Yes, Polymarket is legal in California, with the Polymarket app and polymarket.us operating as a licensed prediction market being regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an agency of the federal government. Using the Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS in California unlocks a $50 bonus trading credit for new users after a $10+ deposit. Credits can be used to trade event contracts, including today’s MLB games. Tap here for the Polymarket US $50 welcome bonus. 

New users in California can claim the Polymarket promo code by registering with the promo code CBSSPORTS. Once complete, deposit $10+ to receive $50 in bonus trading credits. Existing users are not eligible.

The $50 trading bonus is non-withdrawable. Credits cannot be redeemed for cash, transferred, or exchanged. The trading credits must be used within the Polymarket US platform. Any earnings from settled trades will convert to withdrawable cash. 

If a trade settles at a loss, deposited funds are applied first to cover the loss, and any remaining bonus is still available for additional trades. Remaining credits will be removed from your account after they expire. 

Certain markets available on the global Polymarket platform may not be available on the Polymarket U.S. app. For full terms and conditions, visit Polymarket.us.

The Kalshi California welcome bonus is $55 and requires $25+ in trades to unlock.

Is Polymarket legal in California?

Yes, Polymarket is legal in California. The Polymarket app and its desktop site polymarket.us fall under federal licensing, with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulating Polymarket US. This is a different platform than polymarket.com, a global cryptocurrency exchange, which is not legal or available in the United States.  

Because they are federally licensed, the list of prediction market legal states is quite long and includes California.

Prediction markets on the Polymarket app allow users to trade on event contracts, including sports event outcomes. That means you can trade on a Lakers victory or a Rams vs. 49ers outcome legally after claiming the Polymarket California promo code.  

Polymarket US is just one of several California prediction market apps operating in the state. 

Last verified September 22, 2026 

Which Markets Are Available to California Traders on Polymarket?

Sports markets are the most popular type of market by trading volume in the U.S., according to Polymarket US. Other market types include weather and the economy. For more information on how to trade, visit our page on how prediction markets work. 

Sports markets

Polymarket California offers event contract trading for the outcome of specific sporting events, including game results, season-long outcomes and player performances. Prices are listed in percentages, and you buy either “Yes” or “No” contracts on the outcomes.

Let’s look at an NFL prediction markets example. If the Rams are hosting the 49ers, and Los Angeles is trading at Yes 60% to win, you would pay $0.60 per event contract. 

If the trade settles successfully (LA wins), you get $1 per contract, for a profit of $0.40 per contract. 

If the trade settles as a failure (LA loses), you lose the entire $0.60 per contract.

Available leagues on the Polymarket app include:

• MLB, NPB (Japan) and KBO (South Korea) 
• NBA, WNBA and college basketball
• NFL and college football
• Soccer (MLS, Champions League, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Liga MX)
• UFC and boxing
• Motorsports
• Tennis and table tennis
• Golf
• Cycling
• Esports
• Cricket
• Chess

To make trades on teams like the 49ers and Rams, click here to get started and claim your $50 bonus after depositing $10 with the Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS: 

Polymarkets for California Sports Teams

California has plenty of teams to trade on at Polymarket US, and the platform offers championship markets, playoff markets, and game-by-game contracts for nearly every major franchise in the state. Here is a preview of some of those teams, with Polymarket app prices as of September 22, 2026.

Los Angeles Rams (15¢)

The Rams began the 2026 NFL season as the highest price in futures trading to win the pro football championship, sitting at approximately 17% to win it all (84% No). Adding reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who’s currently out with a knee injury, and getting former Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald to come out of retirement were big storylines leading up to the regular season.

Los Angeles Chargers (1.3¢)

The Chargers were positioned as a top-10 contender on the Polymarket app’s futures market to win it all. Two straight losses caused them to drop in the market. The team added former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as its new offensive coordinator but lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, as he left to become head coach of the Ravens. The Chargers were 5% in the pro football championship market (96% No) heading into the season. 

San Francisco 49ers (7.5¢)

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the 49ers are once again poised to contend in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. Quarterback Brock Purdy will once again call the shots for a team that includes running back Christian McCaffrey and edge rusher Nick Bosa. When healthy, this roster is considered one of the strongest in football. An impressive victory against the market-leading Rams to open the season saw a spike in the Niners price.

Los Angeles Dodgers (31¢)

The Dodgers are the most-traded team on the Polymarket app’s baseball futures markets and the clear World Series top choice in trading by the public. Their price to win the 2026 title sits at roughly 32% (68% No), the largest gap between one team and the rest of the field all season, and that number jumped several points immediately after the club acquired back-to-back Cy Young-winning starting pitcher Tarik Skubal from Detroit at the trade deadline.

Los Angeles Lakers (2¢)

The Lakers enter the 2026-27 NBA season at a small price in the Polymarket app’s championship exchange, sitting at roughly 5% to win the title (96% No). This offseason, the Lakers lost LeBron James in free agency, and the team now centers around All-Star guard Luka Doncic.

Setting up a Polymarket app account in California

Signing up for a Polymarket California account is straightforward when you follow these steps:

1. Click any of the CLAIM BONUS buttons on this page to be taken to the Polymarket California landing page.
2. Download Polymarket US, one of several prediction market apps available for both iOS and Android smartphones.
3. Complete registration by entering personal information that is required, such as your birthdate and Social Security number, and uploading your government-issued ID to verify your identity.
4. When prompted, enter the promo code CBSSPORTS.
5. Deposit your funds by clicking in the top right corner of the screen; a minimum of $10 is required to claim the Polymarket California bonus offer.
6. When your funds clear, you will receive the bonus funds in your account.

How to claim the $50 Polymarket promo code in California

To deposit funds and claim your welcome offer, tap “Deposit” in the upper right corner of the screen or go to your Portfolio. Select your deposit method from the list of available options, including debit card, online banking, wire transfer, and Apple Pay. 

You’ll need to deposit at least $10 to claim the $50 Polymarket welcome bonus. The $50 will be awarded as trading credits, meaning you won’t be able to withdraw them until used and, if you win, converted into real money.

Make trades on teams like the Lakers and Dodgers and claim your $50 bonus after depositing $10 with the Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS:   

Responsible Trading

Polymarket US doesn’t offer an expansive responsible trading section, but those who feel they need responsible trading assistance can contact the national helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.

Polymarket US does partner with licensed Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) to provide customers access to responsible trading measures. FCMs manage daily trading limits. Those interested can contact FCMs through the Polymarket app to: 

• Implement credit and position limits for each customer account
• Validate orders against account limits before submission and reject orders that exceed established thresholds

Additional help and resources are available through the NCPG’s Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative. 

FAQ

Is Polymarket legal in California?

Yes, the Polymarket app is a federally licensed prediction market platform that allows users to trade on the outcome of events, including sports. It is regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an agency of the federal government. 

What is the Polymarket CA promo code?

The Polymarket promo code for California is CBSSPORTS, and you can claim the offer to receive a $50 trading bonus when you deposit your first $10+.

Does Polymarket require California residents to verify identity differently than other states?

Polymarket California users are under no restrictions once they verify their identity. The platform uses geolocation to determine a user’s location, so California residents can trade anywhere the platform is available. Polymarket is not available in Nevada, and offerings are limited in some other states.

Is Polymarket’s welcome bonus available to California residents?

The Polymarket promo code California offer of a $50 welcome bonus is available to any eligible new user in a location where the platform operates legally. That includes California. Just use Polymarket offer code CBSSPORTS during registration.

What happens to my Polymarket account if California’s legal status changes?

A change that would automatically make every prediction market platform in California legal or illegal is unlikely, but a change in legal status could affect which categories of event contracts can be offered. The exact outcome depends on developments in various courts. 

Which teams can you trade on with Polymarket in California?

In addition to California-based sports teams like the Lakers, Dodgers and Rams, users in the Golden State can also make trades on countless other leagues and sports teams, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, tennis, golf, WNBA, MLS, college sports, combat sports, motorsports and more.

Event contracts trading involves a risk of substantial loss and is not suitable for all investors. Participation in prediction markets is subject to applicable eligibility requirements.  Participation may be restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions and participants are responsible for ensuring their participation complies with applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. Prediction markets content is not intended for individuals located in jurisdictions where they are prohibited. Additional help and resources are available through the NCPG’s Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative page. 

France has reportedly postponed this year’s G7 summit in the spa town of Evian-les-Bains in order not to conflict with US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14.

The meeting of G7 leaders was originally scheduled for June 14-16.  

However, US magazine Politico reported that the event has been moved to June 15-17 in order to not disrupt the 47th US president’s birthday celebrations. The US also marks Flag Day on June 14. 

The White House this year has plans to hold a mixed martial arts fight on the grounds of the White House for Trump’s entertainment. Trump is close friends with Dana White, the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  

The previous president in the White House, Joe Biden, also turned 80 while in office in 2022 but chose a more low-key celebration of coconut cake at brunch.  

Postponement due to ‘consultations with G7 partners’ 

French President Emmanuel Macron said the event’s postponement was due to “consultations with G7 partners.”

The G7 consists of the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan. Each year’s annual summit is held in a different G7 country on a rotating basis.  

Trump warns European allies ‘to be careful’

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France’s decision to possibly accommodate Trump comes after the US president has frequently verbally attacked traditional US allies. In his second term in office, Trump has launched a trade war which has impacted other G7 members, with Trump also pressuring European countries and Japan to spend more on defense.

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Edited by Sean Sinico

You missed something crucial in that Sydney Sweeney ad

Hello and welcome to another edition of Offside.Last week, everyone lost their collective marvels over an ad featuring Sydney Sweeneywhich became a civilisational debate about what a woman can do with her body, with female athletes accusing her of sending us back to the Stone Age. Men jumped up to attack wokeism or whatever they think Sweeney was critiquing. What almost everyone missed, other than the fact that Sweeney isn’t a female athlete, was something staring everyone in the face: that it was an ad for a gambling company.And gambling is the ubiquitous, omniscient, omnipresent and omnivorous elephant present in every room that sports fans continue to miss. More than a century before Sydney Sweeney tried to convince us that gambling was “Just Sports”, Manchester United and Liverpool demonstrated that gambling and sport have never really been just anything.On Good Friday in 1915, relegation-threatened United beat Liverpool 2-0 in a match so obviously suspicious that the Manchester Football Chronicle said it was “surprised and disgusted” by what it had witnessed. Bookmakers noticed a flurry of bets on the exact 2-0 scoreline, an investigation followed, and seven players from the two clubs were eventually banned for life for conspiring to fix the game.To be fair, wagering has been around since humans started running, fighting or throwing things, ever since we invented currency or competitive insecurity. But what has changed is its all-intrusive nature. As people joke, earlier the internet was something that was only available in a cybercafe or a computer classroom for an hour a day before we went out to touch grass. But today, thanks to the internet, it’s almost everywhere.For most of human history, betting was a physical activity. You had to go to a shadowy gully or a physical casino to place your bet. Even sports betting, compared with a slot machine, was a slower activity: you placed a wager and waited for the match to end.Now, that bookmaker occupies the same digital real estate as your social media accounts, your bank and the stream showing you the game.The product is faster, more granular and designed to keep you trapped.The easiest noob explanation is usually dopamine — the neuroscience equivalent of Mercury in retrograde — blamed for everything and understood by no one.Gambling does involve the brain’s reward system, but it’s not just that winning feels good. It’s the anticipation, learning and the gap between what happened and what could have happened. Gambling repeats that uncertainty. A Cambridge study in 2009 found that people who come close and lose have an increased desire to continue. The loss for the bank account isn’t necessarily a loss for the brain.A 2024 study of two million individual online bets found gamblers bet bigger after an immediate loss. Simply put, when you lose Rs 1,000, your brain tells you the next Rs 1,000 could be used to earn that money back.In 2026, the smartphone has stripped away all the barriers and pauses in which common sense could kick in. In-play betting turns a game into thousands of discrete events: the next scorer, the next corner, the next card, player props and a myriad other things.For most people who gamble, it doesn’t become an addiction. But for some — WHO estimates 1.2% of the world’s adult population has a gambling disorder — the belief that the next win will fix everything can become part of the cycle. At a high-risk level, WHO believes an average of six other people feel the ripple effect. And now we have a peculiar problem where gambling is so interwoven into sport that it’s almost impossible to deal with.Different countries have tried different approaches. Britain tried regulating it and gambling became woven into the very fabric of football, quite literally. While new Premier League rules mean the front of shirts can’t carry sponsorships from betting companies, they can still appear almost everywhere else, including sleeves, LED boards, broadcasts and the wider commercial ecosystem. America opened the door to legal betting after 2018 and watched it morph into player props, micro-markets and prediction contracts. India went the other way and banned online money games altogether, forcing companies like Dream11 to shut paid contests, though that hardly affected offshore or illegal operators.And the gambling company promoted by Sweeney is a new kind of digital chimera. Novig describes itself as a sports prediction market built “by sports traders for sports traders”, which sounds like the sort of rebranding exercise one might expect from an industry that has discovered the words punter and bookie lack the aspirational quality of trader and market.Except in this case the distinction is real.In a traditional sportsbook, the bookmaker sets the odds, builds in its margin and takes the other side of your bet. Novig operates as an exchange. Users buy and sell contracts whose prices move between zero and one dollar depending on what the market believes an outcome is worth. A contract priced at 40 cents pays a dollar if the event happens and zero if it does not, but unlike the old betting slip, you need not necessarily wait for the final whistle. If the price moves from 40 cents to 65 cents, you can sell your position before the match is over. Other users take the opposite side and the market, rather than a bookmaker alone, helps determine the price.The vocabulary follows the architecture.Bets become contracts, punters become traders, odds become prices and the whole thing sounds like a Wolf of Wall Street remake. Novig launched nationwide in August after becoming a federally regulated Designated Contract Market under the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, whose filings now include sports contracts covering everything from NFL games and college football to Premier League and Champions League outcomes.Ergo, the bookmaker became the sportsbook. The sportsbook became the app. And now the app represents Mammon’s greatest representative on earth: Wall Street.Which is why the Sweeney outrage was such a spectacular Trojan horse. For days, people argued over feminism, female athletes, wokeism, beauty standards and whatever other culture-war grievance could be squeezed out of a 30-second advert. Meanwhile, the company buying all that attention represented the latest evolution of an industry steadily erasing the old distinction between wagering on sport and trading an asset whose value happens to depend on sport. Since a lot of folks were outraged about what the Sydney Sweeney ad would mean for women, here’s what it can mean in the real world beyond asinine culture wars. The person placing the bet might be a man, but the losses rarely remain his alone. A 2025 review of 121 studies found that women were more often the family members harmed by somebody else’s gambling, with emotional and relationship damage followed by financial and health harms. Another Australian study found that women affected by another person’s gambling were more likely to have been harmed by a partner or family member and tended to report greater overall harm.That can mean savings disappearing, rent or school money being diverted, debt accumulating without a partner’s knowledge and relationships being held together by increasingly desperate financial lies. WHO also lists family violence and child neglect among documented gambling harms.None of that means gambling automatically turns men violent. But the combination of debt, secrecy, shame, arguments over money and pre-existing coercive behaviour can leave women carrying the consequences of somebody else’s compulsion long after the bet is settled.So while the internet spent days deciding whether Sydney Sweeney had somehow set women back, there was already a much less theoretical gender problem sitting behind the advert: women losing household security, relationships and, in the worst cases, physical safety because of gambling by men around them.That is rather more tangible than an imagined slight to female athletes. We spent so much time arguing about the Trojan horse that we almost failed to notice what had been carted into our city.

Brandin Podziemski’s big role under Steve Kerr started chatter around the NBA, and Gilbert Arenas is leading the charge. Arenas went on his Gil’s Arena podcast and openly questioned how the young guard earned so much power in the organization after the front office let Klay Thompson walk.

“Who is Brandin Podziemski sleeping with, bruh? Man, like Jesus Christ. This man gotta know, he got to know something or know somebody because there’s no way I got rid of Klay for him.”

Former Warriors big man DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins completely agreed with the sentiment, adding,

“It’s the real question, bro… When I played for the Warriors, I didn’t get that much of a leash. When I was coming off three, four All-Stars, I didn’t get that much of a leash. When you average 14, five, and four last season… he’s not a game-changer. He’s like a role player.”

When the room argued that fans cannot expect Podziemski to duplicate Thompson’s production, Cousins doubled down, highlighting the shooting guard’s 39% shooting from deep in his last year with the Mavericks.

“He took Klay’s spot. Come on, bro. 18 points. Come on, bro. And they can’t play one minute.”

Arenas didn’t stop at taking shots at the guard’s status, breaking down exactly why he thinks the on-court fit is wrong, adding,

“Klay got booed out of Golden State averaging 18 with the same stats. So I’m trying to figure out, like, cuz it’s not like your defense… you don’t play defense… It’s just confusing because the style don’t match.”

Brandin Podziemski steps into a much bigger role following Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks. The franchise icon left a massive void in the backcourt, but Podziemski showed promise last year by averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists, proving he can grow with more floor time.

Golden State did draft Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg 11th overall this summer, but a rookie can’t carry the load by himself. They need Podziemski’s scoring to take the pressure off Stephen Curry while Steve Kerr and Draymond Green try to make one last run at a title before their championship window closes.

Read more: “He Might Be Back” – Ex-All Star Drops Wild Russell Westbrook Prediction As Former MVP Enters Retirement Era

Golden State’s looming Brandin Podziemski extension

As a member of the 2023 draft class, Brandin Podziemski is officially eligible for a rookie extension, but Golden State hasn’t locked in a long-term deal yet. He is currently playing out his original four-year, $16.2 million rookie contract, which carries a $5.6 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season.

He enters this year with a golden opportunity to prove his worth, as Jimmy Butler’s injury opens up massive minutes in the rotation. Butler remains sidelined while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January. While his rehab is progressing positively with no setbacks, he is expected to miss the start of the season, with insiders targeting a realistic return to the court around January or February 2027.

Until then, a breakout campaign will put Brandin Podziemski in line for a massive payday before he hits restricted free agency in 2027. It will also give the front office a clear answer on whether he is a permanent piece of the new core or a valuable trade chip to move while his value is sky-high.

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