Best California Sports Betting Promos & Betting Bonuses: December 2024

Fact Checked by Joss Wood

Legal California sportsbooks remain a distant hope for the Golden State. Here, we'll take a look forward and review the expected California sports betting promos that may be available in the future. 

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
Must be 21+ and physically located in California. Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. All promotions are subject to eligibility requirements. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Gaming problem? Call the NCPG at 1-800-522-4700.

What California Sports Betting Promos Are Available?

At this time, no California betting promos are available because legislation has yet to pass. Californians had the opportunity to bring sports betting to fruition in November 2022 when two ballot initiatives were proposed. Both propositions were resoundingly rejected, making it clear there wasn't much hope for legal betting in the near term.

When Will I Be Able To Claim California Betting Promos?

Although there was a sliver of hope that a new sports betting proposal could have made its way onto November 2024 ballots, sports fans will have to wait a bit longer. The proponents of a new bill decided to pull it in January after it became clear their efforts would have been a waste of money and time. With California's tribes not on board, the new proposal had no shot of being passed. If you're looking for a silver lining, it's that any sports betting legislation brought forward in the future will certainly have the support of the state's tribes, which means there is a high probability of it passing.

California Betting Promo Codes Expected After Launch

With a population of about 40 million and a host of big-name sports teams within its borders, California will undoubtedly be home to a lucrative and competitive sports betting market. Although we cannot be sure yet how many licenses will be available, we can say with certainty that all the leading sports betting brands will be eager to operate here.

Judging by the online sports betting bonuses available in other states, we can also predict the types of California sports betting promos each of the leading operators in this field will make available to new customers. And don't forget that there are some promos already available for California online casinos as well, but note that they are for free-to-play casinos. 

BetMGM California Bonus

The BetMGM bonus code California is likely to land you a $1,000 First Bet offer once legislation gets the green light. If your first wager loses, you will receive 100% of the wager amount back, up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

FanDuel California Promo

The FanDuel California Sportsbook promo will undoubtedly be one of the most popular offers in the state as it is arguably the leading online sports betting brand across the US today. Those who use the platform benefit from an exceptional user experience, a huge range of betting markets, and a host of regular promotions and bonuses.

In other states, the most common promo FanDuel customers receive is a "No Sweat First Bet" up to $1,000. With this promo, your first bet comes with a safety net of sorts. If the first wager you place results in a loss, you will receive bonus bets equal to your bet amount, up to $1,000.

DraftKings California Promo

One of our favorite welcome offers, the DraftKings California promo code will likely be one of the most straightforward bonuses available. In other legal states, you can claim $150 in bonus bets by simply placing a $5 wager. Regardless of the outcome of the wager, the bonus bets are yours. It really is that simple.

You can then use the bonus bets to try out the platform, place wagers, and build your bankroll for a minimal initial investment.

Caesars Sportsbook California Promo

After building upon its worldwide recognition as a casino leader, the Caesars Sportsbook California promo code will help to continue the brand's expansion into legal sports betting. With a first bet offer worth up to $1,500, this will be a fantastic offer for both new and experienced bettors. This welcome bonus is another first bet safety net, but Caesars will likely have the highest value among whichever brands come to California.

Caesars' frequent bonuses, alongside a great rewards program and numerous wagering options, help the brand to stand out from the crowd. You can expect to find the best selection of boosted odds here, which has become one of the most popular features across the industry.

Fanatics Sportsbook California Promo

Trying to nail down what the Fanatics Sportsbook California promo code will be is difficult considering we've seen several different options in the brand's short time of being live. This has ranged from merchandise credits to 10 straight days of first bet safety nets.

No matter what welcome bonus Fanatics decides to roll with once it launches in California, bettors can feel confident in a positive user experience. Despite being one of the newest names in the industry, the early ratings are promising with 4.2 stars on the Google Play Store and 4.7 stars in the Apple App Store.

ESPN BET California Promo

Speaking of new names in sports betting, the ESPN BET California promo code is nearly guaranteed to be one of the most claimed bonuses in the state thanks to its instant brand recognition. After striking a deal with PENN Entertainment to take over for the former Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN has already placed itself as one of the top operators in the space.

Once the time comes, we expect new users will be able to take advantage of a bet-and-get promo and/or a deposit match bonus. In general, we prefer bet-and-get offers as they are more straightforward. Additionally, the deposit match bonus can carry a much higher playthrough requirement in order to release your funds.

Types of California Sportsbook Bonuses

Bonuses are deployed in a variety of ways by leading online sportsbooks. They are used to attract new customers, with a range of generous welcome bonuses offered. Once you have signed up, you should encounter a host of ongoing promotions, boosts, and bonuses that add to the value and entertainment of your wagering experience.

Although the exact type of California betting bonuses won't be known for some time, we can be certain that they will fall into one of the categories we've detailed below.

Bonus Bets

One of the most popular types of welcome bonuses centers around bonus bets. These bet credits can be awarded through different means, but they all accomplish the same thing: they give you an opportunity to place wagers and build your bankroll.

Our favorite California betting promo is the bet-and-get bonus. These typically carry a minimal initial investment, typically between $5-$10, and you will receive bonus bets simply for placing a wager. It really is that simple. This type of promo ranks highly with all customers because your wager doesn't even have to win and the value tends to range between $100-$200. Although you can't withdraw the bonus bets, you can place wagers with them and any winnings from those bets are withdrawable.

Bonus bets are also awarded as part of "first bet safety net" promos. These can go by different names, such as "no sweat" bets or first bet insurance, but if the first wager you place results in a loss, the sportsbook will match your bet amount up to a certain point. 

Deposit Bonuses

Another type of California betting sign-up offer whose appeal lies in its simplicity. When you make your first deposit, your sportsbook increases your wagering power by boosting the amount you have invested.

The most attractive style of deposit promo is the deposit match bonus, where your betting balance is doubled by the application of an up to 100% boost to your funds. This means that by using an online sportsbook promo code you have twice as much wagering potential at your disposal when you want to start enjoying sports betting. It's important to note your matched funds are deposited as bonus bets and not cash, so they aren't withdrawable but can be used to bet with.

No-Deposit Promos

Rarely seen but always a welcome sight when it makes an appearance, a no-deposit bonus means you receive money in your new account simply for registering as a new customer. No-deposit bonuses tend to look smaller in terms of the amount on offer, but you could receive up to $20 to play with before you spend any of your own money.

You are unlikely to need an online sportsbook promo code for California bettors to access this offer - it should be activated automatically once you complete the sign-up process.

Reload Promotions

One of the best ways for existing customers to boost their betting balance is through a reload bonus. This works in a similar way to a deposit match bonus; when you make a fresh deposit in your account, that amount may be doubled by your sportsbook.

This is particularly handy when you are planning plenty of wagers on a series of games, such as post-season playoffs. You do not normally need sportsbook promo codes to activate such a bonus, but if we do list a promo code it will make sure you qualify and get the full benefit.

Referral Bonuses

A referral bonus is another very likely promotion you can expect. As operators get up and running, it's crucial to get as many sign-ups as possible, and that means that many sportsbooks are willing to give you bet credits in exchange for getting your friends to sign up with the operator.

Referral promos typically include a unique link you can send to friends to get them to sign up. If someone registers and deposits using your link or specific referral code, you will get a bonus.

These CA betting promotions are a common and straightforward method for boosting your betting balance. If one of your friends shows an interest in joining you as a customer of a certain sportsbook, make sure you refer them as a new player. 

Once your pal signs up and places their first bet, you should receive a bonus. Make sure they use your specific promo code or direct link, which can sometimes be as much as $100 or more in bet credits.

Boosted Odds

If betting companies were to offer sportsbook promo codes every time they boosted a set of odds, you would be snowed under by a code blizzard. Odds boosts are one of the most common forms of California sportsbook bonus for existing customers.

Some operators, offer them so frequently that there are sections on their websites dedicated to daily boosts. How does an odds boost work? If, for instance, you plan to back the Golden State Warriors to win their next NBA game, and their odds are boosted from +125 to +175, you will get an extra $50 for every $100 staked if they win.

Other Potential California Betting Promos

Not only will betters be able to take advantage of profitable welcome bonuses, but many of the top brands will offer ongoing California betting promos throughout the year. Here are some examples of what you might be able to find when the time comes.

Seasonal Promo Codes

At particular times of the year, sportsbooks offer promo codes relating to the big sporting action that is about to take place. Examples are Christmas and Thanksgiving, holiday seasons when people want to watch great sport - and to get even more involved in the action by wagering on it.

Given the wealth of outstanding top-level sport that takes place in the Golden State, make sure you take advantage of any CA sportsbook promotions of this nature.

Sports-Specific Promotions

Similarly, sportsbooks understand that many bettors focus on particular sports - so they offer an opportunity to get extra value from betting on it. You should find plenty of promotions around the start of the NFL season, for instance, including the chance to use bonus bets and odds boosts.

The NBA playoffs, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the World Series are other examples of high-profile events where you might find sports betting promo codes to boost your enjoyment of wagering on the best action.

Reduced Juice Wagers

What is the juice? In betting terms, it is the margin taken by the sportsbook on every wager. The bigger the margin, the more profit the operator makes - and the harder it is for the player to be a winner in the long term.

So in an event where the teams are evenly matched, instead of both sides having odds of +100/+100, they will traditionally be priced at -110/-110. When the juice is reduced - usually for an hour or a day - the odds might be displayed as -105/-105.

Parlay Insurance

Parlay insurance is a relative newcomer to the world of the sportsbook bonus. Parlays have always been popular; they represent a tempting route to riches in return for a small stake. All you have to do is get several selections right - and the problem with a parlay is that if just one loses, you end up with nothing.

With parlay insurance, however, if just one of your picks lets you down you receive your initial stake back as bet credits, giving you a chance to win back some of your lost wager.

VIP Rewards

It is highly unlikely that you will ever find sportsbook bonus codes relating to membership of a VIP program. Many operators reward automatically enroll new players in such a scheme. Members receive special treatment in the form of exclusive offers, preferential customer support, and even the chance to enjoy special experiences, complementary prizes, and merchandise.

Terms & Conditions Attached to California Sportsbook Bonuses

The most important piece of advice to keep in mind when the opportunity arises to use CA sportsbook promo codes is to carefully check the terms and conditions governing each offer. It is immensely frustrating to miss out on a promo because you skipped over a detail surrounding the offer.

Be aware that these can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. Make sure you check that small print for the following:

Playthrough Requirements

So you have taken delivery of your bet credits or deposit bonus and you are ready to start enjoying your bonus funds, right? Not necessarily. Some sports betting promo codes stipulate that you need to play through the amount of your initial bet or deposit a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings you have gained. In a few instances, this may be as few as one time, or none at all; but the DraftKings deposit bonus, for example, comes with a x25 playthrough requirement.

Time Limits

One of the betting limits that occasionally trips up new customers is the amount of time you have to play your bonus bet or other bonus generated by a promo code. Caesars is not unusual in stipulating that you have to use the bonus bet credit generated by your initial wager within 14 days. These time limits vary between operators, so please make sure you know how long you have to make the most of your online sportsbook promo code.

Minimum Odds

Many offers triggered by sportsbook bonus codes carry the requirement that any qualifying bet has to be placed at odds longer than a certain minimum. The PointsBet promo code, for instance, insists that you need to wager on an outcome at odds longer than -250. The rationale is that you should not be able to bet on a virtual certainty. However, other operators, such as FanDuel, do not impose a minimum odds requirement at all.

Minimum & Maximum Wagers

Even the best sportsbook promo codes may carry a lower or upper limit on the amount you can wager when taking advantage of your bonus. To qualify for the first bet bonus at Caesars, for instance, you need to deposit at least $50 and stake a minimum of $20. This may be beyond the means of new or occasional bettors. In terms of the maximum, you can in this instance stake more than the limit of $1,500 - but the most you can claim back in bet credits will be $1,500.

Maximum Win

You may be convinced that you will never have to worry about any upper limit on your winnings from any wager generated by a promo code. But just in case... many operators, including FanDuel, have an upper limit of $1million on daily payouts. DraftKings imposes the same limit on baseball, basketball and football - but only $250,000 on hockey and other sports. Caesars is well known as a sportsbook that offers particularly high maximum win limits.

Maximum Withdrawal

Before you take advantage of any sportsbook promo codes, it may be worth checking out whether there is a limit on how much you can withdraw from your account in one go. There is considerable variation depending on the method you are using to claw back your money, not to mention differences between sportsbooks. For instance, at Caesars you can withdraw $5,000 using online banking, e-check and a pre-paid Play+ card, but if you use PayPal you can take out up to $10,000.

How Long Will it Take to Get Bonus Funds to My Account?

Once you have used a promo code to access your California sports betting promos, you will want to start placing wagers as soon as possible. The length of time it takes for any sportsbook bonus funds to reach your account will depend on the type of sportsbook bonus you have been offered.

A no-deposit bonus, or a deposit match, should be applied very quickly. However, if your sportsbook promo code relates to bonus bets, such as those generated by an initial wager, you will have to wait for your qualifying wager to settle before your deposit funds are released to your account. 

How Do I Find Betting Bonuses in California?

Once online sports betting is legalized and the countdown to the launch of legalized wagering in the Golden State is underway, you will have no trouble at all finding California sportsbook promo codes that will generate bonuses for you to enjoy. Be sure to bookmark this page as we will be partnering with the top platforms in the state to bring you exclusive California betting bonuses once the time comes.

Should I Claim California Betting Promos?

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to use California sports betting promos will be guided by your personal taste and betting style. However, the best California sports betting promo codes do offer genuine value, and an opportunity either to enjoy bonus bets or to boost your betting balance considerably through a deposit bonus.

There is very little downside to using a promo code and taking advantage of a welcome bonus, or other offers once you are an existing customer. It is hard enough to make money when you are wagering on sports, so why not take advantage of any offer that eases the burden?

Should I Claim a California Sportsbook Promo Code from an Offshore Book?

The answer to this question is a simple and emphatic, No. While sports bettors in California are waiting patiently for legal, licensed online sports betting to commence in the Golden State, you may be able to find sportsbook bonus codes from illegal offshore betting sites.

However, the fact that these companies are not licensed to operate here means you have absolutely no legal recourse in the event of a dispute. Many bettors have found to their cost that it can be extremely difficult to withdraw funds from such sportsbooks. It is much better to wait until you can enjoy legal play with responsible companies licensed to trade in the state. Every sportsbook we review is 100% legal and fully regulated in the US.

Pros & Cons of California Betting Promo Codes

While there are pros and cons to using sportsbook bonus codes, there is no doubt that the former outweighs the latter. The best California sportsbook promo codes offer you the opportunity to access real value through excellent sign-up bonuses.

A promo code makes this process easy; while you may be able to access sports betting promotions without having to use a promo code, inputting a code during your registration process locks in that bonus. And that bonus should make it enjoyable to wager on your favorite sports and leagues with extra funds, or without the fear of losing your first bet.

The biggest disadvantage of using a promo code is that, in order to access your bonus, you may have to deposit more in your account than you had planned. It might also be dispiriting if your promo code relates to a sport with which you are not familiar.

Deciding whether or not to use a promo code is ultimately a completely personal choice, but we firmly believe there are more pluses than minuses associated with bonus codes.

Claim an Exclusive California Sportsbook Promotion

We do not know how long it will be before you are able to use a promo code to access an exclusive California sportsbook promotion. Considering the lopsided defeat of Prop 26 and Prop 27 ballot initiatives in November 2022, it seems more and more likely sports fans in the state will have to wait until at least 2025 to place legal wagers.

California Sportsbook Promo Codes FAQ

Author

Martin Booth

Martin Booth covers a gambit of topics for BetCalifornia.com as an award-winning contributor covering sports betting and casino gaming around the world for decades, Martin Booth is one of the most trusted voices in online gambling. From legislative updates in California to breaking down the top betting apps in CA.

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