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California Sports Betting: Legal Status & Alternatives (October 2026)

Patrick Monnin
Written by:
Matthew Waters
Fact-checked by: Matthew Waters
Last Updated:
Patrick Monnin
Written by: Last Updated: Fact-checked

Sports betting is not legal in California as of October 2026. There are no licensed online or retail sportsbooks. Voters rejected both 2022 ballot measures (Props 26 and 27), and 2028 is the earliest realistic chance for another vote. Californians can trade on sports through CFTC-regulated prediction markets, use peer-to-peer DFS apps, or bet on horse racing online through state-licensed sites. Prediction markets and DFS both face legal challenges in the state.

Is Sports Betting Legal in California?

No. Sports betting is not legal in California, online or in person. No sportsbook holds a California license, so popular operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and bet365 cannot take sports bets from anyone located in the state, including at tribal casinos.

California voters rejected both sports betting measures in November 2022. Proposition 26 would have allowed retail sports betting at tribal casinos and certain racetracks and received about 33% support. Proposition 27 would have allowed statewide online betting and received about 18%.

CategoryCalifornia status
Online sportsbooksNot legal
Retail sportsbooksNot legal
Prediction marketsAvailable; CFTC-regulated; sports contracts challenged in court
Daily fantasy sportsPeer-to-peer formats available; the state attorney general says paid DFS is illegal (advisory, disputed)
Online horse racingLegal; licensed by the California Horse Racing Board
Sweepstakes and social sportsbooksBanned since January 1, 2026
Tribal casinosLegal; no sports betting
Next realistic vote2028

If you travel, the rules of the state you are physically in apply. Arizona, Nevada and Oregon all have legal sports betting. See our overview of states where sports betting is legal.

What Betting Apps Work in California? 3 Alternatives to Sportsbooks

No sportsbook apps work in California, but three other types of apps accept California users. Online horse racing is the only one licensed by the state. Prediction markets and DFS face legal challenges, so check each app’s terms before signing up.

#AlternativeHow it worksExamplesOversight
1Prediction marketsBuy Yes/No contracts on game outcomesKalshi, Polymarket, FanDuel PredictsFederal (CFTC)
2DFS and pick'em appsBuild lineups or enter peer-to-peer pick'em contestsDraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, UnderdogNot state-regulated; legal status disputed
3Online horse racingPari-mutuel wagers on races through a funded accountFanDuel Racing, TwinSpires, XpressbetState (California Horse Racing Board)

Sweepstakes sportsbooks are no longer an option in California. See “What Happened to Social Sportsbooks in California?” below.

Alternative #1 to California Betting Sites: Prediction Markets

Prediction markets are the closest thing to a sportsbook available to California users. They are exchanges where you buy and sell event contracts on outcomes, such as who wins a game. They are overseen federally by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), not by the state.

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How prediction markets work

  • Each contract asks a Yes/No question, such as “Will the Dodgers win?”
  • Prices run from $0.01 to $0.99 and reflect the market’s estimated probability.
  • A correct contract settles at $1; an incorrect one settles at $0.
  • You can usually sell before the game ends to lock in a profit or cut a loss.
  • Most platforms require users to be 18+, and some require 21+. Check each app’s terms.

Example: you buy 100 Yes contracts at $0.60, for $60. If the outcome happens, they settle at $100, a $40 profit before fees.

Legal status in California

Prediction markets operate under CFTC oversight, but California officials and tribes are challenging their sports contracts.

  • State challenges: Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined several multistate filings against Kalshi, most recently a 37-state brief in June 2026 supporting Ohio’s right to enforce its gambling laws.
  • Tribal lands: On September 16, 2026, the Ninth Circuit granted Blue Lake Rancheria and Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians a preliminary injunction blocking Kalshi’s sports contracts tied to their lands. Kalshi then voluntarily disabled its markets on three tribes’ lands.

Availability could change as these cases continue.

Prediction markets that accept California users

  • Kalshi: a large CFTC-regulated exchange with sports, economics and news markets. It is not available on certain tribal lands.
  • Polymarket: one of the world’s largest prediction markets, with sports alongside politics, crypto and global news.
  • FanDuel Predicts: FanDuel’s prediction market, with a familiar sportsbook-style layout.
  • DraftKings Predictions: DraftKings’ prediction market, covering sports and other real-world events.
  • Underdog Prediction: prediction contracts inside the Underdog app.

Compare every platform in our prediction markets hub.

Alternative #2 to California Sportsbooks: DFS & Pick’em Apps

Daily fantasy sports remain available in California, but their legal status is disputed. On July 3, 2025, Attorney General Bonta issued a formal opinion concluding that paid DFS contests, including pick’em and peer-to-peer formats, violate California law. The opinion is advisory, not law, and the Governor’s office said it changes nothing.

Since the opinion, several operators have moved California users to peer-to-peer contests, where you compete against other players rather than the house. Class actions are pending against DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks and Underdog.

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DraftKings

DraftKings offers salary-cap fantasy contests and Pick6 to California users. Its sportsbook is not available in the state.

FanDuel

FanDuel’s fantasy products accept California users; its sportsbook does not.

PrizePicks

PrizePicks offers its peer-to-peer Arena format in California.

Underdog Fantasy

Underdog offers its peer-to-peer Champions format and best ball drafts in California.

Sleeper

Sleeper offers peer-to-peer contests with a beginner-friendly layout.

ParlayPlay

ParlayPlay offers peer-to-peer and free-to-play contests.

Alternative #3 to California Betting Apps: Online Horse Racing

Online horse racing is the only form of real-money online wagering licensed in California. Californians can bet on races through advance deposit wagering (ADW) sites. You fund an account first, then place pari-mutuel wagers on races at California tracks and around the world. The California Horse Racing Board licenses and regulates ADW providers.

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How online horse racing betting works

  • Pari-mutuel pools: your wager goes into a pool with other bettors, and payouts depend on the final pool, not fixed odds.
  • Common bets: win, place and show, plus exotic bets such as exactas and trifectas.
  • Funded accounts only: you must deposit before betting; wagering on credit isn’t allowed.
  • Age: most ADW sites require users to be 18+. Check each site’s terms.

Horse racing sites that accept California users

  • FanDuel Racing: FanDuel’s horse racing app, connected to TVG, with live streaming and wagering on tracks worldwide.
  • TwinSpires: the Churchill Downs horse racing platform, known for handicapping data and Kentucky Derby wagering.
  • Xpressbet: a racing platform closely tied to major California tracks such as Santa Anita Park.

Compare every platform in our guide to the best horse racing betting sites.

What Happened to Social Sportsbooks in California?

California banned sweepstakes sportsbooks and sweepstakes casinos on January 1, 2026. The law, AB 831, targets platforms that pair free-play coins with a sweepstakes currency redeemable for cash prizes. Operators such as Fliff can no longer offer sweepstakes play to Californians. Only purely free-to-play games with no cash prizes remain allowed.

How to Bet on Sports in California

Licensed sportsbooks aren’t available in California, so most Californians who want a stake in sports use prediction markets (although this is technically trading, not betting, however legal understanding across states is being challenged, and changes fast). Here’s how to get started:

  1. Choose a CFTC-regulated prediction market that accepts California users.
  2. Create an account and verify your identity.
  3. Deposit with a bank account, debit card or another approved method.
  4. Find sports contracts, such as game winners, spreads or totals.
  5. Buy Yes or No contracts, and sell them before settlement if the price moves your way.
  6. Withdraw your balance after your contracts settle.

To bet at a licensed sportsbook, you must be physically located in a legal state, such as Arizona, Nevada or Oregon, when you place the bet. If you want real-money wagering licensed by the state, online horse racing through a CHRB-licensed site is available to Californians today.

Which Sportsbook Apps Could Launch if California Legalizes Sports Betting?

Any future California market would likely need tribal involvement. In April 2025, DraftKings and FanDuel pitched a tribe-led partnership model, and California tribal groups publicly rejected claims that any deal existed.

If a measure qualifies and voters approve it, the national operators below would be the likeliest to apply:

  • DraftKings Sportsbook: already serves Californians through DraftKings Fantasy and Predictions.
  • FanDuel Sportsbook: already serves Californians through its fantasy, Predicts and Racing products.
  • BetMGM Sportsbook: the online sportsbook of MGM Resorts.
  • Caesars Sportsbook: the sportsbook from Caesars Entertainment.
  • Fanatics Sportsbook: the sportsbook from the sports merchandise company.
  • bet365: an international operator active in many U.S. states.
  • BetRivers: the sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive.

None of these sportsbooks can accept bets from California today.

California Sports Betting Laws & Legislative Timeline

Latest developments first:

  • September 24, 2026: Kalshi voluntarily disables its markets on three California tribes’ lands after an adverse appeals ruling.
  • September 16, 2026: The Ninth Circuit grants Blue Lake Rancheria and Chicken Ranch Rancheria a preliminary injunction against Kalshi’s sports contracts tied to their lands.
  • September 2026: New Jersey asks the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether states or the CFTC regulate sports contracts on prediction markets. California’s attorney general was among 44 who signed a letter challenging the CFTC’s authority.
  • June 12, 2026: Attorney General Bonta joins a 37-state brief supporting Ohio’s enforcement against Kalshi.
  • 2026: No sports betting measure qualifies for the ballot. Tribal leaders point to 2028.
  • January 1, 2026: AB 831’s ban on sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks takes effect.
  • October 2025: Governor Newsom signs AB 831.
  • July 3, 2025: The attorney general’s opinion says paid DFS is illegal under California law.
  • April 2025: DraftKings and FanDuel pitch a tribal partnership model; tribal groups reject claims of any agreement.
  • November 2022: Prop 26 (about 33% yes) and Prop 27 (about 18% yes) both fail.
  • May 14, 2018: In Murphy v. NCAA, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal ban on states authorizing sports betting.

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in California?

2028 is the earliest realistic date. Any measure would need to qualify for a statewide ballot, and tribal leaders have said the next initiative must include all California tribes.

What Gambling Is Legal in California?

Most legal gambling in California happens at tribal casinos, cardrooms, racetracks and through the state lottery.

Form of gamblingStatus in California
Tribal casinosLegal
CardroomsLegal
Horse racing, at tracks and online through CHRB-licensed ADW sitesLegal
California LotteryLegal
Online casinosNot legal
Sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooksBanned since January 1, 2026
SportsbooksNot legal

Largest tribal casinos in California

  • Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Highland
  • Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula
  • Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon
  • Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Lincoln
  • Cache Creek Casino Resort, Brooks

For sports alternatives, see the status table at the top of this page.

California Teams to Follow

California has more major professional teams than any other state, and their games feature in prediction markets and DFS contests.

  • NFL: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers
  • NBA: Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings
  • MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels
  • NHL: Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks
  • College: USC Trojans, UCLA Bruins, California Golden Bears, Stanford Cardinal

Responsible Gambling in California

Whether you use prediction markets, DFS or horse racing sites, set a budget before you start and never chase losses. If it stops being fun, step away. Free, confidential help is available 24/7:

FAQ

No. State law applies everywhere in California, including at tribal casinos.

Yes, if you are physically located in a state where sports betting is legal when you place the bet. Licensed sportsbooks use geolocation to check where you are.

No. Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed in California or any U.S. state, and they offer no consumer protections if something goes wrong with your account or funds.

No. Sportsbook promotions can’t be used in California because sportsbooks can’t operate here. Prediction market and horse racing apps that accept California users offer their own welcome offers.

No. Operators use geolocation, and using a VPN to get around location rules breaks their terms. Accounts can be closed and winnings voided.

It depends on the activity. Most prediction markets require users to be 18+, and some require 21+. The California Lottery and horse racing are 18+, and tribal casinos set their own minimum age of 18 or 21.

Generally, yes. Winnings are usually treated as taxable income at both the federal and state level. Check with a tax professional for your situation.

No. DraftKings Sportsbook is not licensed in California. DraftKings Predictions is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users. DraftKings Fantasy and Pick6 are also available, but the state attorney general considers paid DFS illegal, an opinion that is advisory and disputed.

No. FanDuel Sportsbook is not licensed in California. FanDuel Predicts is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users. FanDuel Racing offers state-licensed horse racing wagering. FanDuel’s fantasy contests are available, though their legal status is disputed.

No. BetMGM Sportsbook is not licensed in California.

No. bet365 Sportsbook is not licensed in California.

No. Fanatics Sportsbook is not licensed in California, and Fanatics Markets does not currently accept California users.

No. BetRivers Sportsbook is not licensed in California.

No. Caesars Sportsbook is not licensed in California.

Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users (18+). Its sports contracts face legal challenges in the state, and it is unavailable on three tribes’ lands since September 2026.

Polymarket is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users (18+). Sports contracts face legal challenges in the state.

Novig is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users (21+). Sports contracts face legal challenges in the state.

ProphetX is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users. Sports contracts face legal challenges in the state.

OG.com is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users. Sports contracts face legal challenges in the state.

Crypto.com is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users. Sports contracts face legal challenges in the state.

Underdog offers its peer-to-peer Champions format to California users; the state attorney general considers paid DFS illegal, but that opinion is advisory and disputed. Underdog Prediction is a CFTC-regulated exchange that accepts California users.

PrizePicks offers its peer-to-peer Arena format to California users; the state attorney general considers paid DFS illegal, but that opinion is advisory and disputed.

Sleeper offers peer-to-peer contests to California users; the state attorney general considers paid DFS illegal, but that opinion is advisory and disputed.

ParlayPlay offers peer-to-peer contests to California users; the state attorney general considers paid DFS illegal, but that opinion is advisory and disputed.

No. Betr does not currently offer its contests to California users.

No. Sweepstakes sportsbooks have been banned in California since January 1, 2026.

No. Sweepstakes sportsbooks have been banned in California since January 1, 2026.

About the Author
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With over a half-decade of editorial experience, Patrick has built his career covering the online gambling industry. From sports betting and iGaming to the rise of sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets, his industry analysis has been featured on outlets such as Legal Sports Report, Bonus.com, Gaming Today, Lineups, and more. He currently serves as an editor at Lineups, where he focuses on tracking the industry's continued expansion into new markets and emerging verticals.

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