Short answer: some people try to use a VPN to access sports betting apps like FanDuel or DraftKings from California, but this almost always violates the sportsbook’s Terms & Conditions and can lead to locked accounts, frozen withdrawals, or confiscated winnings.
This guide is not a how-to. Its purpose is to explain the legal and practical risks of using a VPN for sports betting in California, why VPN workarounds usually backfire, and what safer alternatives exist for California bettors.
California does not currently have legal, state-licensed online sportsbooks. Because of that, major regulated apps are required to block California users. Trying to bypass those restrictions with a VPN puts the player, not the sportsbook, at risk.
For full context on California sports betting law and why these apps are unavailable, see our complete legal guide: Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
What this page covers:
- Why sports betting apps can detect VPN use in California
- Whether using a VPN for gambling is illegal or just against sportsbook rules
- What happens if FanDuel or DraftKings flags a VPN connection
- Safer ways Californians bet on sports without using a VPN
How Sports Betting Apps Know You’re in California
Regulated sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings do not rely on a single signal to confirm your location. They use multiple location checks at the same time, which is why simply changing your IP address rarely works for long. These apps are required to block users in California to stay compliant with state-by-state licensing rules.
- GPS and device location services: Sportsbook apps typically request access to your phone’s location services. This is the strongest signal and the hardest to fake consistently.
- Wi-Fi networks and nearby access points: Even without GPS, apps can use Wi-Fi network data and nearby signals to estimate where you are.
- IP address and network routing: A VPN can change your IP address, but sportsbooks can still flag VPN IP ranges and compare them to other location data.
- Cellular network and carrier data: Mobile network information can also help confirm your region and detect mismatches with a VPN connection.
- Device fingerprinting: Apps may analyze device settings, identifiers, and behavior patterns to spot inconsistencies that suggest location spoofing.
- Payment and account checks: Deposit methods, billing data, and account history can trigger additional location verification if something looks off.
Why apps must geo-block California
FanDuel, DraftKings, and other regulated sportsbooks can only accept real-money bets in states where they are licensed. Since California has no regulated sports betting market, these operators must block California users and enforce location controls to comply with licensing rules and avoid penalties.
Is It Illegal to Use a VPN for Gambling in California?
This is where things often get misunderstood. There’s an important difference between state law and sportsbook rules, and VPN use sits in the middle.
California law generally focuses on regulating gambling operators, not individual bettors. That means simply using a VPN is unlikely to result in criminal charges on its own. However, that does not make VPN betting “allowed” or safe.
Using a VPN to access sportsbooks like FanDuel or DraftKings clearly violates their Terms & Conditions. These platforms are legally required to block California users, and bypassing those controls gives the sportsbook a clear contractual reason to void bets, freeze withdrawals, or close your account entirely.
In other words, even if prosecution is unlikely, you are still taking a serious financial risk. If a sportsbook detects VPN use, you may have no practical way to recover your funds.
For more detail on how gambling is regulated in California and who enforcement is aimed at, see the California Department of Justice overview.
Important: A VPN does not change California gambling law, and it does not protect you from sportsbook rules. It only makes it easier for a sportsbook to deny payouts once your location is questioned.
What Can Happen If a Sportsbook Detects VPN Use?
When a regulated sportsbook detects VPN use or a false location, the consequences are usually immediate and one-sided. These platforms have strict compliance obligations, and they do not give players the benefit of the doubt when location rules are broken.
Withdrawals blocked
Even if bets were placed successfully, sportsbooks can refuse to process withdrawals once a location violation is identified.
Extra identity and location checks
You may be asked to submit additional documents or verification steps that you cannot satisfy if you are actually located in California.
Voided bets or confiscated winnings
Sportsbooks can cancel bets or void winnings if they determine their terms were violated.
Permanent account ban
Repeat or clear violations often result in permanent closure, with no right to reopen the account in the future.
These outcomes are especially common with major U.S. sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings, which operate under close regulatory oversight and have little flexibility when it comes to location compliance.
From the sportsbook’s perspective, VPN use is a serious breach of trust. From the player’s perspective, it creates a situation where the sportsbook controls the outcome and the funds.
Why California Bettors Look for VPN Workarounds
Many California bettors search for VPN solutions out of frustration rather than intent to break rules. National advertising from sportsbooks, conversations with friends in legal states, and widespread sports betting coverage can make it feel like access should be available everywhere.
Because California has not legalized sports betting, residents often see the same apps promoted on television or social media but are blocked when they try to use them. That gap leads some users to look for shortcuts like VPNs.
Common reasons people in California consider using a VPN include:
- Friends or family legally using betting apps in other states
- Heavy national advertising from FanDuel, DraftKings, and similar brands
- Confusion between legal fantasy contests and real-money sports betting
- Frustration with California’s slow path toward legalization
While these motivations are understandable, VPN workarounds usually create more problems than they solve. They shift risk entirely onto the player and often lead to account issues when a sportsbook enforces its location rules.
Safer Alternatives: Sports Betting in California Without a VPN
Instead of trying to bypass location controls on U.S.-licensed apps, many Californians choose options that do not require hiding their location. The most common alternative is using offshore sportsbooks that openly accept players from California without the need for a VPN.
Offshore sportsbooks are licensed outside the United States and are not regulated by California. However, they do not require you to misrepresent your location or violate sportsbook terms just to place a bet.
Comparing your options:
Using a VPN on U.S. betting apps
Offshore sportsbooks that accept California players
The key is choosing reputable, long-standing offshore brands with clear licensing and a track record of paying players. These sites are covered in detail in our dedicated offshore guide.
Learn more here: Offshore Sportsbooks Guide and our main California Betting Guide.
When, If Ever, Will You Be Able to Use FanDuel or DraftKings in California?
Apps like FanDuel and DraftKings will not be available for real-money sports betting in California until the state legalizes sports betting and begins issuing licenses. Until that happens, these operators are required to block California users, regardless of whether a VPN is used.
California voters rejected two major sports betting ballot measures in 2022, and no new statewide initiative appeared on the 2024 or 2025 ballots. As of early 2026, there is still no approved regulatory framework for online or retail sports betting.
Based on past attempts and the current political landscape, the earliest realistic timeline for legal sports betting in California is 2027 or later. Any launch would require a new ballot measure, voter approval, and agreement between tribal governments and state lawmakers.
Possible paths to legalization include:
- A tribal-led sports betting proposal that preserves exclusivity
- A compromise model allowing limited online betting with tribal oversight
- A future ballot initiative supported by both tribes and lawmakers
Until then, the only way FanDuel or DraftKings become usable in California is through legalization, not technical workarounds. Using a VPN does not change the law and does not create a safe or reliable betting option.
For the latest updates on legislation, ballot efforts, and negotiations, follow California sports betting news.
Responsible Gambling & Extra Caution With VPN Use
Using a VPN to hide your location, create multiple accounts, or bypass sportsbook controls is often a warning sign that gambling is becoming more about “beating the system” than entertainment. These behaviors increase financial risk and can make it harder to step back when things aren’t going well.
Sportsbooks view VPN use, false location data, and inconsistent account activity as red flags. Even outside of enforcement issues, this kind of behavior can lead to impulsive betting decisions and a loss of control.
It may be time to pause or seek help if you notice:
- Constantly looking for ways to bypass blocks or restrictions
- Creating multiple accounts or hiding activity
- Chasing losses after account limits or blocks
- Feeling anxious or frustrated about access rather than enjoyment
A safer approach is to use transparent, reputable betting options and set clear limits on time and money. If gambling starts to feel stressful or overwhelming, support is available. California-specific help and resources are available here:
→ California Problem Gambling Help ←
You can also reach the California Council on Problem Gambling for confidential support, education, and referrals.
