California Sports Betting: Legal Updates and Best DFS Apps

California sports betting is not currently legal. Voters rejected two statewide ballot measures in 2022 that would have allowed retail and online sportsbooks, leaving the state without licensed sports betting apps.

As of 2026, there are no legal California sportsbooks operating statewide. Major platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars do not offer traditional sportsbook wagering within state lines.

However, California residents still have legal gaming alternatives. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), pick’em contests, tribal casinos, and horse racing remain available. Below, we break down what’s legal right now, why sports betting has not been approved, and what could change in the future.

California Sports Betting Overview

• Legal status: California sports betting is not currently legal
• Last attempt to legalize: 2022 (Propositions 26 and 27 both failed)
• Authorized sportsbooks: None
• Next potential vote: Earliest possible ballot measure likely 2026 or later
• Legal alternatives: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), pick’em apps, tribal casino gaming (non-sports), horse racing, California Lottery

Best California DFS Apps and Welcome Bonuses

California does not have a specific statute regulating DFS contests, but major operators currently accept California users. They’ve become a popular alternative to California sports betting, especially during the NFL and NBA seasons, thanks to simple gameplay, fast payouts, and generous welcome bonuses.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?

No. Sports betting is not legal in California.

In 2022, voters rejected two ballot measures — Proposition 26 (retail tribal sportsbooks) and Proposition 27 (statewide online sportsbooks). Both initiatives failed, leaving California without legal sports betting.

As of 2026, there are:

• No licensed California sports betting apps
• No legal retail sportsbooks
• No licensed sportsbook operators are authorized to take bets in California.

Because gambling expansion in California requires voter approval, any future legalization effort would need to return to the ballot.

Some DFS and pick’em apps currently accept California users, but the legal status has been disputed in California.

Best DFS Apps in California Reviewed

While California sports betting is not legal, several Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and pick’em platforms accept California users. These apps allow players to enter contests based on individual player performance rather than betting on point spreads or moneylines.

Underdog California: Best Overall DFS App

• Welcome offer:  Play $5, Get $75 in bonus entries with code FOXSPORTS
• Underdog California Promo Code: FOXSPORTS
• Best known for: the largest selection of best ball and pick’em contests across major sports.
• App experience & notable features: clean, fast interface; NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports support; pick’em and season-long contests available.
• Final take: Underdog Fantasy is the best overall California DFS app for players who want variety, strong bonuses, and an easy-to-use experience.

Underdog stands out from other DFS apps because it does both pick’em and best ball at a high level. Many platforms focus on one format, but Underdog offers variety without sacrificing simplicity. The app loads quickly, the pick’em board is easy to navigate, and contest variety is deeper than most competitors.

If you are choosing just one DFS app to use in California, Underdog is the most complete option right now.

DraftKings Fantasy: Best California DFS App for Big Contests

• Welcome offer:  New customers play free for a share of millions in prizes with their first deposit.
• DraftKings California Promo Code: None Required
• Best known for: massive prize pools and a wide variety of DFS contest types.
• App experience & notable features: large contest lobby; salary-cap DFS, showdowns, and tournaments; beginner-friendly entry limits.
• Final take: DraftKings Fantasy is a top California DFS app for players who want access to large contests and nationally recognized prize pools.

While DraftKings Sportsbook is not legal in California, DraftKings Fantasy contests remain available. The platform offers contests across major sports and multiple skill levels.

Betr Picks: Best California Pick’em App for Social Play

• Welcome offer:  Free $10 after signing up plus a 50% deposit match up to $200 with code FOXSPORTS.
• Betr California Promo Code: FOXSPORTS
• Best known for: simplified pick’em contests with a social-first experience.
• App experience & notable features: streamlined mobile design; pick’em-only gameplay; injury protection on select entries.
• Final take: Betr is a strong California DFS pick’em app for players who want quick entries and a more social DFS experience.

Betr focuses on player-prop pick’em contests rather than traditional lineup building. Its simple format and growing community make it an appealing option for California players who prefer fast, easy-to-understand DFS contests.

Sleeper: Best California Sports Betting Alternative for Beginners

• Welcome offer: Get your first deposit matched 100% up to $100.
• Best known for: clean design and beginner-friendly pick’em gameplay.
• App experience & notable features: minimal interface; pick’em and daily draft formats; low learning curve for new users.
• Final take: Sleeper is a solid California DFS app for players who want straightforward pick’em contests without complexity.

Sleeper works well for beginners because the app feels clean and easy to navigate. The pick’em experience is simple, so you are not spending time digging through lobbies or complicated contest filters. If you want a low-friction way to make a few picks and follow along, Sleeper is a comfortable option.

Boom Fantasy: Best California DFS App for Unique Game Formats

• Welcome offer: No Sweat first entry worth up to $100 with code FOXSPORTS.
• Best known for: unique pick’em formats with payout multipliers.
• App experience & notable features: Pick & Spin and SquadRide contests; multiplier-based payouts; seasonal promotions.
• Final take: Boom Fantasy stands out as a California DFS app for players looking for non-traditional pick’em contests.

Boom Fantasy adds some variety to the standard pick’em format by offering different contest styles and payout structures. That makes it a good fit if you have used pick’em apps before and want something that feels a little different. It is also useful for players who like experimenting with higher-upside entries.

Dabble: Best California No Deposit Bonus

• Welcome offer: $10 no-deposit bonus for new users with code FOX
• Best known for: allowing new players to try DFS pick’em without depositing money.
• App experience & notable features: fast signup; beginner-friendly pick’em contests; low-risk entry.
• Final take: Dabble is the best California DFS app for beginners who want to try pick’em contests risk-free with a no-deposit bonus.

Dabble is popular because you can try the pick’em format without starting with a deposit. That makes it a good "test drive" app if you are new to DFS-style contests or just want to see how the gameplay works first. If you are looking for a low-pressure entry point, Dabble is usually the easiest one to try.

California Sports Betting News and Legislative Updates

📅 May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting individually. California begins exploring potential ballot measures rather than passing legislation directly through the legislature.

📅 2021: Tribal groups and commercial sportsbook operators begin organizing separate campaigns to legalize sports betting through voter initiatives.

📅 November 2022: California voters reject two competing ballot measures:

• Proposition 26, which would have allowed in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks.
• Proposition 27, which would have legalized statewide online sports betting through partnerships between tribes and national sportsbook operators.

Both measures fail by wide margins.

📅 2023–2025: Discussions continue between tribal leaders and commercial operators, but no new sports betting initiative qualifies for the ballot.

📅 Present: Sports betting remains illegal in California, and there are no licensed online or retail sportsbooks operating in the state.

When Could Sports Betting Become Legal in California?

There is no confirmed timeline for legal California sports betting.

Because gambling expansion in California typically requires voter approval, any effort to legalize sports wagering would likely need to appear on a future statewide ballot. The earliest realistic opportunity for a new measure would be a general election cycle, such as 2026 or later.

However, legalization is not just about timing — it is also about agreement. The 2022 ballot measures failed in part because tribal groups and commercial sportsbook operators backed competing proposals rather than a unified framework. Any successful future initiative would likely require cooperation between those stakeholders.

Until a new measure is approved by voters, California sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks will remain unavailable in the state.

In the meantime, California residents can participate in Daily Fantasy Sports contests, horse racing wagering, tribal casino gaming, and the California Lottery.

What Gambling Is Legal in California Right Now?

While California sports betting is not legal, several other forms of gambling are permitted under state law. These options operate under different regulatory frameworks, including tribal gaming compacts and state lottery oversight.

Here’s what is currently legal in California:

Tribal Casinos

California has dozens of tribal casinos operating under federal law and state–tribal gaming compacts.

These casinos offer:

• Slot machines

• Table games (blackjack, baccarat, etc.)

• Poker rooms

However, sports betting is not currently offered at tribal casinos.

California Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Pick’em Apps

California does not have a specific statute regulating Daily Fantasy Sports contests. However, major DFS and pick’em platforms currently accept California users and have operated in the state for years.

DFS contests differ from traditional sports betting because they are based on player statistics rather than wagering on game outcomes.

Availability may vary by operator and contest type.

Here are a few common types of DFS contests available in California:

• 50/50 Contests: Half the entries win, and half lose. These are lower-variance contests where winners typically earn close to double their entry fee.
• Head-to-Head (H2H): One user competes against a single opponent, with the higher-scoring lineup winning the prize pool.
• Tournaments (GPPs): Large contests with many entries and bigger payouts, where only a small percentage of users win.
• Pick’em Contests: Users select multiple player stat outcomes and predict whether each will go over or under a listed projection.
• Best Ball: Users draft a roster once, and the platform automatically selects the highest-scoring lineup each week or round.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering

California allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing at licensed racetracks and approved off-track betting facilities.

Online horse racing betting is also available through authorized platforms that operate under California racing regulations.

California State Lottery

The California Lottery offers draw games, scratch-offs, and multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions.

Lottery tickets must be purchased in person at authorized retailers.

Cardrooms

California also permits licensed cardrooms, which operate separately from tribal casinos.

Cardrooms typically offer poker and certain approved table-style games, but they do not offer sports betting.

Most Popular Sports and Teams to Bet On in California

California has one of the largest and most passionate sports markets in the United States. While sports betting is not currently legal in the state, fan interest across major leagues suggests California would immediately become one of the biggest betting markets in the country if legalized.

With multiple NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college powerhouses, California teams attract national attention year-round.

NFL Betting Interest in California

California is home to three NFL teams:

• San Francisco 49ers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Los Angeles Chargers

The 49ers consistently generate national betting interest thanks to playoff contention and a large fan base. The Rams draw heavy attention during competitive seasons, especially in Los Angeles media markets. The Chargers also command strong regional support.

If California sports betting were legalized, NFL wagering would likely dominate activity, particularly during playoff runs and divisional matchups.

NBA Betting Interest in California

California has four NBA franchises:

• Los Angeles Lakers
• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Sacramento Kings

The Lakers and Warriors are two of the most globally recognized NBA brands, consistently driving futures and player prop interest nationwide. Even in rebuilding years, these teams command strong betting volume in legal markets outside the state.

Basketball would likely be one of the top betting sports in California if sportsbooks were authorized.

MLB Betting Interest in California

California is home to five MLB teams:

• Los Angeles Dodgers
• San Francisco Giants
• San Diego Padres
• Los Angeles Angels
• The Athletics

The Dodgers are consistently one of the most bet-on teams nationally due to championship expectations. Rivalries like Dodgers–Giants and Padres–Dodgers would likely produce strong betting volume in a legalized market.

Because MLB features daily games for much of the year, baseball would likely generate steady wagering interest statewide.

California Responsible Gaming Resources

If sports betting becomes legal in California, it’s important to approach gambling responsibly. Betting should always be treated as entertainment, not as a guaranteed way to make money.

If gambling begins to cause stress, financial strain, or personal issues, help is available through confidential support services.

California residents can contact:

• California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) – calpg.org  | 📞 1-800-GAMBLER
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – ncpgambling.org  | 📞 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous – gamblersanonymous.org

You must be 21 or older to participate in most regulated gambling activities in California. Availability varies by activity type.

California Sports Betting FAQs

Can You Bet on Sports in California Right Now?

No. Sports betting is not currently legal in California.

There are no licensed California sports betting apps and no legal retail sportsbooks operating in the state. National operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 do not offer traditional sports wagering within California.

However, residents can participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and pick’em contests, which are available statewide.

What Betting Apps Work in California?

There are no legal sportsbook apps operating in California.

However, DFS and pick’em platforms such as Underdog Fantasy, DraftKings Fantasy, Sleeper, Betr, Boom Fantasy, and Dabble currently accept California users. These apps allow players to enter contests based on individual player performance rather than betting on game outcomes.

Is FanDuel Legal in California?

FanDuel Sportsbook is not legal in California. However, FanDuel Fantasy contests (DFS) are available to California users and can be played legally by adults 18 and older.

Is DraftKings Legal in California?

DraftKings Sportsbook is not available in California. That said, DraftKings Fantasy and DraftKings Pick6 are accessible to California residents and offer DFS-style contests rather than traditional sports betting.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble in CA?

Age requirements depend on the activity:

• DFS contests: typically 18+
• Lottery: 18+
• Tribal casinos: 18+; or 21+ depending on property

Can You Use DFS Apps Like Underdog in California?

Yes. Major DFS and pick’em platforms accept California users and offer contests based on player performance rather than game outcomes.

Are DFS and Pick’em Apps Considered Sports Betting in CA?

No. DFS contests are structured around individual player statistics and competition formats rather than wagering on final game outcomes.

They operate separately from traditional sportsbook betting, which is not legal in California.

Can I Bet in Nevada if I Live in California?

Yes, but you must physically be in Nevada to place bets.

Can I Use a VPN to Bet in California?

No. Licensed sportsbooks use geolocation technology.

What is the best California DFS promo code right now?

The best California DFS promo depends on how you want to play. Underdog promo code FOXSPORTS offers strong, simple entry-level bet & get bonus: Play $5, Get $75 in bonus entries with code FOXSPORTS. Dabble also stands out with a no-deposit bonus for new users: $10 no-deposit bonus for new users with code FOX . These DFS promos give Californians a legal way to play pick’em and fantasy contests using real money.

Here’s a quick reference table you can use: