California is reportedly on the verge of a major regulatory shift, as Attorney General Rob Bonta is expected to release a formal legal opinion declaring all forms of Daily Fantasy Sports illegal in the state. The move, if takes effect, could upend a billion-dollar industry that has thrived in the Golden State for over a decade.
This decision, first reported by KCRA 3, could significantly alter the landscape for fantasy sports operators like PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr. In his legal opinion, Bonta is expected to provide details on why he came to this conclusion. It also places California’s millions of sports fans and casual fantasy players in a state of limbo. Fantasy sports have long existed in a legal gray area in California. While online sports betting is clearly illegal under state law, daily fantasy sports (DFS) have operated for years with little interference.
Sources quoted by the KCRA 3 suggest that Bonta will deem online fantasy contests illegal gambling activities. Though Bonta’s office has refused to comment, several lawmakers and tribal organisations are preparing for the impact of the legal bombshell. The official opinion is expected to be released before 3 July.
Coalition for Fantasy Sports pushes back
The Coalition for Fantasy Sports—comprising companies like Betr, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, Dabble, and Splash Sports—has formed to push back against the looming opinion. The group stated, “We hope the Attorney General’s office will consider the views of sports fans across the state before making a decision. Californians have been playing daily fantasy sports games for more than a decade, and it is shocking to think that the state would suddenly take them away.”
Taking a different stance, powerful Native American tribes are pushing for stricter regulation. Earlier last week, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations issued a letter urging lawmakers to back the potential ban of daily fantasy sports. CNIGA chairman James Siva was quoted as saying, “While we have not yet seen the Attorney General’s pending opinion, we are happy to hear that Attorney General Rob Bonta is standing up for the people of California by ensuring that state laws are followed.“
“Illegal and unregulated gaming has been a problem in California for decades. These illegal practices deny consumers real protections and safeguards against illicit practices such as fraud and underage gambling. We are glad to see Attorney General Bonta address the issue and look forward to lawbreakers being held to account.”
Sweepstakes ban in the state
Meanwhile, lawmakers are ready to crack down on sweepstakes-style 바카라s in the state. Backed by tribal gaming groups, the state has aimed at banning sweepstakes operations. California moves in lockstep with states like New York and Louisiana. The bill, introduced by assembly member Avelino Valencia, is aimed at making it illegal to support, facilitate, or promote sweepstakes-style online 바카라s. The same has been opposed by two major sweepstakes 바카라 trade groups, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) and the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA).
Recently, Republican Kyle Langford drew nationwide flak about the ethics of political wagering by posting a video of himself placing a bet on his own campaign. The California governor publicly wagered nearly $100 on his own success in the 2026 race. The incident thrust prediction markets into the spotlight, raising uncomfortable questions about where the line should be drawn between legitimate financial instruments and potential election manipulation.
In January, The Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act has ignited a significant legal challenge in California, where several prominent gaming tribes sued the state’s cardrooms. This lawsuit, filed on the first day permitted under the new law, centres around allegations that these cardrooms have been illegally offering blackjack and other card games, violating the exclusivity granted to tribal nations.
