Top Sports Betting Apps in California: Best Sportsbook Promos

California sports betting promos quick facts

What betting apps are legal in California? (DFS alternatives explained)

California is still without legal traditional online betting sites or sports betting apps in 2025 after its most recent proposals were rejected during the November 2022 ballot. While we await updates, Golden State bettors can make wagers and enter contests via daily fantasy sports (DFS) and social sportsbooks today. 

The top California DFS and social betting sites provide a fun and unique gambling experience, allowing you to still access typical betting markets for top leagues, but join contests and tournaments for free. You can also access predictive betting markets, which operate like the stock exchange and allow you to buy, sell, and trade bets with other users.

We've outlined the top new-user promos you can claim in California below:

Covers Expert Analysis

"DFS platforms operate in a legal grey area in California, as these sites have operated with federal approval since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, which declares that online contests with pre-determined outcomes based on statistical accrued during the sporting event not to be an unlawful form of wagering."

Carson Deveau, Betting Editor

DFS vs. sports betting: Key differences

DFS and sports betting share a lot of similarities, but they remain different in some crucial ways, both legally and structurally. 

Here is how they break down: 

Why DFS is the closest legal alternative to sports betting

Here are a few reasons why Californians should check out DFS operators today, which are the top alternative to traditional sports betting in 2025: 

🏆Types of bets and contests: DFS contests, especially pick'em games, typically mirror the available bet types you can find at traditional sportsbooks, as you must rely on your sports knowledge to make strategic betting choices. 

💸Payouts: Both DFS and sports betting award you with real money if you are successful. Unlike traditional betting sites, where payouts are determined by the odds you wager on, the rewards you can receive at DFS sites are dependent on the size and entry fees of the contest.

💰Bonuses and promotions: DFS sites routinely offer promotions similar to what you can find at traditional sportsbooks, such as bonus entries or bonus bets into various contests. Both betting platforms also provide welcome bonuses to new users upon registration.  

⭐ Legally available in California: Unlike sports betting, DFS is legal in California, allowing players who are at least 18 years old to sign up and wager.

How to choose the best DFS app in California

These are some of the factors you should consider when choosing a California DFS app in 2025:

Top 5 daily fantasy and social sportsbook apps in California reviewed

We've leveraged our expertise in evaluating and crafting legal U.S. betting site reviews to bring you the definitive ranking of the top five sportsbook promos and sports betting apps California offers in 2025: 

1. Thrillzz Sportsbook California promo

400% Match First Purchase Offer: Spend $10, Get $50 in Coins + 60,000 FC

Code: COVERS

 Claim $50

Who it's for

We think receiving two bonuses for the price of one bonus code is an incredible deal, which is why we recommend all users take advantage of the latest Thrillzz Sportsbook welcome offer today. You can use your bonus funds to dive into the DFS platform, exploring its wide range of betting markets and contests.

Bonus terms and conditions

To qualify, be sure to use the exclusive Thrillzz Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUS'.

Once your account is set up, you’ll immediately receive the no-deposit bonus of $3 in SC and 3,000 FC.

You can then score a 400% first-bet match up to $50 in SC and 60,000 FC. Initial wager must be at least $10 to qualify.

Before receiving any bonus funds from either first-purchase offer, you'll need to complete the verification process by providing your birthdate, Social Security Number (SSN), name, and address.

The Covers-exclusive Thrillzz Sportsbook California promo is currently ongoing. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.2/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.2/5
Key features	⭐ 4.2/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.2/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.2/5
User experience	⭐ 4.7/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.2/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"I saw this app on TikTok and decided to try it out because of the bonuses, and I think the app has a good start right now. It’s another “social” sports picks app so you can do ML and stuff, except some lines aren’t available as of writing this review. For example, I couldn’t choose pitching outs lines like the other apps let me just because they simply don’t offer it. I will say, though, that one of my picks settled incorrectly as a loss when it should have been a win based on the official stats, and Thrillz support responded quickly and remedied my issue quickly. Additionally, the withdrawal process was very quick to my bank account; it took about a day for it to be added.”

- App Store user

"I see a lot of people saying they can’t withdraw because their account is pending verification, which was a problem for me as well. I had to contact customer support twice, and the second time, they apologized and sent a verification link using a third-party verifier. My account was verified in a day or so, and I was able to withdraw a good amount of winnings. If you’re patient with customer support, they will get things sorted out. It’s a new app with a small user base currently, so I’m sure there are a few wrinkles they need to work out as they grow. The app has the potential to compete if the verification process is simplified.”

- Benny, App Store user

Thrillzz Sportsbook at a glance

💰 Thrillzz no-deposit bonus	$3 of SC + 3,000 FC free
💰 Thrillzz sign-up bonus	400% Match First Purchase Offer: Spend $10, Get $50 in Coins + 60,000 FC
⏩ Thrillzz Sportsbook promo code	COVERS
🏅 Top feature	User-friendly experience
💵 Minimum deposit	$5
🕒 Payout speed	Within 24 hours
App Store rating	4.4/5 ⭐ (3.3K reviews)
Google Play rating	4.4/5 ⭐ (1.1K reviews)
🌎 Eligible states	All states excluding AL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, NV, OH, SC, and WA
🕒 Offer expiry	Ongoing
✅ Last verified	Sept. 14, 2025

What we like

No-deposit bonus: Finding an online sports betting site that offers a no-deposit bonus is very rare, which is why the Thrillzz Sportsbook California stands out on our list.

First-bet bonus: Everyone loves options, and Thrillzz Sportsbook gives you an additional welcome bonus after making your first real-money bet of at least $10. 

Access to daily rewards: By signing up with Thrillzz Sportsbook, you can also earn exciting daily bonuses, including free spins and more.

What we don't like

Wager entire deposit: You must wager your full qualifying deposit before any bonus funds are released. 

Free Coins hold no value: The Free Coins (FC) from this promo can only be used on-site to enter contests, tournaments, or place future wagers. 

Read our Thrillzz Sportsbook promo code review for more information.

2. ProphetX California promo

Up to 200 Prophet Cash

COVERS

 Claim 200

Who it's for

We highly recommend the current ProphetX California bonus to all Peach State bettors. To qualify, simply use the promo code 'COVERS' and make an initial $10 deposit. With such a low entry requirement, CA bettors of all experience levels can easily claim this generous welcome bonus in just a few minutes. 

Bonus terms and conditions

Download and register an account via the ProphetX sports betting app. 

You must use the ProphetX promo code 'COVERS' to redeem this CA sportsbook bonus.

Make a minimum $10 initial deposit on any available purchase package.  

ProphetX California will issue a 2% bonus on every play — wager — you make during your first 30 days of using the platform. The maximum amount you can redeem is 200 in ProphetX Cash. 

Your 30-day promo period begins when you make your first real-money purchase. You must wager all earned ProphetX Cash once before it can be redeemed for prizes. 

This Covers-verified ProphetX California promo code offer is currently ongoing. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.0/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 3.5/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.2/5
Key features	⭐ 4.2/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.5/5
Customer support	⭐ 3.0/5
User experience	⭐ 4.0/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.5/5

User reviews

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"For those of that live in states without traditional sportsbooks, ProphetX is a godsend! The odds are incredible. Just want to give a big thank you to the folks behind this app."

- App Store reviewer

"I've been using this app for a while, and it’s truly a game-changer in the world of sports betting. The biggest draw for me is the ability to get the best prices available — no more settling for whatever odds the house decides. The freedom to request better odds or propose my own is a feature I haven’t seen elsewhere, and it makes the experience so much more exciting and rewarding."

- App Store user

ProphetX at a glance

💰 Sign-up bonus	Up to 200 Prophet Cash
⏩ ProphetX promo code	COVERS
🏅 Top feature	Low commission rates
💵 Minimum deposit	$10
🕒 Payout speed	Within 24 hours
App Store rating	4.8/5 ⭐ (572 reviews)
Google Play rating	4.7/5 ⭐ (102 reviews)
🌎 Available states	All states excluding AZ, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, OH, TN, and WA
🕒 Offer expiry	Ongoing
✅ Last verified	Sept. 14, 2025

ProphetX iOS app

What we like

Easy to claim: Although the bonus is based on the amount you wager during your first 30 days, we appreciate that you only need to make an initial $10 deposit to qualify. 

Suitable for all bettors: Since the ProphetX welcome bonus is a 'bet match' offer, you can earn ProphetX Cash regardless of whether you fully maximize the promotion or simply meet the minimum requirements.

No market restrictions: You can use your ProphetX Cash on any of the DFS operator's available betting markets, including NFL, NBA, soccer, and more.

What we don't like

Hard to track: Since you can receive a daily bonus for up to 30 days, it might be challenging for new or casual California sports bettors to keep track of the bonus amounts coming in.

Wagering requirements: While the bonus only needs to be wagered once before it can be converted into cash, we prefer welcome bonuses that let you redeem your promotional funds right away.

For additional information, please refer to our ProphetX promo code review. 

3. Novig California promo

  

Up to $100 Bonus

COVERS100

 Claim $100

Who it's for

Everybody is always looking for a deal, so we suggest all California sports bettors sign up and claim the Novig welcome bonus today. What's better is that, after claiming the no-deposit bonus, you can claim up to a $100 bonus based on your initial purchase. 

Bonus terms and conditions

Register with the Novig promo code 'COVERS100'. 

You'll automatically receive the Novig California no-deposit bonus of five Novig Cash. 

Novig Coins hold no monetary value, while you can use Novig Cash to win various cash prizes. 

All Novig California welcome bonuses are currently ongoing. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.6/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.4/5
Key features	⭐ 4.3/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.6/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.6/5
User experience	⭐ 4.6/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.2/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"Talk about leveling the field against the 'Big Gambling' companies. Startup Novig achieves this and so much more, as the operator gives you odds that the house claims are revolutionary. As a lifetime gambler, I’m duty-bound to support this sportsbook, as it’s time that the 'House' gives back, and Novig is our rocket ship! I love the app. I love the odds. And you will, too!"

- App Store user

"Novig is hands-down the best app for sports bettors. The interface is smooth and intuitive, making it incredibly easy to place bets, track odds, and explore matchups. What sets Novig apart is the no-vig model, which eliminates the house edge and ensures you get the best value for your bets. Whether you’re a casual bettor or a pro, Novig has everything you need. This app has completely changed the way I approach sports betting. Highly recommend!" 

- App Store user

Novig at a glance

💰 Novig sign-up bonus	5 Novig Cash + 10% off up to $100
⏩ Novig promo code	COVERS100
🏅 Top feature	Great social sportsbook
💵 Minimum deposit	$5
🕒 Payout speed	2 days
App Store rating	4.9/5 ⭐ (891 reviews)
Google Play rating	4.9/5 ⭐ (203 reviews)
🌎 Available states	AK, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, (+DC)
🕒 Offer expiry	Ongoing
✅ Last verified	Sept. 14, 2025

What we like

No-deposit bonus: No-deposit bonuses are usually only offered during state launches or major sporting events like March Madness. Needless to say, all Golden State sports bettors should take advantage of this generous offer while it lasts.

Great first-purchase offers: Novig immediately provides all new users with an additional bankroll boost by allowing you to select a great deposit-match bonus. 

No restrictions: You can use your bonus funds from all promos on any available Novig betting market. 

What we don't like

Bonus awarded in virtual currency: All Novig Coins cannot be redeemed, as they can only be used for future on-site wagers or to participate in contests.  

One deposit option: We greatly hope that Novig expands its deposit options in the near future, as you can only use Truly currently to add funds to your account. 

Check out our Novig promo code review for more information.

4. Betr Picks California promo

$10 on Sign-Up + $200 Bonus Cash

Code: COVERSBONUS

Claim $210

Who it's for

We recommend that all California sports bettors, regardless of betting experience, redeem the Betr Pick new-user bonus today. Securing an offer that issues a no-deposit bonus and matches 100% of your initial deposit is a great way to boost your bankroll early. 

Bonus terms and conditions

Enter the Cover-verified California Betr promo code 'COVERSBONUS' when registering to be eligible. You will receive a $10 bonus automatically after signing up. 

You must make a minimum $10 initial deposit to qualify for the first deposit offer.

Betr Picks will issue you a bonus equal to your initial investment, up to $200. The bonus will arrive in your account within 72 hours. 

The bonus expires after 30 days and comes with a 1x wagering requirement.

The Betr Picks California bonus is ongoing. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.6/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.6/5
Key features	⭐ 4.8/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.7/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.6/5
User experience	⭐ 4.8/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.6/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity.

"First of all, wanna give a shout-out to Andre from customer support, extremely quick and very kind. Secondly, the app is very good and very well made. There’s no rigged competition, and every game makes it possible for anyone to win. Withdrawals do take a bit longer. However, they do all withdrawals manually, and you get to communicate with real people, so it's way more worth it."

- App Store reviewer

"I just started playing on Underdog, and it is the best new daily fantasy option out there. The snamm group snake drafts are awesome to level the playing field and they even have safety measures to ID and remove any collusion between players on drafts. That way, one team doesn’t get loaded up with all the best players!”

- App Store reviewer

Betr Picks at a glance

💰 Betr Picks sign-up bonus	$10 on Sign-Up + $200 Bonus Cash
⏩ Betr promo code	COVERSBONUS
🏅 Top feature	Mobile-only platform
💵 Minimum deposit	$10
🕒 Payout speed	2 days
App Store rating	4.7/5 ⭐ (34K reviews)
Google Play rating	4.5/5 ⭐ (5K reviews)
🌎 Eligible states	AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MN, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY (+DC)
✅ Last verified	Sept. 14, 2025

Betr Picks iOS app

What we like

No deposit bonus: All you need to do is sign up using our exclusive Betr promo code to score a $10 bonus. 

Great for newbies and casuals: If you're newer to the world of online betting, we cannot recommend this offer enough, as you only need to invest between $10 to qualify. 

No market restrictions: You can spend your earned bonus on any sports markets offered by the DFS operator, including NFL, NBA, NHL, and more.

What we don't like

Unappealing to experienced bettors: Serious bettors seeking a high-valued offer may want to look at promos from other sports betting apps California offers. 

High initial investment required: Some newbies or novice bettors may be unwilling to maximize the first deposit bonus since it requires an initial $200 investment to obtain.

Read through our Betr Pick promo code review for more analysis of this top-notch DFS operator.

5. Fliff California promo

  

First purchase bonus: Spend $100, get up to $200 in Fliff Coins

Code: COVERS100

 Claim $200

  

No-deposit bonus: 5,000 Fliff Coins + 1 Fliff Cash

Code: COVERS100

 Claim 5,000

Who it's for

We encourage all Californians new to Fliff to take advantage of its dual welcome bonuses today. No-deposit promotions are rare in the sports betting industry, so starting your account with 5,000 Fliff Coins — which you can use to play on-site contests for free — and a Fliff Cash instantly stands out to us in 2025.

Bonus terms and conditions

Use the Fliff promo code 'COVERS100' during registration. 

You'll automatically get the Fliff Florida no-deposit bonus of 5,000 Fliff Coins and 1 Fliff Cash after signing up.

You must spend at least $100 to qualify for the Fliff first purchase offer of $200 in Fliff Coins.  

All Fliff Coins you earn from both promotions are non-withdrawable. 

You must have less than $5 in Fliff Cash in your online Florida sports betting account to receive the bonus funds.  

These Covers-verified Fliff California sports betting promos are currently ongoing. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.6/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.5/5
Key features	⭐ 4.6/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.6/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.2/5
User experience	⭐ 4.8/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.0/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity.

"Fliff is probably one of the best sports betting apps! I have won money and lost lots of money with them. Their customer service is pretty fast, and they work solve any issues you have."

- App Store reviewer

"I moved away from a state with legal sports betting and when I found this app I was super sketched out. But I thought I would give it a try just to see what it was about, and man am I glad I did. this app is not only legit, but also incredibly fun! I didn’t really bet on sports that much because I don’t have a ton of disposal income so the fact that I don’t have to spend any money to use this app is awesome."

- App Store reviewer

Fliff at a glance

💰 Sign-up bonus	Spend $100, get up to $200 in Fliff Coins
🤑 Fliff no-deposit sign-up bonus	5000 Fliff Coin + 1 Fliff Cash
⏩ Fliff promo code	COVERS100
🏅 Top feature	Fliff Cash
💵 Minimum deposit	$1
💵 Minimum wager	N/A
🕒 Payout speed	Instant
App Store rating	4.8/5 ⭐ (121.9K reviews)
Google Play rating	4.7/5 ⭐ (10.4K reviews)
🌎 Available states	AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY (+ DC)
✅ Last verified	Sept. 14, 2025

Fliff iOS app

What we like

No-deposit bonus: A no-deposit bonus is the most valuable sportsbook promotion in 2025, and the Fliff California no-deposit offer is an opportunity all new users should take advantage of today.

First-purchase bonus: After claiming the no-deposit bonus, you can easily unlock the Fliff promo code first-purchase bonus by placing a minimum wager of $100 on any betting market or contest.

No restrictions: You can use the bonus funds from both Fliff CA promo code offers on any available betting market.

What we don't like

Limited banking methods: Fliff currently supports payments only through debit and credit cards, as e-wallet options like PayPal are not yet available. It’s unclear whether Fliff will add more payment options in the future.

No ongoing promotions: While Fliff offers generous welcome bonuses for new users, existing California bettors don’t enjoy the same perks, as the site doesn’t provide regular promotions for loyal players. 

Read our Fliff promo code page for further information. 

Top local teams to play DFS with in California

We've outlined below to top California teams you can wager on with DFS sites in 2025:

🏈 San Francisco 49ers - NFL is the most popular sport at DFS sites. Notwithstanding a disappointing 2024, the Kyle Shanahan-led 49ers have been regulars in the playoffs over the past 10 years, making them a good choice for classic, season-long DFS rosters. 

🏈 Los Angeles Rams - The 2022 Super Bowl champions still possess one of the NFL's top offenses thanks to head coach Sean McVay. Adding DeVante Adams to the already pass-happy offense this offseason makes the Rams a great pick for daily head-to-head contests.

🏀 Los Angeles Lakers - Superstar players like LeBron James and Luka Doncic are always going to feature prominently in NBA pick’em contests, which focus on Over/Under style picks for stats like points, assists, and rebounds. Adding these two stat-stuffing all-stars to your daily lineups is always a smart move in our opinion. 

🏀 Golden State Warriors - While not as explosive as they were in the mid-to-late 2010s, the Steph Curry-led Warriors give DFS players multiple options for high-usage players in salary-cap contests. 

⚾ Los Angeles Dodgers - Shohei Ohtani is the best player in the MLB. That greatness carries over to DFS contests, as his incredible output and versatility make him a top candidate in almost all pick'em contests. 

⚾ San Diego Padres - With a lineup of power hitters, including Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres players can offer great value for DFS contests focused on home runs and RBIs. 

Potential California sportsbook promos (if legalized)

California remains one of the most elusive U.S. states in determining if they will or won't legalize traditional sports betting sites. While we all wait in limbo for any indicators, please browse the best potential California sportsbook promos that could arrive if legalization occurs soon: 

When will sports betting be legal in California?

Unfortunatley, the timeline for a traditional sports betting market to launch in California is unclear after two major ballot measures failed to gain any traction in 2022.

One of these ballots, Proposition 26, proposed in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks, but was rejected by a wide margin. Proposition 27 proposed legalizing online sports betting through partnerships between sportsbooks and tribes. This was also overwhelmingly rejected, with roughly 82% of voters deciding against the proposition.

Since those 2022 losses, no new sports betting legislation or ballot initiative has been on the table in California. There are ongoing discussions in the state about a possible measure for the 2026 ballot. However, as of mid-2025 nothing formal has been filed, which is discouraging. At this point, the earliest realistic window for traditional legal sports betting in California is in 2026, but it could easily be even further down the line. 

How we rate betting apps and promo offers

Read below to see what key factors we look at when evaluating a sports betting app California bettors can access in 2025:

How to get started with DFS and social sportsbooks in California

We've claimed each new-user betting promo listed on this page, ensuring each is accessible for all bettors and has no hidden terms. We can confidently say that all Golden State bettors, regardless of experience, can secure each sports betting app California bonus in minutes by following these steps: 

Are DFS contests legal and safe in California?

Yes. Daily fantasy sports contests are completely legal and safe for players in California in 2025. California has no state laws banning DFS, which are viewed and classified as games of skill with predetermined prizes, allowing these operators to offer betting services legally in California and most U.S. states today.
 
In terms of safety, the major platforms operating in California, such as DraftKings Pick 6 and Thrillzz Sportsbook, follow strict security practices, including data encryption, secure user authentication, and fraud prevention tools. They also offer trusted payment methods like credit cards, ACH transfers, and PayPal.

Although the state of California does not formally regulate DFS, most platforms adopt standards from states with more regulatory oversight, including data protection, payout guarantees, and responsible gaming tools to offer services to those struggling with problem gambling. 

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