Is sports betting legal in California?
If you are a California resident, then you know that online sports betting is not legal within the state. Efforts to legalize it have faced significant opposition, and real-money sportsbooks remain prohibited.
Some physical premises, such as tribal casinos, offer other betting forms, including poker and pari-mutuel horse race events. Social sportsbooks are legal and widely available for virtual currency predictions.
| Feature | Details |
| The legality of social sportsbooks | Legal. |
| Legal Age | 18. |
| Best social sportsbooks in CA. | Fliff, Thrillzz, Sportzino, SportsMillions and Legendz. |
| Prize Redemption? | Available |
| Virtual Currency System | Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins, Fliff Coins, etc. |
Sports betting laws in California
California sports betting is governed by state-specific legislation that prohibits online sportsbooks. Key laws focus on maintaining restrictions on real-money betting platforms while allowing social sportsbooks and tribal gaming to operate within legal parameters.
For more details on the state's gambling framework, visit the California Gambling Control Commission, which oversees and regulates gaming activities. While laws may evolve, any changes will require voter approval.
Best legal sportsbooks in California
Sports betting in California is restricted, but social sportsbooks offer sports fans a legal and entertaining alternative. These platforms allow you to participate in sports-related contests using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins instead of real money.
Social sportsbooks focus on entertainment and community engagement. Users claim free virtual currencies to join contests, track scores, and interact with others. Since no real money is at stake, they provide a risk-free way to enjoy sports predictions, while optional Gold Coin bundles can still be purchased.
If you are new to social sportsbooks, here are the key features to expect from these platforms:
- Virtual currencies:
Claim free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins daily, or purchase optional Gold Coin bundles to enjoy the extended play if you want. Gold Coins are used for free play only, while Sweepstakes Coins are meant for promotional play.
- Community interaction:
Compete with friends or join leaderboards for fun.
- Redeem SC winnings for prizes:
After accumulating a given number of Sweepstakes Coins or the platform's equivalent virtual currency, you can request to redeem these winnings for cash prizes or gift cards.
Below is a quick overview of the top social betting sites you can sign up with to begin playing.
SportsMillions: Best for sports fans seeking variety
Launched in 2024, SportsMillions is a social casino and a social sportsbook available in 41 US states. Most of the gaming software on the platform is sourced from reputable providers, plus it also offers major US sports leagues such as MLB, NFL, and MLS.
SportsMillions uses Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, the latter of which are redeemable for cash prizes. New users signing up with the operator unlock 1000 GC + 3SC, plus a first-purchase bonus that brings 200% extra Gold Coins for just $9.99. But keep in mind that purchases are fully optional for social sportsbooks. Refer to our
SportsMillions review
to learn more about the site's bonuses, games, and sportsbook offerings.
Legendz: Decent games and offers
Pros & Cons of Legendz Social Casino
- Generous signup bonus
- Social casino and social sports betting
- Secure and safe platform
Visit Legendz Casino
Legendz is another new social sportsbook and casino accessible in 43+ states. The site uses Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins with the option to redeem SC winnings for gift cards (50 SC) and cash prizes (100 SC).
New users signing up with Legendz can grab a welcome bonus comprising 500 GC + 3 SC, besides a 10% first-purchase bonus, daily free credits, and a mail-in bonus. Legendz covers more than 30 sports and even features live social betting markets.
As noted in a recent
Legendz review, this operator goes beyond the major leagues like the NHL and NBA to include underrepresented markets like darts, futsal, badminton, and Gaelic sports.
Sportzino: Pros & Cons
- Social sportsbook AND casino
- Great welcome bonus
- Betting-like experience that’s close to the real thing
Visit Sportzino
Ranked among the most reputable social sportsbooks, Sportzino offers more than 40 major sports leagues and 800+ casino-style games from reputable providers such as Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, and Evoplay.
Sports fans use the standard Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, with the option to redeem at least 50 SC winnings for gift cards and cash prizes. The welcome bonus at Sportzino consists of 220,000 GCs + 10 free SC.
This
Sportzino review
also noted that these operators offer several other bonuses, including a first-purchase offer, daily free credits, a VIP program, and a referral bonus.
Thrillzz: Ideal for mobile social betting
This social sportsbook-only platform offers pre-game and live sports picks for the NBA, NFL, UFC, and more. New users unlock three free Thrillz Sweeps plus a 100% match bonus up to a maximum of $25. Once you have accumulated at least 50 tickets, you can redeem them for prizes at a rate of 1 ticket for 1 USD.
As highlighted in this
Thrillzz review, the operator has an easy-to-use interface with a simple sign-up procedure for users in 36+ US states. Other bonuses offered at Thrillzz include daily login rewards, special promotions, and the mail-in bonus.
Fliff: Ideal for new social sportsbook fans
Fliff: Pros & Cons
- Exclusive promo code:
FLIFFPLAYERS
- Possibility of cash prizes
- Available in most states
- Most major sports featured
- Only supports mobile play
Visit Fliff
Fliff is a social sportsbook available in 40 US states. This operator is popular among users looking for a safe and legal way to participate in sports predictions without using real money.
New users at Fliff can take advantage of the purchase bonus, which is $100 in Fliff Coins if they spend $50. Simply use our Bonus code PROMOGUYSOCIAL to claim this offer and enjoy extended sports prediction across leagues such as the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL.
Refer to the comprehensive
Fliff review
to learn how to sign up with this platform and begin playing.
Can you win real money at social betting sites?
At social sportsbooks, you do not directly win money. Instead, you play using virtual currencies like Sweepstakes Coins (SC). After accumulating SCs through gameplay or promotions, you can redeem them for cash prizes or gift cards, provided you have met the site's redemption threshold.
Many
social betting
platforms also require a minimum SC balance before allowing redemptions. Since you cannot play or win real money directly, online sports betting in California is accessible within legal boundaries. A rule of thumb is to always check each platform's terms and to always understand prize redemption requirements.
Best California sports betting apps
If you are looking for sports betting apps in California, social sportsbooks provide legal and accessible alternatives. They let you enjoy sports predictions using virtual currencies.
Here are the
Best US Sportsbooks
available in California:
| App Name | App Store Rating | Play Store Rating | One Top Feature |
| Fliff | 4.8 | 4.7 | Exceptional user-interface. |
| SportsMillions | 4.6 | N/A. | Lots of promotions. |
| Thrillzz | 4.4 | 3.9 | Decent number of sports. |
Is sports betting going to become legal in California anytime soon?
The outlook for online betting in California remains uncertain. Despite the popularity of real-money sports betting nationwide, California's legislation has yet to approve any initiatives to legalize it.
Recent proposals, such as Propositions 26 and 27, failed to pass. This reflects strong resistance from voters and interest groups. These are some of the few measures that sought to legalize in-person and online sports betting, but were defeated in the 2022 elections.
There is no active legislative effort to revisit this issue, and future legalization seems unlikely without significant shifts in public opinion or stakeholder negotiations.
As it stands, Californians can turn to social sportsbooks, which operate within legal guidelines and provide entertainment and winning potential through virtual currencies.
While real-money sports betting remains prohibited, California allows several other forms of gambling:
- Tribal casinos:
Offer slots, poker, and table games.
- Cardrooms:
Permitted to host poker and certain table games.
- State lottery:
Operates scratch cards and multi-state games like Powerball.
- Pari-mutuel betting:
Legal for horse racing at tracks or online platforms.
- Social casinos:
Use virtual currencies for gameplay.
These alternatives provide legal and easily accessible gaming options for sports fans.
Legal gambling age in California
The legal gambling age in California varies. It is advisable to always check individual venue requirements before participating.
- 21 years for casinos and cardrooms.
- 18 years for pari-mutuel betting and the state lottery.
Do you pay taxes on sports betting winnings in California?
For residents engaging in legal gambling, winnings are subject to state and federal taxes. California taxes income, including gambling winnings, at rates ranging from 1% to 12.3%, depending on your income bracket.
While bettors use virtual currencies to place bets at social sportsbooks, any real-money prizes redeemed are considered taxable income. You want to keep winnings records and consult a tax advisor for reporting requirements.
What sports can you bet on in California?
Through social sportsbooks, you can make predictions on popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and even college games. While real-money plays are prohibited, these platforms support virtual contests for major U.S. sports. DFS platforms also operate in California, but they are not regulated.
Social sports predictions are legal, providing an alternative to traditional betting. Sports fans can also compete in fantasy leagues or earn rewards based on game outcomes.
Can you bet on the California sports teams?
Yes, you can engage with California teams on social sportsbooks. These platforms cover teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco 49ers, and Golden State Warriors.
- Predict point spreads, total points, and player performance stats.
- Social sportsbooks often feature leaderboards for Lakers games, letting fans showcase their expertise.
- Virtual predictions cover regular season games, playoffs, and key rivalries.
- Predict outcomes for NFL games, including touchdowns, total yardage, and turnovers.
- Sweepstakes Coins (SC) are used for team-specific contests, like predicting season records.
- Engage in leaderboard competitions for virtual rewards during the regular season and playoffs.
- Predict player stats (e.g., Steph Curry's 3-point attempts) and game results.
- Participate in virtual over/under or total score predictions.
- Special events allow you to predict outcomes during high-stakes playoff games.
Bonuses at California sports betting sites
Social sportsbooks in California offer various bonuses that attract and retain users. These bonuses enhance gameplay using virtual currencies like GC and SC.
- Welcome Bonuses:
New users receive free GC and SC upon signing up.
- Daily Rewards:
All users can claim free virtual coins daily by logging in.
- Referral Bonuses:
Invite friends to join and claim additional virtual currencies.
Payment methods at sportsbooks in California
Social sportsbooks in California provide flexible payment methods for purchasing optional Gold Coins bundles. Most options are often user-friendly and cater to different preferences.
| Payment Method | Purchase Time | Redemption Time | Fees |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Instant | 3-5 days. | Vary by card. |
| ACH Transfer | 1-3 days | 3-10 days. | Low to no fees. |
| PayPal | Instant | Within 24 hours | Negligible fee. |
| Skrill | Instant | Up to 3 days. | Small fee. |
| Online Banking (Trustly) | Instant | Up to 24 hours | Often zero fees. |
How we rate the best sports betting sites in California
We assess each sports betting app in California based on factors that ensure a great user experience and compliance with legal standards.
Key Rating Factors
- User Interface:
Easy navigation and intuitive site or app design.
- Bonuses and Promotions:
Generous offers for all users.
- Community Engagement:
Leaderboards, friend challenges, and social features.
Responsible gambling in California
When selecting the best social sportsbooks, we prioritize responsible gambling and those that allow users to control their spending on the site. Some of the responsible gambling resources available to California sports fans include:
- California Council on Problem Gambling: This nonprofit organization assists individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling:
NCPG operates nationally. It focuses on raising awareness about gambling addiction, offering self-assessment tools, and connecting sports fans with treatment options.
Explore the best sports betting sites in other US states
Social sportsbooks are legal in most US states, providing accessible options for sports enthusiasts. Here is a table of states and links to the online betting sites within those jurisdictions:
Conclusion
California residents can enjoy legal sports predictions through social sportsbooks. With features like bonuses, flexible payment methods, and engaging gameplay, these platforms provide an excellent experience.
Explore platforms like Fliff and Sportzino to join the action. Sign up today to enjoy a safe, fun, and compliant way to participate in sports predictions.
Our favorite social sportsbook bonuses for 2025
1.
Sign up for 3 SC + 500 Gold Coins FREE and 50% extra on your First Purchase!
2.
Spend $10 get 25 Onyx Cash
3.
Spend $50, Get up to $100 in Fliff Coins
+ Get up to $5 Per Day
4.
4 Free Bucks + 150,000 Bits
5.
Get up to 10 SC FREE + 220,000 Gold Coins
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus
FAQs
🏈 Is sports betting legal in California?
No, real-money sports betting is not legal in California. Social sportsbooks, however, provide a legal alternative.
🎉 Can I get free bets on social sportsbooks?
Yes, most social sportsbooks offer free Gold Coins or Sweepstakes Coins as login rewards or through promotions, which you can use as
free bets.
📊 What are the best sportsbooks for Californians?
Social sportsbooks like Fliff, Legendz, and SportsMillions offer legal ways to enjoy sports predictions.
