California Sports Betting 2025: CA Sports Betting
NOT LEGAL
California sports betting isn’t legal right now, but proposed ballot measures and growing pressure could lead to legalization in the next few years. Read below for more markets.
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Last Updated: 1 July, 2025
No. Sports betting is not legal in California, either online or in person.
Voters rejected both tribal and commercial betting proposals on the 2022 ballot.
There are currently no active bills or initiatives scheduled for a new vote.
Any path to legal california sports betting will likely require another ballot measure in a future election.
Key facts about gambling in California
How do I gamble in California?
California law bans sports betting, but some gambling options are still legal.
Tribal casinos, daily fantasy sports, horse racing, and social sportsbooks give residents limited but lawful ways to play.
Sports fans looking for real-money action must rely on alternatives to traditional sportsbooks until California online sports betting laws change.
Daily fantasy sports in California
Daily fantasy sports are legal and available in California.
Major platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks offer a range of contests.
These apps are classified as skill-based games and are not regulated under traditional gambling laws.
Other legal gambling options
California has over 60 tribal casinos offering slots, table games, and poker.
Online horse race betting is legal through licensed platforms like TVG and TwinSpires, some of the only options for betting on sports in California.
Social sportsbooks such as Fliff and Rebet operate freely and let users place picks without real money.
Charitable bingo and raffles are allowed under local ordinances across the state.
The legal gambling age in California is 18 for most types of betting, including tribal casinos and horse racing.
However, many platforms, especially daily fantasy apps, require users to be 21 to create an account.
If online sports betting in California becomes legal, the minimum age will likely match other states and be set at 21.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, California residents can legally bet on sports by traveling to states where it’s allowed.
You must be physically located within a state that regulates sports betting to place a wager; location tracking is required for mobile apps.
Nearby legal options include Arizona and Nevada.
Arizona offers full online access with major apps, while Nevada requires in-person registration at casinos for mobile betting.
Crossing state lines to use licensed platforms is legal, but placing bets from within California, even on legal apps, is not allowed under current California sports betting laws.
Betting sites to avoid
Because there are no legal California sports betting sites, some players look to offshore US sportsbooks that claim to accept U.S. customers.
These sites operate outside US laws and offer no consumer protections.
They may appear legitimate, but issues like frozen accounts, missing payouts, and a lack of support are common.
Until a California sports betting bill passes, we strongly recommend avoiding these platforms.
⚠️ Offshore betting sites are risky, unregulated, and offer no legal safety net for your money or data. Stick to licensed options when they become available. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in California
Pros
- ✅ Huge population could support many sportsbook options
- ✅ Tribal casinos already provide some gambling infrastructure
Cons
- ❌ Voter rejection delayed progress on legalization
- ❌ No timeline for next california sports betting vote
Latest sports betting updates in California
The future of sports betting in California
California remains one of the largest untapped sports betting markets in the US, but political gridlock continues to stall progress.
After the failed California sports betting vote in 2022, neither the state legislature nor tribal groups has put forward a new proposal with momentum.
The rivalry between tribal casinos and national sportsbook operators complicates any path forward, especially around who controls California sports betting sites if they become legal.
Many believe a compromise could emerge in a future election cycle, possibly through a new ballot measure focused on retail betting first.
A streamlined California sports betting bill that unites tribal interests with consumer demand may be key.
Until then, any legal shift likely depends on pressure from voters and major gaming stakeholders.
Other types of legal betting in California
While sports betting isn’t legal in California, a few other types of gambling are allowed.
These include tribal-run casinos, fantasy contests, charitable games, and online horse racing.
Though limited, these options let residents legally place bets within the state.
Horse racing: Horse racing is legal, and California has active racetracks like Santa Anita and Del Mar. You can also bet online through licensed racebooks like TVG and TwinSpires.
Daily fantasy sports: Daily fantasy sports are legal and widely used across the state. Sites like DraftKings and FanDuel offer contests that serve as a close alternative to sports betting sites in California.
Pari-mutuel wagering: California allows pari-mutuel betting on horse races both in person and online. Winnings depend on how many players choose each outcome, and this system is regulated by the state.
Charitable bingo and raffles: Nonprofits and religious groups can run raffles, pull-tabs, and bingo nights under local rules. These events must be held in person and cannot be hosted online.
Yes, social sportsbooks are legal and operate under sweepstakes models.
Platforms like Fliff and Rebet use virtual currency and do not require real money to play.
These services are not subject to gambling laws because they don’t offer direct cash betting.
Social platforms offer a casual way to pick games and compete with friends. They’re one of the few legal options that mimic sportsbook-style gameplay.
California DFS
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting is legal in California and remain one of the few real-money gaming options available.
Residents can join contests that rely on skill, not chance, which keeps them outside traditional gambling laws.
1. DraftKings
DraftKings is a top DFS platform offering salary-cap games, head-to-heads, and massive tournaments.
It's well-established, with trusted payouts and slick mobile design.
California users can enter daily contests for most major sports.
The platform often mirrors sportsbook features, without falling under gambling laws.
It’s one of the most-used daily fantasy platforms in the state.
Top features
Salary cap and snake draft formats
Massive guaranteed prize pools
Beginner-friendly lobby and tutorials
In-app lineup editing and alerts
Linked to sportsbook (in legal states)
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Huge player pool, frequent contests
- ✅ Trusted platform with fast withdrawals
Cons
- ❌ Some contests have high entry fees
- ❌ Can feel overwhelming to new users
Read our expert DraftKings review.
2. PrizePicks
PrizePicks lets users pick over/under projections on player stats, no full lineup required.
It’s a fast way to engage with individual player props and fantasy outcomes.
With flexible entry styles, it appeals to casual and experienced users.
It also fills the gap while online sports betting in California remains unavailable.
Its mobile app is simple to navigate and focuses on quick results.
Top features
No drafting, just pick stat lines
Multiple entry styles: Flex or Power Play
Focus on player props across many sports
Beginner-friendly interface
Regular promos and deposit bonuses
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Great for prop-based fans
- ✅ Simple and quick to learn
Cons
- ❌ Lower payout ceilings
- ❌ Fewer traditional fantasy contests
3. Underdog
Underdog offers both pick’em and best ball draft formats.
Users can build fantasy lineups for single nights or full seasons without micromanaging.
The app auto-sets lineups based on your drafted roster, which is ideal for busy players.
Its clean design and unique gameplay make it one of the top California sports betting alternatives.
Best ball contests, in particular, have grown popular across the state.
Top features
Best ball and pick’em modes
Clean app interface and auto-lineups
Regular season-long contest offerings
Cross-sport player pick options
Easy deposit and fast payouts
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Innovative contest types
- ✅ Strong mobile user experience
Cons
- ❌ Fewer short-term promos
- ❌ Best ball contests fill up quickly
How to start betting in California
Some guides suggest you can bet on sports in California, but that’s false; we only show you legal ways to gamble, which may not include sportsbooks.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are one of the few legal online options in California.
Platforms like DraftKings, PrizePicks, and Underdog offer real-money contests based on skill.
These games don’t fall under gambling law and are legal across the state.
Players pick lineups or stat props and enter contests that run daily or weekly.
Online horse race betting
Californians can legally place bets on horse races through approved sites like TVG and TwinSpires.
These platforms are licensed and regulated for online pari-mutuel wagering.
You can bet on major races like the Kentucky Derby or local events at tracks like Santa Anita.
Online betting is allowed as long as you’re within state lines.
Charitable gambling
Charitable bingo, raffles, and pull-tab games are legal under California law.
Nonprofit and religious organizations can host these events in person if they follow state and local rules.
Some tribal casinos also partner with charitable groups to run special promotions.
Just note that online play isn’t allowed; everything must happen on-site.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff and Rebet are fully legal in California.
These apps use sweepstakes or virtual currency systems, so there’s no need to wager real cash.
They let players make picks and win prizes in a format that mimics traditional sportsbooks.
It’s a legal and fun option while California sports betting sites remain offline.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you want to place real sports bets, you’ll need to travel.
Arizona and Nevada both have legal sportsbooks.
Arizona offers full mobile betting, while Nevada requires in-person signup.
You must be physically in those states to place bets, even if using a mobile app.
Many Californians make the trip to access legal markets until a California sports betting bill passes.
Types of bets in California
While betting on sports in California isn’t legal yet, it’s helpful to understand the most common types of wagers used in regulated markets.
Moneyline: A straight bet on which team or player will win. No point spread is involved; just pick the winner.
Point spread: This bet adjusts the score to level the playing field. You’re betting on a team to win or lose by a certain margin.
Over/Under: Also called totals, this bet involves predicting whether the combined score will be over or under a set number.
Futures: A long-term bet on outcomes like who will win a championship or MVP award. These are placed well before the event concludes.
Parlays: A combo of two or more bets tied together for a bigger payout. Every leg must win for the parlay to cash.
Prop bets: These focus on individual performances or specific events, like a player scoring the first touchdown. They're common in big games.
Live betting: Also known as in-play betting, this allows you to place wagers during the game. Odds shift in real time based on the action.
Frequently asked questions
Responsible gambling in California
Even though legal California sports betting hasn't launched, residents still engage in fantasy sports, horse betting, and other legal forms of gaming.
It's important to gamble responsibly, whether you're entering a DFS contest or visiting a tribal casino.
Betting should be fun, not a way to solve financial problems, so gambling responsibly is important.
If it stops feeling like entertainment, help is available.
California-specific resources
California Council on Problem Gambling – calpg.org
Office of Problem Gambling (State of CA) – cdph.ca.gov
1-800-GAMBLER – 24/7 confidential support for Californians
National organizations
National Council on Problem Gambling – ncpgambling.org
Gamblers Anonymous – gamblersanonymous.org
International Center for Responsible Gaming – icrg.org
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References
Contributors
Josh Miller
Author
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.
Bradley Gibbs
Reviewed By
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.