Best Sports Betting Apps in California for 2026
Updated: April 2026 • BMR Expert Reviewed • California-Focused Analysis
California doesn’t offer state-regulated online sports betting but that doesn’t mean you can’t safely bet on sports in California. Millions of Californians are already placing safe, secure wagers right from their phones and here is an honest, verified look at exactly how they are doing it. Read California DOJ legal opinions and guidance.
The most exciting two minutes in sports is just around the corner. California doesn’t offer regulated local commercial sportsbooks, but you absolutely do not have to miss out on the 2026 Kentucky Derby action. Thousands of CA bettors place Derby wagers every year through established offshore racebooks, and the process is simpler than you’d think.
Top Offshore Sportsbooks For California Players (2026)
- BetOnline – Opinionated lines on CA sports events and a low bonus rollover
- Bovada – The Best Bonus Sportsbook for CA players
- Heritage Sports – Excellent for live betting in California and -108 style lines
- BetAnything – Reduced juice offerings at -105 for CA bettors
- BookMaker – Comprehensive loyalty program for CA players and large limits
Skip Ahead: Apps Comparison | Bonuses | How to Bet | Crypto | Legislation | Affiliate Disclosure
How to Bet the 2026 Kentucky Derby in California
Currently, no state-licensed sportsbook operates in California. That leaves a gap. The fix? Offshore betting sites that accept California residents and carry full Kentucky Derby cards. The racebooks rated on this page have been reviewed, tested, and monitored by BookMakersReview.com for years. Sign up, fund your account, find the Churchill Downs race card, and place your bets. Kentucky Derby betting from California really is that straightforward.
Why California Bettors Use Offshore Sites for Kentucky Derby Wagering
California law doesn’t prohibit individuals from placing bets with offshore operators. No resident has been prosecuted for using one. That legal gray area, combined with the absence of any regulated alternative, is exactly why offshore racebooks have become the go-to for in-state horse racing fans. The sites reviewed further up this page offer competitive odds and real payouts, all backed by the same track data you’d get at Santa Anita’s betting windows.
Kentucky Derby Bet Types Available to California Residents
New to the track? Start with the basics and build from there.
- Win — Pick the horse that crosses first.
- Place — Your horse finishes first or second. Lower payout, better odds of cashing.
- Show — First, second, or third. The safest straight bet.
- Exacta — Call the top two finishers in order. Tougher, but the payoff jumps.
- Trifecta — Top three, exact order. This is where casual fans hit life-changing winnings.
- Futures — Bet a contender weeks before post time, often at inflated prices.
- Props — Wager on specifics beyond the finish order: winning margin, over/under on race time, head-to-head matchups between two horses, color of winning silks.
2026 Kentucky Derby Odds and Early Contenders
The Derby field won’t be locked until entries close, but futures boards already tell a story. As of early 2026, keep these names on your radar:
- Renegade — Sitting near +300 at most offshore books after a dominant prep season.
- Commandment — A closer with serious late speed; hovering around +600.
- Chief Wallabee — A long shot with raw talent and odds near +900.
- Paladin – Early Derby favorite is out due to a condylar fracture.
Kentucky Derby odds for 2026 will shift fast once the final field is drawn. Lock in futures early if you spot value, as prices only tighten as race day approaches.
What to Look for in a California-Friendly Derby Betting Site
Not every offshore book treats horse racing the same. Hunt for these specifics before you deposit a dime:
- Payout speed — 48 hours or less for crypto; under a week for traditional methods.
- Racing coverage depth — Full Derby undercard, not just the main race.
- Bonus terms — Rollover requirements under 6x on racing deposits.
- Mobile experience — A smooth, responsive app that doesn’t choke on live odds updates.
Scroll to the California sportsbook ratings on this page and compare books that check every one of those boxes.
Important: The BMR Top 5 Sportsbooks accept customers from CA, but none are licensed or regulated by the State of California.
Legal, regulated options in California:
- Horse racing betting (parimutuels): CA horse racing betting
- Cardrooms (poker + permitted table games): CA DOJ: Cardrooms | CGCC.gov
Sweat the game, not the payout …
Legendary Professional Gambler
The Most Asked Sports Betting Question in California
Can you bet the Kentucky Derby online in California?
Yes. California doesn’t offer regulated online sportsbooks, which is why offshore sportsbooks have become the go-to option for California bettors who want Kentucky Derby futures, deep exotics, and sharper prices. The vetted books on our shortlist above accept California players, pay out reliably, and cover the full Churchill Downs card — making them a safe and proven way to bet the Derby from anywhere in the state.
Why are offshore Kentucky Derby bets better than pari-mutuel or track betting?
Fixed odds lock in your price the moment you place the bet. If you grab a horse at 15-1, you cash at 15-1, even if the public hammers the price down to 6-1 by post time. Pari-mutuel betting at the track pools all the money together and pays out based on final odds, so late money on your horse directly shrinks your payout. Offshore sportsbooks offer fixed-odds Kentucky Derby betting, which rewards sharp bettors who spot value early and punishes the public for piling on favorites at the window.
Top 5 Best California Sportsbooks & Sports Betting Apps (2026)
FREE BETS
Max Bonus: $250 | Rollover: 1x (bet balance 1 time prior to withdraw)
- THE GOOD
- Sharp, “opinionated” lines and a low 1x rollover welcome offer (easy to clear compared to most offshore bonuses).
- Strong market depth and a clean betting flow with fast, reliable live chat.
- THE BAD
- Restricted in NJ (not available for NJ players).
- Credit card deposits can carry higher fees; crypto is often the smoother banking option.
BetOnline is known for sharp lines, competitive odds, and a wide selection of betting markets.
The site features a simple interface with a visible betslip and real-time odds updates.
Fast live chat support and frequent bonus offers make it a reliable option for all bettors. | BetOnline customers posting forum
BetOnline Stats
BetOnline data verified against PokerScout, SimilarWeb Traffic Analytics (March 2026), independent state-level audits, BMR estimates.
- BEST FOR
- Bettors who prioritize pricing + low rollover over the biggest headline bonus.
- Players who want broad sports coverage and a straightforward mobile-browser betting experience.
- NOT FOR
- Players located in New Jersey
- Bonus hunters who only care about the largest bonus size (not the easiest cashability).
DEPOSIT BONUS
Max Bonus: $750 | Rollover: 5x (bet balance 5 times prior to withdraw)
DEPOSIT BONUS
Max Bonus: $250 | Rollover: 5x (bet balance 5 times prior to withdraw)
- THE GOOD
- Beginner-friendly interface on desktop and mobile, plus one of the largest prop menus.
- Strong welcome offers (including crypto bonus options) and a helpful resource feel for new bettors.
- THE BAD
- Long restricted-state list (not available everywhere).
- 5x rollover on the main welcome offers is higher than the lowest-rollover competitors.
Bovada offers California players an intuitive, easy-to-use interface on both desktop and mobile.
New bettors enjoy generous welcome bonuses and unique prop bets.
The platform provides a helpful resource center for beginners. | Bovada customers posting forum
Bovada Stats
Bovada data verified against SimilarWeb Traffic Analytics (March 2026), Hypestat estimates, independent industry reviews, BMR estimates.
- BEST FOR
- Bettors who want props + a simple UI (especially newer bettors).
- Players who like crypto bonuses and a smoother “start-to-first-bet” experience.
- NOT FOR
- Players in restricted states (check list before signup).
- Anyone who only wants 1x rollover welcome bonuses.
OFFER
Max Bonus: $500 | Rollover: 10x (bet balance 10 times prior to withdraw)
- THE GOOD
- Excellent value for frequent bettors: reduced-juice (-108 style) lines and quarterly cashback (strong long-term edge).
- Solid live betting experience with broad coverage across major and niche sports.
- THE BAD
- Welcome offer comes with a 10x rollover, which can be harder to clear.
- No poker (if you want a sportsbook + poker combo, this isn’t it).
Heritage Sports stands out for its reduced juice lines and generous welcome bonus.
California bettors receive quarterly cash back with no rollover, plus access to competitive perks and bonuses.
The site offers smooth live betting, an intuitive props builder, and broad coverage of major and niche sports. | Heritage Sports customers posting forum
Heritage Sports Stats
Heritage Sports data verified against SimilarWeb Traffic Analytics (March 2026), independent industry reviews, BMR estimates.
- BEST FOR
- Bettors who care about reduced juice and long-term value (high volume / consistent bettors).
- Players who prioritize live betting depth over bonus cashability.
- NOT FOR
- Bonus-first bettors who want the lowest rollover possible.
- Players who want an all-in-one sportsbook that also includes poker.
BONUS
Max Bonus: $750 | Rollover: 10x (bet balance 10 times prior to withdraw)
- THE GOOD
- Best-in-class value pricing with reduced juice (-105) on key markets (compounds over time).
- Good “works like an app” mobile-browser experience and a large welcome promo for new users.
- THE BAD
- The welcome offer has a 10x rollover (not an “easy clear” bonus).
- Bonus activation may require contacting support within 24 hours (extra step vs auto-applied offers).
BetAnything offers California bettors industry-leading reduced juice lines at -105.
New customers can choose from multiple bonus options.
The popular Less Juice Package offers consistent long-term savings. | BetAnything customers posting forum
BetAnything Stats
Data verified against historical domain records, industry reviews, BMR estimates as of March 2026.
- BEST FOR
- Bettors who are price-sensitive and want reduced-juice savings (-105).
- Recreational bettors who want a big percentage bonus and don’t mind higher rollover.
- NOT FOR
- Anyone who dislikes high rollover terms.
- Users who want a bonus that activates with zero friction (no support contact).
DEPOSIT BONUS
Max Bonus: $500 | Rollover: 8x (bet balance 8 times prior to withdraw)
CREDIT CARD DEPOSIT BONUS
Max Bonus: $400 | Rollover: 1x (bet balance 1 time prior to withdraw)
- THE GOOD
- Built for serious bettors: higher limits and early access to sharp lines on major markets.
- Strong loyalty program and a low-rollover option (1x) on the main “GET100” style welcome offer.
- THE BAD
- Restricted in NJ (not available for NJ players).
- Interface and positioning are geared more toward high-volume / serious bettors than casual “promo-first” users.
BookMaker offers early access to sharp betting lines and high betting limits for sharp players.
California bettors have access to a wide range of markets.
BookMaker is renowned for their comprehensive loyalty program. | BookMaker customers posting forum
BookMaker Stats
BookMaker.eu data verified against SimilarWeb Traffic Analytics (March 2026), Hypestat estimates, BMR estimates.
- BEST FOR
- Bettors who want higher limits and a more “sharp” sportsbook style.
- Players who prefer a cleaner rollover offer (1x) over complicated promo terms.
- NOT FOR
- Players located in New Jersey.
- Casual bettors who want the biggest match bonuses and a softer, more guided UX.
California Sports Betting Apps Comparison
California does not currently authorize state-regulated online sportsbooks, so there are no California-licensed Kentucky Derby betting apps in the App Store. Most Californians who want Kentucky Derby betting action use mobile-browser sportsbook sites on iPhone/Android that run like “apps” and typically don’t require a VPN.
Want the full device/network testing notes (iOS vs Android, Wi‑Fi vs LTE/5G, live betting stress tests)?
Read: CA Sports Betting Apps Comparison (Full Review & Testing)
Quick Comparison: Best California-Accessible Sportsbook Apps (2026)
| App | Best For | Mobile Experience (Summary) |
|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | All-around mobile flow | Fast navigation + smooth betslip |
| Bovada | Live betting + props | Strong live layout + easy props |
| Everygame | Casual bettors | Simple menus + low-friction UX |
| Heritage Sports | Reduced Juice | Solid market depth + stable mobile |
| Bookmaker.eu | Higher limits | Built for serious volume + lines |
Note: payout timing varies by verification, processing windows, and any bonus rollover requirements. For banking specifics, see our California crypto guide.
Mobile UX in California
The best California-accessible “apps” feel app-like on small screens. In our testing, top performers share:
- Fast market load times and stable menus
- A betslip that doesn’t glitch, jump, or mis-tap
- Fewer taps from login → wager → confirmation
- Consistent performance across iOS and Android devices
Live Betting Speed & Odds Refresh
Live betting exposes weak mobile design fast. The books that perform best tend to offer:
- Quick odds refresh with fewer manual reloads
- Fast bet confirmation during high-tempo moments
- Live markets that are easy to find (not buried in menus)
Withdrawals & Cashout Clarity
A “best app” isn’t just easy to bet on—it’s easy to cash out from. We prioritize books with clear cashier instructions and predictable withdrawal steps. Smart bettor move: make a small test withdrawal early to confirm verification requirements and real timing. If a payout issue occurs, use Dispute Resolution.
Next step: For methodology, screenshots, and the full testing breakdown, read CA Sports Betting App Performance Testing.
California Sportsbook Bonuses & Promos For The 2026 Kentucky Derby
These offshore sports betting apps offer real-money California sportsbook bonuses that work on mobile and support payouts in crypto or standard currency.
BetOnline – Best for Bigger Bonus Offers
- Offer: 50% bonus up to $250
- Promo Code: FREE250
- Min Deposit: $55
- Rollover: 1x (sports)
- Best Payment: Bitcoin or USDT
Bovada – Best Choice for Crypto Bettors
- Offer: 75% up to $750 (Crypto only)
- Promo Code: BTCSWB750
- Min Deposit: $20 in Bitcoin
- Rollover: 5x (sports)
- Best Payment: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash
BetAnything – Best for Reduced Juice
- Offer: 150% bonus up to $750
- Promo Code: BMR150
- Min Deposit: $50
- Rollover: 10x (with minimum odds of -140)
- Best Payment : Credit card or bitcoin
Heritage Sports – Competitive Free Play
- Offer: 100% Free Bet up to $500
- Promo Code: BMR100
- Min Deposit: $50
- Rollover: 10x (sports)
- Best Payment: Credit or debit card
BookMaker – Fast Signup and Bitcoin Perks
- Offer: 100% Free Bet up to $400
- Promo Code: GET100
- Min Deposit: $50
- Rollover: 1x (sports)
- Best Payment: Credit or debit card
Weekly Bonus Promotions Available
- BetOnline: Ongoing 25% reload with code LIFEBONUS
- Bovada: Weekly contests, mobile-only boosts, and free bets
- BetAnything: Rebates and rotating odds boosts
Bonus Tip: What to Watch For
- Crypto-based bonuses usually come with lower rollover hurdles, but they require BTC, ETH, or USDT for activation.
- Most wagering requirements fall in the 4x to 10x range. Make sure to double-check before you opt in.
How to Bet on Kentucky Derby in California (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026)
Here’s how to bet the Kentucky Derby from California at an offshore book, from start to ticket-in-hand. Follow this exact order and you’ll be ready to bet the ponies with hours to spare before post time.
Want the full walkthrough? Read the complete guide on How to Bet on Sports in California (Step-by-Step).
Steps To Bet The Kentucky Derby From California:
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1 Pick a book from the list above.Match the book to what you care about most: Bovada for mobile betting, BetOnline for exotics, MyBookie for payout speed, Heritage Sports for high limits.
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2 Create your account.You need an email, a phone number, a physical address, and your date of birth. Use real info -- fake data kills payouts when verification hits on a big cash-out.
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3 Fund with crypto.Bitcoin is your best option. Buy on Coinbase, Kraken, or Cash App, then send to the deposit wallet the sportsbook provides. Bitcoin takes 10–20 minutes on average to clear. Card deposits work too, but carry fees and longer hold times.
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4 Find the oddsPull up the Kentucky Derby futures board under "Racebook" and lock your price. Fixed odds beat pari-mutuel every time. Whatever price you bet is the price that pays. Bet Renegade at +350 this week and a flood of race-day money won't kill your payout.
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5 Build your ticket and place the bet.Pick your horse, pick your bet type, punch the stake, confirm. Screenshot the receipt. Always screenshot the receipt.
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6 Withdraw winnings.Request your cashout via crypto. Most books push Bitcoin payouts same-day when you win Sunday morning.
Who Should NOT Bet Using Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks are not a fit for everyone. You should avoid betting offshore if you:
- Prefer state-regulated protections, formal dispute resolution, or government oversight
- Rely on credit card chargebacks or bank reversals if a dispute occurs
- Are uncomfortable using cryptocurrency (Bitcoin is often required for fast payouts)
- Expect instant customer support escalation similar to U.S.-regulated apps
Offshore sportsbooks operate outside the U.S.; they do not offer the same consumer safeguards as regulated American betting apps.
Quick Jump: Apps Comparison | Bonuses | How to Bet | Crypto | Legislation
California Crypto Deposits & Faster Payouts (Bitcoin, USDT, Withdrawal Speed)
Crypto is often the smoothest banking option for California-accessible sportsbook apps (mobile-browser sites), especially when card deposits get declined or withdrawals take longer than expected.
Reality check: Crypto can be fast — but payout timing still depends on verification (KYC), bonus rollover, sportsbook processing windows, and blockchain traffic.
Why California bettors use crypto (when it’s worth it)
- More reliable deposits: Crypto avoids many card declines and processor blocks.
- Faster withdrawals (often): Once verified and cleared of rollover rules, top books frequently send crypto payouts the same day.
- Lower friction: Fewer intermediaries than card/wire routes.
- Better tracking: You can verify transactions on-chain.
How to avoid payout delays (quick checklist)
Before you withdraw:
- Complete verification early (don’t wait until your first cashout).
- Confirm rollover is finished if you took a bonus (and remember many books also require a basic deposit turnover before withdrawing).
- Withdraw to a wallet you control and double-check you’re using the correct coin/network (especially for USDT).
Read the full guide: California crypto sportsbook guide (Bitcoin, USDT, payout speeds)
Crypto Payout Speed Benchmarks (BMR testing, updated Jan 2026)
Times assume verification is complete; network traffic and cashier windows can change timing
| Sportsbook | Crypto Accepted | Typical payout window (after verification) | Wallet / QR support |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | BTC, ETH, USDT | Under 2 hours | Full QR + Wallet |
| Bovada | BTC, BCH, LTC | 1-2 hours | Seamless mobile payouts |
| Heritage Sports | BTC, ETH, LTC | 1-2 days | Full QR + Wallet |
| BetAnything | BTC, ETH, LTC | 1-2 days | Basic integration |
| BookMaker | BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH | 1-2 days | Basic integration |
What “payout window” means: This is the time from a processed/approved withdrawal to funds reaching your wallet. It does not*include delays caused by KYC reviews, security checks, or bonus rollover requirements.
Next steps: Banking Resource Guides
- Sportsbook KYC Checklist (docs, timelines, common delay triggers)
- Payout Speed Benchmarks (typical timelines by method)
- Banking Safety Checklist (preventing holds & avoiding common mistakes)
Need help with a delayed withdrawal? File a sportsbook complaint
The Golden State of California — shining bright since 1850.
California Sports Betting Legality & 2026 Ballot Tracker
Not yet. California’s next realistic opportunity to legalize sports betting apps is the November 2026 statewide ballot — but only if competing tribal and commercial stakeholders agree on a unified proposal.
Read the BMR Comprehensive Research Report California Legalization Report 2026
BMR now provides the most complete, continuously updated 2026 California Sports Betting Vote Tracker, combining legislative analysis, tribal statements, polling data, and industry forecasts.
California’s next realistic path to legalized sports betting is the November 2026 statewide ballot—but only if stakeholders align and a proposal qualifies by official initiative deadlines.
BMR 2026 Projection (Updated February 2026):
- Chance sports betting appears on the 2026 California ballot: 23% (Appears)
- Chance voters approve sports betting if it reaches the ballot: 25% (Passes)
BMR’s evidence and methodology to calculate California’s chances of legalizing sports betting.
Read the full tracker: California Sports Betting Ballot 2026: Vote Odds, Timeline & Legal Outlook
Official status sources (for verification):
Is sports betting legal in California right now?
Daily Fantasy / Pick’em / Underdog-style games: where does CA stand?
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) in California has become a major search topic—especially pick’em contests that look like player-prop parlays. In July 2025, the California Department of Justice published a formal legal opinion on DFS that concluded California law prohibits DFS games with players physically located in California. (Official source: CA DOJ press release and opinion link.)
What this means in plain English (not legal advice):
- “Pick’em” contests are part of the DFS debate in California, and they’ve been specifically discussed in coverage of how the opinion applies to common formats.
- The Attorney General’s opinion increased enforcement pressure and operator uncertainty—BMR has covered both the enforcement posture and the lead-up around operator legal challenges.
- California tribal stakeholders have also publicly criticized DFS and pick’em-style products, framing them as illegal gambling that competes with tribal exclusivity.
Recommended reads:
Responsible Gambling Resources for California Sports Bettors
Sports betting should always remain a form of entertainment for Californians. If betting stops being fun or begins to feel difficult to control, trusted support options are available.
Bet Smart, Stay in Control
If gambling ever feels overwhelming, reaching out for help early is a sign of strength — and help is always available. Californians can explore practical tools, education, and guidance in our responsible gambling resources.
Get Immediate Help — 24/7 Support
If you or someone you know in California needs immediate assistance, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline:
📞 1-800-522-4700
💬 24/7 confidential chat and text support
This free and confidential service connects California bettors with trained professionals who understand problem gambling and recovery options.
Neighboring State Sportsbook Guides (AZ, NV, OR, ID, UT)
FAQs: California Betting Apps & Sportsbooks
Is it legal to bet on sports online in California?
California has not yet legalized or launched any state-regulated online sports betting, but residents can place bets on platforms licensed outside the U.S.
Which betting platforms actually work in California?
Sites like Bovada and BetOnline are fully operational in California. These reputable offshore sportsbooks allow you to wager on sports and casino games from your computer or smartphone, with no geolocation blocks.
Do I need a VPN to sign up?
No VPN or location-masking tools are needed. These leading offshore sportsbooks welcome California players and work seamlessly in standard web browsers.
Which apps are the best for crypto?
If you want to deposit or withdraw using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, BetOnline and Bovada are top choices. They offer fast, secure crypto transactions in several popular digital assets.
Are there any California-based sportsbook apps?
No, there are currently no California-licensed or state-regulated sportsbook apps. Until new laws are enacted, players use trusted offshore platforms for online betting.
Can I bet from my phone?
Absolutely! These offshore sites are fully optimized for mobile betting, so you can place wagers right from your smartphone browser—no app download needed.
Do sportsbooks for California offer bonuses?
Yes. Leading platforms like Bovada and BookMaker offer substantial welcome bonuses, free bets, reloads, and ongoing promotions for California bettors. Always read the bonus terms and wagering conditions before opting in.
How old do I need to be to bet on sports in California?
Most offshore sportsbooks require you to be at least 18 years old to register and bet, but always check the age requirements of your chosen sportsbook.
Do California sports betting sites accept credit cards?
Top offshore operators such as BetOnline and Bovada take credit card deposits (including Visa and Mastercard). As some U.S. banks may block gambling transactions, confirm successful deposits before betting.
Is it safe to use offshore sports betting platforms in California?
Respected offshore sportsbooks with a strong history and regulatory credentials—like BetOnline and Heritage Sports—are considered safe for California bettors.
Are there deposit or withdrawal fees?
Most offshore sportsbooks do not charge fees for crypto transactions. However, credit card or bank transfers may involve processing fees. Always check the site’s banking section for the latest information.
What changed in the last update
February 15, 2026
- Linked to the evidence and methodology page for calculating California’s chances of legalizing sports betting.
February 13, 2026
- Added Responsible Gambling resources section.
February 3, 2026
- Added DFS section.
January 2026
- Re-verified current California-accessible sportsbook bonuses, promo codes, max amounts, and rollover requirements (including crypto vs card offers).
- Refreshed mobile “apps” testing notes (iOS/Android flow, betslip stability, and live-betting performance checks) and updated the Apps Comparison section.
- Updated California legality/ballot tracker references and rechecked official state sources for initiative status and deadlines.
Before entering journalism, Martin worked for five years at William Hill in London, gaining first-hand industry knowledge that now informs his betting insights and safety evaluations.
His reporting and analysis have been featured in major outlets including:
- The Independent
- USA Today
- The Sun
- Legal Sports Report
- PlayUSA
- SportsLine (CBS) — where he appears as "The Guru"
- BA in English Literature
- MA in Creative Writing
- Postgraduate journalism qualifications
California Sports Betting News
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