NewsNBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsAugust 24, 2026San Diego
DraftKings launches prediction platform in California following sports betting rejection
DraftKings has launched a prediction market platform in California that allows users to bet on event outcomes, bypassing state-level sports betting bans by utilizing federally regulated 'event contracts.' This platform operates despite California voters rejecting two sports betting legalization measures in 2022.
Read the full story at NBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsWhy It Matters
Residents can now access a form of wagering on sporting and non-sporting events that is not subject to the state's traditional sports betting prohibitions, with a lower minimum age requirement of 18 compared to the 21-year-old limit for traditional gambling.
Key Facts
- DraftKings launched a prediction platform in California in June 2024.
- Traditional sports betting remains illegal in California following the rejection of Propositions 26 and 27 in 2022.
- Prediction platforms use 'event contracts' regulated by the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission to bypass state-level gambling bans.
- The minimum age to participate on prediction platforms is 18.
- The minimum age for traditional sports betting in California is 21.
- Prediction platforms allow wagering on outcomes such as election results and entertainment events in addition to sports.
- The California Nations Indian Gaming Association expressed concern that prediction markets may divert revenue from tribal casinos.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCommodity Futures Trading Commission“Federal agency that regulates event contracts.”personJames Siva“Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.”organizationKalshi“Competitor prediction market platform.”organizationDraftKings“Online betting and gaming company that launched a prediction platform in Califor”organizationPolymarket“Competitor prediction market platform.”organizationNBC San Diego“News organization that originally reported the story.”organizationCalifornia Nations Indian Gaming Association“Organization representing tribal gaming interests that expressed concern over pr”