California Sports Betting - Legal Status & Best DFS Sites 2025
Top rated DFS and social sites in California
24 hours
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- ProphetX Exchange Benefits
- $200 Prophet Cash with 'COVERS1' promo code
- Great player props for NBA Playoffs
- Custom odds via request
1-3 days
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- Novig Benefits
- Top social sportsbook
- Share with friends
- No purchase necessary
1-3 days
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- Thrillzz Benefits
- Diverse gaming options
- User-friendly experience
- Free to play
Within 48 hours
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- Betr DFS Benefits
- 24/7 customer support
- Fun and interactive
- Various payment options
1-3 days
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- DraftKings Pick6 Benefits
- Dynasty status and tiers
- Daily lineups
- Head to head
Within 24 hours
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- Fliff Benefits
- Play for fun and for free
- Access from many states:
- Excellent welcome bonus
Within 24 hours
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- Kalshi Sports Benefits
- Legal sports trading in most states
- Event trading for niche markets
- Excellent mobile app
- Kalshi Sports Review
1-3 days
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- DraftKings DFS Benefits
- Pick from your favorite stars
- Win cash prizes weekly
- Head-to-Head
- Population: 39.6 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 21
- Online sports betting: No
- Retail sportsbooks: No
- Daily fantasy sports: Yes
California sports betting updates
The legalization of sports betting in California will have to wait until 2025 at the earliest. Here’s a brief history of everything sports betting in the Golden State:
July 9, 2025: A group of tribal gaming leaders and attorneys are confident sweepstakes gaming operators will lose in California.
July 8, 2025: California’s Anti-Sweepstakes casino bill passes governmental organization committee, but not without concerns from lawmakers.
July 3, 2025: California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office has dropped its opinion on the legality of paid daily fantasy sports, and it's not good news for DFS lovers or operators in the Golden State.
July 3, 2025: Fantasy sports provider PrizePicks changed the games it offers in California so customers can no longer access its Pick’Em game and can only play its Arena game.
July 3, 2025: A California court has denied Underdog's attempt at an emergency injunction to stop the state's Attorney General from releasing a legal opinion on daily fantasy sports (DFS).
July 1, 2025: Underdog Fantasy is suing in California Superior Court to stop Attorney General Rob Bonta from issuing an opinion that would deem most paid fantasy sports games illegal under state law.
June 26, 2025: Two major sweepstakes casino trade groups are pushing back against California’s Assembly Bill 831, a proposal that would effectively ban sweepstakes operations in the Golden State.
June 26, 2025: California Nations Indian Gaming Association supports the legislative effort to make online sweepstakes gaming illegal.
June 26, 2025: Lawmakers in Sacramento, with the support of Native American tribes with gaming operations in the state, are trying to remove all doubt about the legality of sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks, as well as paid daily fantasy sports contests.
June 26, 2025: The California Attorney General may soon declare daily sports illegal gambling under existing state law.
June 24, 2025: California legislators have introduced bills to ban sweepstakes-style casino operations, a step toward the state's effort to establish tribal exclusivity in gaming, following similar initiatives in other states, such as New York and Louisiana.
June 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, the man guilty of stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to pay off gambling debts, has begun his prison sentence.
June 16, 2025: The San Francisco Giants received 23.5% of the World Series futures bets and 62.4% of the handle at ESPN BET between Sunday evening and Monday morning following the blockbuster trade to acquire Rafael Devers.
June 12, 2025: The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they signed a partnership deal with PrizePicks, making the DFS operator their official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner.
June 3, 2025: A California player won $549,330 on a "Dragon Link" slot in Thunder Valley Casino in the resort's newly opened High Limit Slots Room.
May 29, 2025: The United States District Court in the Central District of California has referred the Boyle v. Sweepsteaks Ltd. case, where the plaintiff accused Stake.us of being an illegal online casino, to arbitration.
May 27, 2025: A Republican California gubernatorial candidate used prediction market platform Kalshi to purchase nearly $100 worth of political outcome contracts on himself to be named Governor in 2026.
May 15, 2025: The NBA fined Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green $50,000 for using sports betting to question the integrity of the referees in Game 3 in a series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
May 12, 2025: Despite the Golden State Warriors well on their way to a Game 3 defeat by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA West Semi-finals, lipreaders believe Draymond Green reminded his teammates to cover the point spread.
May 7, 2025: Fanatics Sportsbook's Fair Play Policy comes into effect again as the operator issued more than $500K in refunds to bettors after Steph Curry's injury in Golden State's Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
May 5, 2025: For the first time since point guard Stephen Curry earned his first of 11 career All-Star Game nominations, the Golden State Warriors are underdogs in an NBA Playoff series, as Golden State faces the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
May 2, 2025: A California resident filed a lawsuit against the companies associated with operating ChumbaCasino.com, an online sweepstakes casino, and Ryan Seacrest, claiming they're contributing to the rise of gambling addiction.
April 5, 2025: California's legalization efforts are now complicated due to predictive markets, which pose a threat to interested parties looking to establish a legal market in the state.
March 28, 2025: A lawsuit has been filed alleging the U.K. company 'Stake' has been operating an illegal gambling enterprise in California. It focuses on Stake's sweepstakes-based casino games, which the plaintiff contends violate California's gambling laws.
Feb. 28, 2025: Two former Fresno State players allegedly gambled on their stats using the DFS app Sleeper.
Feb. 24, 2025: Fresno State and the NCAA are reportedly investigating a potential gambling scandal involving multiple members of the school's men’s basketball team placing prop bets on themselves. The university and the Mountain West Conference confirmed the eligibility of Fresno State guards Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins was being reviewed.
Jan. 10, 2025: FanDuel and Flutter Entertainment donate $ 250,000 to Los Angeles fire relief to aid in wildfire relief efforts, following devastating fires in LA.
Dec. 30, 2024: A California lawsuit accuses High 5 Entertainment of operating its sweepstakes site illegally.
Nov. 13, 2024: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie believes sports betting legalization in Texas will happen next legislative session, but he's not as bullish on California.
Oct. 23, 2024: The Sports Betting Alliance joins the California tribes against the recent "pandemic" of sweepstakes and daily fantasy sports operators in the country.
Oct. 16, 2024: The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is ready to fight sweepstakes and daily fantasy sports companies operating in the state.
Oct. 1, 2024: The California Tribes can now sue commercial cardrooms for violating state laws and infringing on their exclusive gaming rights via the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act.
Sept. 26, 2024: FanDuel faces a challenging sports betting push in the nation's most populous states, including California, Florida, and Texas.
Sept. 3, 2024: The California Senate passes the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act — also known as Senate Bill 549 — which would allow local tribes the chance to sue state cardrooms for allegedly violating state gambling laws.
Aug. 28, 2024: A California man pleads guilty to operating an illegal sportsbook and money laundering.
Aug. 12, 2024: California Governor Gavin Newsom signs a new tribal-state gaming compact with the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria, California.
June 28, 2024: The Supreme Court's decision on legal Florida sports betting doesn't accelerate California's push, says James Siva, the chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
June 26, 2024: California to join the national voluntary self-exclusion program for players with problem gaming, becoming the fifth U.S. state to do so, alongside Michigan, Iowa, Tennessee, and Colorado.
June 4, 2024: San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcona receives a lifetime ban from the MLB for betting on baseball games he was involved in.
June 3, 2024: The Wall Street Journal reports that the MLB is eyeing a San Diego Padres infielder for sports betting violations, accusing Tucupita Marcano of wagering on Pittsburgh Pirates' games last season while he was on the team's injured list.
May 20, 2024: MLB opens an investigation into the gambling activity of former Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher. The current Atlanta Braves farmhand allegedly placed bets with the same illegal bookie used by Ippei Mizuhara.
May 9, 2024: Tribal leaders and sportsbook operator officials reiterate that legal California sports betting would require agreements from state gaming tribes.
March 25, 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani addresses the media after discovering his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stole and lost millions of dollars while gambling with an illegal California bookmaker.
Feb. 26, 2024: Legal California gaming 'begins and ends with tribes," says James Siva, the chair of the California Nations Gaming Association.
Jan. 13, 2024: Fliff lawsuit is sent to arbitration after a California court agreed with the sweepstake casino, which is being sued for allegedly operating an illegal sportsbook in the state.
Dec. 18, 2023: The California Nations Indian Gaming Association voices their displeasure for legal sports betting initiatives despite recent amendments being added to the ballots.
Nov. 30, 2023: Sportsbook operators could be looking past proposed California ballot measures, focusing on another attempt to bring legalized sports betting to the state in 2025.
Nov. 29, 2023: California lawmakers will examine the legality of Daily Fantasy Sports following a request by Republican Senator Scott Wilk.
Nov. 22, 2023: Two proposed California sports betting ballots were recently amended, giving state Native American tribes control of legal sports betting, but it still may not be enough to convince local tribes.
Nov. 17, 2023: Members of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association vote to formally oppose two ballot measures for legal sports betting.
Nov. 9, 2023: Two recent sports betting proposals fail to impress California's Native American tribes.
Oct. 31, 2023: Not viable best describes California’s proposed sports ballot measures filed with the state's attorney general.
Oct. 30, 2023: Two statewide sports betting ballot measures were officially proposed — the first allows the Governor to negotiate with local Native American tribes, and the second allows more than just federally recognized tribes to offer sports betting.
June 8, 2023: Fliff, a free-to-play sweepstakes website, is sued for operating an illegal sportsbook in California.
May 26, 2023: Caesars Racebook launches in California.
Jan. 31, 2023: The CGCC proposes regulations to ensure responsible gambling information is included in every industry ad. Multiple examples were found from cardrooms and third-party providers failing to provide the necessary disclaimers.
Nov. 9, 2022: Flutter CEO Peter Jackson remains hopeful about California sports betting, despite the defeat of Proposition 27.
Nov. 8, 2022: Voters rejected both California sports betting measures by a significant margin, translating to no legal sports betting in the short term or for years to come.
Oct. 31, 2022: According to Ballotpedia, $569 million was spent on California sports betting bills Propositions 26 and 27 in the run-up to the November 8 ballot.
Oct. 24, 2022: Prominent California newspapers headline endorsement opposement to California sports betting's Proposition 26.
Oct. 14, 2022: Marginal polling improvements in support for legal California sports betting can't mask the outlook for online sports betting via Prop 27.
Oct. 4, 2022: A Berkeley IGS Poll finds that just 27% of voters plan to vote 'Yes' for mobile California sports betting, while 31% are in favor of in-person wagering on tribal lands.
Sept. 22, 2022: FanDuel CEO Amy Howe and BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt note that voter feedback has told them that the messaging and counter-messaging around Prop 27 and Prop 26 has become overwhelming. Both mention pivoting to a more direct-to-consumer approach.
Sept. 15, 2022: Results from a new California sports betting poll indicate Prop 27 may have a difficult time passing the November vote. According to the poll, just 34% of voters support the sportsbook-backed initiative.
Sept. 12, 2022: Sensing a shift in momentum against their campaign to legalize online sports betting, major online sportsbooks strike back in a series of ads pushing Proposition 27.
Sept. 6, 2022: California's tribes may turn the tide against the prominent online sportsbooks and their operators, courtesy of an endorsement from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), representing all 58 California counties.
Aug. 24, 2022: The latest rival sports betting bill battle will be televised. New California attack ads have released new statewide TV ads attacking each other's proposals.
Aug. 19, 2022: The California Republican party opposes Prop 26 and Prop 27, California's dueling sports betting bills.
Aug. 12, 2022: Major League Baseball supports the California online sports betting ballot measure sponsored by the likes of FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, among other operators.
July 26, 2022: California tribes launch a new attack ad against Prop. 27. The 30-second ad includes accusations of "hidden agendas," "fine print," and "loopholes" in Prop. 27.
July 10, 2022: California's Democratic Party opposes Prop. 27 and stays neutral on Prop. 26. Both initiatives will appear on the November 2022 ballot.
July 6, 2022: California's sports betting battle continues. Prop. 26 and Prop. 27 backers are expected to partake in one of the most expensive legal battles in U.S. history.
July 5, 2022: A third California tribe throws support behind what's now known as Proposition 27. The Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe cites economic benefits as a major reason it's chosen to back the online sports betting measure.
June 30, 2022: Two Native American tribes side with major sportsbooks and the online sports wagering measure. The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians back the Solutions Act.
June 27, 2022: The "California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Solutions Act" is officially reclassified as an "eligible statewide ballot measure" by the California Secretary of State's Office, putting a second legal sports betting option on the ballot.
June 24, 2022: More than 80 groups back a tribal sports betting measure known as The Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming. The groups aim to keep online sports betting out of California.
June 16, 2022: Fresno City Councilman Mike Carbassi calls California's tribal sports betting measure an "absolute disaster," fearing the retail-only initiative could lead to tribes filing lawsuits against state tax revenue-generating cardrooms.
June 12, 2022: It's unclear whether the tribal and sportsbook-backed California sports betting measures could co-exist. If voters approve both bills in November, the court will have to determine how to proceed.
May 26, 2022: California sports betting measures continue to spark a war of words and shows of support. Through a press release, the California Teachers Association (CTA) reveals it opposes what state tribes call the "Corporate Online Gambling Proposition" due to concerns over exposing children to risks of addiction and problem gambling.
May 9, 2022: California tribes backing an online sports betting measure turn their focus to the 2024 ballot, deciding instead to use the remaining resources to "kill" the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act. Now, just one tribal measure will be on the 2022 ballot — the California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative.
May 3, 2022: The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act receives 1.6 million signatures, qualifying for the November 2022 ballot.
May 2, 2022: Poll findings released Friday, April 29, 2022, revealed substantial backing for one of three California sports betting initiatives that could make the November ballot.
March 25, 2022: The measure to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos and licensed racetracks is meeting stiff opposition from a coalition of over 80 elected officials.
March 7, 2022: California card rooms — Hollywood Park Casino and Cal-Pac Rancho Cordova — file a lawsuit to keep the sports betting initiative sponsored by nine tribal casinos off the November ballot.
Feb. 23, 2022: A UC Berkeley poll reveals 45% of Californians are in favor of legalizing sports betting, while 33% are opposed to such legalization. The remaining 22% are on the fence.
Jan. 24, 2022: The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act campaign reports reaching 25% (249,285 of 997,136) of the signatures required to make the November ballot. Signatures are due on May 3, 2022.
Nov. 5, 2021: A fourth sports betting initiative — and second tribal proposal — is filed by the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Federated Indians of the Wilton Rancheria, and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "The Age-Verified Tribal Online and In-Person Sports Wagering & Homelessness Solutions Act" would legalize online and retail sports betting in California.
Aug. 31, 2021: The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act is filed with the state attorney general’s office. The third sports betting initiative eligible for the November 2022 ballot is backed by DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and others.
Aug. 12, 2021: Four California cities — led by Gardena Mayor Tasha Cerda — introduce the California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act, a proposal aiming to legalize online and retail sports betting.
May 27, 2021: The California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative qualifies for the November 2022 ballot after receiving more than one million signatures.
June 22, 2020: Sen. Bill Dodd withdraws SCA 6 from consolidation, citing COVID-19 and legislative deadlines as hurdles preventing the bill from getting across the finish line.
Nov. 13, 2019: The California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative, a measure supported by 18 Californian tribes, is first introduced.
June 27, 2019: Sen. Bill Dodd introduces SCA 6, a measure that would legalize and regulate sports betting in California.
May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court deems the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional. With the federal ban on sports betting lifted, each U.S. state is granted the autonomy to legalize and regulate sports wagering as it sees fit.
Best DFS Apps in California (2025)
While traditional sports betting remains off the table, Californians can access top DFS and social sportsbook apps today, allowing bettors to engage with local favorites like the Los Angeles Lakers and San Francisco 49ers for fun, prizes, or head‑to‑head competition.
Here are the top DFS and sweepstakes apps available to California players in 2025:
1. ProphetX
Up to 200 in Prophet Cash
Code: COVERS1
✅ What it is: ProphetX is a sports trading-style DFS platform that allows users to buy and sell outcome-based contracts, essentially serving as a trading exchange for sports props.
📍 How it caters to California users specifically: California players can jump into markets featuring the Lakers, Dodgers, or 49ers, pairing local interest with a dynamic peer-to-peer trading format.
💰 Bonus details: Grab $200 in Prophet Cash with ProphetX promo code 'COVERS1'.
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: ProphetX functions more like your own mini Wall Street than a fixed-odds sportsbook.
Instead of accepting preset odds, you can propose your own odds or jump into someone else’s bet. Trades happen live, even while games are underway, so you can lock in profit or cut losses based on in-game momentum. For example, you can buy in early on Steph Curry scoring over 40 points, and then sell it for a profit after a big first quarter.
ProphetX also features a social twist, allowing you to watch others trade and challenge your peers in real-time. For Californians who love flexibility and odds with no juice, ProphetX delivers something you simply can’t get from a standard sportsbook.
⚖️ Legal reassurance: Available to users 18 years or older in California, by DFS regulations.
2. Novig
✅ What it is: Novig is a peer-to-peer sports prediction platform where players match up against each other rather than placing bets with a bookmaker, which aligns with a typical sweepstakes casino model.
3. Underdog Fantasy
✅ What it is: Underdog Fantasy is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform known for its easy-to-play pick’em contests and best ball drafts, offering a fun alternative to traditional sports betting.
📍 How it caters to Texas users specifically: Californians 18 and older can legally play on Underdog and enter skill-based contests that feature top teams and players from across the league, including local favorites like the 49ers, Lakers, or Dodgers.
💰 Bonus details: Get up to a $1,000 bonus credit with Underdog Fantasy promo code 'COVERS1000'.
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Underdog Fantasy offers unique contests — best ball drafts and pick'em contests.
Best ball drafts allow you to select once at the beginning of the season, and the DFS platform automatically plays your highest scorers each week, eliminating the need for daily or weekly lineup management.
In pick’em mode, you make over/under predictions on player stats and combine them into multi-leg entries. Hit all your picks for big payouts — up to 20x your stake — or get partial payouts if your selection just misses one.
⚖️ Legal reassurance: Available to Underdog Fantasy residents aged 18 and older, in accordance with DFS guidelines.
4. Thrillz
No-deposit Bonus: $3 of SC + 3,000 FC Free
Code: COVERS
400% Match First Purchase Offer: $50 in Coins + 60,000 FC
Code: COVERS
✅ What it is: Thrillzz is a social-style sportsbook that uses virtual coins, providing an opportunity to make picks on sports outcomes without risking your own money.
📍 How it caters to California users specifically: Californians 18 and older can access Thrillzz legally under sweepstakes guidelines, with contests covering local favorites like the LA Kings, Dodgers, and Angels.
💰 Bonus details: Spend $10 and get $50 in Thrillzz Coins using Thrillzz promo code 'COVERS'.
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Thrillzz allows you to join contests for free or using purchased virtual coins. This framework provides you with the ability to practice, compete, and even win prizes without risking real cash. You receive a refill of Coins daily that you can use to enter new challenges, which are modeled after traditional sportsbooks, and climb leaderboards.
When you play with Sweeps Coins, one form of Thrillz' virtual currency, you have the chance to redeem real prizes. It’s an excellent alternative if you’re looking for the closest possible legal alternative in California in 2025.
⚖️ Legal reassurance: Available to users 18 and older in California, under sweepstakes gaming laws.
5. Betr Picks
Play $10, Get $30 Instantly
Code: COVERSBONUS
✅ What it is: Betr DFS is a daily fantasy sports platform with a focus on simple pick’em contests and intuitive gameplay, allowing California bettors of any experience to get a grasp on quickly.
📍 How it caters to California users specifically: California players can legally use Betr DFS to make fast predictions on local favorites, such as the Golden State Warriors or the LA Rams, with numerous contests built around West Coast teams.
💰 Bonus details: Get $10 on Betr plus a $25 deposit match with Betr promo code 'COVERSBONUS'.
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Betr DFS is built for speed and simplicity, utilizing a clean, mobile-friendly interface that makes it easy to lock in your picks. You’ll find short contests with quick outcomes, so you don’t have to track long-term fantasy rosters.
For example, you could predict whether a certain 49ers running back will go over or under his rushing total, stack that with a couple of basketball props, and see results by the end of the night. It’s a little like parlay betting, but with a more simplistic interface.
The platform also highlights social features, allowing you to share picks with friends and compare results easily. If you enjoy rapid, straightforward games, Betr DFS brings a fun, interactive style to fantasy sports.
⚖️ Legal reassurance: Available to California users 18 years of age and older, as per DFS laws.
6. DraftKings Pick6
✅ What it is: DraftKings Pick6 is a daily fantasy game where you create entries by predicting whether players will go over or under set stat lines, competing for cash prizes based on your results.
📍 How it caters to California users specifically: Californians can legally enter DraftKings Pick6 contests and put their sports knowledge to work on their favorite local teams, such as the Giants or Warriors, all under daily fantasy guidelines.
💰 Bonus details: Make a minimum $5 entry fee into any available contest and get $50 in Pick6 Credits instantly
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: DraftKings Pick6 focuses on player stat-based contests instead of traditional spreads or totals. You can also combine multiple over/under picks for a higher potential payout. For example, you might pick five NBA players from the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors to score over their projected points totals. If all your picks are correct, you’ll cash in. If one of your picks falls short, Flex contests will still award your winnings.
There’s no need to worry about complicated odds or traditional sports betting strategies, as DraftKings Pick6 runs on a simplified points system. You also earn DraftKings Dynasty Rewards loyalty program points with every Pick6 wager you make, allowing you to rise through the tiered program and unlock great benefits quickly.
⚖️ Legal reassurance:
Available to California users 18 years of age and older, as per DFS regulations.
7. Fliff
✅ What it is: Fliff is a social sportsbook app that uses virtual currencies — Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash — that players can access to make sports picks for fun or sweepstakes-style cash prizes.
📍 How it caters to California users specifically: California players can select games featuring regional teams, such as the LA Clippers or LA Kings, under legally approved sweepstakes rules.
💰 Bonus details: Get $100 in Fliff Coins with Fliff promo code 'COVERS100'.
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Fliff provides the opportunity to make sports wagers and play for prizes without risking your own money, through its free coins model. You’ll get a daily refill of free Fliff Coins to enter prediction contests, climb leaderboards, and collect badges. Alternatively, you can play with Fliff Cash that you can redeem for cash prizes.
While many of Fliff's contests mirror the offerings available at traditional sportsbooks, the real difference is its free-to-play contests. Being able to still put your sports knowledge to the test, but without the stress of financial attachment, is an excellent selling point.
⚖️ Legal reassurance: Available to users 18 years of age and older in California, as per sweepstakes regulations.
8. Kalshi
$10 Bonus
Code: COVERS
✅ What it is: Kalshi — one of the best prediction market sites in 2025 — is a prediction-market platform where you trade contracts on 'yes-or-no' sports outcomes, functioning more like a financial exchange than a classic sportsbook.
📍 How it caters to California users specifically: Adults 18 and older in California can use Kalshi to trade sports event outcomes involving their favorite local teams, all under federal regulation.
💰 Bonus details: Get a $10 bonus after making your first qualified trade with Kalshi promo code 'COVERS'.
💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Kalshi gives you a chance to trade sports contracts with market-style pricing instead of fixed sportsbook odds. Rather than make bets, you buy or sell positions on outcomes.
For example, you could buy a position on whether the Warriors will make the NBA playoffs and watch the price move as the market reacts during the season. You can close out your trade at any time before the outcome is decided, locking in gains or cutting losses based on how the action unfolds.
Since everything happens peer-to-peer with transparent pricing, you avoid the traditional sportsbook vig or house edge, allowing for a more lucrative payout if your bet hits. For data-driven sports fans who want to apply market-style strategies and adjust on the fly, Kalshi feels more like trading than betting.
⚖️ Legal reassurance: Available to California users 18 and older, by federal prediction-market regulations.
Is sports betting legal in California?
No, traditional California sports betting is not legal. Two sports betting measures on the November 2022 ballot were rejected handily by voters. Here's a look at each sports betting California proposal:
Proposition 26
California Proposition 26, Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative was a tribal-backed proposal aiming to legalize in-person wagering at more than 80 tribal casinos and horse racing tracks. The proposed sports betting legislation would have also permitted roulette and craps at tribal gaming facilities. Presently, California tribal casinos can only house slots, lottery games, and banked card games.
Proposition 27
The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act, or Proposition 27, aimed to legalize statewide online wagering and was backed by seven of the largest national sports betting operators in the U.S — Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Penn National, WynnBET, and Fanatics (who are rumored to be closing in on an acquisition). The online sports betting initiative promised to allocate 85% of sports betting tax revenue to a new fund for homelessness and mental health. The Act aimed to complement the tribal proposal as any online sportsbook launching in California would be required to partner with a tribal casino.
Both the tribal (retail) and sportsbook (online) initiatives officially gained the required 997,139 signatures from registered California voters and appeared on the Nov. 8, 2022, ballot.
Neither California sports betting initiative received support from the Democrats — who hold majorities in the state legislature — following an announcement on July 10, 2022, that the party would oppose Proposition 27 and remain neutral on Proposition 26.
Latest California betting news
How to start DFS betting in California
You can follow these instructions to start playing with the best DFS and social betting sites available in the Golden State in 2025.
Select a DFS site
Research your available options by reading reviews, checking available bet and contest types, ensuring reasonable promo terms, and ensuring the DFS site meets your banking needs.
Register online
Simply provide personal details — your date of birth, address, email, etc. — to create an account either via desktop or mobile app. Some operators may require your Social Security Number for identity verification.
Claim a bonus
Carefully read through all terms and conditions before claiming an California sports betting welcome bonus, which mostly consist of deposit matches, bonus bets, or no-deposit promos.
Deposit funds
Most California betting sites accept bank transfers, PayPal, PayNearMe, eChecks, and debit/credit cards — like Visa and Mastercard. Be sure to meet the minimum deposit requirement to qualify for an operator's welcome bonuses, or you may lose the promotion.
Choose your bet types and contests
You can enter using real money or virtual currency, often called "sweep coins", to enter in various DFS contests or games. Additionally, you can access common betting markets, including point spreads, Over/Unders, moneyline bets, futures, props, parlays, live betting, and more.
Start betting
Now it's time to start betting. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the conditions before confirming your picks or entering a DFS contest.
Withdraw funds
Withdrawals can generally be completed via the same method used for deposits. Wait times, however, can vary. Transactions typically take a few days to process but can take longer with some California betting sites.
Who can bet on daily fantasy sports in California?
Below is a brief overview how California's legal betting framework operates:
Legal age
You need to be 18 years old or older to access several of the best California daily fantasy sports sites social sportsbooks available in 2025.
Mobile betting
You can use your iOS or Android device to play with most of the top DFS sports betting apps California offers in 2025.
Remote registration
You can register remotely with many of the DFS and social betting sites mentioned as long as you are physically within California state borders.
Within state borders
Federal laws require all in-state online wagering — including on California betting apps — to be done within state borders.
Retail sportsbooks
There are no legal retail California sportsbooks. While Prop. 26 has failed to pass, CA remains a potential home to the largest collection of retail sportsbooks in the country.
Taxable winnings
In addition to the 24% federal tax on gambling winnings, California bettors are saddled with CA state income tax on their sports betting profits. Although California has the unenviable claim to the highest tax rate in the United States (up to 13.3%), most residents fall in a much lower tax bracket.
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2025
Luckily for Californians, legal sports betting resides on the other side of the state border. California’s three bordering states — Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon — have all legalized online sports betting.
Arizona stands as the top option with remote registration and an impressive and growing lineup of online sportsbooks. Meanwhile, Nevada boasts dozens of retail locations that are sure to satisfy the appetite of the in-person gambler. Oregon, while restricted to just one online option — the state-run Scoreboard sportsbook — offers more than Californians will find in their home state.
DFS vs. Sports Betting - What's the difference?
California does not have legal traditional sports betting, but it does have hope. The Golden State has the potential to grow into a sports bettor’s paradise, even though two sports betting legislation proposals flamed out in 2022.
But amidst the hope is uncertainty. There's no telling when a California sports betting measure will turn to gold. For most residents, when it comes to legal sports betting, they’ll believe it when they see it.
Let's dive into the pros and cons of California's current sports betting market below:
| California Sports Betting Pros 📈 | California Sports Betting Cons 📉 |
|---|---|
| ✅ Daily fantasy sports and social betting sites currently available. | ❌ No traditional legal California sports betting in the near future. |
| ✅ Can access daily fantasy sports betting apps in California via your mobile device. | ❌ A traditional mobile sports betting California market is not guaranteed. |
| ✅ DFS offers the excitement of sports betting without the financial risk, allowing you to play for free with virtual currency. | ❌ Top traditional sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings are not available in 2025. |
| ✅ Use sports betting California operators to wager on popular North American sports like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. | ❌ Exorbitant taxes on gambling winnings for high rollers. |
| ✅ Earn prizes, such as in-platform bonuses and real cash. | |
| ✅ Join a social betting community via the sports betting apps California offers in 2025. |
What you can't bet on in California
Nothing is in play for Californian bettors at the moment. As the state's future sports betting industry begins to take shape, we'll learn more about what will be on and off the table when sportsbook operators arrive in the Golden State in the future.
Politics
Barring a drastic change, California sportsbooks will not be permitted to offer wagers on politics. This type of bet is not available anywhere in the U.S.
Entertainment award ceremonies
California sportsbooks could offer betting lines on popular awards shows like the Acadamy Awards and Emmy Awards, but this remains to be seen.
esports
Esports betting has become increasingly popular and could be a welcome addition to the California sports betting scene.
What about California college sports?
Many states do not allow sports bettors to place wagers on in-state college sports teams. Could California follow suit? We'll be keeping an eye on this one, as college betting would be a boon for Golden State sports fans and gamblers.
Home team advantage: California sports
California is home to more professional sports teams — and most likely sports fans — than any other state. When wagering on your hometown teams using the best California daily fantasy sports and social betting sites, be careful not to let your fandom cloud your judgment. Always do your due diligence before betting on your hometown squad. Check out our how to bet guides to get started at legal California DFS sites.
Although no scheduled Formula One races are coming to the Golden State anytime soon, the best F1 betting sites easily allow you to back drivers you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Other types of gambling
With over 60 tribal casinos, 74 cardrooms, and some of the most well-renowned horse racetracks in the country, the California gambling scene is alive and well.
Online gambling, however, is illegal. Pari-mutuel horse race betting is the only form of legal online betting in the state.
Casino
For a state that has deemed online gambling taboo, California has a thriving casino gambling industry. With more brick-and-mortar casinos than any other U.S. state not named Nevada or Oklahoma, the Golden State generates nearly $8 billion in revenue, after winnings, annually.
Each tribal casino offers a complete lineup of games, including slots, blackjack, and baccarat. If California Proposition 26, Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative passes the November 2022 vote, roulette and dice games, such as craps, would also be legalized in CA.
In California, traditional real money online casinos are still awaiting legalization. Sweepstakes casinos are the sole online game available in the state, and they are thriving. The sweepstakes model abides by the CA criminal code, allowing players to earn real money using virtual currency. Our California online casinos page will direct you to the best online operators in 2025.
Poker
There are dozens of poker rooms for card sharks to enjoy in CA.
When it comes to online poker, California’s tribal casinos, cardrooms, and racetrack operators have been in a stalemate, as all efforts to legalize online poker have fallen short. With interested parties failing to come to terms on how this gaming expansion would benefit each stakeholder, they’ve kicked the can down the road on multiple occasions.
Horse racing
Pari-mutuel horse racing has been legal in California since 1933. The California Horse Racing Board oversees one of the largest markets in the U.S., including some of the most beautiful racetracks in the nation.
Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course stand as CA’s top destinations for live horse racing. Many affiliate off-track betting (OTB) sites allow gamblers to get in on the action away from the racetrack, while legal bets can also be placed online at the best horse racing betting sites. FanDuel Racing is a top option in 2025.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests operate in an unregulated grey area in California. Operators like DraftKings and FanDuel serve the nation’s largest DFS market without opposition, so it’s unlikely lawmakers will take further action any time soon. You can also sign-up and claim the ProphetX promo code and Betr Picks promo code today.
Predictive sports trading
Predictive-based sports trading is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional betting in 2025. You can use to best prediction market sites to buy, sell, and trade 'Yes' or 'No' contracts based on the speculative outcome of sports and various unique events, such as politics, pop culture, weather, and more. Register with the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' to access the top predictive-based platform today.
California daily fantasy sports
While legal sports betting has eluded the Golden State, daily fantasy sports contests are permitted in California. No laws explicitly legalize or outlaw DFS in California, so the best social sportsbooks like Thrillzz Sportsbook, ParlayPlay, and Betr Picks operate in a grey, unregulated market.
Here’s everything you need to know before getting started with California daily fantasy sports:
- Daily fantasy websites operate in a grey market in CA.
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate in DFS contests in California.
- DFS winnings of $600 or more are treated as taxable income.
Daily fantasy sports vs sports betting
Sports betting and daily fantasy sports share the common goal of predicting outcomes for a potential payday. When betting on sports, you can place bets on outright winners, point spreads, player performances, and more, with the risk and reward determined by a sportsbook’s odds.
Daily fantasy sports involve assembling virtual teams of real players for short-term competitions and earning points based on the real-life performance of your team. Unlike sports betting, you are not up against the house when playing DFS contests. Instead, you compete with other DFS players in contests involving stars from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and more.
For example, if you believe the San Francisco 49ers are primed for a decisive home win, you may want a game stack of Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel. Spot a favorable matchup for Chargers’ running back J.K. Dobbins? After learning your DFS site’s scoring system, you’ll be ready to build your game narratives and optimize your lineups.
Quick facts: California sports betting
While California's current betting landscape revolves around tribal casinos and DFS operators, bookmark this section to stay up to date on the CA sports betting industry in 2025:
| Launch date | TBD |
| Legal age for betting | 21 (est.) |
| Online sports betting | No ❌ |
| Retail sportsbooks | No ❌ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Daily fantasy sports | Yes ✅ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| College sports betting | TBD |
| esports betting | TBD |
| State population | 39.6 million |
| Tax rate | TBD |
| Regulator | California Gambling Control Commission |
| Last Verified | July 12, 2025 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in California
With such a robust gambling industry, the unfortunate reality is that many Californians fall victim to gambling addiction. The California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) provides education, prevention, and treatment for those in need.
Californians who recognize they may have a gambling problem are also encouraged to consider the state’s self-exclusion program. Here, individuals can voluntarily ban themselves from all gambling establishments and California betting sites for a specified period of time.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
When sportsbooks and sports betting apps in California become available, the Golden State will join the following U.S. jurisdictions:
Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches
Missouri sports betting is in the spotlight in 2025 after local voters approved Amendment 2 during the 2024 U.S. Election, clearing the path for a legalized betting market to launch later this year. The market is expected to include up to 14 top online sportsbooks, with a launch anticipated for June 2025.
Sports bettors in the Tar Heel State can now actively participate in North Carolina sports betting as the state officially launched on March 11, 2024. Top operators — such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings — are currently available for registration.
On Jan. 11, 2024, legal Vermont sports betting launched, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook ready to accept wagers.
Online and retail Maine sports betting became a reality in November 2023, marking the fourth state to go live in 2023.
Legal Kentucky sports betting is here. Retail operations launched on Sept. 7, 2023, with online sports betting going live on Sept. 28, 2023.
Sportsbooks to avoid in California
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
It's been a long wait in California, but frustrated gamblers should refrain from placing sports bets with unregulated offshore sportsbooks. Any operator claiming to be a legal California sports betting site is not to be trusted. Avoid these offshore sportsbooks at all costs.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
DFS sites to avoid in California
While many top California DFS and social betting sites are available in 2025, there are some operators we strongly suggest staying clear of. Like blacklisted California sportsbooks, we recommend avoiding daily fantasy and social betting sites with limited payment options, poor customer service, or lack of industry credibility. Since you're risking your own money, it's crucial to play responsibly on trusted sports betting apps in California, which is why we always encourage you to read existing user reviews before signing up with any platform.
California sports betting FAQ
No, sports betting is not legal in California. Momentum has stalled, and we don’t expect to see legal sportsbooks or California betting apps anytime soon. In the meantime, you can still get in on the fun by using the best California daily fantasy sports (DFS) and social betting sites, which are legal in 2025.
You can win real money by playing select contests and games with certain California DFS and social betting operators.
While the list of available operators is seamingly growing by the day, as of right now, our favorite California daily fantasy sports platforms are ProhetX, Novig, and Betr Picks.
You must be at least 18 years old, depending on the operator, to use California daily fantasy sports and social betting sites.
You certainly can play daily fantasy sports for free in California in 2025, as many operators allow you to use on-site virtual currency to enter contests and place wagers.
You can wager on your hometown California sports teams using the DFS and social betting sites mentioned on this page. We will not know if sportsbooks will offer these betting markets until California inches closer to legalized sports betting. Currently, wagers cannot be placed on in or out-of-state teams.
You can wager and enter DFS contests for many of the top North American sports leagues, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
Daily fantasy sports and social betting sites are still forms of gambling, meaning they carry inherent risks. To participate in many contests or top up your virtual currency, you'll need to make real money deposits. With real money comes real risks, which further highlights the point that you must still play responsibly and within your limits while using these sites.
Yes, many top daily fantasy sports and social betting sites in California provide access to responsible gambling resources, including spending limits, self-exclusion options, and external helplines.
While the DraftKings Sportsbook is not available in California in 2025, locals can access its daily fantasy sports platform — DraftKings Pick6 — to wager on sports legally today.
No, ESPN BET is not legal in California in 2025. Since it's a traditional sportsbook, local CA bettors must wait for the state to launch a regulated online betting market to welcome the operator.
Similar to DraftKings, only FanDuel Fantasy is legal in California, as its traditional sportsbook remains unavailable at this time.
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