Is FanDuel Legal in California? Updated for December 2025
Wondering why is FanDuel not legal in California yet? Find out everything below
Author
Reviewed By
Last Updated: 17 December, 2025
FanDuel Sportsbook is not legal in California as of December 2025.
However, Californians can still use FanDuel's Daily Fantasy Sports platform, which operates in a legal gray area but remains available statewide.
Is FanDuel legal in California?
❌ No, FanDuel Sportsbook is not legal in California currently. You cannot place sports bets through FanDuel’s sportsbook app or website within the state.
✅ However, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports is still available. Californians can enter DFS contests like pick'em games, salary-cap formats, and multi-sport tournaments.
The legal status could change if California revisits sports betting legislation. Until then, DFS remains the only legal way to play on FanDuel in the state.
Find the FanDuel legal states here.
FanDuel legal facts for California 2025
Why FanDuel Sportsbook is not yet legal in California
As of now, sports betting is not legal in California, either online or in-person at commercial sportsbooks.
FanDuel cannot operate its sportsbook or casino products within the state.
In the 2022 election, voters rejected two ballot measures that would have legalized sports betting:
Prop 26: Would have allowed retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos and horse racetracks.
Prop 27: Would have allowed online sportsbooks like FanDuel to launch statewide.
Both measures failed by large margins.
A new ballot initiative or legislative action would be required to open the market, and that likely won’t happen before 2026.
How to legally play FanDuel in California
While FanDuel Sportsbook is not legal in California, FanDuel Fantasy Sports is available and widely used.
Daily Fantasy Sports is treated separately from traditional gambling under both state and federal law.
California has not passed specific laws banning or regulating DFS, which allows platforms like FanDuel to operate in a legal gray area.
That means Californians can legally enter paid fantasy contests through FanDuel’s app or website.
You don’t need to be a betting expert, just pick your players, join contests, and compete for real cash prizes.
What DFS games are available?
FanDuel offers a variety of fantasy contest types, including:
Classic salary cap contests – Draft a team within a budget and aim for the top of the leaderboard
Pick’em contests – Choose if players will go over or under key stats like points, yards, or rebounds
Tournaments and 50/50s – Compete against large pools or smaller groups with different payout styles
Fantasy formats across sports – NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, college football, and more
You can play single-day contests or season-long formats, and winnings are paid out in real money.
Is it safe and legal?
Yes. FanDuel Fantasy is considered legal in California and is run as a skill-based contest platform, not a gambling site. It uses:
Location checks to confirm you're in an eligible state
Age verification (must be at least 18 years old)
Secure deposit and withdrawal systems
Responsible gaming tools, like deposit limits and self-exclusion options
Do I Pay Taxes on DFS Winnings?
Yes. DFS winnings over $600 per year may be reported to the IRS and could be taxable under both federal and California law.
FanDuel may request a W-9 form for large withdrawals and will issue a 1099-MISC form if your yearly winnings pass the reporting threshold.
If you’re unsure about your tax responsibilities, it’s best to consult a professional.
Pros and cons of using FanDuel in California
Pros
- ✅ Access to legal DFS contests across all major sports
- ✅ Easy-to-use app with fast payouts and secure transactions
- ✅ Real cash prizes without needing a sportsbook license
Cons
- ❌ Sportsbook and casino betting are not allowed in California
- ❌ DFS legality operates in a legal gray area
- ❌ Winnings may be subject to taxes and reporting requirements
Sports betting in California: What the law says
California is one of the largest and most lucrative potential sports betting markets in the US, but sports betting remains illegal in the state as of December.
Despite growing demand and high-profile campaigns, voters have not yet approved any legislation to legalize online or retail sportsbooks.
Currently, FanDuel and all other sportsbooks are banned from operating in California.
That includes both mobile apps and physical sportsbook locations.
How we got here
In 2022, California voters had the chance to legalize sports betting through two separate ballot measures:
Proposition 26 would have allowed retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos and racetracks.
Proposition 27 would have legalized online and mobile sports betting for players 21 and older.
Both measures failed by wide margins:
Prop 26: Lost 67% to 33%
Prop 27: Lost 82% to 18%
The failure stemmed from a combination of competing tribal and commercial interests, voter confusion, and heavy opposition messaging.
Why it matters
Without voter approval or legislative action, California’s constitution bars the expansion of gambling, including online sports betting.
That means FanDuel, DraftKings, and other operators cannot legally launch sportsbooks in the state.
Timeline of key events
Legal FanDuel alternatives
Even though FanDuel Sportsbook isn’t legal in California, residents still have access to several legal gaming options that offer real prizes or contests.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Underdog offer legal DFS contests in California.
You can enter pick’em games, salary-cap matchups, and multi-sport tournaments for real cash prizes.
DFS is treated as a skill-based game and continues to operate in the state.
Sweepstakes casinos
Sites like Stake.us, WOW Vegas, and Fortune Coins are legal under sweepstakes law.
They use virtual currencies and let you redeem winnings for digital gift cards or cash equivalents.
No purchase is required to play.
Horse racing apps
Online horse race betting is allowed in California through platforms like TVG, FanDuel Racing, and TwinSpires.
These sites are regulated and legal under state and federal law.
Can I use a VPN?
You shouldn’t use a VPN to access FanDuel Sportsbook in California.
FanDuel uses geolocation to detect your real location, and VPN use can block access or trigger account reviews.
It also violates FanDuel’s terms of service and may lead to suspension.
Instead, stick to legal options like FanDuel Fantasy Sports.
How to sign up to Fanduel
How to verify
FanDuel bonuses in California
While FanDuel Sportsbook isn’t available in California, DFS players can still claim a few valuable bonuses.
Welcome Bonus: Open entry into beginner contests for new users.
Referral Bonus: Earn bonus credit when you invite friends who play.
Seasonal Promotions: Limited-time contests tied to major sports events.
Contests: Occasional no-cost games with real cash prizes.
Daily Picks & Challenges: Bonus rewards for completing simple in-app tasks.
How to redeem
Winnings from FanDuel Fantasy can be redeemed into your bank or PayPal account:
You must win real-money contests (not free-entry games).
FanDuel may require ID verification for large withdrawals.
Payouts typically process within 1-2 business days.
All winnings are subject to federal and California tax rules. You may receive a 1099 form if you earn $600+ in a year.
What to expect using FanDuel in California
FanDuel Fantasy gives California players a smooth, legal way to enjoy sports-based contests and win real money.
The platform runs daily contests across the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, and more, with flexible entry fees and payout options.
You can play from your phone or computer, with no app workarounds or VPNs required.
The site is beginner-friendly, with tools to help you build lineups and enter contests in just a few taps.
You’ll also find features like live scoring, secure withdrawals, and responsible gaming settings.
While sportsbook betting isn’t allowed in California yet, FanDuel Fantasy still delivers a fun and competitive experience.