Best California Betting Apps & CA Sportsbooks

California, with its massive population and vibrant sports culture, is a hotbed for sports enthusiasm. Home to 15 professional teams across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, the Golden State is a natural fit for sports betting. However, as of May 2025, sports betting remains illegal in California, leaving fans without access to state-licensed sportsbooks or betting apps. Despite this, legal alternatives like social sportsbooks and daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms offer exciting ways to engage with sports. This comprehensive guide explores the best California betting apps and CA sportsbooks available in 2025, focusing on legal options, their features, and what the future holds for sports betting in the state.

The Legal Status of Sports Betting in California

Sports betting is not legal in California as of May 2025, a status unchanged since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, allowing states to legalize sports betting. California’s complex landscape, involving powerful tribal gaming interests, commercial operators, and political debates, has stalled legalization efforts. In November 2022, voters rejected two sports betting initiatives, and recent updates indicate no agreement has been reached between tribes and operators. For instance, on April 3, 2025, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association stated that claims of a deal were “simply false” (BetCalifornia). Stakeholders suggest legalization may not occur until 2026 or later, with retail sports betting likely to precede online options (LegalSportsReport).

While traditional sports betting is off-limits, California permits other forms of gambling, including tribal casinos, card rooms, the state lottery, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. Fortunately, social sportsbooks and DFS platforms operate legally under different regulations, providing safe and engaging alternatives for sports fans.

Legal Alternatives for Sports Betting in California

Social Sportsbooks

Social sportsbooks use a sweepstakes model, allowing users to make sports predictions without directly wagering real money. These platforms operate with two virtual currencies: Gold Coins, used for fun and without redeemable value, and Sweeps Coins, which can sometimes be exchanged for cash prizes or gift cards. This model is legal in most U.S. states, including California, as it’s not classified as gambling (WSN).

Top Social Sportsbooks in California

Below is a detailed look at five of the best social sportsbooks available to California residents in 2025, based on their features, sports coverage, and user experience.

Fliff
Fliff is a standout social sportsbook, legal in over 40 states, including California (Covers). Users make predictions on sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, and college leagues using Fliff Coins (for fun) and Fliff Cash (redeemable for prizes). Its dedicated iOS and Android apps offer a seamless experience, with daily challenges and free coins to keep users engaged. The welcome bonus of $100 (500 Fliff Cash + Fliff Coins) with code “DEADSPIN” is a major draw. Pros include extensive sports coverage and a massive welcome offer, but the lack of a desktop platform may disappoint some users.

SportsMillions
SportsMillions combines sports betting with casino-style games, offering unique contests like Blitz ‘Em, Fixed Play, and FlexiPlay (SportsGrid). It covers major sports (NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA) and international leagues like the EPL. The platform’s welcome bonus of 1000 Gold Coins + 3 Sweeps Coins is generous, and multiple customer support channels enhance user trust. However, it lacks table games and live dealer options, which may limit its appeal for some.

Legendz
Launched in November 2024, Legendz offers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, tennis, and golf. It also includes casino-style games and live dealer selections, making it versatile (Deadspin). The intuitive interface works well on mobile devices, and the welcome bonus of 500 Gold Coins + 3 Sweeps Coins is decent. Drawbacks include limited promotions for existing players and no live chat support.

Onyx Odds
Onyx Odds is a mobile-only platform focusing on major U.S. leagues like NBA, NFL, and UFC. Its moneyline betting options are straightforward, and the welcome bonus of 1000 Onyx Coins is appealing for new users. However, its limited sports coverage may not suit fans of international or niche sports.

Sportzino
Sportzino blends sportsbook and casino offerings, with over 550 games and support for cryptocurrency payments. It covers NFL, NBA, and international soccer, making it versatile. While it lacks a specific welcome bonus, its diverse game selection and crypto support are significant advantages.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

DFS platforms are legal in California, classified as games of skill rather than gambling. Users create fantasy teams based on real-world athletes and compete in contests where prizes are awarded based on player performances. DFS is popular for its strategic depth and variety of contest types.

Top DFS Platforms in California

Here are five leading DFS platforms available in California, with details on their features and offerings.

Underdog Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy, launched in 2020, is a leader in the DFS space, available in 41 states (Underdog Fantasy). It offers Best Ball, Pick’em, and Battle Royale contests across sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The platform’s welcome bonus of up to $1000 in bonus credits plus a free pick (code: PROPS) is one of the most generous (Props). Its lightweight mobile app and pleasing interface make it accessible for beginners and veterans. However, some contests have higher entry fees, which may deter casual players.

Sleeper
Sleeper is known for its social features, allowing users to chat and compete with friends. It offers season-long and daily contests for NFL, NBA, and esports. The 100% deposit match up to $100 (code: PROPS) is attractive, and free-to-play options make it accessible. However, it lacks high-stakes contests for serious players.

PrizePicks
PrizePicks focuses on Pick’em style contests, where users predict whether athletes will exceed or fall below statistical projections. It covers NFL, NBA, MLB, and esports, with a simple interface and fast payouts. The welcome bonus matches deposits up to $100 (code: PROPS). Its main drawback is the limited variety of contest types.

Boom Fantasy
Boom Fantasy offers unique formats like jackpot contests, with low entry fees appealing to casual players. It covers NFL and NBA, with a 100% deposit match up to $100 (code: PROPS). However, prize pools are smaller compared to competitors.

ParlayPlay
ParlayPlay specializes in parlay-style contests, combining multiple predictions for higher payouts. It’s user-friendly and ideal for beginners, covering NFL, NBA, and MLB. The welcome bonus matches deposits up to $100 (code: PROPS), but its sports coverage is narrower than others.

Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks, such as BetWhale, are accessible to California residents and offer traditional sports betting experiences (GamblingIndustryNews). These platforms operate outside U.S. jurisdiction, meaning they don’t follow state or federal regulations. While some sources suggest it’s not illegal for individuals to bet on offshore sites (Betonit), others highlight significant risks, including lack of consumer protections, potential fraud, and difficulties withdrawing winnings (Birches Health). For example, unregulated platforms may not guarantee fair play or secure transactions. Given these risks, it’s safer to use legal social sportsbooks or DFS platforms.

How to Choose the Best Betting App

When selecting a betting app in California, consider the following factors:

• Legality and Safety: Ensure the platform is legal in California, like social sportsbooks or DFS apps, to avoid legal risks.
• Sports Coverage: Choose apps covering your favorite sports, such as NFL, NBA, or international leagues.
• User Experience: Look for intuitive interfaces and reliable mobile apps for on-the-go betting.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Generous welcome bonuses, like Underdog Fantasy’s $1000 deposit match, enhance value.
• Customer Support: Multiple support channels, as offered by SportsMillions, ensure quick resolution of issues.
• Payment Methods: For social sportsbooks, check options for purchasing Gold Coins; for DFS, verify secure deposit and withdrawal methods.

Future of Sports Betting in California

The path to legalizing sports betting in California is fraught with challenges, primarily due to competing interests between tribal gaming leaders, commercial operators, and other stakeholders. Recent developments, such as the Sports Betting Alliance’s April 2025 proposal to partner with all 109 tribes, indicate progress, but no consensus has been reached (BetCalifornia). Experts predict legalization may not occur until 2026 or later, with retail sports betting at tribal casinos likely to launch before online platforms (LegalSportsReport). If legalized, California’s market could be massive, potentially attracting major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel.

In the meantime, social sportsbooks and DFS platforms fill the gap, offering legal and engaging ways to enjoy sports betting. As negotiations continue, California residents can stay informed through reliable sources like PlayCA.

Conclusion

While California awaits the legalization of sports betting, residents have access to excellent legal alternatives through social sportsbooks and DFS platforms. Fliff, SportsMillions, and Legendz lead the social sportsbook category with their sweepstakes-based models, while Underdog Fantasy, Sleeper, and PrizePicks dominate DFS with skill-based contests. These platforms offer safe, engaging, and legal ways to enjoy sports betting, complete with generous bonuses and robust mobile apps. Offshore sportsbooks, while accessible, come with significant risks and should be approached cautiously. As the state moves toward potential legalization in 2026 or beyond, these legal options provide a solid foundation for sports enthusiasts to stay in the game.