Super Bowl props are some of the most popular ways to engage with the Super Bowl. As traditional sports betting isn’t legal in California, social sportsbooks were the best alternative. However, from January 1, 2026, sweepstakes sportsbooks are also prohibited in the state.
In this guide, I’ll unpack what this means for California residents and Super Bowl prop bets. I’ll also look at the legal side of things and why prop betting is no longer permitted in the Golden State. Plus, I’ll outline what alternatives are available, such as free-to-play entertainment sites, so you know exactly where you stand.
In short, no, it is not legal to bet on Super Bowl props in California. As traditional sports betting is not permitted in the state, any sports betting activity is prohibited, including Super Bowl bets.
Social sportsbooks once provided a good alternative, however these sites are no longer available to California residents from January 1, 2026. This is following the passage of bill AB 831 that effectively bans sweepstakes sites that operate using a dual-currency model.
Previously, social sportsbooks operated in California using two virtual currencies instead of real cash. These virtual currencies could be used for fun or promotional sports predictions. If you collected enough of the promotional virtual currency, you could redeem it for prizes after meeting specific conditions.
Free-to-play social sites can remain operational, as they are focused purely on fun and entertainment and offer no prize redemption potential.
However, following the changes in state law, you won’t find any free sports betting for real money in the Golden State.
Super Bowl props let you bet on specific in-game events that aren’t tied to the final score. This is what makes them slightly different from the standard moneylines, spreads, or totals.
While California residents cannot legally place these bets, it can still be helpful to understand them, especially if you’re following the game in other states.
Here are some of the most popular SuperBowl prop bets:
Which team will score first? What will be the first scoring play?
Will Jalen Hurts rush for over 50 yards? Will Patrick Mahomes throw over 300 yards?
Will it land on heads or tails? Will the team that wins the toss win the game?
What color will be poured on the winning coach? (Purple, Yellow/Green, Orange?)
Will Taylor Swift make a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s performance?
Super Bowl prop bets are a popular activity for fans across the country, but as of January 1, 2026, California residents cannot legally place Super Bowl prop bets or predictions online.
This is because traditional sportsbooks are not permitted in the state, and sweepstakes social sportsbooks are no longer available to California players following the recent bill that was signed into law banning sweepstakes sites. For now, free-to-play social sites can continue operating, but keep an eye on this page for any future changes to the sports betting landscape in CA.
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