Is California moving with the times?

Voters in California are set to consider two major propositions this November, which would legalize sports betting in the state. The topic of legal sports betting throughout the USA hasn’t gone away in decades and remains a hot issue. If passed, Proposition 1 would legalize sports betting in California bars and casinos. Proposition 2 would do the same for mobile sports betting in the Golden State.

Currently, the only places in California where you can legally gamble in person are at racetracks or in Indian gaming casinos. Come November, we’ll find out if sports betting and online casinos is about to become a reality like in other parts of the United States. Fans of playing casino games have been limited online due to state laws, but playing at a real money online casino in California is currently possible, thanks to sweepstake legislation which is legal in the state.

The Growth of iGaming in the USA

iGaming is expanding at a much faster rate than any other type of gambling. Right now, online gambling is only legal in the states of Connecticut, West Virginia, Michigan, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. The total revenue generated from online gambling in the 6 states where it is legal was 86% of what was generated from sports betting alone. Certainly, this growth has to include California sometime soon.

Currently, seven of the largest sports betting operators in the United States, including BetMGM and DraftKings, have thrown their support behind Proposition 27 (The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act). Proposition 27 moves to make online sports betting legally accessible in California.

Taxes collected from sports betting will go toward a new fund to help people experiencing homelessness or mental health issues, according to the proposal. The legislation is meant to work in tandem with the tribal proposal, as any online sportsbook operating in California would be required to form a partnership with a tribal casino.

Since the Democrats, who have a majority in the state legislature, said on July 10, 2022, that they would vote against Proposition 27 and stay neutral on Proposition 26, they will not be supporting either initiative.

There were a total of 997,139 valid voter registrations in California, so both the tribal (retail) and sportsbook (online) initiatives will be on the ballot in November 2022.

Will they legalize online casinos?

If online casinos will be legalized in California or not won’t be clear until we see what happens with the move to legalize sports betting. In fact, only then can there be a push to legalize other forms of online gambling. Still, fans of casino games in CA can play at online casinos outside of California.

How to Play on Real Money Online Casinos in California

Due to the state’s strict regulations, there are currently no California online gambling websites serving residents of the state. Daily Fantasy Sports and free-play casinos, also known as social casinos, are the only forms of online sports betting permitted by the government in California. Therefore, it would appear that offshore gambling is the only option for the discerning gambler seeking a truly comprehensive casino and sportsbook experience.

Interestingly, California law makes no mention of the existence of online gambling sites. The government does not explicitly allow or prohibit offshore gambling. There are a plethora of uncharted online casinos just waiting to be played. The problem is, you won’t have a clue where to look first. Trying your luck at the first offshore gambling site you come across is fraught with peril. That’s why it’s so important to verify the gambling establishment or sportsbook has a proper license.