Prediction Markets in California 2026

8 of 8 platforms available

CFTC-regulated event contracts are federally legal in California

Platform Availability

PlatformAvailableFeesRegulation
Kalshi7% × p × (1−p) per contract (taker)CFTC Regulated
Polymarket2% on net profits at withdrawal (Global) / 0.1% taker fee (US)Crypto-Based
Robinhood$0.01–$0.02 per contractState Licensed
DraftKings$0.02 per contract per side ($0.01 DK + $0.01 CME)CFTC Regulated
ForecastEx$0.01 per contract (built into spread; Yes + No = $1.01)CFTC Regulated
FanDuel$0.01+ per contract per side (CME exchange fee + FanDuel markup)CFTC Regulated
PredictIt10% on gross profits + 5% withdrawal feeCFTC Regulated
CoinbaseKalshi fees apply (7% × p × (1−p) taker); Coinbase markup TBDCFTC Regulated

Sports Betting in California

Not Legal

No legal online sports betting. Proposition 27 failed in November 2022.

About Prediction Markets in California

CFTC-regulated prediction markets are available in California. As the largest state by population, CA represents a major market for platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.

Prediction markets (also called event contracts) let you trade on the outcome of real-world events — elections, economic indicators, weather, and more. Unlike sports betting, these are CFTC-regulated financial instruments traded on designated contract markets.

Since California does not have legal online sports betting, prediction markets offer one of the few legal ways to trade on event outcomes. CFTC-regulated platforms are available regardless of state sports betting laws.

Compare fees and features across platforms available in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are prediction markets legal in California?
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Yes. CFTC-regulated prediction markets are federally regulated event contracts, not state-regulated gambling. 8 of 8 major platforms are currently available in California.
Which prediction market platforms work in California?
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Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood, DraftKings, ForecastEx, FanDuel, PredictIt, Coinbase are available in California. No platforms are currently restricted.
Is sports betting legal in California?
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No legal online sports betting. Proposition 27 failed in November 2022.
How do prediction market fees compare in California?
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Fees vary by platform. Use our fee calculator and comparison pages to find the lowest cost option available in California.
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