California Sports Betting Sites 2026
California residents can currently access daily fantasy sports platforms such as DraftKings, Underdog Fantasy, FanDuel, and Sleeper. Bookies.com will update this page when legal sports betting becomes available in California.
On July 3, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a formal opinion declaring all paid DFS contests — including pick'em and draft-style formats — illegal under California law. The opinion is advisory and nonbinding. All platforms listed below continue to operate in California. The Governor's office has stated disagreement with the opinion. Users should be aware of this legal uncertainty before participating.
Promo Code: BOOKIES
The promotion consists of two $100 max tokens; if either loses, you will receive your entry fee back in Betr Bucks (max $200 total). Must be 18+ (19+ in AL & CO; 21+ AZ, MA, & VA) and physically located in a jurisdiction where Betr Picks operates. Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. T&Cs apply. For more details, please visit betr.app. Concerned about your play? Call the NCPG at 1-800-522-4700
Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org (CT). 18+ (19+ AL/NE, 21+ AZ/MA/VA). Valid only where Pick6 operates, see http://dkng.co/pick6states. Void in NY, ONT, and where prohibited. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new DraftKings customer. First $5+ paid Pick Set to receive max. $50 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Picks that expire in 14 days (336 hours). Ends 6/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Terms: http://pick6.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DraftKings. Sponsored by DK.
Must be 18+ to participate. 19+ in Alabama or Nebraska. 21+ in Massachusetts or Arizona.
Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Void in Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana or Nevada
Sports betting is not legal in California as of April 2026. Sweepstakes casinos were banned on January 1, 2026 under AB 831. Paid daily fantasy sports (DFS) were declared illegal by the California AG in July 2025, though platforms continue to operate. Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Novig are currently the primary legal alternatives for California sports fans. We'll update this page as California's legislation evolves.
Sweepstakes casinos are no longer legal in California. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831 on October 11, 2025, banning all dual-currency sweepstakes platforms effective January 1, 2026. McLuck, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, and all major sweepstakes platforms exited the state before the deadline. Do not use any sweepstakes casino in California — operators and affiliates face fines of up to $25,000 per violation under the new law.
Bookmark this page for the latest news involving California gambling laws and sports betting sites.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?
Online sports betting is not legal in California. In November 2022, California voters considered two separate ballot measures — Proposition 26, which would have authorized retail sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks, and Proposition 27, which would have legalized online and mobile sports betting backed by DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Both measures failed decisively. Proposition 27 was defeated by approximately 83% to 17%, one of the largest margins in California ballot measure history.
Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in CA
When it comes to legal online sports betting, California would benefit from sportsbook apps, leading to a massive uptick in revenue. Industry estimates are that California's legal sports betting will generate $1 billion annually. With legal online gambling, California would see that revenue total grow to $3 billion. The revenue from the Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support (online initiative) would generate roughly $500 million for housing and mental health programs.
The benefit for bettors is also easy to see: Slogging all the way to a retail sportsbook is not how to gamble on sports in California in the 21st Century. With online sportsbooks, California bettors would be offered convenience, security and opportunity. You can bet from the comfort of your home or on the go and benefit from great features, such as live betting.
Top Sportsbooks Likely to Come to California
California is viewed as the Holy Grail of U.S. sports betting states. The potential earnings for a sports betting app in California would be massive. If California's online betting laws are included in legalized sports betting, the state will see a rapid influx of the major online sports betting sites. Those undoubtedly would include:
DraftKings California
Originally established in the daily fantasy sports space, DraftKings sportsbook quickly pivoted into sports betting once it was legalized in the USA in 2018. Always among the first sports betting sites to arrive on the scene, expect DraftKings California betting app to show up quickly if CA online sports betting is a reality. It's known for its fabulous array of promotional offerings and its lucrative signup bonus. DraftKings' sports betting markets are also massive.
- Claim the DraftKings California Promo Code
FanDuel California
Like DraftKings, FanDuel California sportsbook app cut its teeth in the world of DFS. It was also fast to adapt to the world of legal, regulated sports betting in the US. If California opts to make gambling apps legal, FanDuel sports betting in California would soon become a thing. FanDuel merged with British and Irish betting superpower Paddy Power/Betfair to form Flutter Entertainment. FanDuel's promotional offers, boosted odds, and betting markets are all first-class.
- Claim the FanDuel California Promo Code
BetMGM California
The ideal marriage of old-school gambling with cutting-edge technology, BetMGM is the online arm of MGM Resorts. It has been in the gambling business since the 1980s. When it comes to sports betting, California players will be well-versed with the MGM brand from ventures to nearby Las Vegas. BetMGM California app would bring a deep menu of parlay wagering, as well as its boosted odds.
- Claim the BetMGM Promo Code
Caesars California
Caesars recently completed a rebranding of all the William Hill sportsbooks in the USA, converting them into Caesars Sportsbooks. In order to welcome new customers, the Caesars CA sportsbook betting app is offering new players access to a bonus bet worth as much as $5,000. Like MGM, Caesars would be a brand well known to California sports betting enthusiasts who frequent Las Vegas.
- Claim the Caesars California Promo Code
Bet365 California
A site that started out with a few retail shops in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Bet365 betting app has grown to be a gambling colossus. It employs more than 4,000 people and generates nearly $3 billion in annual revenue. If Bet365 California comes to the Golden State, it will be a contender for the best sports betting app California has to offer.
- Claim the bet365 California Promo Code
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in California?
No. As of January 1, 2026, sweepstakes casinos are banned in California. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831 on October 11, 2025, eliminating all dual-currency platforms (Gold Coins + Sweeps Coins) statewide. The bill passed 36-0 in the Senate and 63-0 in the Assembly.
All major sweepstakes platforms — including McLuck, Pulsz, NoLimit Coins, and WOW Vegas — exited California before the deadline. Recommending or promoting these platforms to California users is no longer accurate or legal.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Legal in California?
The legal status of DFS in California is contested. On July 3, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a formal opinion declaring all paid DFS formats — including draft-style and pick'em contests from DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy — illegal under state law.
However, the opinion is advisory only and does not carry the force of law. All major DFS platforms remain active in California as of April 2026. The Governor's office has indicated disagreement with the opinion and a willingness to find a path forward with stakeholders.
Bottom line: DFS platforms are still accessible in California, but operate in legal uncertainty. No state-level enforcement action has been taken.
Prediction Markets in California
Prediction Markets: The Legal Alternative for California Bettors
With sports betting and sweepstakes casinos both unavailable, prediction markets are currently the primary regulated option for California sports fans.
Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated federal exchange where users trade Yes/No contracts on game outcomes — including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. It operates under federal law, bypassing the need for a California state license. Available to users 18+. Minimum deposit: $1.
Novig is a peer-to-peer prediction exchange available in 42 states, including California. Users set their own lines and trade spreads, moneylines, and totals against other users with no house edge. Available to users 21+.
Both platforms are currently legal in California. Note: In March 2026, lawmakers introduced bills that could regulate or restrict prediction markets in the state. Check current app availability before depositing.
| Platform | Regulated By | Min Age | CA Sports Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | CFTC (federal) | 18+ | ✅ Yes |
| Novig | Sweepstakes/exchange | 21+ | ✅ Yes |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | State license | 21+ | ❌ No |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | State license | 21+ | ❌ No |
Will Mobile Sports Betting Apps Be Available in CA?
This could be now that an online sports betting initiative has qualified for the November 2022 ballot. The DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support referendum joins the Native Americans' retail-only sports betting initiative as the options for Californians this fall. The difference in revenue is startling: Online sports betting is projected to generate roughly $3 billion for the state, while the retail-only option figure is $1 million.
While New Jersey betting market is handling nearly $1 billion per month in sports bets, New York's entire handle for two years of retail sports betting was $31.1 million.
Bonuses & Promotions at CA Sports Betting Sites
If online gambling is legalized, California sports betting is likely to feature three types of sign-up bonuses for new players. The most popular form of welcome bonus offers are bonus bets and matching first deposit bonuses.
With a matching first deposit, players receive a match equal to a percentage of their first deposit. This could be as much as 100% but it is generally accompanied by a maximum allowable amount that rarely exceeds $1,000. With a bonus bet, the first time a player places a wager, the sportsbook in California would agree to a specific amount that would be returned to that player's account as a bet credit if the initial wager loses.
A third sign-up bonus is a no deposit bonus. These are less common and usually offer small stipends, rarely more than $25.
Features of a CA Sports Betting Site
If online sports betting in California were to be legalized, bettors should look for the following characteristics to be present for a site to be considered the best online sportsbook California has to offer.
Intuitive User Interface
The best sportsbook in California should deliver an easy-to-use betting site. Navigating the web page will be a breeze. All of the sports available would be easily accessed due to a website layout that is clean, responsive and easy to follow.
List of Betting Odds
When it comes to how to bet on sports in California, Job 1 will be to ensure that betting odds are posted quickly. They also must be competitive with other sites. Savvy betting online, California sports bettors will look to shop odds across a variety of sportsbooks to gain the best price for their wager.
Live Betting and/or Live Streaming
The leading California sports betting apps will all deliver a robust menu of live betting options. Their markets will cover a variety of sports, and the bet types will be plentiful. They will also be gathered in their own area on the site, so they can be accessed quickly with a single click. California sports gambling sites will also provide an extensive card of live streaming of sporting events. Live betting isn't going to be very good if a player isn't able to watch the event while betting on it.
Great Customer Service
If online sports betting becomes legal in CA, you will likely be wondering how to bet on sports in California? It's a question that the best online sports betting California sites will be ready, willing and able to answer. That's because to be considered a top CA sportsbook, the site must deliver customer service in a flash. They will provide this service via a number of methods - live chat, email, social media, telephone, even old-school snail mail.
We know the score on this sportsbook
Every sportsbook on Bookies.com earns its place. It's put through its paces across five key pillars by our team of sports betting specialists.
Types of Sports Bets Offered in California
When it comes to legal online betting, California sites will be expected to deliver a plethora of bet types in order to gain consideration as one of the best online betting sites for California. These will include:
Moneylines: A straight wager on the outcome of an event based upon either a $100 wager or a wager to win $100. The favorite is designated by a negative number such as -165. This means a player would need to bet $165 to realize a $100 profit. Underdogs are assigned positive numbers like +130. In this case, it indicates that the bettor will gain a $130 profit from a $100 wager.
Point Spreads: To balance the books, online sports betting in California will see sites offering point spreads on events. Again, favorites are assigned negative numbers and underdogs positive numbers. So, if the Los Angeles Chargers were +5 against the San Francisco 49ers in NFL odds, California bettors would get five points if they bet on the Chargers. That means if LA wins the game or loses by less than five points, the bet is a winner. By contrast, a play on the 49ers would require them to win by more than five points.
Totals: When sports betting in California, players will see numbers that may read O 39.5 or U 39.5. This is the total on the game, commonly referred to as the over/under. A site such as FanDuel California would offer a total on each event. This is the number of points they anticipate being scored during the game. Bettors wager that the teams involved will either go over or under that total.
Parlays: Parlays would be the dessert on the California sports betting menu. They will look very tasty but seldom will partaking in them be very satisfying. Parlays are the combination of multiple bets into one wager. The more legs contained in a parlay, the greater the potential payout. It's a method of gaining a big score off a small stake. The drawback is that all of the legs must come in for the bet to be a winner, and the more legs, the greater the house edge.
Prop bets: If parlays are the dessert tray, then prop bets are the potato chips. They're fun, tasty and you can't bet just one. Props are wagers on specific outcomes within a game. It could be which team scores first or which player makes that score. It might be a wager on who wins the coin flip. There are also cross-sport props. For example, when you can bet on sports in California, you might be able to wager on which might be higher during a specific night of action: 3-point field goals made by LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers or goals scored by the Los Angeles Kings.
Futures: To the patient go the spoils. That could be the mantra of future betting. Also known as outright wagers, bettors are getting action on outcomes on specific events that aren't resolved until the conclusion of the season. It could be a play on the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series. It might be action on Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts to be named National League MVP. Or, for NFL Futures, it might be on who will win the next Super Bowl.
Teaser: A lesser-known option is the teaser. A teaser enables a player to add or subtract a set number of points from the point spreads or totals on two or more games, modifying a traditional parlay. However, the tradeoff is that the payout will be reduced. As well, all bets must succeed in order to cash in a winner.
What Sports Leagues Can I Bet On in California?
Another reason why so many are eager to see online sports betting in California is the sheer volume of betting opportunities present within the state. California is home to the most professional sports teams of any state in the nation. This includes five MLB California teams, four NBA teams, three NFL franchises, a trio of NHL teams, three MLS clubs and one WNBA team. In college sports, there are high-profile schools such as UCLA, USC, Stanford and the University of California.
When Can I Play Daily Fantasy Sports in California?
Technically speaking, daily fantasy sports falls into a grey area in the California laws. It's not been officially legalized, but it's not necessarily illegal, either. Can you use DraftKings in California? Is playing FanDuel CA legitimate? When it comes to DFS, the answer is yes. Californians can play DFS at either of these sites on NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and college sports, among other sports. In 2015, the California State House introduced legislation designed to tax and regulate DFS, but the bill died in the California Senate.
Steps to Sign up and Place a Sports Bet in California
Sports betting is easy . . . well, at least signing up for a sports betting account is a relatively painless process. For starters, players will want to choose the California Online Sportsbook that fits their needs. Before joining any site, get to know the new betting platform. They'll want to ensure that it offers the sports markets and betting types they desire.
Once that's confirmed, then it's time for the signup process to begin. All sites will display a signup link prominently on their site. Click on that button go get things underway.
- First, players will be asked to input their first and last name
- More personal information, such as date of birth, gender, home address, email address, last four digits of their SSN and phone number will also be required
- A unique username and password must be created
- The info will need to be verified. This can be done by providing a copy of a photo ID document such as a driver's license or passport, or a utility bill that matches the address provided
- Once verified, the next step will be to choose a method to fund the account and to deposit money into the account, assuring to opt in to all signup bonus offers
- When that step is completed, players will be ready to place their first bet
How To Pick the Best CA Sport Betting Sites
Once it's no longer necessary to ask is gambling legal in California, these are some of the other questions that players should be asking before placing a bet. When California online sports betting sites launch, Bookies.com will review them all based on the following criteria in order to recommend the best ones.
How are CA Sports Betting Sites Regulated?
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) is the state regulatory body for all gaming matters. The California Gambling Control Act (CGA) sets out, as part of the state's Business and Professions Code, the licensing terms for entities involved in the gaming market. The GCA will be charged with setting out the law applicable to all sports betting within the state of California.
CA Sports Betting Sites Reputation
Once sports betting is legal in California, no longer is it an issue; bettors can anticipate the enormous potential of the California market to bring a massive number of sportsbooks to the state. The arrival of numerous betting entities will require research to determine the best options. Bookies.com will offer analysis on all the top betting sites and let bettors know which sites hold sterling reputations within the industry.
Accessibility
It doesn't matter how pretty a sports betting website is if the site is slow to respond. California sports betting players will want to get their action down and get on with their day. The last thing they want to be doing is staring at a spinning wheel while waiting for a betting site to upload.
Reliability
Does a betting site deliver on its promises? Are its odds competitive? Will the betting markets and bet types on the be robust? All the answers to these questions must be yes in order to gain recognition among our best sports betting sites in California.
Site and Mobile Experience
A betting website should be clean, smooth and functional. Sports bettors aren't looking to be entertained. They are seeking information to aid in getting action on events. The same qualities must be present in a mobile site. More players are playing with devices than ever before. If a mobile app isn't responsive and supplying the same level of quality as the desktop site, Bookies.com will let you know.
Generous and Ongoing Sports Bet Bonuses
Every betting site will provide a handsome sign up bonus to entice new players through the door. Just like any other industry, though, it's what they do once they've got you that makes them stand out in the crowd. The top California sports betting sites will keep on delivering, with promotions such as boosted odds, reload bonuses, and parlay bonuses.
Payment Options
The best California betting sites won't skimp in any area. Banking is one area that absolutely must be prolific in options. Funding options should include credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, online banking, bank transfer, even cryptocurrency.
Variety of Games to Bet On
All California sports betting sites will provide the lines on the major sports. But how deep does their offering go. Will there be alternative lines, for instance? And what about niche sports? If a player wants to bet on rugby, cricket or eSports, are those options available?
Better Odds
Every site promises competitive odds but not all of them deliver on that promise. Bettors will shop odds, so the top sites will provide odds quickly and make them comparable to rival sites.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Along with offering numerous deposit and withdrawal methods, the top betting sites will ensure that both are resolved in rapid fashion. They will make it abundantly clear how quickly these transactions will be completed and whether there are any fees attached.
Payout Process
One easy way to identify a top betting site is how promptly and efficiently it completes a withdrawal request. There are sites out there that seem to forget whose money it is when it comes time to make a withdrawal.
Security at Online Sportsbooks in California
Sharing personal information over the internet is always a scary process. Players can rest assured that the best betting sites in California will feature the latest in security and encryption technology.
Top 5 California Sports Teams to Bet On
No state goes as deep in pro sports offerings as California. There are 19 major pro sports franchises situated within the state.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Experiencing a game in Chavez Ravine at Dodger Stadium is one of those items that every sports fan wants to check off their bucket list. The Dodgers hold a rich tradition in MLB. They always put a competitive team on the diamond and seem to be in contention every season.
Los Angeles Lakers
From Wilt to Kareem to Magic to Kobe and Shaq and now to LeBron, the Lakers forever live up to their Showtime reputation. Mediocrity is not acceptable to those who do the purple and gold. The Lakers will always be among the best bets in the NBA.
San Francisco Giants
Like the Dodgers, the Giants own a rich tradition in MLB history. The Giants and Dodgers began baseball's oldest rivalry decades ago in New York. When the Dodgers headed to California, it only made sense for the Giants to follow suit.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers not only dominated the NFL in the days of Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Bill Walsh, but they also revolutionized the way the game was played via their West Coast offense. Today, the 49ers are again among the NFL's top contenders.
Golden State Warriors
With Steph Curry leading the way, the Warriors set a new standard for the NBA's salary cap era by playing in five successive NBA finals. So dominant were the Warriors that many of the NBA's top players flocked to play in the Bay Area.
California Sports Betting History
While the question of when California will legalize sports betting remains unanswered, the fact is that Californians have been legally betting on certain sports for nearly a century.
1872: California outlawed casino games. All forms of gambling that profited the house were banned.
1933: California legalizes betting on horse racing. Today, horse betting in California remains popular. Santa Anita and Del Mar have both played host to the Breeders' Cup.
1976: Bingo is legalized in the state. California law stipulates that all bingo games must benefit charities.
1984: California voters passed Proposition 37, the California State Lottery Act of 1984, which authorized the creation of a state lottery. The first tickets were sold on October 3, 1985.
2001: Casino gambling is legalized in California. All betting establishments must be tribal casinos.
2015: A bill to regulate daily fantasy sports passes in the California State House but dies in the Senate.
2021: An initiative is added to the November 2022 California election ballot to vote on whether to legalize sports betting in the state. If passed, the initiative will permit retail sports betting in California, a lawsuit was filed in late December 2021 seeking to invalidate the initiative.
2022: An online sports betting initiative backed by DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM qualifies for the November 2022 ballot.
July 3, 2025: California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a formal legal opinion declaring paid daily fantasy sports — including pick'em and draft-style formats — illegal under California law. The opinion is advisory and nonbinding. All major DFS platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, Underdog) continue to operate in the state. The Governor's office stated it "welcomes a constructive path forward."
January 1, 2026: AB 831 took effect, banning all sweepstakes casinos using a dual-currency model in California. McLuck, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, and all major sweepstakes platforms exited the state by December 31, 2025.
March 2026: Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order barring gubernatorial appointees from trading on prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket using nonpublic information. Lawmakers also introduced bills to regulate prediction market platforms operating in the state.
April 2026: Sports betting remains illegal in California. No legislation is active. The next realistic window for a ballot initiative is November 2026, though tribal leaders have signaled 2028 is more likely.
Responsible Gambling
The California Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) is dedicated to promoting awareness and prevention of gambling disorder and making treatment available to those negatively impacted by problem gambling behavior. The OPG provides training related to the treatment of gambling disorders for counselors throughout the state. The OPG’s prevention program comprises a helpline, training and technical assistance, public awareness campaigns, and research.
Sports Betting in California FAQs
Is online sports betting legal in California?
No. Sports betting is not legal in California as of April 2026. Two ballot measures (Prop 26 and Prop 27) failed in November 2022. No new initiative has qualified for the ballot since. The next possible window is November 2026, with 2028 considered more likely by most stakeholders.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
When will California legalize sports betting?
Can I bet on sports in California legally?
Is DraftKings or FanDuel available in California?
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