You're sitting on the couch in Santa Monica or maybe a coffee shop in Sacramento, checking the lines for the 49ers game. You open the app. Then, that familiar, annoying pop-up hits: "Access Denied." It's frustrating. Honestly, it feels like California is the last island in a sea of legalized sports betting.
If you're asking can I use DraftKings in California, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. It’s more of a "yes, but not for what you probably want."
As of January 2026, the situation in the Golden State is a messy mix of old laws, failed ballot measures, and a very specific "gray area" that DraftKings still occupies. You can’t place a bet on the Lakers winning tonight. You can, however, still play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Let’s break down exactly what works, what doesn’t, and why the "California Sportsbook" dream is still stuck in neutral.
The Big Split: Sportsbook vs. Daily Fantasy
Most people don't realize DraftKings is actually two different things under one roof. There is the DraftKings Sportsbook (the "real" gambling app) and DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook (The "No")
You cannot place traditional sports bets in California. Period. If you try to place a $20 spread bet on the Warriors, the app’s geolocation will lock you out instantly.
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Why? Because sports betting is still illegal in California. We’ve seen massive attempts to change this—most notably the 2022 election where Propositions 26 and 27 were absolutely crushed at the polls. Prop 27 was the one DraftKings and FanDuel spent hundreds of millions of dollars on. Voters hated the ads, the tribes fought back hard, and the measure failed with a staggering 82% "No" vote.
2. DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports (The "Yes")
This is where it gets weird. You can use DraftKings for DFS in California.
California has never officially legalized DFS, but they haven't made it illegal either. It exists in a "permitted" status. You can draft a lineup of players, stay under a salary cap, and compete for cash prizes based on their stats.
DraftKings also launched DraftKings Pick6 in California. This is their peer-to-peer prediction product. It feels a lot like a parlay, but because you are technically competing against other players rather than "the house," it manages to stay live in the state.
Why Can’t I Just Bet? (The Tribal Factor)
It’s all about the tribes. In California, Native American tribes have the exclusive right to offer most forms of gaming. They aren't just stakeholders; they are the gatekeepers.
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The 2022 fight was basically a war between the out-of-state "big tech" betting apps (DraftKings/FanDuel) and the local tribes. The tribes saw the apps as a threat to their sovereignty. Since then, the big apps have changed their tone. They are trying to "cozy up" to tribal leaders now, but don't expect a sudden shift.
Legal experts, including those at Legal Sports Report, suggest we won't even see another vote on this until 2026 or 2028. Even then, the tribes will likely insist on a "retail-first" model, meaning you’d have to actually drive to a tribal casino to place a bet before they ever allow it on your phone.
What Changed in January 2026?
If you've noticed some of your other "alternative" betting apps disappearing lately, there’s a reason. Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) kicked in on January 1, 2026.
This law specifically targeted "sweepstakes" casinos and social sportsbooks that used a dual-currency model to skirt gambling laws. Apps like Fliff had to pivot hard to stay alive, and many sweepstakes casinos simply packed up and left California.
DraftKings, however, wasn't really affected by AB 831 because their DFS model is built on a different legal foundation (skill-based contests) rather than the sweepstakes "gold coin" loophole. So, while your favorite social casino might be gone, the DraftKings DFS app is still standing.
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Common Misconceptions About Using DraftKings in CA
- "I can just use a VPN." Don't do it. DraftKings uses incredibly sophisticated geolocation services like GeoComply. They can see right through most consumer VPNs. If they catch you, they won't just block the bet—they’ll freeze your account and keep your balance.
- "It’s legal because I’m 18." For DFS, the age limit is usually 18, but for actual sports betting (if you travel to Arizona or Nevada), you must be 21.
- "The Attorney General said it's illegal." Attorney General Rob Bonta did issue an opinion in 2025 suggesting DFS might be illegal, but he hasn't moved to shut it down yet. It's a "wait and see" game between the state and the operators.
The "Border Run" Strategy
A lot of people in SoCal or the Inland Empire just drive.
If you cross the border into Arizona or Nevada, the DraftKings Sportsbook app will magically start working. You can pull over at a gas station just past the state line, place your bets, and then drive back.
Just keep in mind: you can view your bets and withdraw money while in California, but you cannot place a new wager until your phone's GPS confirms you are in a legal state.
What You Can Do Right Now
Since you can't use the full sportsbook, here is how you can still engage with the action while staying within the law:
- Stick to DFS: Use the main DraftKings app for classic salary cap contests. It’s the safest way to play for real money in CA without looking over your shoulder.
- Try Pick6: If you want something that feels more like player props, DraftKings Pick6 is available and legal in California for now.
- Use "Free-to-Play" pools: DraftKings often runs free prediction pools that offer prizes. These are 100% legal because there is no "buy-in."
- Check the 2026 Ballot: Keep an eye on local news as we head into the November 2026 elections. If a tribal-backed initiative makes the ballot, that will be the first real sign that change is coming.
The bottom line? DraftKings is "half-legal" in California. You've got the fantasy side, but the "House" isn't taking your bets just yet.
Your next move: If you have an existing DraftKings account with funds in it, you can still use those funds for Daily Fantasy contests in California today. If you're looking for a traditional sportsbook, your best bet is to plan a weekend trip to Vegas or Scottsdale.