With all the hype around sports betting, it can feel like everyone is cashing in, but if you’re in California, you’re stuck on the sidelines. Websites like FanDuel and Sportzino for sportsbooks are off-limits here, and let’s be honest — it’s a huge bummer, right? But, hey, don’t you want to know how to use FanDuel in California?
The good news is you don’t have to give up on FanDuel just yet. There are still plenty of ways to use the platform in California, legally, even if sports betting isn’t part of the deal for now. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even access sports betting with a little heads-up on that!.
Alright, let’s break it down and figure out how to use FanDuel in California — and make the most of it.
Why Is Sports Betting Restricted in California?
Okay, before we get into the fun stuff, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why can’t Californians bet on sports?
It all comes down to the state’s complicated relationship with tribal gaming. The tribes in California have a monopoly on most of the state’s legal gambling, and they’re very protective of that power. In 2022, California voters were given two choices: Proposition 26 (which would have legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and racetracks) and Proposition 27 (which would have opened the door for online sportsbooks like FanDuel). But, both propositions failed. So, sports betting is still not legal for now.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. The fact that FanDuel isn’t available for sports betting doesn’t mean you can’t still use the platform for a lot of other cool things. In fact, California’s market for daily fantasy sports (DFS) is huge, and there’s always something to play.
What You Can Do on FanDuel in California?
Just because you can’t place bets on the best WNBA, NBA Finals or the Super Bowl doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. In fact, there are still several great ways to enjoy FanDuel — and I’ll be honest, some of them might just be better than the regular old sports betting experience.
1. Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is still 100% legal in California, and it’s one of the most popular ways to engage with FanDuel in the state. In a nutshell, DFS allows you to create a fantasy team with real-life athletes from various sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, and then compete against other players for cash prizes.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “But isn’t that just betting with a twist?” Well, yes and no. DFS is a skill-based game, not purely chance-driven like regular sports betting. It’s about building the best lineup, doing your research, and making informed decisions — kind of like running your own little sports franchise!
Why do I love DFS on FanDuel? Well. Here are some obvious reasons.
- It’s legal in California, so you don’t have to worry about the law.
- You can join low-stakes games or go big with high-entry tournaments.
- It’s fun and strategic, so you’re not just relying on luck.
- With the right strategy, you can definitely come out on top (trust me, I’ve had some lucky streaks!).
How to Play DFS on FanDuel in California?
Interested? I know it. To play DFC on FanDuel, you can follow these steps:
- Sign up for FanDuel (if you haven’t already).
- Deposit funds into your account (they often have promotions for new users!).
- Pick a contest: Whether it’s NFL or NBA, choose a game or sport that fits your style.
- Build your lineup: Pick the best players for your budget.
- Track your players’ performances during the game — it’s a thrill to see your picks score!
2. FanDuel Faceoff (Skill-Based Games)
If you’re looking for something a little different, FanDuel Faceoff is a great option. This is where you can test your skills in games like trivia, puzzles, and other brain-teasers. The best part? It’s not gambling; it’s just about how good you are at the game. So, it’s fully legal and available to California residents.
Some card games like Solitaire Sprint aren’t available in California, but there are still plenty of games to choose from. You can challenge other players and win cash prizes based on your skills. Think of it like an ongoing tournament where the best player wins — no betting involved, just good old-fashioned fun.
Why Faceoff is Cool:
- It’s skill-based, not chance-based.
- Great way to kill time while also earning a little cash.
- You can challenge other players to head-to-head matches and see who comes out on top.
How to Play FanDuel Faceoff:
- Go to the FanDuel Faceoff section.
- Choose a game (trivia, puzzles, etc.).
- Challenge someone to a match (or play solo, if you prefer).
- Win and pocket the prize if you’re on top!
3. FanDuel Racing (Horse Racing)
Now, I know it’s not the same as placing a bet on the Lakers game or NFL Sunday, but horse racing is still a legal form of betting in California. And luckily, FanDuel Racing lets you place bets on races happening all around the world, including both domestic and international events.
So, if you’re craving a little excitement, FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to bet on the Kentucky Derby or even international races from the comfort of your home. Plus, the live-streaming feature is fantastic — it feels like you’re right there at the track!
Why Horse Racing is Great:
- Legal in California, so no worries about breaking the law.
- The races are thrilling, and the betting process is quick and easy.
- Live-streaming makes it more immersive.
How to Bet on Horse Racing in California:
- Navigate to FanDuel Racing.
- Browse upcoming races and select the one you want to bet on.
- Choose your bet type (win, place, show, etc.).
- Enjoy the race — and maybe even win some cash!
What’s Not Available on FanDuel in California?
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. As much as I’d love to tell you that everything is available in California, there are still some features you won’t be able to access here:
- FanDuel Sportsbook: You cannot bet on sports like NFL, NBA, or MLB in California (thanks, tribal gaming interests).
- FanDuel Casino: Slots, poker, blackjack — all those classic casino games are off-limits.
How to Use FanDuel for Sports Betting in California?
Alright, here’s where things get a little interesting. If you’re determined to access sports betting on FanDuel in California, using a VPN is an option that could help you bypass the restrictions — legally.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your actual location and lets you appear to be in a state where sports betting is legal, like New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Using a VPN, you can access FanDuel Sportsbook as if you were located in one of those states.
But remember: While VPNs are legal, bypassing gambling laws could be a gray area. Always make sure you understand the risks involved before proceeding and pick up a reliable VPN service like Bear VPN.
Bear VPN is a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use FanDuel VPN. With over 5,000 servers in 120+ locations around the world, you can easily find servers in states where sports betting is legal. Plus, their AES-256 encryption, strict No-Log Policy, Double-VPN, smart Kill Switch, and more all give you the speed, security, and privacy you need to browse and bet without worrying about restrictions or surveillance.
Steps to Use Bear VPN for Sports Betting on FanDuel
- Download and install Bear VPN on your devices.
- Connect to a server in a state or a country where sports betting is legal.
- Clear your device cookies or restart your device, and then visit FanDuel for sportsbooks.
Final Thoughts
While FanDuel Sportsbook isn’t available to Californians yet, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the platform. Whether you’re a DFS enthusiast, a trivia master, or a fan of horse racing, FanDuel offers something for everyone — legally!
If you’re hoping to access sports betting, a VPN could be an option, but remember to stay informed about the laws in your state and always choose a reliable VPN provider like Bear VPN. The last thing you want is to get into trouble over something that could have been avoided.
Stay responsible, have fun, and good luck with your next fantasy lineup or trivia challenge!
