Can I Bet Online With the Draftkings Sportsbook From California

Because Draftkings prohibits those from the state of California from placing bets, a few dozen offshore sportsbooks have the market all to themselves.  One can open an online betting account at a site like BetOnline, for example.

You can still sign up and download DraftKings Sportsbook to view the lines and join in free to play games, however, you cannot place real money bets.  You will be able to place bets with Draftkings when traveling to states where they have obtained a license such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Because Draftkings works within a regulated framework inside the US, state laws prohibit Draftkings from taking bets made by California residents or those visiting the state. 

On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which had effectively banned sports betting in most of the country.  It is now up to each state to amend its own law if licenses are to be handed out.

California will not be doing so any time soon, despite recent efforts.

State lawmakers proposed a ballot initiative where voters would be given a chance to change the state Constitution as soon as the November 2020 ballot.  The bill was introduced by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced).

The LA Times points out the dilemma.

Previous attempts to expand gambling in California, including multiple bills to legalize internet poker, have bogged down in the Legislature amid disputes between card clubs and Native American tribes that operate casinos.

The tribal groups, which are influential in the Legislature, have previously opposed new gambling enterprises they believe infringe on their exclusive gaming compacts with the state. Dodd acknowledged that work needs to be done to gain consensus.

- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com