Best California Sportsbooks July 2026
| Online Sportsbooks · States · California |
With Los Angeles set to host more World Cup matches than any other city this summer, California sports betting is as hot a topic as ever.
While real-money wagering remains illegal in the state, residents and visitors can still get in on the tournament action through prediction markets and peer-to-peer DFS apps.
Top sportsbooks like bet365, DraftKings and BetMGM are always keeping an eye on California to see when the state will legalize sports betting.
Much like New York was before legalizing, California is a sought-after sports betting market with the potential to be the biggest in the US for online gambling. California online casinos are also not legal, but they do have the potential for legal sports betting in California to go live at some point in the future.
Last Updated on: 07/17/2026
CAN I BET ON THE WORLD CUP IN CALIFORNIA?
No — California has no legal sports betting, and that applies to the World Cup just like any other event.
- Real-money sportsbooks cannot operate in the state, and that includes visitors traveling to Los Angeles and San Francisco for matches this summer.
That said, there are alternatives.
- Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket let users trade on match outcomes and tournament winners, and are available in California.
- Peer-to-peer DFS apps also offer player performance markets tied to World Cup action.
The rest of this page covers which platforms are currently available and what to expect from each.
This week in California: Austria vs. Jordan kicks off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara today (June 16). Turkey vs. Paraguay follows at Levi's on June 19, and Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina is at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 18. Real-money wagering isn't available in California, but you can trade on all of these matches through Kalshi and Polymarket.
BEST CALIFORNIA PREDICTION MARKETS AND DFS APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP ⚽
Here are our favorite prediction market apps and peer-to-peer DFS operators you can use in California during the World Cup this summer:
| 🏟️ Platform | 🚨 Promo Code | 💸 Welcome Bonus |
| Polymarket | ||
| FanDuel Predicts | No promo code needed! | |
| Kalshi | ||
| Novig | ||
| DraftKings Pick6 | No promo code needed! | |
| ProphetX | ||
| Underdog | ||
| Dabble Fantasy | ||
| Bleacher Nation Fantasy | ||
| betr Picks | ||
| Boom Sports | ||
| PrizePicks |
WHY CAN'T I BET ON SPORTS IN CALIFORNIA? 🤔
Sports betting remains illegal because California voters resoundingly defeated the necessary legal framework (Propositions 26 and 27) at the ballot box in 2022.
While major sportsbooks are actively trying to negotiate partnership deals with California’s tribal gaming leaders, full legalization is not expected until 2028 at the earliest in the state.
| Online Sports Betting | ❌ Illegal |
| In-Person Sports Betting | ❌ Illegal |
| DFS (Pick'Em style) | ⚠️ Legal gray area post-AG opinion |
| DFS (Peer-to-Peer) | ✅ Available |
| Prediction Markets (Kalshi, Polymarket) | ✅ Available |
| Sweepstakes Sportsbooks | ❌ Banned as of Jan 1, 2026 |
| Social Casinos | ❌ Banned as of Jan 1, 2026 |
CONTENTS
- California Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
- California Social Sportsbooks
- California Betting Laws
- Best California Sportsbooks: Events and Betting Markets
- Common Payment Options
- Best California Sportsbooks FAQ
- Final Thoughts on Betting in California
CALIFORNIA DAILY FANTASY SPORTS (DFS) 🏅
In July 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a formal opinion declaring DFS contests illegal under state law. Most operators responded by shifting to peer-to-peer formats —
PrizePicks now offers its Arena format only in California, and Underdog has moved to peer-to-peer contests. Some platforms continue to operate in a legal gray area as enforcement remains unclear.
Looking for all the top daily fantasy sports options in other states? Check out our best fantasy sports sites and offers.
TOP 6 CALIFORNIA PREDICTION MARKETS & DFS APPS 🏆
As you can see, there are plenty of good options above for picking a social sportsbook or prediction market to enjoy in California. We'll show you our top four below and explain what makes them so great.
1) POLYMARKET - BEST PREDICTION MARKET 📊
Polymarket is our top pick right now thanks to how easy it is to jump in and start trading on real-world events. The markets update in real time, and there’s always something interesting to follow, whether you're into sports, news, or bigger global topics.
- Use our Polymarket promo code
INSIDER to unlock the offer:Deposit $20, Get $50 Trading Bonus!
2) FANDUEL PREDICTS - HOTTEST PREDICTION MARKET
The brand behind FanDuel, the most popular sportsbook, has launched a prediction market in select states.
No FanDuel Predicts promo code is needed in California for this welcome offer:
3) KALSHI - MOST ESTABLISHED PREDICTION MARKET 📈
Kalshi stands out for the sheer variety of markets available. You can find fun topics to predict based in pop culture, sports, politics, news and more.
- Use our Kalshi referral code
INSIDER toTrade $10, Get $15!
4) NOVIG - BEST MARKET DEALS
Novig is a commission-free, peer-to-peer sports prediction market operating under a legal sweepstakes model.
It allows users to bet directly against each other rather than the house, meaning you can often find better odds or even set your own lines without the traditional sportsbook vig.
5) DRAFTKINGS PICK6
DraftKings Pick6 is a peer-to-peer daily fantasy game where you build entries by selecting "More" or "Less" on two to six player stat projections.
Instead of playing against the house, your entry competes against other users' lineups for a share of a cash prize pool.
6) PROPHETX
ProphetX is a sweepstakes-based sports betting exchange that lets you trade directly against other players instead of a traditional sportsbook.
Using a dual-currency social gaming model, it allows users to set custom odds or accept existing peer-to-peer lines on major sports markets to win redeemable cash prizes.
- Use the ProphetX promo code
INSIDER toTrade $10, Get $20!
CALIFORNIA SOCIAL SPORTSBOOKS 🎉
Note: Sweepstakes sportsbooks operating with dual-currency models, including Fliff, are no longer available in California as of January 1, 2026, due to AB 831.
CALIFORNIA BETTING LAWS
Sports betting is illegal in California. You cannot bet and there are no regulated sites.
There are California card rooms that accept players 18 and older, but nothing regarding legal online sports betting in California has come across a governor's desk since the overturning of PASPA in 2018.
Still, professional sports teams and sports bettors alike are eager to legalize and legitimize betting on regulated websites and CA betting apps through some tribal gaming compacts or, better yet, a signed law that gives the tribes a seat at the table.
A 2022 attempt to legalize sports betting was filed by both the tribal entities in charge of offering legal betting and national operators attempting to establish legal online bets in CA, but neither initiative came close to garnering enough votes to pass.
Sports betting, both online and in-person, remains illegal in California.
Updated on : 07/17/2026
POSSIBLE DRAFTKINGS AND FANDUEL DEAL WITH CALIFORNIA TRIBES 🏟️
In 2025, major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel pitched a new revenue-sharing partnership model to California’s tribes in a fresh attempt to bring legal betting to the state.
However, despite the new approach, tribal leaders have signaled that a 2026 ballot push is highly unlikely, making 2028 the earliest realistic window for legalization.
CALIFORNIA SPORTS BETTING TIMELINE ⏰
2026 🗓️
- January 2026: AB 831 takes effect. Sweepstakes sportsbooks, including Fliff, exit the California market.
- March 2026: Governor Newsom issues an executive order banning gubernatorial appointees from using nonpublic information to trade on prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. California lawmakers also introduce bills to regulate or restrict prediction markets tied to sports.
2025 🗓️
- October 2025: Governor Gavin Newsom signs AB 831 into law, banning dual-currency sweepstakes sportsbook and casino platforms in California.
- July 2025: California Attorney General Rob Bonta issues a ruling that DFS counts as sports betting, making daily fantasy sites functionally illegal in the state.
2023-24 🗓️
- April 2024: FanDuel, DraftKings and the SBA begin discussions about a plan with the 109 tribes in California. It would give control of sports betting in CA to an "entity" that is the 109 tribes combined, who would then contract with the SBA so operators can come to the state.
- January 2024: Reeve Collins' sports betting initiatives are no longer pursued.
- November 2023: The California Nations Indian Gaming Association votes against Reeve Collins' California sports betting initiatives.
- October 2023: Reeve Collins, CEO of Pala Interactive, files two sports betting initiatives for the 2024 election cycle.
- October 2023: News surfaces that the Pala Band of Mission Indians are considering filing an online sports betting initiative for the 2024 election cycle.
2022 🗓️
- November 2022: As expected, California overwhelmingly voted no on Prop 26 and 27, which would have legalized online sports betting and in-person betting on tribal lands. The chances for sports betting in California are dead for 2022.
- October 2022: The chances for California sports betting legalization continue to dwindle. Major polling ahead of the November 2022 election indicates that California voters will not vote for either Prop 26 or 27.
- August 2022: California Republicans and Democrats announce that they will abstain from voting on at least one if not both ballot measures, the "tribal" and the "corporate" initiatives.
- June 2022: The so-called "California Solutions for Homelessness and Mental Health Act" initiative, backed by giants like FanDuel and BetMGM, officially secured enough signatures to be on the ballot in November 2022.
- May 2022: One referendum spearheaded by local California tribal entities was pulled off the November 2022 ballot, meaning that now only two initiatives would be up for a vote in November.
- May 2022: The political committee spearheading the California Solutions for Homelessness and Mental Health Act referendum announced it has amassed 1.6 million signatures, well over the required amount set forth, and sent them to the California Secretary of State.
- April 2022: Three, count 'em, three referendums make an attempt for the November 2022 ballot.
- February 2022: Taking a look at other states' take from the Super Bowl, California legislators see the missed cashflow as a top reason for legalizing online bets.
- January 2022: Another ballot initiative, California Legalize Sports Betting, gains enough petition signatures to put a vote for legal betting on the November 2022 ballot.
2021 🗓️
- September 2021: A local California horse racing board, as part of the Santa Anita Park at Del Mar Fairgrounds, internally agrees to offer retail sports betting in-person at the track should CA legalize online betting.
- August 2021: The California legislature closes out deals for six tribal groups to have gaming compacts, indicating this legislature's openness to legalizing wagering in some form.
- May 2021: The "Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative" enables voters to indicate their preference for legal sports betting apps in California in November 2022.
CALIFORNIA SPORTS EVENTS AND BETTING MARKETS
Since the sports industry is so large in the state, the potential for having your choice of the best California online sportsbooks is substantial!
From the betting markets types of sports betting wagers to the sheer number of California teams to bet on, there will be plenty of options when online sports betting is legalized.
COMMON TYPES OF BETS 💰
The wide variety of sports leaves the market open for a ton of innovation in betting styles.
When California sports betting eventually becomes legal, bettors will encounter a range of wager types. Here's a quick primer:
Straight Bets 🎲
These are the most common types of bets for sports bettors in the betting industry.
When the betting line is set, California bettors would decide whether to bet on the favorite or the underdog. If you choose the favorite, you increase your sports betting odds.
However, the favorite has to win the game with a higher number of points than the point spread for you to cash in. If you choose the underdog, they have to win or at least lose by less than the point spread.
Therefore, while your betting odds increase when betting for the favorite, so does the burden of requirements.
Total Line Bets 📉
This is also a popular way of mobile sports betting. It’s also pretty straightforward.
A number is set for the predicted combined final score of both teams.
Then, you would guess whether you believe the actual total will be over or under that amount. It can often be a bet made for half a game in sports like football or basketball.
Moneyline Bets 💸
Mostly used in baseball and hockey, these types of bets can be a risk as they do not involve a point spread.
Meaning the amount you have to bet varies whether you choose to bet on the favorite or the underdog.
For instance, if the Yankees are favored to win against the Dodgers, you may see the betting odds described like this: Dodgers (+120), Yankees (-135).
This means to bet on the Dodgers, you would only need to put down $100 and you could potentially win $120. Whereas, you would need to bet $135 on the Yankees to win $100.
If you need more information on moneyline betting, read our Moneyline Betting How-To.
If you want to learn about different odds formats, feel free to read our Odds Converter article.
Parlay Bets 🤑
These are probably the highest risk bets out there, but are very popular with sports bettors.
They involve grouping together multiple bets together and can often be bets that last an entire season.
There is very little room for error in these types of bets because you need to win all of your separate bets to see any money.
For the best parlay betting prep, use our parlay calculator.
Teaser Bets 🌪️
Teaser betting is a bit of a twist on a parlay. It is not as high risk and also not as high reward.
Bets are still grouped together like a parlay, but you are able to tweak the point spread in this style of betting. Making it a bit less appealing and a bit more controlled.
Head-to-Head Bets 🤯
These bets are made on non-team sports. In sports such as golf and NASCAR, these bets simply represent which of two competitors will win.
Often, a money line will be attached as a way to handicap a race. Though this is a popular style of sports gambling in CA, it’s also a hard bet to make considering the size of the field.
MOST POPULAR SPORTS TO BET ON 🏈
- Football (both NFL and college)
- Basketball (NBA)
- Tennis
- Hockey (NHL)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Soccer
- Golf
- Boxing
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
POPULAR CALIFORNIA EVENTS 🌊
- 2026 Men's World Cup — California is hosting 14 matches across two venues this summer, more than any other state in the tournament. No legal sportsbooks operate in California, but prediction markets and peer-to-peer DFS apps are available for those looking to have a stake in the action.
Los Angeles — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (officially "Los Angeles Stadium" during the tournament)
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| June 12 | USA vs. Paraguay (Group D) |
| June 15 | Iran vs. New Zealand (Group G) |
| June 18 | Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) |
| June 21 | Belgium vs. Iran (Group G) |
| June 25 | USA vs. Turkey (Group D) |
| June 28 | Round of 32 |
| July 2 | Round of 32 |
| July 10 | Quarterfinal |
San Francisco Bay Area — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (officially "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium" during the tournament)
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| June 13 | Qatar vs. Switzerland (Group B) |
| June 16 | Austria vs. Jordan (Group J) |
| June 19 | Turkey vs. Paraguay (Group D) |
| June 22 | Jordan vs. Algeria (Group J) |
| June 25 | Paraguay vs. Australia (Group D) |
| July 1 | Round of 32 |
- Auto Club 400 - this is the only NASCAR event held in Southern California. It’s held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and usually takes place in March. The best California sportsbooks are expected to have lines on this yearly race!
- Vans U.S. Open of Surfing - this is known as the biggest surfing event in the world. It’s held in Huntington Beach over nine days in July/August.
- AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am- this golfing event started in 1937 with an idea from Bing Crosby. It’s a fun event held in February involving golf professionals and A-list celebrities so it draws a huge crowd of in person as well as at home spectators.
- BNP Paribas Open - held in March, this is the largest international tennis tournament other than the four Grand Slams.
- Sea Otter Classic - known as a “celebration of cycling”, this Monterrey based biking event features a wide range of cycling opportunities.
BEST CALIFORNIA SPORTS TEAMS TO BET ON ⛳
Below is a list of the major league teams in California. California has nearly twice the amount of major league teams than any other state.
All of them present great betting opportunities once CA sports betting is legal. These California sports teams would become a huge market for California sportsbooks.
Baseball California Sports Teams ⚾
Basketball California Sports Teams 🏀
- Golden State Warriors
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Sacramento Kings
- Los Angeles Sparks
- Golden State Valkyries
Football California Sports Teams 🏈
Hockey California Sports Teams 🏒
Soccer California Sports Teams ⚽
- LA Galaxy
- Los Angeles FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
COMMON PAYMENT OPTIONS 🏦
For most states, there are a few common payment methods in online sports betting apps. Here are some of the more popular options.
- Debit/Credit cards
- PayPal
- Prepaid Cards
- Cash at a retail partner’s sportsbook
- ACH/Wire Transfer
RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING IN CALIFORNIA ☮️
The California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) is a non-profit that promotes "promoting awareness, education, research, prevention and treatment for problem gambling" for those in the state.
If you are gaming with online sportsbooks,c casinos, social casinos or social gaming, please make sure to use our responsible gambling tips.
BEST CALIFORNIA SPORTSBOOKS FAQ
WHEN IS SPORTS BETTING COMING TO CALIFORNIA?
No sooner than 2028. Tribal leaders have ruled out a 2026 ballot push, and the 2028 election cycle is now the earliest realistic window for legalization. Even then, it typically takes states six months to two years to launch after a ballot measure passes.
ARE PREDICTION MARKETS LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?
Yes, prediction markets are legal and live in CA. Here are some of the top CA prediction market promos right now:
- Polymarket: Use the promo code
INSIDER toDeposit $20, Get $50 Trading Bonus! - FanDuel Predicts:
Make any Trade & Get $25 in Predicts Bonus! - Kalshi: Use the promo code
INSIDER toTrade $10, Get $15!
HOW DO YOU BET ON SPORTS IN CALIFORNIA?
When California sports betting does become legal, betting on your favorite events is simple. Refer to our How To Bet On Sports guides for a step-by-step guide!
IS FANDUEL LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?
FanDuel Sportsbook is expected to go live with a sports betting app in CA whenever sports betting is legal. Prediction markets are allowed in CA, so new users can sign up for the FanDuel Predicts offer today:
ARE THERE ANY SPORTSBOOKS IN CALIFORNIA?
No, California does not have any forms of legal sports betting, in-person or online.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CALIFORNIA SPORTS BETTING APPS?
There are no California sports betting apps to use since sports betting is illegal in CA. Some of the top sportsbooks looking to get into CA one day are FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook. They should have good sports betting apps in CA in the future.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BETTING IN CALIFORNIA ⚾
California remains one of the most closely watched sports betting markets in the country — and with Los Angeles hosting more World Cup matches than any other city this summer, that spotlight has never been brighter.
The irony isn't lost on anyone: the biggest soccer tournament in the world is coming to California, and residents still can't place a legal sports bet.
That said, the options available right now are better than they've ever been.
Prediction markets like Polymarket, Kalshi, and FanDuel Predicts give California users a legitimate way to trade on match outcomes and tournament winners — all legally, and all from your phone.
For those who prefer a DFS-style experience, peer-to-peer apps like DraftKings Pick6, Underdog, and PrizePicks Arena are available in the state following the industry's shift away from house-banked formats after the AG's 2025 opinion.
On the legalization front, don't hold your breath for the near term. Tribal leaders have cooled on a 2026 ballot push, and 2028 is now the earliest realistic window.
When it does happen, California has the potential to be the biggest sports betting market in the US — and the full roster of top sportsbooks will be ready to launch the moment it's legal.
Until then, stick with the legal alternatives above and check back here at VegasInsider for the latest updates on California sports betting law and the best available offers in the state.
