California residents love their sports, and daily fantasy sports (DFS) have emerged as a popular way for fans to engage with their favorite teams and players. But when it comes to legality and access in California, things aren’t exactly straightforward.

What Are Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)?

Before we get into the specifics of California, let's touch on what DFS entails. Daily Fantasy Sports are online games where participants build imaginary teams of real life players from professional leagues. The teams earn points based on the statistical performance of those players in actual games. Unlike traditional fantasy leagues that run throughout an entire sports season, DFS contests are short-term, often lasting a single day or a week.

Popular platforms like DraftKings, Wanna Parlay, and PrizePicks offer a variety of contests, from small stakes competitions to high reward tournaments across sports like football, basketball, baseball, and even niche events like eSports.

Now that you have a better understanding of what daily fantasy sports are, let's look at whether you can legally participate in California.

Is DFS Legal in California?

The Legal Gray Area

The big question for many sports enthusiasts in California is whether DFS is legal. The short answer? Yes, you can play DFS in California, but its legality is in a bit of a gray area.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 excluded fantasy sports from the definition of gambling as long as the games are based on skill rather than chance. This exception allowed DFS operators to grow rapidly. However, each U.S. state has its own laws regarding gambling and fantasy sports.

California doesn’t have specific legislation that explicitly legalizes or bans DFS. This leaves the door open for platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel to operate within the state. While there have been discussions to regulate DFS formally, no definitive laws have been passed. The result? DFS is accessible to Californians, but regulation remains a topic of debate.

What's Being Done to Regulate DFS in California?

Over the years, various bills aimed at regulating DFS have been proposed in California’s legislature. Most notably, Assembly Bill 1437 (introduced in 2015) sought to impose licensing requirements and consumer protections for DFS platforms. Despite widespread attention, the bill failed to pass.

The lack of regulation means there aren’t state imposed safeguards specific to DFS. This makes it all the more important for players to choose reputable platforms and play responsibly.

Popular DFS Platforms Available to California Residents

The good news is that California residents have access to the major DFS platforms. These platforms comply with federal laws and operate openly in the state, offering a wide range of fantasy contests. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular options:

1. DraftKings

DraftKings offers contests for a wide array of sports, from NFL and NBA to PGA and MMA. Features like user friendly interfaces, frequent promotions, and customizable leagues make it a popular option.

2. Wanna Parlay

Wanna Parlay allows players to create, share, and participate in personalized parlay style fantasy contests for cash prizes, blending the excitement of traditional fantasy sports with the thrill of building a parlay. 

3. Underdog

For players looking for a unique spin, Underdog focuses on season long best ball contests and innovative formats that differ from traditional lineup construction.

4. PrizePicks

PrizePicks offers a simplified approach to fantasy sports, where players predict whether a player will go over or under specific projections. This platform is perfect for those who want a different way to engage with their favorite athletes.

Why DFS Appeals to Californians

California is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the US. Here are a few reasons why DFS has become a natural fit for the state:

  • Year-Round Sports Action: With professional teams in virtually every major sport, Californians have year round sporting events to fuel their DFS contests.
  • Competitive Spirit: Californians love the thrill of competition, and DFS offers a way to showcase knowledge and skills in fantasy sports.
  • Accessibility: DFS platforms are easy to use and accessible via mobile apps, making them convenient for people on the go.

The Future of DFS in California

The DFS industry continues to grow, and California’s massive population of sports fans makes it a key market for fantasy platforms. While regulation could provide added consumer protections and generate tax revenue for the state, the lack of progress in passing legislation means DFS will likely remain in its current unregulated state for the foreseeable future.

For California players, this means continuing to enjoy the thrill of daily fantasy sports while choosing platforms carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It will be important though to keep up to date with the latest laws just in case there are any changes.

Key Takeaways for DFS Enthusiasts in California

  • Yes, you can play DFS in California: While its legal status is not explicitly defined, major platforms operate in the state without issue.
  • Choose reputable platforms: Stick to trusted providers like DraftKings and Wanna Parlay for a secure experience.
  • Play responsibly: Set a budget, research thoroughly, and enjoy DFS as a fun and engaging pastime.

Are you ready to draft your dream team or create your perfect parlay and compete in exciting contests with a chance to win prizes? Sign up for your favorite DFS platform today and start turning your sports knowledge into winning results!

To download the Wanna Parlay daily fantasy sports app, click here. Also learn more about the current promo code for Wanna Parlay.