Top Sportsbook & DFS Picks in California
Best Betting Apps In California
California stands to be one of the most lucrative online sports betting markets in the U.S. After all, its economy ($3.6 trillion) would rank fifth in the world if it were a country. But there’s just one problem: California has yet to legalize sports betting.
Therefore, California bettors can’t access popular online sports betting sites like DraftKings and FanDuel in the Golden State.
All hope isn’t lost, though, because you can still legally enjoy California sports betting alternatives. These legal alternatives are the closest you’ll get to sports betting in California right now. They also offer cash prizes and unique sports contests based on props, totals, parlays, and more.
While we wait for California to make mobile sports betting legal, check out this list of the best sports betting apps and daily fantasy sites available in California right now.
What Sports Betting Apps Are Legal In California?
Online sports betting hasn’t yet been legalized in California. The following sweepstakes gaming and daily fantasy sports apps, however, offer the best legal alternatives for those looking for sports gaming action in the Golden State:
| App Name | Type | Prop Betting/Pick'em Games? |
|---|---|---|
| Fliff | Sweepstakes Gaming | Yes |
| Underdog Fantasy | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
| Boom Fantasy | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
| ThriveFantasy | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
| PrizePicks | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
| ParlayPlay | Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes |
Best California Sports Betting App Promos For May 2023
Fliff
This app is the nearest product to full-scale mobile sports betting in California. Available in 41 states, Fliff offers sweepstakes sports picks in the form of moneylines, spreads, and totals (a.k.a. over/under). These picks are the same options that you’ll find at online sportsbooks.
They key difference between Fliff and online sports wagering, though, is the sweepstakes aspect. This operator runs a two-coin model including Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash. You purchase Fliff Coins and use them to enter free contests—hence why this isn’t online betting.
Fliff Cash comes with the coin packages as a bonus and provides a chance at winning cash prizes. That said, you still have something at stake beyond fun and entertainment. Fliff Cash converts to cash prizes ($50 minimum) when you meet rollover requirements.
Fliff Bonus Offer
The Fliff bonus (code “PROPS”) is a 100% match on your first deposit/purchase up to $100. If you buy $50 worth of Fliff Coins, for example, you’ll receive a $50 bonus. You have to meet 1x wagering requirements before cashing out bonus funds.
How Do I Get The Fliff California Welcome Bonus?
You can qualify for this welcome offer in 4 simple steps:
- Select “CLAIM OFFER” on this page.
- Sign up at Fliff and enter the bonus code PROPS.
- Buy your first Fliff Coins package (comes w/ Fliff Cash).
- Start making sports picks and meet rollover on the bonus.
Why Fliff
Until California makes online sports betting legal, Fliff is the closest thing to the real deal. Its picks come in moneyline, totals, spread, and in-play form, which are all among the most popular sports bets. Of course, the difference is that Fliff operates on a sweepstakes model with cash prizes. If you’re okay with this format, then you should enjoy playing at Fliff.
- For more on how Fliff works, check out our Fliff review page.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard Fliff promo:
PrizePicks California
PrizePicks offers legal player props games to 31 states, including California. Its two contest types include Flex Play and Power Play. Flex Play is a forgiving contest that still pays even when you miss a selection. Here’s the Flex Play payout structure:
- 2 players = 0.5x the entry for one correct pick; 2x the entry for two.
- 3 players = 1.25x for two correct picks; 2.25x for three.
- 4 players = 1.5x for three correct picks; 5x for four
Power Play requires you to get all selections right to win—just like with a parlay. The benefit to this riskier proposition is that the potential winnings are higher. Here’s the pay structure for Power Play:
- 2 players = 2x the entry
- 3 players = 5x
- 4 players = 10x
PrizePicks CA Bonus Offer
PrizePicks doesn’t currently offer a sign-up bonus for Props.com readers, but check back with this guide often for the latest updates on a PrizePicks CA promo code.
Why PrizePicks CA
This California legal sports betting alternative provides a simple model for casual players. PrizePicks features two games in Power Play and Flex Play, which are both easy enough to grasp. If you want a platform that you can quickly dive into, then PrizePicks is a good choice.
- If you enjoy PrizePicks, check out our guide to Apps Like PrizePicks.
Wondering if the PrizePicks daily fantasy app is legal in California? Check out the Is PrizePicks Legal in California? Guide
Boom Fantasy
Prop bets are highly popular in states with legal sports betting. Boom Fantasy has taken note and developed an interesting platform revolving around player props and totals.
It features three types of prop-based games in two categories. Let’s start by looking at the contests:
- Toss-Up – You choose one of two players in an over/under matchup. For example, you might pick between Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes for most passing yards.
- Favorite – This contest requires deciding if a player will go over or under a given stat. For instance, you may pick Aaron Judge to go over 0.5 home runs.
- Long Shot – Your decide if a player will exceed or underperform their average performance.
The two aforementioned categories include:
- Over/Under – You choose if a single player will go over or under a statistic.
- Matchup – You’ll pick one of two players to perform better in a statistical category.
Boom Fantasy is an interesting California sports betting alternative based on its unique games alone. But it takes things even further with the following variable pay table:
- Favorite – 1.3 to 3x the entry fee depending upon how many correct picks you make.
- Toss-up – 3x to 20x based on your number of correct selections.
- Long Shot – 10x for two correct selections; 40x for three winning picks.
Boom Fantasy Bonus Offer
Boom’s welcome offer (no promo code needed) is a risk-free entry worth up to $100. Assuming your first entry loses, you’ll receive a matching refund in bonus funds. An example would be if you lost a $50 first entry and got a $50 refund. Note that this offer only kicks in when you lose—a win delivers prize money like normal.
How Do I Get The Boom Fantasy California Welcome Bonus?
You can collect the Boom Fantasy bonus through the following steps:
- Select the “CLAIM OFFER” option on this page.
- Register for an account (no bonus code necessary).
- Deposit at least $10 to qualify.
- Enter your first contest and see if you win or lose.
Why Boom Fantasy
Most mobile sportsbooks in states with legal online sports betting offer a wide range of markets. Boom does its best to match this variety with multiple games across two categories. If you’re seeking a sports betting alternative with plentiful options, then Boom Fantasy is a winning pick.
- Be sure to check out our Boom Fantasy review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard Boom Fantasy promo:
Underdog Fantasy
Backed by notable investors like Mark Cuban and Kevin Durant, Underdog Fantasy has gained much notoriety in the US market. It provides a mixture of daily fantasy sports (DFS) and player props. You can see available Underdog Fantasy California games below:
- Battle Royale – Entry fees ranging from $3-$300 with a daily draft (3-12 players). Any given contest will end when that’s day’s games conclude.
- Best Ball – Season-long fantasy sports with a $25 entry and no free agents, trades, or waiver wire. In other words, your team is set for the season after the draft.
- Pick’em Rivals – You pick an athlete to outperform another in a specific stat.
- Pick’em Over/Under – You choose if a player will go over or under a certain stat.
Underdog Fantasy Bonus Offer
The Underdog Fantasy bonus (code PROPS) matches your first deposit by 100%. You need to meet 1x rollover (bonus + deposit) before withdrawing winnings from the offer—not the actual bonus. If you deposit $50, for instance, you’d wager $100 before cashing out winnings.
How Do I Get The Underdog Fantasy California Welcome Bonus?
You can grab the Underdog Fantasy California bonus as follows:
- Choose our “CLAIM OFFER” link to visit Underdog.
- Sign up and enter the PROPS promo code.
- Make a deposit worth at least $10.
- Meet 1x rollover (b+d) to cash out bonus winnings.
Why Underdog Fantasy
Available in 41 states, Underdog Fantasy provides a new spin on traditional and daily fantasy sports. Its Best Ball games let you enjoy season-long fantasy leagues without constantly monitoring your team(s). The Battle Royale (daily drafts) and Pick’em player props add more variety to the game selection.
- Check out our Underdog Fantasy review by clicking here.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard Underdog Fantasy promo:
ParlayPlay
True to its name, ParlayPlay offers parlay-style games like you’d find in the sports betting industry. Each parlay contest requires you to choose 2-4 player props.
If you’re familiar with online sports betting, you know that every selection must be correct for a winning parlay. This scenario is partially true with ParlayPlay, although the situation varies based on the specific game type. Speaking of which, this legal sports betting alternative offers two different games:
- More/Less – You make over/under selections on player stats, and you must get all picks right to win. More/Less lets you decide how many selections to make ranging from 2-4. Available prizes include 3x the entry (two correct picks), 5x (three), and 10x (four).
- Hit It – You only make two picks involving stat ranges on players. For example, you might decide if Joel Embiid will score 0-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, or 41+ points.
ParlayPlay Bonus Offer
This California sports betting alternative is unique because it offers a no deposit bonus. After registering, you’ll receive a ParlayPlay no deposit bonus (code PROPS) consisting of a $5 risk-free entry. You also qualify for a 100% match bonus worth up to $100 upon making your first deposit.
How Do I Get The ParlayPlay California Welcome Bonus?
You should follow the steps below to get the ParlayPlay bonus:
- Go to ParlayPlay California through our “CLAIM OFFER” prompt.
- Register and enter the promo code PROPS during the process.
- Make a deposit (no minimum listed).
- Collect your $5 risk-free entry and 100% match bonus.
Why ParlayPlay
ParlayPlay is currently the only operator on this list with a no deposit bonus. You get a $5 risk-free entry after signing up for an account. Available in 27 states, ParlayPlay becomes even more attractive if you enjoy parlay betting. This operator can’t offer true parlays because California hasn’t legalized sports betting yet. However, its games come as close to parlays as you’ll find in the state.
- Be sure to check out the Props.com review of ParlayPlay.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard ParlayPlay promo:
ThriveFantasy
Similar to Underdog, ThriveFantasy incorporates daily fantasy elements into its gameplay model. It offers DFS-style tournaments, where you fill out a lineup of 10-player props (plus two reserves). Entry fees range from $1 to $100, while prize pools can reach six figures.
Aside from its tournaments, Thrive offers the following types of games:
- Double-up – Pays the top half of the field double their entry fee.
- Head-to-head – A two-player contest where the winner takes all.
- Versus – You compete against others while making player prop selections.
All of the contests covered so far see you play against others. But ThriveFantasy has yet another style of play that’s a variation of Versus. In this case, you select 2-4 player props in hopes of beating Thrive rather than other users. Available payouts include:
- 2-player win = 3.6x the entry fee for 2/2 picks
- 3-player win = 6.2x for 3/3 picks
- 4-player win = 11x for 4/4 picks
ThriveFantasy Bonus Offer
The ThriveFantasy welcome bonus (code PROPS) matches your first deposit by 100% up to $250. It also provides $20 contest tickets if your first deposit is worth $500 or more. The 100% match bonus comes with fairly high 4x wagering requirements. Additionally, you only have 45 days after depositing to satisfy the 4x rollover.
How Do I Get The ThriveFantasy California Welcome Bonus?
You score the ThriveFantasy California bonus through the following steps:
- Hit the “CLAIM OFFER” link on this page.
- Complete the signup process and enter the PROPS bonus code.
- Deposit $10 or more ($500+ for six free $20 contest entries).
- Start playing and meet 4x rollover.
Why ThriveFantasy
ThriveFantasy offers the best game variety among the California sports betting alternatives. It features tournaments, three types of player-vs-player games, and player props against Thrive. This operator is also nice for high rollers because it awards free contest entries for $500+ first deposits.
- For more on this DFS app, take a look at the Props.com ThriveFantasy Review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from the standard ThriveFantasy promo:
Looking for the top daily fantasy options in your state? Check out our Best DFS Sites guide.
Which California Sports Betting Apps Will Launch?
- FanDuel Sportsbook California
- BetMGM California
- DraftKings Sportsbook California
- BetRivers California
- Caesars Sportsbook California
Upcoming California Mobile Sports Betting Apps
Again, no sports betting legislation has passed in the Golden State yet. If a bill passes, though, California sports bettors could probably bet at BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
Not interested in waiting for sports betting legalization in California? You can already claim bonuses from these five online sportsbooks in many other states. Whether you’re waiting for legal California sports betting or traveling to another state, you might consider the following bonuses.
Potential California Sportsbook Promo Codes & Sports Betting Promotions
DraftKings California Sportsbook
Bonus Offer
The DraftKings bonus is a Bet $5, Get $200 deal. In other words, you only need to wager $5 (after depositing) to get $200 in bonus bets. The bonus wagers come as six individual $25 bets (versus a single $150 wager).
About This Offer
You don’t need to use a DraftKings bonus code to qualify for this offer. Instead, you can just visit through our Props.com “CLAIM OFFER” link to get started. From here, you only need to deposit $5 or more and place your first $5+ bet. DraftKings will give you six $25 bonus bets after your initial wager settles.
Why DraftKings CA
DraftKings does a nice job of offering features beyond the sports betting industry norm. It provides social elements, betting contests, a DK Shop, and achievements. Regarding the latter, you can unlock achievements by wagering on different betting markets like the MLB, NBA, and PGA.
Keep in mind that DraftKings Sportsbook isn’t legal in CA yet, however. At some point this list of California sportsbook promotions will almost certainly inlcude DraftKings, but for now you can only enjoy DraftKings Sportsbook in nearby states like Arizona and Oregon.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from DraftKings standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which DraftKings Sportsbook legally operates:
- Learn more about what states DraftKings is legal in with this DraftKings Sportsbook States guide.
FanDuel California Sportsbook
Bonus Offer
The FanDuel bonus provides a No Sweat Bet worth up to $1,000. You use this offer by placing your first wager of $10 or more. If the bet loses, you’ll get a refund (bet credit) up to $1k. Assuming you win, then you just collect the winnings like normal.
About This Offer
FanDuel boasts one of the largest bonuses in the U.S. mobile betting market. You can get up to a $1,000 bet credit when losing your first wager. Assuming you win with the bet credit, you’ll have to meet 1x wagering requirements. Of course, you have to actually lose the first wager to cash in.
Why FanDuel CA
Currently operating in 19 states, FanDuel is one of the most-widely available US online sportsbooks. Until California legalizes sports betting (and offers a proper FanDuel California sportsbook promo), you can place FanDuel wagers in nearby states (e.g., Arizona). This bookmaker also stands out for its betting markets because it features roughly 20 sports. The majority of FanDuel competitors, in contrast, only offer 12-16 sports.
- Learn more about what states FanDuel is legal in with this FanDuel Sportsbook States guide.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from FanDuel’s standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which FanDuel Sportsbook legally operates:
BetMGM California Sportsbook
Bonus Offer
The BetMGM bonus provides first-bet insurance worth up to $1,000. It’s essentially the same welcome offer as FanDuel, where you get a matching bet credit after losing. If you lost a $500 first wager, for example, you’d collect $500 in bet credits.
About This Offer
BetMGM is on par with FanDuel for having one of the best-available online sports betting bonuses. It too provides up to $1k in the event of a first losing wager. You then need to meet 1x wagering requirements before cashing out winnings from bonus bets.
Why BetMGM CA
Aside from its welcome bonus, BetMGM boasts one of the best loyalty programs in sports betting. You earn points for all sports bets and can use them online or through MGM land-based properties. This betting site also stands out for its deep coverage of California sports teams—or any state for that matter. Whether you like the San Francisco Giants, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Clippers, etc., you’ll find many related markets.
- Compare BetMGM with other online sportsbook promos in our BetMGM review.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from BetMGM’s standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which BetMGM legally operates:
Caesars Sportsbook California
Bonus Offer
The two online sports betting bonuses covered above are large and worthwhile deals. However, the Caesars bonus really takes the cake with up to a $1,250 risk-free bet. You’ll also receive 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Rewards Credits after making your first $10+ deposit.
About This Offer
The Caesars welcome bonus mostly works the same as the FanDuel bonus. Key differences, though, include the higher max amount ($1,250) and Tier/Rewards Credits. If you lose the first bet, you’ll receive matching bet credits up to $1,250. The 1,000 Rewards Credits ($10 monetary value) and 1,000 Tier Credits ensure that you benefit even if your first wager wins.
Why Caesars CA Sportsbook
Caesars has leveraged its retail sports betting dominance into one of the best online sportsbooks. It provides some of the most competitive odds in the sports betting industry. If you’re seeking great odds on the San Diego Padres, for example, you can start by checking Caesars’ prices. Like BetMGM , this bookmaker also has one of the best online sports betting loyalty programs.
- Compare Caesars Sportsbook with other online sportsbooks in our review of Caesars Sportsbook.
Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from Caesars Sportsbook’s standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which Caesars Sportsbook legally operates:
Best Sports Betting Bonuses In The U.S
Not in California? Check out the Props library of guides to sports betting bonuses available in other states: Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
Top Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonuses By State
- Arizona Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- California Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Colorado Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Illinois Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Indiana Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Kansas Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Kentucky Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Maryland Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Massachusetts Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Michigan Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- New Jersey Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- New York Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- North Carolina Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Ohio Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Pennsylvania Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Tennessee Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Texas Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
- Virginia Sportsbook Sign-Up Offers
How To Bet On Sports In California – Online Sports Betting FAQ
Will California legalize sports betting?
California has seen several sports betting initiatives since 2018—when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act fell. Over two dozen states have since made sports betting legal, but not the Golden State. Even still, we see California legalizing sports betting at some point in the future.
However, the major parties involved (card rooms, tribal casinos, racetracks) haven’t come to a consensus. If these parties can agree on an online sports betting measure, we’ll likely see betting legal in California.
Is PrizePicks legal in California?
Yes, PrizePicks is legal in California as well as 30 other states. The reason why is because PrizePicks is classified under daily fantasy sports apps rather than as a sportsbook. Unlike traditional DFS sites, though, it revolves around parlay-style games. You can enjoy these contests through either Flex Play (1 miss allowed) or Power Play (no misses allowed) options. Â
Check out the Is PrizePicks Legal in California? Guide for more information about the legality of PrizePicks CA.
Can you bet on the Super Bowl in California?
Super Bowl betting isn’t currently legal in the Golden State. However, you can play pick’em, parlay, and player prop games involving the Super Bowl. Fliff, ParlayPlay, and ThriveFantasy are all examples of CA sports betting alternatives.
Are there legal betting apps in California?
No, California sports betting sites and apps aren’t currently legal. A relevant sports gambling bill must pass to legalize online sports betting in California.
This has yet to happen, but some California sports betting alternatives are available. These legal alternatives include Boom Fantasy, Fliff, ParlayPlay, PrizePicks, ThriveFantasy, and Underdog Fantasy. Additionally, you can enjoy other types of gambling like horse racing, card games, and casino games in this state.
Is FanDuel legal in California?
No, you cannot legally bet at FanDuel in California. You’ll be blocked by FanDuel’s geolocation software if you try placing bets within the Golden State. If California does legalize sports betting, though, FanDuel would be one of the first CA online sportsbooks available. You could then wager on in-state favorites like the Los Angeles Lakers, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Chargers here.
Is DraftKings legal in California?
Just like with FanDuel, you can’t legally wager at DraftKings in California right now. You’d need to visit a different state with legal online sports betting (like Arizona) to bet at DraftKings. This online sportsbook would be one of the first to get a CA license if the state approves sports betting. DraftKings would be another option for wagering on local teams like the Los Angeles Angels, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Is Bovada legal in California?
No. Bovada is an offshore online gambling site, and is illegally operating in the U.S. Bovada is an unregulated sportsbook and casino that doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of any U.S. gambling regulation agency.
You can count on the safety and security of your money and your personal information by sticking with legal, regulated online sports betting sites. You can’t count on those assurances at Bovada, and playing on any offshore gambling site is a risky proposition.
How do I legally bet on sports in California?
While there are no regulated sports betting apps, California still allows access to several top-rated daily fantasy apps and sweepstakes gaming sites. These sports betting apps offer fantasy props and sweepstakes sports pick games that offer an experience that’s very close to legal sports betting.
Instead of turning to illegal, offshore betting apps, check out apps like Fliff, Underdog Fantasy, Boom Fantasy, ParlayPlay, and ThriveFantasy.
Are there any California sports betting promos?
There aren’t currently any California sportsbook promos available in terms of sign-up bonuses at regulated sports betting sites. Brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have yet to launch in the state. You can however, unlock several welcome bonuses currently available at California DFS sites and sweepstakes apps.
Those offers are linked throughout this guide, and are the best way to earn deposit bonuses and enjoy sports betting-style action for now, until regulated California sportsbooks launch.
Top Sportsbook & DFS Picks in California