Are Betting Pools Legal in California?

The short answer… no, not really.

There is a law in California that makes participating in betting pools a felony. However, there is another law that basically that makes it a misdemeanor. So, no, betting pools in California are not legal and participating in events such as March Madness is illegal.

Is it likely you could be arrested for playing March Madness? No, not likely. Also not impossible.

For example, in other states like Georgia, the police force isn’t holding back. In fact, according to the Bleacher Report, on March 16th, 2015 in Georgia, “Twenty-three people were detained and charged with illegal gambling relating to March Madness…”

So, What Makes It A Misdemeanor?

According to the California law, as long as the gambling isn’t being run online and your office isn’t going over $2,500, it is a misdemeanor and you will not be thrown in jail.

To learn more about betting in California and some cool facts on this year’s March Madness, watch the video below: