How to Bet on UFC in California: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re in California and looking to spice up your UFC nights with a little action, you’re in the right place. Betting on UFC fights adds an extra layer of excitement—especially when you understand how to do it safely and profitably.

In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through how to bet on UFC in California, which sportsbooks accept Californians, and what to expect when it comes to deposits, payouts, and choosing smart bets.

Is UFC Betting Legal in California?

Let’s start with the legal stuff—because that’s what matters most.

As of now, California has not legalized sports betting at a state level. That means there are no locally licensed sportsbooks like you’d find in New Jersey or Nevada. But don’t worry—you still have safer options.

✅ What You Can Do:

You can safely place UFC bets online with international sportsbooks that accept California residents. These sites are based offshore and operate under international licenses, offering secure platforms and competitive odds.

❌ What You Can’t Do:

You can’t place sports bets at a retail casino or via state-regulated mobile apps like DraftKings or FanDuel (at least not yet).

Is It Safe to Bet Online from California?

Yes—if you stick with trustworthy sites that are well-known in the sports betting community. The sportsbooks listed below have a long-standing reputation, accept California players, and offer full access to UFC markets.

Top 3 UFC Betting Sites for California Players

Here are our top 3 picks, tested for security, speed, bonuses, and UFC coverage:

1. BetOnline

Safe | ⚡ Fast Crypto | UFC-Focused Props

BetOnline is one of the most trusted names in U.S. offshore betting. They’ve been around since 2001 and are especially popular among MMA fans thanks to their deep UFC markets, including:

• Method of victory

• Round + method combos

• Over/under rounds

• Fighter parlays

• Live betting during fights

Why we like it:
You often see UFC odds here before other sportsbooks release them — giving you an edge if you like betting early.

2. MyBookie

Best for Prop Bets & Odds | Generous Bonuses | Mobile-Friendly

MyBookie is a strong choice for UFC bettors, particularly those who enjoy a wide array of betting options beyond just the moneyline. They’ve built a reputation for:

• Diverse prop betting markets (e.g., specific knockdowns, significant strikes)
• Competitive odds, especially on parlays
• Regular promotions and reload bonuses
• User-friendly mobile experience

Why we like it: MyBookie excels in offering a vast selection of prop bets and regularly updates their odds, making it a favorite for those who dive deep into fight analysis.

3. Bovada

Best for Beginners | Easy Card Deposits | Live Betting

Bovada is ideal if you’re just getting started. The interface is clean, beginner-friendly, and optimized for mobile. You also get:

• Live UFC betting

• Early odds for main events

• Unique “Fight Props” menu

• Player-to-player (P2P) transfer support

Why we like it:
Bovada makes it really easy to bet and cash out, even if you’re not tech-savvy. You can even deposit with Zelle via P2P.

Comparison Table

Final Tip: Stick with Verified Brands

All 3 of these sites have a long-standing track record in the U.S. offshore betting world. They’re safe to use from California, and offer better UFC odds than most state-regulated books.

How to Deposit & Withdraw Funds in California

You won’t be using your state bank directly for deposits—but there are secure alternatives.

Deposit Options:

• Crypto (BTC, ETH, LTC, etc.): Fast, private, and low fees. MyBookie supports 10+ cryptocurrencies.
• Debit/Credit Card: Works on most sites (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
• eWallets (Skrill, Neteller): Available on some platforms.
• P2P Transfers: Bovada supports direct player-to-player transfers.

Withdrawal Times:

• Crypto: 5–60 minutes (MyBookie reports Bitcoin payouts in under 24 hours).
• Bank Transfer: 2–4 days.
• Check by Mail: Slower option (~7–10 days).

Tip: Crypto is usually the fastest and most reliable method for both deposits and payouts.

How to Place Your First UFC Bet (Step-by-Step)

Ready to get in the game? Placing your first UFC bet might seem intimidating, but once you do it once, it’s as simple as ordering food online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started, even if you’re brand new to betting.

✅ Step 1: Choose a Trusted UFC Betting Site

Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Since California doesn’t have local apps like DraftKings or FanDuel, your best bet is to go with international sportsbooks that  accept U.S. players.

Recommended Sites for Californians:

• BetOnline – Best for UFC prop bets
• MyBookie – Excellent for prop bets and recurring bonuses
• Bovada – Easiest interface for beginners

Choose one and hit “Join Now” or “Sign Up.”

Step 2: Create and Verify Your Account

Sign-up usually takes 2–3 minutes:

• Fill in your name, email, date of birth

• Create a strong password

• Confirm your email

KYC Note:
Some sites may ask for basic ID verification (driver’s license or utility bill) before your first withdrawal. This is standard and helps prevent fraud.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

Now it’s time to deposit some money. Most sportsbooks let you start with as little as $10 to $20.

Deposit Methods That Work in California:

Tip: Crypto is your best option if you want privacy, speed, and low fees.

Step 4: Browse UFC Events and Betting Markets

Once funded, head to the UFC/MMA section of the sportsbook. You’ll see:

• Upcoming UFC Fight Nights

• Pay-Per-View Main Cards

• Early odds for future matchups

Click into a fight to view all betting options.

Step 5: Choose Your Bet Type

There are many ways to bet on UFC — here are the most popular options for beginners:

Start with moneyline bets to get a feel for the odds and flow.

Step 6: Enter Your Stake and Confirm

After choosing a bet, your bet slip will appear (usually on the right side or bottom of the screen).

• Enter your stake amount (e.g., $10)

• Review the potential payout

• Click “Place Bet” or “Confirm”

Most sites lock in the odds as soon as you confirm your slip — so you know exactly what you’re getting.

‍♂️ Step 7: Watch the Fight and Track Your Bet

Now the fun begins! You can:

• Stream the fight on ESPN+

• Track your bet in real-time on the sportsbook

• Celebrate (or learn!) when the fight ends

Many sportsbooks also offer live betting during the fight — you can place new bets as the action unfolds, which adds even more excitement.

That’s it! You just placed your first UFC bet like a pro.

✅ Remember:

• Stick to small bets at first

• Compare odds between sportsbooks

• Take notes on your results and learn from them

As you get more confident, you can start exploring prop bets, parlays, and advanced markets to increase your edge.

UFC Betting Tips for Beginners in California

Even if you’ve watched hundreds of fights, betting on UFC is a different kind of strategy. Here are some smart tips to help you avoid rookie mistakes and place better-informed wagers—especially if you’re just starting from California.

1. Understand Fighter Styles & Matchups

Don’t just bet based on the name you recognize. Styles make fights.

Example: A striker like Israel Adesanya might dominate a fellow striker, but struggle against a strong grappler like Bo Nickal.

2. Avoid Betting Huge Favorites

You’ll often see a big name at -500 odds. That means you need to bet $500 just to win $100.

Instead, consider:

• Betting prop markets (e.g., method of victory)

• Parlaying two moderate favorites for better odds

• Waiting for live betting opportunities during the fight

3. Use UFC Stats to Make Smarter Picks

Sites like UFCStats.com show fighter:

• Strike accuracy and defense

• Takedown success and defense

• Fight history and cardio patterns

This helps you predict how a fight might play out, instead of guessing.

4. Track Your Bets

Start a simple betting journal or spreadsheet:

This helps you improve over time, spot patterns, and avoid emotional betting.

5. Don’t Chase Losses

UFC can be unpredictable—one head kick can flip the fight in seconds. Stick to a budget, and don’t try to “win it back” on the next fight. Bet with a clear mind, not frustration.

Betting on UFC isn’t about guessing winners — it’s about understanding styles, timing, and value. By starting with smart habits and staying disciplined, you can make UFC betting a fun and potentially profitable side hobby.

Example: UFC Bet Slip Breakdown

Let’s say there’s a UFC main event coming up: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. You’re confident Jones will win — but you want a bigger payout than just the straight-up win (moneyline).

Here’s how you can build a high-value prop bet using advanced markets:

Your Bet Slip:

• Event: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

• Market: Method + Round Combo

• Bet Type: Jon Jones to Win by Submission in Round 2

• Odds: +900

• Stake: $20

• Payout if Win: $200

This bet means:
✔️ Jones must win by submission
✔️ It must happen in Round 2
✔️ If either part doesn’t hit, you lose the bet

Why Try This?
Combo props like this can return 10x your money or more — especially in fights with unpredictable finishes. They’re ideal for bettors who do research on fighter tendencies (e.g., cardio, takedown success, submission history).

Other example bet types you can try:

️ Where to Watch UFC Fights in California

Watching UFC live is half the thrill — especially when you’ve got a bet riding on it. Here’s how Californians can catch all the action:

1. Watch Online via ESPN+ (Official UFC Partner)

• Pay-Per-View Events (PPV):
  Main cards like UFC 306, 307, etc. require a one-time purchase ($79.99) through ESPN+

• UFC Fight Nights:
  These are included in your ESPN+ subscription — no PPV needed.
  Cost: $10.99/month or $109/year

Tip: ESPN+ is the most reliable and safe for UFC events in the U.S.

2. Sports Bars & Lounges in California

Want to feel the energy with other fans? Many sports bars host live UFC watch parties, especially for big PPV events.

Popular UFC-friendly venues in California:

Los Angeles

• Q’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

• The Parlor

• Tom’s Watch Bar at L.A. Live

San Diego

• Brewski’s

• Gaslamp Tavern

• Miller’s Field

San Jose & Bay Area

• Rookies Sports Lodge

• O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub

• The Office Bar & Grill

Ask ahead if there’s a cover charge or a minimum spend for big events.

3. Cable Options

• UFC prelims and post-fight shows often air on ESPN or ESPN Deportes

• Some Fight Nights air on ABC (free-to-air if you have an antenna)

Avoid Illegal Streams

Free streams on shady websites may seem tempting, but they’re often low-quality, full of malware, and could even breach terms with your sportsbook (especially if geo-tracking is involved).

Will UFC Betting Be Legal in California Soon?

If you’re wondering when California will finally legalize sports betting, you’re not alone. With nearly 40 million residents and a massive UFC fanbase, California is a goldmine for sportsbooks—but political and tribal conflicts have delayed progress.

Here’s where things stand in plain English:

What Happened So Far

In November 2022, Californians voted on two sports betting ballot initiatives:

Both were overwhelmingly rejected by voters. Why?

• Confusing language

• Conflicts between Native American tribes and big tech sportsbooks

• Worries about addiction and youth access

️ What’s Next for California?

As of mid-2025, there is no active bill on the November 2025 ballot to legalize sports betting. That means the earliest realistic legalization window is 2026 or later — possibly 2028 if things stay slow.

Expert Insight:
Legal analysts suggest that a single, unified proposal backed by both tribal casinos and national operators could be the key. Until then, expect more delays.

✅ What You Can Do Now?

While you wait for California to catch up, you can safely bet online with international sportsbooks that welcome U.S. players:

• BetOnline (Established, crypto-friendly)
• MyBookie (Great for props, frequent bonuses)
• Bovada (Clean UI, solid live betting)

These sites are licensed offshore (e.g., in Curacao or Panama), and while not regulated by the state, they are widely used by bettors across California.

Final Word on CA Legalization

California will likely legalize online sports betting eventually—there’s just too much money on the table. But until the tribes, state lawmakers, and sportsbooks agree on terms, offshore sites remain your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it legal to bet on UFC in California?

No, California hasn’t legalized state-regulated sportsbooks, so you can’t use apps like DraftKings or BetMGM. However, you can safely use offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, MyBookie, and Bovada, which accept California residents.

Is it safe to bet on offshore sportsbooks?

Yes — as long as you use trusted sites with a long track record. All the platforms we recommend are licensed, secure, and widely used by U.S. players. Just avoid sketchy, unknown sites.

What’s the minimum amount I can bet on UFC?

Most sportsbooks let you bet as little as $1 to $5. You don’t need to risk a lot to get started. You can scale up once you’re confident in your strategy.

Can I bet on UFC from my phone in California?

Absolutely. All the sportsbooks we recommend — BetOnline, MyBookie, and Bovada — are fully mobile-friendly, so you can place bets from your phone or tablet.

Do I need to pay taxes on UFC betting winnings?

Technically, yes. U.S. citizens are required to report gambling winnings on their federal taxes, even if the bets are placed with offshore sportsbooks. We recommend speaking to a tax advisor if you’re betting regularly or cashing out large amounts.

What’s the best bet type for UFC beginners?

Start with moneyline bets (picking the winner), then try method of victory (KO, submission, decision) once you understand fighter styles. Stay away from risky parlays until you’re more experienced.

Can I bet on UFC fight props like “round betting” or “KO”?

Yes! Most offshore books offer prop bets like:

• Fighter to win by KO/submission/decision
• Round + method combos
• Over/under on total rounds
• Fight to go the distance

These are great once you’re comfortable with basic betting.

Where can I watch UFC fights in California?

You can watch live fights via:

• ESPN+ (PPV and Fight Night events)
• Local sports bars (many host UFC watch parties)
• ESPN cable (select free events)

Watching the fights live helps you follow your bets and learn fighter tendencies.

Do I need to verify my ID to withdraw winnings?

Yes, most sportsbooks require a simple KYC (Know Your Customer) process before your first big withdrawal. This typically includes uploading a valid ID and proof of address. It’s standard for security and anti-fraud purposes.

✅ Final Thoughts: Betting on UFC in California

Even without in-state regulation, Californians can safely enjoy UFC betting with the right knowledge and platforms. Whether you’re betting $10 on a heavy favorite or trying to predict a first-round upset, the experience can be thrilling—especially when you bet smart.

Recommended Reading Next:

• Top UFC Prop Bets for Beginners

• Crypto Betting Sites for UFC Fans

• Is UFC Betting Legal in the U.S.? State-by-State Guide