire. Crypto payouts usually occur within 24 hours; other methods may take up to 5–7 business days.
Customer Support: Players have full access to 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support. The help section includes betting guides and detailed answers to common account and banking questions.
Xbet
Operating since 2013 and licensed in Costa Rica, Xbet is a respected offshore sportsbook focused on simplicity, reliable banking, and user-friendly interfaces. It caters especially well to value-minded bettors who appreciate fast crypto payouts, a generous but low-rolling bonus structure, and focused sports coverage.
Features: Xbet offers a fast, clean sportsbook and casino site with seamless wallet sharing between games and sports. Its live betting section is praised for its responsiveness, and its multi-tab desktop and intuitive mobile layouts make browsing and bet placement simple. Horseplayers benefit from daily rebates and a slick racebook.
User Experience: The site design is streamlined, with top markets always just a click away. Filtering odds by sport, time, or bet type takes seconds, and the bet slip supports single, parlay, teaser, and multi-market play with fast confirmations. The mobile version is fully optimized and does not require a standalone app.
Betting Markets: Xbet’s menu covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football/basketball, soccer, MMA, boxing, golf, tennis, esports, and more. There’s a full range of prop bets, live lines, parlays, teasers, futures, political and entertainment markets, and regularly updated special boosts.
Bonuses: New customers enjoy a 100% match up to $500 with only a 7x rollover (lower than most offshore competitors) on the sports bonus, plus a 200% casino sign-up offer. Ongoing reloads, weekly parlay boosts, and special event promos round out the rewards. There’s also a robust referral bonus and a loyalty program that pays cashback on volume.
Payment Options: Xbet supports a range of cryptos (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and more), plus Visa/Mastercard, cash transfers, and bank wires. Crypto withdrawals are routinely processed within 24–48 hours. Min and max amounts are competitive with industry standards, and there are few, if any, additional fees.
Customer Support: Users get 24/7 live chat support, as well as email and social media contact options. Most help desk requests are addressed quickly, and the agent team is known for its customer-first approach.
Key Features at Leading Offshore Sportsbooks for California Residents
| Sportsbook | Year Launched | Welcome Bonus (sports) | Min Deposit | Cryptos Accepted | Payout Time (crypto) | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | 2001 | 50% up to $250 | $20 | Yes | ~24 hours | Early lines, contests, prop builder |
| BetUS | 1994 | 125% up to $3,125 | $10 | Yes | ~24-48 hours | Locker Room, huge crypto bonus |
| Bovada | 2011 | 50% up to $250; 75% crypto up to $750 | $10 (crypto) | Yes | ~15-24 hours | MatchPay system, custom props |
| MyBookie | 2014 | 100% up to $1,000 (crypto) / 50% up to $1,000 | $20 (crypto), $45 (cc) | Yes | ~24-48 hours | Risk-free bets, racebook rebates |
| Xbet | 2013 | 100% up to $500 | $10 (crypto) | Yes | ~24-48 hours | Low rollover, fast interface |
*All welcome bonuses are subject to verification and change; check the site for current terms.
How to Bet on Sports in California with Offshore Sportsbooks
1. Selecting a Sportsbook
Begin by reviewing the above table and the detailed reviews. Rank what matters most to you—bonus size, banking speed, live betting features, or maximum payout. Factor in your preferred deposit and withdrawal method, as this can drive both convenience and value. Opening accounts at more than one book is also common for California bettors who want to shop odds.
2. Registering for an Account
The sign-up process at most reputable offshore sportsbooks is nearly identical and can be completed in just a few minutes:
- Visit the sportsbook’s home page and look for a “Sign Up” or “Join” button.
- Provide basic information: name, date of birth (to verify you are 18+ or 21+), email, U.S. address, phone number.
- Choose a secure password and agree to the site’s terms and conditions.
- Select your preferred deposit currency and enter any promo codes (to secure a welcome bonus).
- Some books may prompt you to verify your email or phone via a link or code sent to you.
- You’ll be logged in and ready to make your first deposit.
You do NOT need to download an app, provide a social security number, or be in a specific state geofence. However, your name and details must match your banking method for payout verification—especially if you use non-crypto withdrawal options.
3. Depositing Funds
After registration, you’ll see the cashier or deposit page. Popular funding methods include:
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and others are instant, secure, and often eligible for the largest bonuses and fastest withdrawals. Transactions can be as small as $10–$20, and the sportsbook will provide a unique deposit address. Follow instructions carefully for each coin.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express are widely accepted, though some banks may decline gambling deposits. Minimums are usually $25–$45.
- P2P/E-Wallets: Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle (via voucher or MatchPay at some books) are available. Follow the site’s directions for these transactions.
- Bank Wire/Checks: Good for larger deposits, though much slower (3–5 days).
- Money Orders/Cashier’s Checks: Some books accept mailed deposits, suited to high-stakes bettors.
Double-check bonus eligibility for each payment method—sometimes cards are excluded from the biggest match offers.
4. Claiming Your Bonus
- When depositing, enter the promo code for the bonus you want to claim. Codes are usually posted clearly in the cashier or on the promotions page.
- Bonuses may be instantly credited as free bets or as deposit match funds.
- Read the terms and rollover requirements. For a 10x rollover, a $100 bonus requires $1,000 in total bets before withdrawal.
- Free bet credits are commonly used to try different markets and test the sportsbook.
5. Placing a Bet
- Pick your sport and league from the left or top navigation bar.
- Choose your market (moneyline, spread, prop, or futures). Odds are listed for each market and update in real time.
- Click the odds you want, which adds the selection to your bet slip. Enter your stake amount on the slip.
- Submit your bet and confirm when prompted.
- For live bets, odds will shift throughout the event; be prepared to act quickly.
6. Cashing Out
- Winnings from settled bets are instantly credited to your sportsbook balance.
- Withdrawals are initiated from the cashier page, with Bitcoin and other cryptos paying out in typically under 24 hours and with no fee.
- Traditional withdrawals (check, wire) may take 5–10 business days and could include processing fees.
- You may be asked for ID on your first or large withdrawal to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) checks.
How to Bet Responsibly
While betting can add excitement to the fan experience, responsible gambling is essential to ensure that it remains safe, affordable, and purely entertainment. Reputable offshore sportsbooks encourage responsible gambling and provide several built-in tools:
Core Responsible Betting Practices
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Deposit only what you are comfortable spending for fun.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time windows for betting and avoid betting impulsively when stressed, tired, or under the influence.
- Never Chase Losses: If you lose, do not attempt to bet larger amounts in an effort to recover. Take a break if needed.
- Track Your Bets: Keep a record or use the account history feature to monitor your play.
- Treat Betting as Entertainment: Never consider betting as a source of income or a way to solve financial issues—view it as a leisure expense like going to a movie.
Tools and Account Controls
Legitimate offshore sportsbooks offer several account features for managing risk, including:
- Deposit/Loss Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps.
- Cool-Off/Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block your account from logging in or making deposits.
- Reality Checks: Session time reminders and balance updates.
- Bet/Budget Tracking: Transaction histories to review your betting patterns.
Support Services
If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
- Call 1-800-GAMBLER for the National Problem Gambling Helpline (confidential, available 24/7).
- Chat live via the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
- Join local or online meetings for Gamblers Anonymous.
- For broader mental health support, call the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
All reputable books display links to these services and further information on responsible gambling practices.
Comparing Payment Methods at Offshore Sportsbooks
| Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Fees | Bonus Eligible | Privacy Level | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin/Crypto | Instant | 15 mins–24 hrs | None | Yes (highest) | Very High (no bank) | $10–$100k+ |
| Credit/Debit Card | Instant | Not for Withdrawals* | 0–6% (varies) | Yes (varies) | Moderate (bank sees) | $25–$2,500 |
| e-Wallet/MatchPay | Instant | Instant–2 days | Usually None | Sometimes | Good | $10–$2,500 |
| Wire Transfer | 1–3 days | 3–7 days | $10–$60+ (withdraw) | Sometimes | Moderate, KYC | $500–$10,000+ |
| Check by Courier | 5–10 days | 7–15 days | $25–$75 | Rare | Moderate, KYC | $500–$3,000 |
*Cards are rarely available for withdrawal. Choose crypto or wire for cashouts.
Crypto is strongly recommended for both speed and privacy.
Step-by-Step Example: Placing Your First Sports Bet
Suppose you want to place your first-ever bet on tonight’s NBA game via BetOnline.
- 1. Register: Sign up with your name, address, and email on BetOnline.
- 2. Deposit: Head to the cashier, select Bitcoin or credit card, send $50, and claim the 50% sports bonus.
- 3. Select Sport: Navigate to “Basketball > NBA.”
- 4. Locate Market: You see the LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors. Click the odds for Lakers -3.5 at -110.
- 5. Bet Slip: The selection appears on your bet slip. Enter your stake (e.g., $25).
- 6. Confirm: Review the payout and confirm the bet. The slip will alert you if the odds change before confirmation.
- 7. Track Result: Your balance updates instantly if you win. Head to the withdrawal page to request your payout whenever you’re ready.
Ongoing Promotions and Loyalty Programs
The top offshore sportsbooks go beyond their first-deposit bonuses—regulars benefit from many ongoing promotions:
- Reload/Deposit Match Bonuses: Weekly or monthly, up to 25–50% deposit match for returning players.
- Free Bet Credits & Risk-Free Bets: Refunds on certain losing wagers, especially Monday Night Football or NBA special events.
- Cashback/Loss Rebates: Cashback on net losses for the week or month; horse racing rebates can reach 7–10%.
- Contests & Tournaments: Seasonal contests (NFL survivor pools, March Madness brackets) with prize pools up to $200,000 or more.
- Parlay/Prop Bet Boosts: Increased odds or bonus payouts for successful multi-leg parlays or certain prop bets.
They may also offer loyalty points that can be exchanged for further free bets, odds boosts, or even merchandise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are offshore sportsbooks safe for California players?
When you choose one of the long-standing, properly licensed brands (as featured above), your funds are generally as safe as on any major betting app. Crypto users benefit from especially strong privacy, and all respected books use SSL encryption and have a multi-year record of payouts.
Can I bet on all major California teams?
Absolutely; you’ll find pre-game and live markets for the LA Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, 49ers, Warriors, Kings, USC Trojans, UCLA Bruins, and every other major California team, as well as the full breadth of national and global sports.
Is it better to use Bitcoin or a credit card?
Bitcoin (or other major cryptos) is generally best: it’s nearly instant, incurs no fees, is usually eligible for the largest promotions, and is the only method that supports the fastest withdrawals—routinely under an hour for some books.
What is a “rollover requirement”?
It’s the total amount you must wager before bonus funds become withdrawable. For example, a 10x rollover on a $200 bonus means you must place $2,000 in total bets before cashing out that bonus.
Do I have to worry about my bank blocking gambling transactions?
Some US banks automatically block card payments to offshore betting sites, but most crypto wallets (Coinbase, Cash App, etc.) and some card issuers allow deposits with no issues. If your card is declined, crypto or MatchPay is your best alternative.
Are there responsible gambling tools at offshore sportsbooks?
All reputable offshore books now offer responsible gambling features such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, and access to support lines like 1-800-GAMBLER. These tools help you stay in control and keep betting safe.
California Sports Betting – How to Bet Today Conclusion
Californians don’t have to wait for state-licensed sportsbooks to enjoy a comprehensive sports betting experience. Thanks to offshore sportsbooks, you can bet today on any major US or global sporting event with full access to the latest odds, live in-game markets, and a variety of advanced features on any page or device. BetOnline, BetUS, Bovada, MyBookie, and Xbet represent the best in the business—each offering rapid, private payments, exciting bonuses, deep betting menus, and secure environments.
To begin, compare brands, sign up, fund your account with your preferred method, claim your bonus, and stay smart with responsible betting practices. If you ever have a concern, the latest offshore platforms make it easy to set limits and get help. California’s sports betting future is bright, but its present is already rich with opportunity. Join the action now—with safety, value, and entertainment at your fingertips.
Sourcing
This guide is based on a synthesis of the latest in-depth reviews, user feedback, and official information from leading industry outlets, including:
- Offshore sportsbook fact sites for California
- Authoritative sportsbook reviews and comparison platforms
- Independent responsible gambling organizations and affiliate guides
- Offshore banking and payment system analyses