California has been among the most active states in terms of online sports betting activity. Since the start of the year, sportsbooks in the state have reported an increase in wagers, with some books reporting a 300% rise in activity. It seems the state’s books are having to adjust to the times and changing consumer demands. There are a number of offshore sportsbooks that have set up shop in the Golden State looking to capitalize on the action, but there are also a number of legitimate sites that cater to California residents. Below are some details on these legitimate online sports betting sites in California.
The USER601 Act
Even before the highly-anticipated launch of the United States’ newest online sports betting legislation, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (USER601), sportsbooks in California and across the country had adjusted to the changing environment. In fact, the majority of California’s online sportsbooks had already begun operating under the auspices of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The USER601 Act will make it illegal for any individual, business, or entity to engage in the business of providing or receiving wagering or gambling services over the internet. Violators may face fines of up to $1 million or 5 years imprisonment.
Licensed Sports Book Operators (LSBOs)
Under new regulations that went into effect on January 1, 2020, sportsbooks in California must be operated by a licensed sportsbook operator. Prior to being licensed as an LSBO, a sports book operator must apply for and be granted a state license by the California Gambling Control Commission. In addition to being regulated by the state, sportsbooks are also subject to federal oversight. Bookmakers operate in a legal gray area because the federal government has not cracked down on offshore sportsbooks, allowing them to remain active in the US. The presence of licensed LSBOs should make everyone confident that the books are operating within the confines of the law.
Licensed Sports Entertainment Operators (LSEOs)
Operators of sports bars and nightclubs that host sporting events are also subject to regulation by the California Gambling Control Commission. Like sportsbooks, these venues must also be operated by a licensed sports entertainment operator. A sports bar or nightclub that is licensed as an LSEO can apply for and receive a state license from the commission, which gives it the authorization to offer sports betting and other gaming activities. In addition to state regulation, bar owners and managers must abide by various federal and local laws governing the operation of a sports bar or nightclub. If a bar or nightclub is found to be in violation of these legal requirements, it could lose its license. The commission has the authority to revoke a bar’s or nightclub’s license if they are found to be operating without a license. Having a license from the commission gives a bar or nightclub the right to offer sports betting and other gaming activities in accordance with state law.
A Closer Look At The Top-Rated California Sportsbooks
The following are the top-rated sportsbooks for California, with regards to review scores on sites such as https://www.bestbookmaker.com and https://www.dontbetray.com: