You've probably seen the ads. Jamie Foxx is on your screen, the bright lights of Vegas are flashing, and there’s a massive "Risk-Free Bet" offer staring you in the face. It’s tempting. But if you’re sitting in a coffee shop in Santa Monica or a house in Sacramento and try to open the app, you’re going to hit a digital brick wall.
Honestly, it's frustrating. California is the biggest sports market in the country, yet it's an island where the big players like BetMGM aren't allowed to play.
The short answer is no. Is BetMGM legal in California? Not right now. Not for real money, anyway. As of January 2026, the state remains one of the most complicated legal puzzles in the gambling world. While over 35 other states have flipped the switch, California is still stuck in a loop of failed ballot measures and political tug-of-wars.
The 2022 Meltdown and Why It Still Hurts
To understand why you can't place a parlay on the Lakers today, you have to look back at the absolute chaos of November 2022.
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It was the most expensive ballot initiative battle in U.S. history. We're talking about $450 million spent on ads that practically screamed at voters every time they turned on the TV. There were two competing paths:
- Proposition 26: This was the "Tribal" plan. It would have allowed in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and a few horse racing tracks.
- Proposition 27: This was the "Online" plan, backed by the heavy hitters—BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
Voters didn't just say no. They said absolutely not. Prop 27, which would have brought the BetMGM app to your phone, was crushed with about 82% of people voting against it. People were sick of the ads, confused by the fine print, and generally wary of a massive expansion of online gambling.
Because those initiatives failed so spectacularly, the state's constitution still explicitly bans sports wagering. To change that, you need another vote from the people. And in California, those big votes usually only happen during even-numbered election years.
AB 831: The 2026 "Gray Market" Crackdown
If you've been using "social sportsbooks" or sweepstakes-style apps to get your fix, I have some bad news.
The "gray market" just got a lot smaller. On January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill 831 officially took effect. Governor Gavin Newsom signed this into law late last year, and it basically nukes the dual-currency model that many "sweepstakes" betting sites were using to operate in California.
Before this year, some platforms argued they weren't "gambling" because you weren't technically wagering real money—you were using "sweeps coins" that just happened to be redeemable for cash. California lawmakers weren't buying it. AB 831 prohibits these platforms from awarding cash prizes. If you try to use one of these sites now, you’ll likely find that prize redemption is disabled for California residents.
So, What Can You Actually Do?
It isn't all "no." There are still a few ways to have skin in the game, though they aren't the same as a full-blown sportsbook experience.
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): This is the weirdest part of California law. DFS exists in a "disputed" legal status. It’s not explicitly legal, but it’s not explicitly illegal either. Major players like Underdog Fantasy and DraftKings Pick6 still operate here because the state hasn't moved to shut them down.
- Horse Racing: This is perfectly legal. You can use apps like TVG or TwinSpires to bet on the ponies at Santa Anita or Del Mar.
- The "Drive Across the Border" Move: This is what most hardcore bettors do. If you drive into Arizona or Nevada, the BetMGM app will suddenly wake up. The second your GPS registers that you’ve crossed the state line, you can deposit, bet, and withdraw. Just don't try to place the bet while you're still on the California side of the Hoover Dam.
When Will BetMGM Actually Launch in California?
If you're looking for a date to circle on your calendar, don't hold your breath for 2026.
The industry is currently in a "cooling off" period. After the 2022 disaster, the big sportsbooks realized they couldn't just spend their way into the state. They need the support of the California Tribes. The Tribes are the power players here; they have sovereignty and a massive existing casino infrastructure.
Victor Rocha, a prominent voice in the Indian Gaming Association, has suggested that we might not see a regulated online market until 2028. There is some chatter about a new initiative for the November 2026 ballot, but even if that passes, the "launch process"—setting up the regulations, issuing licenses, and testing the tech—usually takes 12 to 18 months.
Basically, the soonest you'd be betting on your phone from your couch in San Jose is late 2027 or early 2028.
A Word of Caution on Offshore Sites
When you search for is BetMGM legal in California, you’ll often see ads for sites like Bovada or BetOnline.
Be careful. These are offshore sites based in places like Curaçao or Panama. They aren't regulated by any U.S. authority. If they decide not to pay out your $5,000 parlay win, you have zero legal recourse. There’s no California Gaming Commission to call. Stick to the legal alternatives or wait for the real apps to arrive.
Your Next Steps
If you're tired of waiting and want to stay prepared for the eventual launch, here is how you should handle the current landscape:
- Audit your existing accounts: If you have money sitting in a sweepstakes sportsbook, check if AB 831 has affected your ability to withdraw. Do this today.
- Stick to DFS for now: If you want to play legally within state lines, apps like Underdog or Sleeper are your safest bet for player-prop style action.
- Watch the 2026 Ballot: Keep an eye on the November 2026 election cycle. If a tribe-backed sports betting initiative appears, that will be the first real sign that BetMGM is finally on its way.
- Use Geofencing to your advantage: If you're traveling to Vegas or Phoenix for a weekend, download the BetMGM app before you go and finish your identity verification so you're ready to play the moment you cross the border.
The map of the U.S. is turning green state by state, but California is a very specific shade of stubborn. For now, BetMGM remains a "coming soon" attraction for the Golden State.