Best Sports Betting Apps in California

That doesn’t mean you’re completely locked out. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sweepstakes-style apps have been the go-to alternatives, letting Californians play pick’em contests, over under props, and parlay-style cards. But in July 2025, California’s Attorney General issued an opinion that DFS contests may count as illegal wagering, which puts the future of these apps in serious doubt.

So if you’re looking for the best sports betting apps in California, here’s the reality: no regulated sportsbooks, only DFS and social apps — and those exist in a legal gray zone. Still, for everyday fans chasing NFL spreads, NBA prop picks, or NHL over unders, there are platforms offering action today.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in California?

The short answer: no. California voters rejected Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 in 2022, which would have legalized retail and mobile sports betting. Since then, no new laws have passed.

In July 2025, Attorney General Rob Bonta released an opinion declaring that DFS contests — including pick’em and salary-cap fantasy formats — qualify as sports wagering under state law. While this wasn’t a new law, it raised major legal risk for DFS operators like DraftKings DFS, FanDuel DFS, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy.

That means California has:

• No licensed retail sportsbooks.
  
  
• No legal online sportsbooks.
  
  
• DFS and sweepstakes apps operating in a gray area, potentially subject to enforcement.
  
  

Until lawmakers or voters move again, California fans have to rely on DFS apps or free-to-play sweepstakes models.

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Best Sports Betting Apps in California

Here are six apps California players can still access today — with the caveat that DFS is under legal scrutiny.

1. DraftKings DFS

DraftKings DFS has been a powerhouse in California. You can draft fantasy lineups under a salary cap or join pick’em contests where you take the over under on player props. Example: Mahomes over 2.5 touchdowns and LeBron over 29.5 points in one card.

The app is slick, promotions are regular, and contests cover NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. But note: the Attorney General’s opinion puts DraftKings DFS in legal uncertainty.

2. FanDuel DFS

FanDuel DFS is another giant. It’s user-friendly, great for beginners, and offers big prize pools. If you like point spread betting, FanDuel’s fantasy matchups feel similar — you’re picking value against a projection, not an odds line.

California users have enjoyed FanDuel DFS for years, but like DraftKings, it’s now operating in a legal gray zone.

3. PrizePicks

PrizePicks specializes in pick’em contests. You select two to six players, pick over under their stat lines, and build a parlay. For example: Curry over 3.5 threes, McDavid over 1.5 points, and Mahomes under 300 passing yards.

It’s quick, simple, and scratches that sports betting itch. But it’s exactly the type of format flagged by the AG as potentially illegal wagering.

4. Underdog Fantasy

Underdog Fantasy is best known for NFL best ball drafts, but it also offers nightly over under pick’em contests. The app is polished, the promos are creative, and it’s a favorite for long-term bragging rights.

California players love Underdog for NBA and NHL lines, but like the others, its future is uncertain under state law.

5. Fliff (sweepstakes sportsbook)

Fliff is a different model: a sweepstakes sportsbook. Instead of real money wagers, you use Fliff Coins for fun or buy Fliff Cash that can be redeemed for prizes. It offers spreads, totals, and parlays that look just like a sportsbook.

Since it’s sweepstakes-based, Fliff sits outside the DFS legal fight and gives Californians a safer way to play sportsbook-style action.

6. Sleeper Picks

Sleeper started as a fantasy league app but now offers pick’em contests. The design is social-first, making it easy to share your parlay bets with friends. Want to take Anthony Davis over 11 rebounds and Justin Herbert over 2 touchdowns? Sleeper makes it fun and fast.

Sleeper is popular in California group chats, though like PrizePicks and Underdog, its pick’em format could be at risk.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How to Choose the Best Sports Betting Apps in California

With no licensed sportsbooks, California players need to be smart:

• Understand legality: DFS is in a gray area. Sweepstakes apps like Fliff may be the safer choice.
  
  
• Check promos: DFS apps still offer deposit matches, free squares, and boosted payouts.
  
  
• User experience matters: Pick fast apps that don’t crash when you’re locking in your lineup.
  
  
• Sports coverage: Make sure your app covers NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and college sports.
  
  

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Sports Betting Tips for Beginners in California

Even without full sportsbooks, you can still play smart:

• Parlay bets = pick’em cards. Stack two or more player props in DFS contests.
  
  
• Point spread betting doesn’t exist yet, but projections mimic it. DFS contests are essentially spreads on player performance.
  
  
• Over under is the bread and butter. Every app lets you take over under on stat lines.
  
  
• Use a sports betting calculator to estimate payouts on parlay cards.
  
  
• Stay responsible. With DFS under scrutiny, don’t overcommit — laws may change.
  
  

Sports betting today is about fun, bragging rights, and fast action. California fans can still get that, even without licensed books.

Sports Betting Promotions and Bonuses in California

Promos are still live on DFS and sweepstakes apps:

• DraftKings and FanDuel DFS run deposit matches and boosted prize pools.
  
  
• PrizePicks and Underdog offer “free square” promos — one pick is nearly guaranteed.
  
  
• Fliff gives daily login bonuses and sweepstakes entries.
  
  
• Sleeper adds odds boosts around big games.
  
  

Promotions make it easier to bet smarter, especially in a limited market like California.

Final Thoughts

California doesn’t have licensed sportsbooks yet, and DFS is now in legal limbo after the 2025 Attorney General’s opinion. That leaves sweepstakes apps like Fliff and social platforms like Sleeper as the safest plays for now.

The best sports betting apps in California today are DraftKings DFS, FanDuel DFS, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, Fliff, and Sleeper Picks. Just remember: DFS may face enforcement, so use caution.

Until California finally legalizes online sports betting, these apps are the closest thing fans have to parlays, point spreads, and over unders.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.