California Sports Betting: Best Prediction Markets and DFS Options

No, as of September 14, 2026, sports betting in California is not legal, including online sports betting. That means Californians do not have access to the traditional online sportsbooks and sports betting sites available in states where sports betting is legal.

Why isn't sports betting legal in California?

The reason is simple. California voters rejected two California sports betting initiatives in November 2022 that would have legalized sports betting in the state. 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. 

As a result, California remains one of the largest states without legal retail or online sportsbooks. The status of California sports betting could eventually change. Tribal groups have expressed interest in pursuing a new sports betting ballot initiative, potentially as early as 2028. 

Are prediction markets legal in California? 

Yes, while sports betting remains out of reach, California residents can access the top prediction market apps such as Kalshi, Polymarket, and Novig, which are federally regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and legal to use in California. These trading platforms allow users to speculate on sports-related events and other real-world markets through event contract trading, a mechanism that closely resembles online betting. 

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) also remains a legal option for Californians looking to speculate on sports through a fantasy-game format.

What is the best sports betting app available in California?

Because traditional sportsbooks and online sports betting are illegal in California, residents can use federally regulated prediction market trading apps, such as Kalshi and Polymarket. These prediction market platforms are legal to use in California—along with certain daily fantasy sports platforms, such as DraftKings DFS—and let users speculate on sports outcomes and other real-world events much like top sports betting apps.

For NFL trading, prediction market users in California can now legally access these platforms and place trades on moneylines, spreads, game totals, and player props across a full slate of NFL matchups heading into Week 2, including Rams vs. Giants and Chargers vs. Raiders.

Read our prediction markets vs. sports betting guide to learn all the differences between the way prediction markets and online sportsbooks operate.

As sports betting is not legal in California, the state does not currently license or regulate sportsbooks.

While traditional sportsbooks aren't legal, prediction markets are available and currently legal to use in the Golden State. These prediction market sites operate under federal oversight rather than state sports betting laws. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are regulated by the 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.

📅 2027: California sports betting legalization could return to the political agenda ahead of the 2028 election, but no statewide sports betting ballot measure has been confirmed.

📅 2026: Sports betting remains illegal in California, with no active legislation or ballot initiative set to legalize retail or online sportsbooks. Tribal gaming interests remain central to any future legalization effort, with 2028 emerging as a potential target for another ballot campaign.

📅 2025: California tribes, gaming stakeholders and sportsbook operators continue discussions about the future of legal sports betting, but no legislation or statewide ballot measure advances.

📅 2024: California moves further away from an immediate sports betting ballot campaign following the overwhelming defeat of the 2022 measures. Tribal leaders continue to emphasize that any future proposal will require broad tribal support.

📅 2022: California voters overwhelmingly reject both sports betting initiatives. Proposition 26, which would have permitted retail sports betting at tribal casinos and certain racetracks, received only about 33% support, while Proposition 27, which proposed statewide online sports betting, received roughly 18% support.

📅 2021: Competing tribal and commercial sports betting campaigns gather support and signatures for measures that ultimately qualify for California's 2022 general election ballot.

📅 May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing individual states to legalize and regulate sports betting and opening the door for California to consider its own legalization framework.

Last updated: September 2026.

Since the top sports betting apps are not legal in California, most residents interested in sports betting in California now use prediction market platforms to speculate on sports outcomes.

Here is how to get started with one of our top prediction market apps if you live in California:

1. Choose a prediction market platform

Select one of the top prediction market platforms available in California. Options include popular trading apps such as Kalshi or Polymarket. Other options include ProphetX and OG, both federally and CFTC-regulated trading apps with a strong focus on sports trading outcomes, featuring game markets for the Rams, Chargers, Dodgers, Lakers, and other California-based professional teams.

2. Create an account

Sign up using your email address and complete the required registration process. To claim the current welcome offer, click on one of our SI-Verified links or input one of the provided promo codes from this page when prompted.

• 🟢 Kalshi promo code: SI35
• 🔵 Polymarket promo code: SIBONUS
• 🧙‍♂️ ProphetX promo code: SICOM
• ➡️ Novig promo code: SIBONUS
• 🐶 Underdog promo code: SICOM
• ➕ Plus500 promo code: SICOM

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. Many of the prediction market platforms on this page are also among the top NFL prediction market apps.

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 promos, but they can still take advantage of welcome offers from platforms that offer sports-related event contracts, on the NFL and other real-world markets.

For Californians looking to get started with the top prediction market promos, these bonuses are often smaller than traditional sportsbook bonuses but are also typically simple to qualify for and come with fewer restrictions. Below, we've highlighted our best prediction market welcome offers available in California and the top features that make each platform worth considering for trading on the NFL this season and more.

You can also view the DraftKings Predictions promo code page for an additional platform.

The Kalshi promo code SI35 unlocks the largest available Kalshi bonus: a $35 bonus when you sign up, deposit at least $10, and complete $25 or more in trades. It's a simple offer that you can claim in just a few minutes.

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 take advantage of the Kalshi referral program or check out other 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 $10. This no-hassle offer makes it easy to try the platform and explore the vast real-world and sports markets Polymarket lets you trade.

From a ranking perspective, Polymarket in California offers one of the broadest selections of prediction markets available to California users, with massive liquidity. For the World Cup alone, Polymarket saw over $4 billion traded on its World Cup Winner market, which is a big reason why it's one of our top two prediction market apps. 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 a deeper dive, read our Polymarket review, and for alternatives, check out more apps like Polymarket.

You can also start earning additional bonus credits by utilizing the Polymarket referral code.

New Novig users can unlock a bonus offer worth up to $50 in bonuses when they sign up for the site and use the best Novig promo code SIBONUS. All that's required to access this generous offer is a deposit of $5+ and a minimum trade of $5+. 

Beyond the welcome bonus, Novig stands out with its no-vig, peer-to-peer prediction market model that often delivers better odds than traditional sportsbooks. Combined with ongoing rewards, referral incentives, and a growing selection of sports markets, it's an attractive option for California bettors looking to maximize long-term value when line-shopping on MLB, NFL, and more.

The current ProphetX promo code SICOM lets new users in California claim a $75 trading bonus after they accrue $50 in qualifying trades. Just sign up using the links on this page and then enter the ProphetX code. Once you've settled $50 or more worth of trades at under 80% probability on the ProphetX exchange, you'll get immediate access to a $75 bonus.

ProphetX is a sports-focused prediction market exchange that features a peer-to-peer-driven marketplace rather than traditional bookmaker pricing. The platform offers market-driven pricing and allows users to buy and sell positions before settlement using limit and market orders.

Users also get 0% fees on profitable parlays, making ProphetX one of the best places to create multi-leg trades. This offers a trading experience that appeals to those who want more flexibility and control than traditional sports betting apps typically provide. For a full rundown of where else you can build multi-leg positions without giving up value to fees, check our list of the best prediction market parlay sites.

The latest Underdog promo code SICOM matches 50% of your first deposit, up to $1,000 in bonuses. A $2,000 deposit unlocks the full match, and you’ll need to complete a 1x playthrough on the combined deposit and bonus within 14 days. New users also get access to Underdog's Keep Your Million promotion, which gives you 1 million Milly Bucks to allocate across 20 predictions for a chance to earn up to $1 million in additional bonus entries.

For prediction markets, Underdog gives California users access to Yes/No event contracts directly inside the main Underdog app. The platform is especially convenient for users who already play Underdog fantasy contests because Predictions, Fantasy, and other game formats all live under the same account. You can trade individual contracts, build Prediction parlays with up to four picks, and create Combos that pair a Prediction Pick with Fantasy selections.

California users can claim the current Gemini Predictions promo code offer without entering a code. Eligible new users can earn up to $100 in Predict Cash by depositing $200.

Gemini offers event contracts across football, basketball, baseball, crypto, politics, and more. That gives California sports fans plenty to follow throughout the year, whether you're tracking the 49ers and Rams during football season or the Dodgers, Lakers, Warriors, and other local teams.

The OG promo code offer gives new users the chance to earn $10 in bonus funds. All you need to do is complete a trade of $10+ with a probability below 80%. Once that trade settles, you'll receive your bonus.

OG.com places greater emphasis on sports markets than many prediction platforms, allowing users to see a mix of real probabilities and sportsbook-style odds. However, OG also offers real-world 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 Plus500 promo code SICOM unlocks a Trade $10, Get $20 welcome offer for new users. After signing up with the code, qualifying users can complete the required $10 in trading activity to earn the $20 bonus.

Plus500 is also a strong option for California users who want to keep trading costs low. Prediction contracts carry a combined commission and exchange fee of just $0.02 per contract, giving users a simple, predictable cost structure. The platform also offers a broad range of sports and real-world event contracts, a clean interface and convenient funding methods such as debit cards and Apple Pay.

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.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) in California offer residents another legal way to engage with their favorite leagues and players, alongside prediction markets and beyond traditional sports betting, which is illegal in the state. Instead of wagering on a team or game outcome, DFS contests are based on the statistical performances of individual athletes. Players can build fantasy lineups or make player-based selections, depending on the available contest format.

Some of the top options for California DFS include:

• DraftKings Fantasy
• FanDuel Fantasy
• PrizePicks
• Underdog Fantasy
• Sleeper

Daily fantasy sports vs. prediction markets

Prediction markets allow you to trade event contracts on a specific game outcome, such as whether or not the Dodgers will win their next game. Daily fantasy sports, by comparison, require you to build a lineup of players and compete against other users based on those players' statistical performances rather than simply predicting a single outcome.

For Californians, both DFS and prediction markets are available, but they work very differently:

• 🎯 Prediction markets: Trade contracts on whether a specific outcome will happen (e.g., Will the Dodgers beat the Giants?).
• 🏆 Daily fantasy sports: Draft a lineup of players and compete based on their real-game statistics.
• 💵 Prediction markets: Potential returns are based on the contract price you buy or sell.📊 Daily fantasy sports: Your payout depends on how your lineup performs relative to other entrants or the contest's prize structure.
• ⚖️ Prediction markets: Focus on forecasting a single event or market outcome.
• 👥 Daily fantasy sports: Requires managing multiple players across one or more games.

✅ California: Both prediction markets and DFS are widely accessible and legal, while traditional online sportsbooks remain unavailable in the state.

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. They're currently the favorites to win the Lombardi Trophy in the 2026-2027 futures market.

⚡ Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have featured some of the league's most exciting offenses 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.

Both the Kalshi NFL markets and Polymarket NFL markets cover all these teams and more.

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.

If you want to see how one of the top sports trading apps stacks up against one of the best political prediction market platforms, check out our Kalshi vs. Predictit page for more details and a thorough comparison.

The California sports betting and prediction market schedule this week features NFL, MLB, and college football, with the 49ers, Rams, Chargers, Dodgers, Giants, USC, and UCLA among the major California teams in action.

Here are some of the biggest games and events to follow and trade on prediction markets:

California football takes center stage later this week, with USC and UCLA playing Saturday before the 49ers, Rams, and Chargers return for NFL Week 2 on Sunday. The Dodgers and Giants provide same-day MLB markets earlier in the week.

Online sportsbooks aren't currently legal in California, but sports fans can still trade eligible sports-event contracts on federally regulated prediction market platforms such as Polymarket, Kalshi, and Novig, where available.

For Californians frustrated by the state's ban on legal sportsbooks and the inability to use top sportsbooks, prediction markets offer the best 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

You can read our other guides to learn more about alternative options, including the operators above:

• Apps like PredictIt
• Apps like PrizePicks
• Apps like Robinhood prediction market

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. 

Make sure to check out our other state guides if you're located elsewhere:

• Florida sports betting
• Georgia sports betting
• Texas sports betting 

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.