California Sports Betting June 2026: Best Options Available Now

No, traditional sports betting is not legal in California. However, residents can still access legal prediction market platforms that offer sports-related event contracts and other real-world markets.

California voters rejected two sports betting initiatives in November 2022. Proposition 26 would have legalized retail sports betting at tribal casinos and select horse racetracks, while Proposition 27 sought to authorize statewide online sports betting. Both measures failed by wide margins.

As a result, California remains one of the largest states without legal retail or online sportsbooks. While tribal casinos continue to offer casino gaming under existing compacts, sports wagering is not currently permitted.

That could eventually change. Tribal groups have expressed interest in pursuing a new sports betting ballot initiative, with many industry observers viewing 2028 as the next realistic opportunity for legalization.

Bottom line: Traditional sportsbooks are not legal in California, but residents can currently use prediction markets and certain daily fantasy sports platforms.

Because sports betting remains illegal in California, the state does not currently license or regulate sportsbooks.

Any future sports betting framework would likely involve California tribal gaming operators and state oversight mechanisms established through legislation or voter-approved ballot initiatives.

While traditional sportsbooks aren't legal, prediction markets operate under federal oversight rather than state sports betting laws. Platforms such as Kalshi are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), allowing users to trade event contracts in states where sports betting remains prohibited.

California residents should also remember that gambling winnings and prediction market profits are generally considered taxable income under both federal and California tax laws.

Since traditional sportsbooks aren't available in California, most residents interested in sports-related wagering use prediction market platforms.

1. Choose a prediction market platform

Select one of the top prediction market apps available in California, such as Kalshi or Polymarket.

2. Create an account

Sign up using your email address and complete the required registration process.

3. Verify your identity

Most prediction market platforms require identity verification to comply with federal regulations and financial laws.

4. Deposit funds

Link a bank account, debit card, or approved payment method and fund your account.

5. Browse available sports markets

Look for contracts tied to sporting events, championship outcomes, season-long futures, or game-specific markets.

6. Buy and sell contracts

Prediction markets allow users to trade 'Yes' or 'No' contracts tied to real-world outcomes, including sporting events. Rather than placing a traditional bet, you'll purchase contracts priced between $0.01 and $0.99 based on the market's estimated probability of an outcome occurring.

7. Track results and withdraw winnings

Once the event concludes, contracts settle at either $1 or $0. If your prediction is correct, you'll receive the full $1 value for each contract you own. If the outcome is incorrect, the contract becomes worthless.

Many prediction market users also choose to sell their contracts before settlement to lock in profits or limit losses as market prices change. After your position settles, you can withdraw funds or continue trading other markets.

California residents can't claim traditional sportsbook bonuses, but they can still take advantage of prediction market promos from platforms that offer sports-related event contracts and other real-world markets.

Lone Star State natives can take a look at the best Texas sports betting sites for bonuses in the region.

The Kalshi promo code SIBONUS unlocks an exclusive $20 bonus when you sign up, deposit at least $1, and complete $20 or more in trades.

Kalshi in California is one of the most accessible prediction market platforms available today. I found the interface easy to use on both desktop and mobile, and the platform offers a deep selection of sports event contracts across leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and major international events. The low deposit requirement also makes it an easy starting point for first-time prediction market users.

Existing users should make sure to take advantage of the Kalshi referral program or check out more apps like Kalshi. However, if you're new to the platform, you can get a full deep dive in our Kalshi review.

You can use the Polymarket promo code SIBONUS to unlock a $50 trading bonus when you register and deposit at least $20, which alone makes it one of the best World Cup prediction market apps.

Polymarket offers one of the broadest selections of prediction markets available to California users. Alongside major sports, you'll find contracts tied to politics, cryptocurrency, technology, entertainment, and global news. The platform is a strong option for traders who want access to both mainstream and niche sports markets from a single account.

For alternatives, check out more apps like Polymarket.

The OG promo code offer gives new users the chance to earn up to $100 in bonus funds by completing trading milestones. You'll unlock $10 after settling $10 in trades, another $15 after $100 in settled trades, $25 after $250 in settled trades, and the final $50 after reaching $500 in settled volume.

OG.com places greater emphasis on sports markets than many prediction platforms, while also offering contracts tied to politics, economics, and current events. Features like live chat, community discussions, and leaderboards create a more social experience for California users who enjoy competing against other traders.

The Crypto.com promo code gives eligible new users up to $50 in CRO, plus up to $2,000 in CRO through the platform's referral program.

Crypto.com combines prediction markets with one of the largest cryptocurrency ecosystems in the industry. California users can trade sports-related event contracts and access hundreds of cryptocurrencies through the same account, making it a convenient option for existing crypto users.

California is home to more major professional sports franchises than any other state, creating no shortage of betting and prediction market opportunities.

NFL

🔴 San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the NFL's most successful franchises, with five Super Bowl championships and a long history of championship contention. The team's rivalry games against the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are among the most anticipated matchups on the NFL schedule.

🐑 Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams returned to Southern California in 2016 and won Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season. The Rams remain one of the NFL's marquee franchises and play home games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

⚡ Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have featured some of the league's most exciting offences in recent years and share SoFi Stadium with the Rams. The Chargers compete in the AFC West alongside division rivals Kansas City, Denver, and Las Vegas.

NBA

🟣 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most decorated franchises in NBA history, winning 17 championships and featuring legends such as Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Lakers games consistently draw national attention throughout the season.

🟡 Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors helped define the modern NBA with four championships between 2015 and 2022. Led by Stephen Curry, the Warriors remain one of the league's most recognizable franchises.

⛵ Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as a consistent Western Conference contender over the past decade. The franchise enters a new era with its move into the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

👑 Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are the NBA's oldest continuously operating franchise and ended a lengthy playoff drought in 2023. The Kings have built one of the league's most passionate fan bases at Golden 1 Center.

MLB

🔵 Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of baseball's most successful franchises, with multiple World Series championships and a perennial contender in the National League. Dodger Stadium remains one of the sport's most iconic venues.

🟤 San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have become one of MLB's most exciting teams thanks to a star-studded roster and growing rivalry with the Dodgers. Petco Park is widely regarded as one of baseball's premier ballparks.

🟠 San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have won multiple World Series titles in the 21st century and share one of baseball's fiercest rivalries with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Oracle Park is among the most recognizable stadiums in MLB.

🔴 Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have featured some of baseball's biggest stars, including Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, during their tenure with the club. The Angels continue to be a major presence in Southern California sports.

NHL

👑 Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings captured Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014, helping establish hockey's popularity in Southern California. The Kings remain one of the NHL's most recognizable West Coast franchises.

🦆 Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007 and continue to build around a talented young core. The Ducks have maintained a strong regional rivalry with the Los Angeles Kings for decades.

🦈 San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have been a fixture in Northern California sports since joining the NHL in 1991. The Sharks reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 and remain one of the league's most established West Coast teams.

College Sports

⚔️ USC Trojans

The USC Trojans are one of college football's premier programs, having claimed multiple national championships and produced numerous Heisman Trophy winners. USC football remains one of the biggest brands in college athletics.

🐻 UCLA Bruins

The UCLA Bruins boast one of the most successful basketball programs in NCAA history and regularly compete at a high level in multiple sports. UCLA's rivalry with USC is among the most famous in college athletics.

🐻 California Golden Bears

The California Golden Bears compete in the ACC and have a long tradition of success across numerous collegiate sports. California football and basketball remain major attractions in the Bay Area.

🌲 Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal have produced generations of Olympic athletes and consistently ranks among the nation's top overall athletic programs. Stanford's rivalry with California is one of the oldest traditions in college sports.

For Californians frustrated by the state's lack of legal sportsbooks, prediction markets offer a practical alternative.

Prediction markets allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to real-world outcomes. Rather than placing a traditional bet with a sportsbook, participants trade contracts whose value rises or falls based on the likelihood of an event occurring.

Because leading prediction market operators are federally regulated, they can generally offer sports-related event contracts nationwide, including in California.

Best prediction market platforms in California

Prediction markets vs. sportsbooks

Key takeaway: Prediction markets give Californians a legal way to participate in sports-related event forecasting while the state continues debating sports betting legalization. We detail everything you need to know in our prediction markets guide page.

Whether you're using prediction markets or other gaming products, it's important to participate responsibly and only risk money you can afford to lose.

• Set spending limits: Decide on a budget before you begin and stick to it.
• Never chase losses: Accept losses as part of the experience and avoid increasing your spending to recover them.
• Take regular breaks: Step away periodically and avoid making decisions when frustrated or emotional.
• Use responsible gaming tools: Many platforms offer account restrictions, spending controls, and self-exclusion options.
• Keep gambling fun: If it stops being enjoyable, consider taking a break.

If gambling begins affecting your finances, work, relationships, or mental health, help is available. Contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.