California Prediction Markets
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California prediction markets: the apps you can use in 2026

Prediction markets are available in California through CFTC-regulated event contracts, no in-state sportsbook needed.

  • Sign up at Kalshi

    Use code CAPREDICTS Trade $25 and Get $25!

    18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

    Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

  • Sign up at Polymarket US

    Use code CAPREDICTS Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! iPhone app only

    18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

    18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

  • Sign up at ProphetX

    Use code CAPREDICTS Trade $50, Earn $75!

    18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

    New users only. T&Cs apply. ProphetX's minimum age is 18 (or the local age of majority if higher); we recommend 21+. Not available in Nevada. Trading involves risk.

  • Sign up at OG

    Use code CAPREDICTS Trade $25 Get $25 in Rewards! (New users only)

    18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

    Paid partnership with OG. Terms and conditions apply. Trading derivatives involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. Availability subject to jurisdictional limitations. For more information, visit: OG.com.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up, at no cost to you.

  • CFTC-regulated
  • Independent: no platform paid for ranking

Prices as of Oct 13, 2026 Kalshi

Kalshi's status in California: Available — dispute pending (as of October 3, 2026). Details, court rulings and the change-log: Is Kalshi legal in California?

Compare the best prediction market apps in California, get the short legal answer in Are prediction markets legal in California?, or follow the court cases and change log.

See Top Platforms How It Works

Are prediction markets legal in California?

Available — dispute pending (as of October 3, 2026). Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX and OG are CFTC-regulated and accept California residents; for sports contracts, courts are still deciding how state gambling law applies. Kalshi's, Polymarket US's and OG's minimum age is 18; we recommend 21+ (ProphetX: 18 or the local age of majority; Novig: 21). Fees run cents per contract, and you can sell before a market resolves.

The California guide to Kalshi, Polymarket US and other CFTC-regulated prediction market apps.

Prediction markets are available in California through CFTC-regulated event contracts. Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, OG and Novig let Californians take a real-money position on sports, politics, the Fed and the Oscars without the sportsbook the state still doesn't have.

Federally regulated · Affiliate-supported · We only recommend platforms we'd use ourselves

Start Here

  1. Sports · Sep 26, 2026 · 5 min read

    NHL 2026-27 Prediction Markets: Kings, Sharks and Ducks

    NHL 2026-27 Prediction Markets: Kings, Sharks and DucksNew

    The NHL starts September 29 with 84 games per team. Key dates and how to read Kings, Sharks and Ducks season contracts without mistaking a quote for a forecast.

  2. Sports · Sep 26, 2026 · 5 min read

    MLB Postseason 2026 Prediction Markets: Dodgers and Padres

    MLB Postseason 2026 Prediction Markets: Dodgers and PadresNew

    The Wild Card Series begin September 29. Here is what is confirmed about the Dodgers and Padres, and how to check an unsettled playoff bracket or series contract.

  3. Sports · Sep 26, 2026 · 5 min read

    NBA Cup 2026 Prediction Markets: The California Group

    NBA Cup 2026 Prediction Markets: The California GroupNew

    The Lakers, Warriors and Kings share West Group C. Official dates, knockout rules, past winners and what to check before interpreting an NBA Cup contract.

  4. Sports · Sep 26, 2026 · 5 min read

    NFL MVP Odds 2026: California Quarterbacks and Market Rules

    NFL MVP Odds 2026: California Quarterbacks and Market RulesNew

    Stafford won the 2025 award; Purdy and Herbert feature in the 2026 conversation. Understand award rules and market prices without relying on an unverified leaderboard.

  5. Sports · Sep 26, 2026 · 5 min read

    NBA MVP 2026-27: How Prediction Markets Price the Race

    NBA MVP 2026-27: How Prediction Markets Price the RaceNew

    A California guide to NBA MVP award contracts: prior winners, voting, market prices, risk and what to check before reading a quoted probability.

  6. Sports · Sep 25, 2026 · 6 min read

    49ers Prediction Markets 2026: Trading Brock Purdy, the NFC West and Super Bowl LXI From California

    49ers Prediction Markets 2026: Trading Brock Purdy, the NFC West and Super Bowl LXI From CaliforniaNew

    How to trade 49ers game, NFC West, playoff and Super Bowl LXI contracts on Kalshi and Polymarket US.

    Updated Sep 30, 2026

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Change over the last 7 days · Prices as of Oct 13, 2026

Rising

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25! (code CAPREDICTS) · 18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) · 18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Polymarket prices shown are from its global exchange; the US app (iPhone) may list different markets.

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Every welcome offer we track, with code CAPREDICTS. New users only; terms apply.

Quick answers

Prediction markets in California, answered

Are prediction markets legal in California?

Available — dispute pending (as of October 3, 2026). Californians can use CFTC-regulated exchanges such as Kalshi and Polymarket US, but the courts are still deciding how state gambling law applies to sports contracts.

Which prediction market apps work in California?

Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, OG and Novig all accept California residents. Rebet is not available in California. Kalshi works on the web and in its mobile apps; Polymarket US has its own app. Kalshi review, Polymarket US review, compare them.

What are event contracts?

Event contracts are CFTC-regulated derivatives that pay $1 if an event happens and $0 if it doesn't. The price, between $0 and $1, reflects the market's current estimate of the probability: the same framework behind Kalshi and Polymarket US. How event contracts work

Top California guides

Start with what Californians ask most

This week · California

This week in California prediction markets

Live prices on the markets Californians follow, from the state's teams and the Governor's race to the Fed and the Oscars, pulled straight from Kalshi and Polymarket.

Prices as of Oct 13, 2026

Kalshi · Polymarket

California Governor Election 2026

Ends Nov 3, 2026

OutcomeKalshiPolymarketChange over the last 7 days
Xavier Becerra96.1%96.1%▼ −0.6 pts
Steve Hilton4%3.7%▲ +1 pts
Kalshi · Change over the last 7 days

Trade on KalshiTrade on Polymarket US

18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25! (code CAPREDICTS) Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) 18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Kalshi · Polymarket

Fed rate decision — 2026-12

Ends Dec 1, 2026

OutcomeKalshiPolymarketChange over the last 7 days
Hike 25bps73.5%–▲ +2.5 pts
Fed maintains rate26%22.5%▼ −1 pts
Hike >25bps3%–0 pts
Cut 25bps2%1.1%▼ −1 pts
Kalshi · Change over the last 7 days

Trade on KalshiTrade on Polymarket US

18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25! (code CAPREDICTS) Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) 18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Kalshi · Polymarket

99th Academy Awards — Best Picture

Ends Mar 1, 2027

OutcomeKalshiPolymarketChange over the last 7 days
The Odyssey52%52.5%▲ +1 pts
Dune: Part Three10%9%0 pts
Digger5%3.9%▲ +4 pts
You Can See Everything4%2%▲ +2 pts
Kalshi · Change over the last 7 days

Trade on KalshiTrade on Polymarket US

18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25! (code CAPREDICTS) Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) 18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Polymarket

Will the US confirm that aliens exist by...?

Ends Jan 1, 2027

OutcomePolymarketChange over the last 7 days
December 314%▲ +0.8 pts
October 311.1%▲ +0.2 pts
Polymarket · Change over the last 7 days

Trade on Polymarket US

18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) 18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Kalshi · Polymarket

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 winner

Ends Dec 31, 2026

OutcomeKalshiPolymarketChange over the last 7 days
Ezra Frech57%55.5%▲ +7 pts
Maura Higgins14%13.5%▲ +1 pts
Harry Shum Jr.12%10.5%▼ −1 pts
Amber Glenn10%10.5%▼ −6 pts
Kalshi · Change over the last 7 days

Trade on KalshiTrade on Polymarket US

18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25! (code CAPREDICTS) Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) 18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Kalshi · Polymarket

2026 Game Awards — Game of the Year

Ends Dec 1, 2026

OutcomeKalshiPolymarketChange over the last 7 days
Grand Theft Auto VI68%63%▼ −2 pts
Resident Evil Requiem15%15.5%▲ +7 pts
Phantom Blade Zero9%7.7%0 pts
Control Resonant7%3.3%▲ +1.5 pts
Kalshi · Change over the last 7 days

Trade on KalshiTrade on Polymarket US

18+ · T&Cs apply · Terms

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25! (code CAPREDICTS) Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! (code CAPREDICTS) 18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Polymarket prices shown are from its global exchange; the US app (iPhone) may list different markets.

Hollywood · Live

Hollywood prediction markets

Live prices on the Oscars, the Emmys, box office, music charts and the celebrity markets LA follows, pulled straight from Polymarket.

Creators · Live

Creator & influencer prediction markets

Live prices on MrBeast, IShowSpeed, Jake Paul and the YouTube, Twitch, Kick and TikTok markets, pulled straight from Polymarket. Background: our influencer and celebrity markets guide.

Affiliate offer

Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25!

Politics, sports, culture, weather: all in one CFTC-regulated app.

Use code CAPREDICTS, trade $25 and get a $25 bonus.

Claim the $25 Kalshi bonus

Offer available in 47 states plus D.C.

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Kalshi. Trade on anything. Trade $25 and get $25 with code CAPREDICTS.

Polymarket US offer · CFTC-regulated

Polymarket US: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus!

The world's largest prediction market, now live for US traders.

Use code CAPREDICTS on the Polymarket US app: deposit $10, get a $25 trading bonus.

Open the app to claim

49 states plus D.C.

18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

Affiliate offer

ProphetX: Trade $50, Earn $75!

A CFTC-designated contract market for sports. Available in 49 states plus D.C.

Use code CAPREDICTS, trade $50 and earn a $75 bonus.

Claim the $75 ProphetX bonus

Offer available in 49 states plus D.C. (not Nevada). New users only. T&Cs apply. Trading involves risk.

ProphetX. Trade $50 and earn $75 with code CAPREDICTS.

Affiliate offer

OG: Trade $25 Get $25 in Rewards! (New users only)

CFTC-regulated event contracts. Sports, crypto, and macro markets, available in California and 41 other states plus D.C.

Use code CAPREDICTS at sign-up to unlock $25 in rewards when you trade $25.

Trade now on OG

New users only. Eligibility varies by state. Terms and conditions apply.

Paid partnership with OG. Terms and conditions apply. Trading derivatives involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. Availability subject to jurisdictional limitations. For more information, visit: OG.com.

Why prediction markets, and why now?

Available — dispute pending

California has no legal online sportsbook and no clear timeline for one. Prediction markets are CFTC-regulated event contracts offered under federal commodities law, and the platforms we cover accept California residents (as of October 3, 2026). For sports contracts, courts are still deciding how state gambling law applies.

Price = Probability

Each contract trades between $0 and $1, and its price reflects the market's current estimate of the chance that the event happens. Prices are shown in dollars and cents, not American odds.

More than sports

Trade the Oscars in LA. Lakers and Warriors playoff runs. Newsom's next move. Fed decisions Bay Area traders care about. Election nights, Emmys, and where the California economy goes next.

Curious how California's options stack up beyond the platforms above? See how all CFTC venues rank across the country, or, if you're closer to the coast, read our Venice and LA Pacific-coast guide, which covers the same legal landscape with a sharper neighborhood focus.

Top platforms for California traders

In our order of preference for California residents, based on regulatory standing, liquidity, USD funding from California banks, and how well each platform fits a state with no legal sportsbook.

Kalshi

A CFTC-designated contract market with politics, sports, economics and culture markets.

Read Kalshi review Sign up at Kalshi

Polymarket US

The world's largest prediction market, now live in the US. Politics, culture, sports and news markets.

Read Polymarket US review Sign up at Polymarket US

ProphetX

A CFTC-designated contract market for sports, traded peer-to-peer. Available in 49 states plus D.C.

Read ProphetX review Sign up at ProphetX

OG

CFTC-regulated event contracts by Crypto.com: crypto, sports and macro markets.

Read OG review Sign up at OG

Novig

Set your own price: peer-to-peer sports event contracts on a CFTC-designated exchange, available to California residents.

Deposit $10 Get $50 in Trade Credits! Code CAPREDICTS

Read Novig review Sign up at Novig

More reviews: Robinhood Event Contracts, Sleeper and Chalkboard. Rebet is not available in California.

Pick Your Platform

Side-by-side comparisons

Not sure where to start? Compare the major prediction markets head-to-head, written for California traders choosing their first, or second, platform.

See all comparisons

Sources & further reading

Every figure and legal claim on this page traces back to a primary source. These are the ones we checked: open them and verify us.

Open an account

Pick a platform and get started in 60 seconds.

Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX and OG accept California residents (status: Available — dispute pending, as of October 3, 2026). Use code CAPREDICTS where shown to claim the welcome offer.

Kalshi

Sign up at Kalshi

Polymarket US

Sign up at Polymarket US

ProphetX

Sign up at ProphetX

OG

Sign up at OG

Frequently asked questions

Is Kalshi legal in California?

Kalshi's status in California is Available — dispute pending (as of October 3, 2026). Kalshi is a CFTC-designated contract market and accepts California residents. California has taken no enforcement action against the platforms, but Kalshi has switched off its markets on three tribes' lands after a 16 Sep 2026 Ninth Circuit ruling, and the Ninth Circuit's 28 Aug 2026 Nevada ruling binds California's federal courts. Kalshi's minimum age is 18; we recommend 21+. Details: Is Kalshi legal in California?

What's the difference between Kalshi and Polymarket?

Kalshi is US-regulated, USD-funded and works on every device, which makes it the easier choice for many Californians. Polymarket US is also CFTC-regulated and trades in US dollars, and it offers deeper political and global markets. Many Californians use both.

Do I owe California taxes on prediction-market winnings?

Yes. Net gains from CFTC event contracts are taxable at both the federal and California state level. Kalshi provides a profit-and-loss statement for your trades; report your profit whether or not you get a form. See our California taxes guide for full detail.

What's the minimum to start trading?

In California, most platforms have no account minimum. Kalshi's minimum deposit is $10; the Polymarket US app takes US-dollar deposits, and $10 unlocks its $25 bonus. Start small while you learn how contract pricing works.

How are prediction markets different from sportsbooks?

Sportsbooks set odds, take a margin, and pay you against the house. Prediction markets are peer-to-peer exchanges where the price of a contract reflects the real-time probability of the outcome. And there is no house edge baked into the odds.

Does it matter if I'm in LA, SF, or San Diego?

No city or county rule applies: the platforms accept residents anywhere in California, from Los Angeles and San Francisco to San Diego, Sacramento and Fresno. One exception: Kalshi has switched off its markets on the lands of three California tribes (reported September 24, 2026). Funding works from any California bank or debit card.

Updated

Recently updated

Guides

Is Sports Betting Legal in California? (2026 Guide)

No traditional online sportsbook is legal in California in 2026: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars are all geofenced out. But CFTC-regulated event contracts on the same NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL outcomes are legal under federal commodities law. Here's what's allowed, why, and how to use it.

Catie Di Stefano

Guides

Is Kalshi legal in California?

Kalshi accepts California residents. It's a CFTC-regulated exchange, not a sportsbook, though its sports contracts face an unsettled court fight. Here's the legal framework, the latest rulings, what you can trade and how to open an account.

Catie Di Stefano

Guides

Kalshi vs Polymarket Fees: Full 2026 Cost Breakdown

Both charge a trading fee that is highest on contracts priced near 50 cents. Kalshi charges it on every executed trade and shows it in the order ticket. Polymarket US has charged a taker fee since October 2026, about $1.74 per 100 contracts at 50 cents. Orders that rest on the book pay no fee; rebates on them are limited to very high-volume traders from October 19, 2026. Last checked October 3, 2026.

Catie Di Stefano

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