As of 2024, online sports betting is not legal in California. Despite the growing popularity and legalization of sports betting in various states across the US, California has yet to pass legislation allowing online sports betting.
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey, declaring the federal ban on sports betting, known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), unconstitutional. This ruling effectively opened the door for individual states to legalize sports betting within their own borders.
However, the decision to legalize sports betting rests with each state individually.
Is sports betting legal in California online in 2024?
While California has made some progress in terms of sports betting legislation, it has not yet legalized online sports betting. The state currently only permits in-person betting at licensed tribal casinos and certain horse racing tracks.
In 2020, a proposed ballot initiative known as the California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act aimed to legalize online and in-person sports betting in California.
However, the initiative failed to obtain enough signatures to appear on the ballot for the November 2020 election.
Although the initiative did not pass, it highlighted the interest in legalizing sports betting in California. This indicates that the topic will likely continue to be a point of discussion in the coming years.
What needs to be done to Legalise California Sports betting online
Legalizing online sports betting in California would require state lawmakers to draft and pass specific legislation allowing online platforms to offer sports betting services. This legislation would need to address licensing requirements, taxation, consumer protection measures, and revenue distribution, among other considerations.
Legalizing online sports betting in California could have significant economic benefits. It would generate tax revenue for the state, create job opportunities, and drive tourism. Additionally, legalizing online sports betting could provide a regulated and safe environment for bettors, offering consumer protections and responsible gambling measures.
However, there are also concerns and obstacles that need to be addressed. Opponents of online sports betting argue that it may lead to an increase in gambling addiction and problem gambling. There are also concerns about underage gambling and the potential for match-fixing and corruption within sports.
The legalization process for online sports betting can be complex and time-consuming. It involves various stakeholders, including lawmakers, tribal gaming interests, professional sports leagues, and gambling industry operators. These stakeholders need to reach a consensus on the regulations and requirements for online sports betting in California.
In the upcoming years, it is possible that California may take steps towards legalizing online sports betting. However, the exact timeline for legalization remains uncertain. It will depend on the state legislature's priorities and the political climate surrounding the issue.
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