California has yet to legalize land-based sports betting, leaving many sports enthusiasts in the Golden State looking elsewhere for wagering opportunities. Despite numerous attempts to push for legislation, the state has remained sidelined in the wake of the 2018 repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act), which opened the door for states to individually regulate sports gambling.
While various US states have jumped on the bandwagon to legalize and regulate both land-based and online sportsbooks, California’s gambling landscape remains constrained to options like horse race betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS). It’s important to note that state laws on gambling can differ significantly across the US, leading many Californians to opt for the safest online sportsbooks that are based offshore, where the state’s restrictions do not apply.
California sports betting remains illegal, meaning there are no authorized land-based CA sportsbooks for activities like football, basketball, or baseball. However, there are legal California land-based sportsbooks where you can wager on horse races, which have long been an exception in the state’s gambling landscape. These venues often promote responsible gambling and offer a variety of betting options to quench your thirst for sports action. Below are mini reviews of some of the most popular land-based betting locations for horse racing in California.
Address: 2495 S. Delaware Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: (650) 574-6063
The San Mateo Jockey Club is part of the larger Bay Meadows racing landscape, a historic fixture in California’s horse racing community. Though the original Bay Meadows racetrack closed in 2008, the Jockey Club keeps the spirit of horse racing alive in San Mateo. The venue provides a dedicated space for fans to engage in betting on horse races, both local and international.
In terms of space, the club is designed to offer a comfortable and immersive betting experience. With plenty of seating and multiple large-screen TVs, you can easily follow multiple races at once. Amenities also include a bar and dining options, providing a full day’s entertainment under one roof.
When it comes to bet types, you can place traditional horse racing wagers like Win, Place, and Show, as well as more complex bets like Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta. Given that this is primarily a horse racing facility, the sports available for wagering are restricted to horse races. However, the simulcast technology allows you to bet on races from various tracks across the country and even internationally, which broadens the betting options considerably.
Though the venue promotes responsible gambling, always be sure to wager within your limits and know when to walk away. Overall, the San Mateo Jockey Club serves as a reputable and reliable venue for horse race betting, providing a range of amenities and betting options to meet the needs of both novice and experienced gamblers.
Address: 900 Fairground Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589
Phone: (707) 551-2030
The Solano Race Place in Vallejo, California, is a simulcast horse racing facility that provides wagering options on horse races from various tracks. It’s essential to clarify that this venue is not a multi-sport sportsbook, but it’s a specialized location for horse racing enthusiasts looking for legal wagering options in California.
Part of the larger Solano County Fairgrounds, Solano Race Place has been a fixture in Vallejo’s community for several years. While the parent fairgrounds host a variety of events, including fairs, exhibitions, and concerts, the Race Place aims to provide a focused horse racing experience.
The facility offers a spacious environment with ample seating, designed to accommodate both novice and seasoned race-goers. Large-screen televisions are strategically placed throughout the venue, allowing patrons to follow multiple races from tracks all over the country. It’s a haven for those who love horse racing, offering a broad range of betting types from the straightforward Win, Place, and Show wagers to more complicated bets like Exactas, Trifectas, and Superfectas.
One of the highlights of the Solano Race Place is its range of amenities. Aside from betting windows, the venue also provides self-service wagering machines for quicker bets. For those looking to spend an entire day at the track, there are dining options and a bar to make your stay more comfortable.
The venue promotes responsible gambling, urging patrons to bet within their means. It serves as a reputable destination for legal horse race betting in California, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of its patrons. Whether you’re a novice looking to place your first bet or a seasoned punter chasing the big win, Solano Race Place offers something for every level of horse racing enthusiast.
Address: 4961 Katella Ave, Cypress, CA 90720
Phone: (714) 820-2800
Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California, is a cornerstone in the state’s horse racing scene. Known primarily for thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, this venue has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1951. It is owned by the Vessels family, a name with a long-standing association with horse racing in the United States.
The space at Los Alamitos is expansive, catering to a wide range of horse racing enthusiasts. With a grandstand that can accommodate thousands of spectators, the atmosphere on race days is electric. The venue features large-screen TVs scattered throughout, allowing patrons to follow multiple races, not just the ones taking place at Los Alamitos. This provides bettors with an array of options, elevating the overall wagering experience.
When it comes to bet types, Los Alamitos offers the traditional range of horse racing wagers like Win, Place, and Show, along with more complex bets such as Exactas, Trifectas, and Superfectas. Since the focus is solely on horse racing, don’t expect to find other sports to bet on. However, the venue does host some of the most prestigious quarter horse racing events, making it a must-visit for fans of the sport.
Amenities at Los Alamitos are designed to enhance your betting experience. The venue offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal settings, so you can make a whole day of your visit. While alcoholic beverages are available, the venue promotes responsible gambling and encourages patrons to know their limits.
There are no legal land-based California sportsbooks for activities like football, basketball, or baseball. However, there are venues where you can legally bet on horse races. Below is a table listing some of these horse racing wagering venues:
| Sportsbook Name | Address | City | Phone Number |
| San Mateo Jockey Club | 2495 S Delaware St | San Mateo | (650) 574-7223 |
| Solano Race Place | 900 Fairgrounds Dr | Vallejo | (707) 551-2030 |
| Los Alamitos Race Course | 4961 Katella Ave | Cypress | (714) 820-2800 |
| Santa Anita Park | 285 W Huntington Dr | Arcadia | (626) 574-7223 |
| Del Mar Racetrack | 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd | Del Mar | (858) 755-1141 |
| Golden Gate Fields | 1100 Eastshore Hwy | Berkeley | (510) 559-7300 |
| Fairplex Park | 1101 W McKinley Ave | Pomona | (909) 623-3111 |
| Fresno Fairgrounds | 1121 S Chance Ave | Fresno | (559) 650-3247 |
| Cal Expo | 1600 Exposition Blvd | Sacramento | (916) 263-3000 |
| Pleasanton Satellite Wagering | 4501 Pleasanton Ave | Pleasanton | (925) 426-7622 |
| Santa Rosa Fairgrounds | 1350 Bennett Valley Rd | Santa Rosa | (707) 545-4200 |
| Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 W Harbor Blvd | Ventura | (805) 648-3376 |
| Barretts Race Meet at Fairplex | 2201 N White Ave | Pomona | (909) 623-3111 |
| Oak Tree at Pleasanton | 4501 Pleasanton Ave | Pleasanton | (925) 426-7622 |
| Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds | 1712 Fairlane Rd | Yreka | (530) 842-2767 |
| Sonoma County Fairgrounds | 1350 Bennett Valley Rd | Santa Rosa | (707) 545-4200 |
| Humboldt County Fairgrounds | 1250 5th St | Ferndale | (707) 786-9511 |
| Big Fresno Fair | 1121 S Chance Ave | Fresno | (559) 650-3247 |
| San Joaquin County Fairgrounds | 1658 S Airport Way | Stockton | (209) 466-9999 |
| Alameda County Fairgrounds | 4501 Pleasanton Ave | Pleasanton | (925) 426-7600 |
| Monterey County Fairgrounds | 2004 Fairground Rd | Monterey | (831) 372-5863 |
| The Stables Casino | 531 H St | Crescent City | (707) 464-6859 |
| Kern County Fairgrounds | 1142 S P St | Bakersfield | (661) 833-4900 |
| Imperial Valley Fairgrounds | 200 E 2nd St | Imperial | (760) 355-1181 |
| National Orange Show Events Center | 689 S E St | San Bernardino | (909) 888-6788 |
| Antelope Valley Fairgrounds | 2551 W Avenue H | Lancaster | (661) 206-0427 |
| Surfside Race Place | 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd | Del Mar | (858) 792-4242 |
| Ventura Satellite Wagering Facility | 10 W Harbor Blvd | Ventura | (805) 653-2533 |
| Commerce Casino Satellite | 6131 Telegraph Rd | Commerce | (323) 721-2100 |
| Hollywood Park Casino | 3883 W Century Blvd | Inglewood | (310) 330-2800 |
| Los Angeles Turf Club | 285 W Huntington Dr | Arcadia | (626) 574-7223 |
| Lake Perris Sports Pavilion | 18700 Lake Perris Dr | Perris | (951) 657-4221 |
| Kings Fairgrounds | 801 S 10th Ave | Hanford | (559) 584-3318 |
| Tulare County Fairgrounds | 215 Martin Luther King Jr Ave | Tulare | (559) 686-4707 |
| Riverside County Fairgrounds | 82-503 Hwy 111 | Indio | (760) 863-8247 |
| San Bernardino County Fairgrounds | 14800 7th St | Victorville | (760) 951-2200 |
| San Diego County Fair | 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd | Del Mar | (858) 755-1161 |
| Santa Clara County Fairgrounds | 344 Tully Rd | San Jose | (408) 494-3100 |
| Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds | 2601 E Lake Ave | Watsonville | (831) 724-5671 |
| Stanislaus County Fairgrounds | 900 N Broadway | Turlock | (209) 668-1333 |
If you’re a fan of horse racing and looking to place wagers, California has several racetracks that offer betting on this exciting sport. These venues often feature various types of races, betting options, and amenities to enhance your wagering experience. Here is a list of some prominent racetracks in the state where you can legally bet on horse races:
Some casino resorts are situated near racetracks or offer satellite wagering on horse races, providing a somewhat similar experience for those interested in betting. Here are some casino resorts known for being close to venues that offer horse race betting:
California does not have casino cruise ships or riverboats that offer gambling opportunities within the state’s jurisdiction. While some states have legalized riverboat casinos and even have casino cruises departing from their ports, this form of gambling has not been established in California. Therefore, those interested in this type of betting experience may need to look to other states where such activities are legally authorized.
If you’re interested in betting on horse racing, you have several options across the state. You can place various types of bets like Win, Place, Show, Exactas, Trifectas, and more. Here is the limited scope of sports you can legally bet on at California sportsbooks:
Although the scope of California sports betting is confined to horse racing, you can find a variety of bet types to suit both novice and experienced gamblers. These options range from straightforward bets on a single horse to win to more complex wagers that involve multiple horses and races. Here’s a rundown of the bet types commonly available at California’s racetracks:
Colorado is home to a variety of professional and college sports teams that span multiple leagues and disciplines. Fans in the state have the luxury of supporting local teams in major sports like football, basketball, hockey, and more. Below is a table that outlines some of these teams:
| Team | Sport | League |
| Denver Broncos | Football | NFL |
| Colorado Rockies | Baseball | MLB |
| Denver Nuggets | Basketball | NBA |
| Colorado Avalanche | Hockey | NHL |
| Colorado Rapids | Soccer | MLS |
| Colorado Buffaloes | Football | NCAA Division I (Pac-12) |
| Colorado State Rams | Football | NCAA Division I (Mountain West) |
| Air Force Falcons | Football | NCAA Division I (Mountain West) |
| Colorado Buffaloes | Basketball | NCAA Division I (Pac-12) |
| Colorado State Rams | Basketball | NCAA Division I (Mountain West) |
| Air Force Falcons | Basketball | NCAA Division I (Mountain West) |
| Denver Pioneers | Ice Hockey | NCAA Division I (NCHC) |
| Colorado College Tigers | Ice Hockey | NCAA Division I (NCHC) |
| Colorado Eagles | Hockey | AHL |
| Colorado Mammoth | Lacrosse | NLL |
The history of Indian gaming tribes in California is both rich and complex. Tribal gaming in California dates back to the late 1980s and has since evolved into a significant industry within the state. Initially, the tribes operated bingo halls and small-scale gaming operations. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 established a framework for tribal gaming, including a requirement for tribes to negotiate compacts with states.
In 1999, 57 California tribes signed gaming compacts with the state, which later led to the expansion of larger, Vegas-style casinos. This has allowed the tribes to become key players in California’s gaming landscape, providing a range of services from slot machines to table games.
Indian gaming has brought about economic development and employment opportunities for many of the state’s tribes. However, it has also sparked debates on issues like state regulation, land rights, and revenue sharing.
Here is a list of some of the Indian gaming tribes in California:
Facing a gambling addiction is a challenging and often isolating experience, but help is available. Whether you’re grappling with the issue yourself or concerned about someone else, it’s important to know that various forms of assistance are readily accessible in California. A range of organizations and treatment centers offer specialized support, counseling, and resources to help you regain control of your life and navigate the road to recovery.
Contacts for help in California:
California sports betting is not yet legalized, except for horse racing. However, it’s crucial to understand that even if you’re engaging in sports betting activities through offshore online sportsbooks or other avenues, you are required to report all your gambling winnings to the IRS. This includes winnings from horse racing, which is legal in the state. Note that these regulations may change over time, so you should always consult the most current local and federal laws for the most accurate information.
Here’s a detailed look at how to handle taxes on sports betting winnings in California:
At the federal level, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income. The IRS requires you to report the full amount of your winnings on your federal income tax return. For some types of gambling winnings, such as those exceeding $5,000 from a poker tournament or if the winnings are 300 times the amount of the wager, the payer (e.g., the casino or racetrack) is generally required to withhold federal income tax at a flat rate of 24%.
California, like many states, also requires you to pay state income tax on gambling winnings. The rate will depend on your overall income and could range from 1% to 13.3%. Note that you’ll need to report your winnings on your California state income tax return in addition to your federal return.
For both federal and state tax returns, you’ll use Form W-2G to report certain gambling winnings. If the payer withholds taxes, they will provide you with this form. Even if you don’t receive Form W-2G, you’re still required to report all gambling winnings.
Both the federal and California tax systems allow you to deduct gambling losses, but only to the extent of your winnings. You can’t deduct more than you won. On your federal tax return, you would list your losses as an itemized deduction on Schedule A. Keep in mind that documentation is key, so maintain a detailed record of your bets, winnings, and losses.
If you’re a professional gambler, the rules are slightly different. Your winnings would be reported as income, and you could deduct your losses as business expenses on Schedule C of your federal tax return.
Legal sports betting is not available in California, with the exception of horse racing. Legislation to legalize sports betting has been introduced but has not yet passed.
The legal age to engage in horse racing betting in California is 18. For other types of sports betting that may become legalized, the age requirement will be determined by future legislation.
Online sports betting is not legal in California, although you can participate in online horse race betting and daily fantasy sports, which have their own set of regulations.
Yes, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal in California and operate in a gray area where they are neither officially regulated nor illegal under current California laws.
Yes, off-track betting on horse racing is allowed in California and is regulated by the California Horse Racing Board.
For horse racing, some restrictions apply, such as the legal age being 18. Should sports betting become legalized, additional restrictions based on the type of sport or event are likely to be implemented.
The California Horse Racing Board regulates betting on horse racing. If sports betting were to become legal, a state regulatory body would be established or assigned to oversee it.
As sports betting is not yet legalized, you technically can’t bet on any sports other than horse racing. Future legislation will determine what sports will or will not be included.
As sports betting is not currently legal, there are no guidelines for applying for a sports betting license in California. This will be determined if and when sports betting becomes legal in the state.
As sports betting is not legalized, there are currently no tax regulations for sports betting operators. Tax rates and licensing fees will be decided by future legislation.
Since sports betting other than horse racing is not legalized in California, there is no revenue being generated from it. Horse racing, however, contributes a significant amount to the state’s economy.
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