- California prop betting legalization efforts fell short in 2022, with both Prop 26 and Prop 27 rejected by voters.
- Lawmakers expect to make another push as early as 2026, but most likely for 2028.
- College football prop betting currently exists in a legal gray area in California, as the state doesn’t have any laws for or against daily fantasy sports.
LOS ANGELES – California hasn’t issued any state-regulated sportsbooks, but there are still plenty of options for college prop betting in California. The Golden State has seen efforts fall short in the past, but when will California try to regulate college prop betting again?
There are many daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps and social sweepstakes sportsbooks available, but both of these operate in a legal gray area. California lawmakers looked to regulate college football props and more prop betting back in 2022.
Prop 26 And Prop 27 Fail To Regulate California Prop Betting
California voters rejected both Proposition 26 and Proposition back when they were present on the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot. The two propositions contained different regulations, but the efforts raised more than $450 million in campaign funds.
Proposition 26 would’ve allowed retail sports betting at the 66 tribal casinos and four horse tracks in the state but no online sports betting. Residents rejected the measure with 68.5% voting no and 31.5% voting yes.
Proposition 27 would’ve allowed US sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel to partner with a California tribe to offer online sports betting including prop bets. The measure was overwhelmingly rejected with 83% of voters saying no and only 17% voting yes.
Future efforts to regulate college football prop betting in California are expected for 2026, but many reports claim 2028 is more realistic. Either way, future propositions must include the tribes in a way that doesn’t threaten their revenue.
Current Options For College Prop Betting In California
Popular DFS apps like PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and more aren’t regulated in California but offer prop betting. The same goes for internationally-licensed sportsbooks such as Bovada or BetOnline, who have offered legal prop betting in California for years.
DFS sites are limited to just props, while Bovada offers various game props, team props, awards props and more in addition to college football player props. Both options are regulated elsewhere and operate in a legal gray area in California, but internationally-licensed sportsbooks have a more expansive betting catalogue. In conclusion, when will California try to regulate college prop betting again is irrelevant, thanks to online sportsbooks like Bovada.
