The legalization of sports betting in California remains stalled, with no expected progress before 2025. The state has seen numerous developments including partnerships like the Los Angeles Dodgers with PrizePicks, legal challenges against online sweepstakes and casino operators such as Stake.us and Fliff, and ongoing disputes involving tribal gaming rights. Despite multiple ballot measures proposed since 2019, including those backed by tribes and major sportsbooks, California voters rejected sports betting initiatives in 2022, and tribal opposition continues to complicate legalization efforts. Additionally, regulatory actions such as the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act and new tribal-state gaming compacts have shaped the legal landscape, while investigations into gambling scandals involving athletes have also emerged.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, California’s sports betting environment has been marked by lawsuits, arbitration cases, and political maneuvers, including a gubernatorial candidate engaging with prediction markets and the NBA fining players over betting-related comments. The state’s tribes remain central to any legalization, emphasizing that agreements with them are essential. Meanwhile, operators like Fanatics Sportsbook have implemented refund policies in response to unforeseen events affecting bets. Overall, California’s path to legal sports betting is mired in legal, political, and tribal complexities, delaying the establishment of a regulated market despite significant public and industry interest.