Online gambling first became legal in the U.S. in 2011. The Department of Justice relegated individual states to pass relevant legislation for their citizens.
In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), a federal ban on sports betting in 2018.
Online gambling in 2021 became a $9.5 billion market, up $800 million from the previous year.
As of 2023, more than half the U.S. (and Washington, D.C.) offers legal sports betting, including online and mobile. The rest of the country contains legal gray areas regarding online gambling via offshore sites.
Let’s take a closer look at emerging online gambling companies in California.
Online Gambling in California
As the world’s fifth-largest economy, California is a significant player in the online gambling market. However, its legal precedent for gambling online remains somewhat murky.
For example, in 2022, California voters were given two constitutional amendments on the ballot to consider regarding in-person and online sports betting. Proposition 26 would’ve legalized sports betting at licensed tribal casinos and racetracks.
Supported by the state’s tribal casinos, Prop 26 failed to pass as opponents decried a monopolization effect for already up-and-running legal operators.
Proposition 27 would’ve legalized online sports betting. The amendment failed to pass, with an overwhelming majority of more than 80% voting ‘No.’
While the state’s casino industry remains in the hands of dozens of Native tribes, California bettors must rely on offshore sites for online gambling.
The best online sportsbooks offer a thrilling and convenient platform for sports enthusiasts and bettors alike. These platforms provide a vast array of sporting events to wager on, from traditional favorites like football, basketball, and soccer to niche sports and even eSports. What sets the top sportsbooks apart are their user-friendly interfaces, robust mobile apps, and competitive odds.
Rise of Online Gambling Companies
When the coronavirus pandemic shuttered land-based casinos across the U.S., online gambling companies took notice. Gaming industries offer mobile apps to players worldwide. Social casinos or sweepstakes gaming also ushered in a new gambling style.
With no laws on the books that make online gambling illegal in California, it’s an excellent market for offshore sites.
Gambling jurisdictions providing affordable online company licensing options include British territories like the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. Malta is another favorable location for online gaming establishments in Europe.
There’s also Curaçao and Costa Rica in the Caribbean and Central America.
Founded in 2011, Bovada is one of the most well-known offshore online sportsbooks. It first received licensing from the Kahnawake Gambling Commission in Quebec, Canada.
What does Bovada offer online gamblers in California?
Offshore Gambling Sites: A Closer Look
One of the latest trends in online gambling comes from live dealers. Worldwide players now get access to licensed and regulated offshore gambling sites with dealers in a live casino setting.
Players looking to find an online casino in California get plenty of options from reputable offshore sites.
Live dealer options at Bovada’s online casino include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Players may also choose from virtual games like slots, video poker, and bingo.
Well-known for its Poker section, online players get access to tournaments and cash games. A ‘Horses’ section lets bettors wager on various races worldwide, including at Del Mar in Southern California.
Bovada also provides gamblers in California with one of the best online sportsbooks available. Players may wager on sports like soccer, baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and golf. There are also cricket, rugby, virtual sports, and more sections.
What are some other options?
Offshore Online Casinos
Launched in 2020, Las Atlantis Casino offers slots, poker, blackjack, and European roulette. Valid five times, their $2,800 slots and cards bonus welcomes new players.
Las Atlantis represents one of the latest trends in the online gaming industry at offshore sites. They provide a simple, user-friendly platform that gives players an entertaining gaming experience.
Another industry trend derives from promotions encouraging new players to make their first deposit. For example, Red Dog Casino (licensed and regulated in Curaçao) offers a welcome bonus worth up to $8,000.
Other options include SlotsandCasino, Ducky Luck, Ignition, and Slots.lv. Each of these online casinos offers generous welcome bonuses.
Check out the wagering requirements for your bonus to unlock it as withdrawable cash.
Using Crypto at Offshore Online Gambling Sites
With offshore gambling sites, players get the opportunity to use a variety of cryptocurrencies. That means no waiting on transfers or getting your deposits blocked by your bank.
Instead, with crypto like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, players get faster deposits and withdrawals with lower fees.
Online gambling companies that reside offshore allow crypto deposits because they get to stay outside the traditional banking system. Local banks in California might not permit deposits at offshore gambling sites.
So that makes crypto deposits favorable for in-state players.
Crypto is an excellent way to transact at offshore gambling sites. It’s quick, easy, and your winnings could gain in value over time—something local banks might not offer with regular checking accounts.
The Future of Online Gambling in California
Worldwide sports betting at offshore sites might generate anywhere from $50 – $250 billion annually. Factoring in the rise of online casinos makes the online gaming industry one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
As states in India began to legalize online gambling, California remains one of the most lucrative jurisdictions for offshore sites.
In the future, online gambling companies may enable virtual reality (VR) headsets for an interactive gaming experience. Players might “participate” in sporting events by watching live games from the comfort of home.
What’s your favorite way to gamble online?
