California does not offer legal, real-money online sportsbooks or online casinos. Ballot measures failed in 2022, and there’s no confirmed launch timeline. Still, Californians have plenty of ways to enjoy a sportsbook-style experience through social/sweepstakes apps, fantasy pick’em, peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, and prediction exchanges. This guide explains what’s available in California today, how each format works, and includes easy “get started” links without calling them “affiliate” links.
What’s the status of online sports betting in California?
- Online sportsbooks: Not legal in CA
- Retail sportsbooks: Not operating in CA
- Alternatives allowed: Social/sweepstakes apps, fantasy contests, P2P marketplaces, and prediction exchanges (availability varies by platform)
- Age requirements: Typically 18+ or 21+, depending on the product’s rules
- Travel note: Some sportsbook brands operate in other states. If you travel, you can sign up and use them where they’re live, subject to state rules
Sportbook options you can use in California today
These are not California-licensed sportsbooks. They use sweepstakes, contest, or P2P frameworks. Read each platform’s rules for eligibility, ID verification, and prize redemption.
Social and sweepstakes sportsbooks
These apps feel like a sportsbook but operate with dual currencies and promotional sweepstakes rules. No traditional cash deposits are required to participate in promotional games; ID verification is required to redeem prizes.
Fliff — Social Sportsbook and Sweepstakes
Get started: https://get.fliffapp.com/QlC3/qc3quqeg
Disclosure: No purchase necessary; sweepstakes rules apply. Not a California-licensed sportsbook. Eligibility and redemption require ID verification; see app rules.
- How it works: Make sports picks with Fliff Coins (for fun) or Fliff Cash (promotional currency redeemable for prizes where allowed).
- Highlights:
- Daily free currency, leaderboards, badges, XP
- Spreads, totals, moneylines, parlays, boosts
- Widely available across the U.S. (check CA-specific promo eligibility in-app)
- Best for: A sportsbook-style experience with play-for-fun and prize redemption pathways.
Novig — Sports Prediction Market (Free-to-Play + Redeemable “Cash” Mode)
Get started (use code 4B5330): https://novig.onelink.me/JHQQ/1kijr51i
Disclosure: Not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Availability varies. Free-to-play Coins mode and Novig Cash mode for redeemable prizes where allowed. Use code 4B5330 at signup.
- How it works: Trade against other people, not the house—set your own odds or take the best available price.
- Highlights:
- Transparent order book and market depth
- Rewards and login bonuses
- Two modes: Coins (for fun) and Novig Cash (redeemable where allowed)
- Best for: Users who want market-driven pricing and an exchange-style feel.
Thrillz — Sweepstakes Predictions
Get started (use code qrLtgq0y): https://thrillzz.app.link/kdXtHiKj3Kb
Disclosure: Sweepstakes rules apply. Not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Eligibility and ID verification may be required for redemptions.
- How it works: Make predictions using coins/sweeps; win prize redemptions where permitted.
- Highlights: Easy onboarding, social elements, promos
- Best for: Casual, entertainment-first play.
Fantasy pick’em and sports gaming
Contest-based format on player performances (not house-banked fixed odds). Availability can change—check each app in CA.
Betr Picks — Fantasy Pick’em
Get started: https://promos.betr.app/referafriend-pickem/invite/ee8c1df1-9665-49d9-8af5-959308141857/
Offer: Receive $30 after your first $10+ in entries (T&Cs apply).
Disclosure: Fantasy contests; not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Age and eligibility vary by platform.
- How it works: Choose “more/less” on player stats in slips for fixed payouts.
- Highlights: Quick entries, props-focused gameplay
- Best for: Players who want simple, prop-centric contests.
PrizePicks — Fantasy Pick’em
- Note: Widely known pick’em platform. California availability has varied; check status in-app.
- Best for: Deep player pool, flexible payout structures.
ProphetX — Peer-to-Peer Sports Prediction Exchange (Contest/Promo Framework)
Get started (use code P16JIP): https://prophetx.onelink.me/E5Yi/14gn1q3l
Offer: Earn up to 200 in Prophet Cash for new users (see terms in-app).
Disclosure: P2P prediction exchange product; availability varies by state. Not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Use code P16JIP.
- How it works: Users trade outcomes with each other, not against the house.
- Highlights: Exchange-style pricing, promotional credits for new users
- Best for: Exchange-curious players who want market-based odds.
Peer-to-peer marketplaces and social betting
These products connect users to bet with or against each other. Some operate as marketplaces; others as social apps with direct challenges. Availability and formats vary in CA.
BetOpenly — P2P Marketplace
Get started: https://app.betopenly.com/signup?referred=smashville
Disclosure: Not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Availability and fees/commissions vary by market; see site rules.
- How it works: Post odds and let others accept, or accept someone else’s posted line. Typically a small commission replaces traditional “vig.”
- Highlights: Often sharper effective pricing than -110
- Best for: Price shoppers comfortable with peer liquidity.
Kutt — Social P2P Betting
Get started: https://kuttapp.app.link/WfJZUy2Phub?referral=b5e23a
Disclosure: Not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Availability and rules vary; see app for details.
- How it works: Create or accept head-to-head bets against friends or the community; platform charges a fee.
- Highlights: Social feed, set-your-own-lines, friendly challenges
- Best for: Custom markets and community play.
ReBet — Social/Community Betting
Get started (use code U-MIK-CRI-2C): https://rebet.appsonair.link/U-MIK-CRI-2C
Offer: Match up to 100 in ReBet free cash on your first purchase with code U-MIK-CRI-2C (see terms in-app).
Disclosure: Not a CA-licensed sportsbook. Availability, mode, and terms vary.
- How it works: Social-first experience with tail/fade picks, feeds, and gamification.
- Highlights: Community discovery and engagement
- Best for: Users who want a social betting vibe.
Information-only for Californians who travel
These brands are not available for online betting inside California but are popular in other states. If you travel, you can use these links to learn more or sign up where permitted.
Kalshi — Real-Money Event Market (Non-sports; for context)
Get started: https://kalshi.com/sign-up/?referral=37122c58-55cc-4662-ab1b-5edd38a4f912&m=true
Offer: Sign up with this link and you’ll both earn $10 (see terms on site).
Note: Kalshi is an event market platform; it’s not a sportsbook and is included here as an adjacent prediction product for users who like market-style trading.
Quick picks (California context)
- Best sportsbook-style sweeps app: Fliff
- Best exchange-style pricing concept: Novig and ProphetX
- Best pick’em simplicity: Betr Picks; consider PrizePicks if available
- Best P2P marketplace pricing: BetOpenly
- Best social P2P challenges: Kutt
- Best community-first feed: ReBet
- Casual sweeps fun: Thrillz
None of the above are licensed online sportsbooks in California.
How to choose: a short checklist
- Format fit:
- Sweepstakes: Dual currency, no purchase necessary, prize redemption and ID/KYC rules
- Fantasy: Contest rules, scoring, payout tables, responsible play tools
- P2P/Exchanges: Commissions, liquidity, time-to-match, order book transparency
- Pricing and value: Compare effective holds vs. exchange/P2P prices
- Market depth: Player props, combos, niche leagues, futures-style markets
- Redemption/payments: Minimums, processing times, verification requirements
- Support and UX: App reliability, clear rules, responsive help
- Responsible play tools: Limits, cool-offs, self-exclusion options
Common questions
- Are DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, or Hard Rock available for online betting in CA?
- No. None are live for online betting inside California. If you travel to a legal state, you may use them there if eligible.
- Is daily fantasy legal in CA?
- DFS operators have historically served California, but availability for pick’em formats can change. Check the app for current status.
- Are sweepstakes apps legal?
- Sweepstakes promotions have no purchase necessary pathways and require adherence to promotional rules and identity verification for prize redemptions.
- Do I owe taxes on prizes?
- Prizes and promotional redemptions may be taxable. Keep records and consult a tax professional.
Play responsibly
Even with social, fantasy, and sweepstakes formats, set limits and take breaks. If you need help:
- Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Visit local and state resources for responsible gaming
