NCAA basketball is a big deal in California. Several elite Division I schools play in the state, and plenty of homegrown talent can be found at blueblood programs across the country. So if legalized online sports betting ever comes to pass in California, expect college basketball to be one of the biggest draws at sportsbooks.
As of June 2026, sports betting remains illegal in California, and with many hurdles to clear, it’s unlikely we’ll see legalized sports betting for at least a few more years.
In the meantime, daily fantasy sports apps provide legal alternatives for California basketball fans seeking to get in on the action through various contests. Let’s take a look at some of the best platforms for daily fantasy sports (DFS) games and social sportsbooks when it comes to college basketball.
Best DFS sites for college basketball picks in California 2026
If California legalizes sports betting, players could have access to the best traditional sports betting platforms for wagering. But until then, California sports fans can take part in legal DFS prop-style pick’em contests.
Here are some of the best DFS apps to help you get in on the March Madness action in California this year.
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How to make college basketball picks in California
It’s really easy to get started with DFS games and social sportsbooks. Many of them also offer enticing sign-up bonuses for new users. While there are slight variations between the different operators, here is the general process that you can expect when signing up for an account.
- Click on any link on this page to directly visit the DFS app or social sportsbook and claim the bonus offer.
- From there, just follow the prompts and enter the requested information.
- Once your account is created, use your bonues.
- Take a look around, check out the NCAA basketball menu, and prepare to make your selections.
From start to finish, the process should take only a few minutes of your time. Until California legalized online sports betting, these offerings are the route players will take if they want to make any sort or picks or selections on college basketball. It’s worth noting that these operators have some of the best sign-up bonuses as a result.
As an alternative, California NCAAB fans can also use prediction markets like Underdog Predict, Kalshi, and OG Predictions to get in on the college basketball action.
Our favorite college basketball DFS site and social sportsbook for CA residents
Until California legalizes sports betting, California players will have to scratch the itch using platforms like social sportsbooks and DFS sites. There are plenty of options for California residents to pick from, but here are some of the top options available today in the Golden State.
Betr
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Top college basketball programs in California
UCLA Bruins
UCLA is one of the most iconic college basketball programs with a record 11 NCAA titles, 10 of which came under legendary coach John Wooden.
The UCLA Bruins recently joined the Big Ten Conference and play their home games at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, Los Angeles.
USC Trojans
The USC Trojans represent the University of Southern California and also play in the Big Ten. They have 16 NCAA tournament appearances with one National Championship.
USC plays its home games at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
Saint Mary’s Gaels
The St. Mary’s Gaels have been an NCAA Tournament staple, reaching the Big Dance five times since 2017. This WCC basketball program has 13 March Madness appearances under its belt in total. The Gael’s best run came in 1959 when they reached the Elite Eight.
St. Mary’s plays its home games at the University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga.
Stanford Cardinal
Most people know Stanford for academics, but the Stanford Cardinal have basketball chops. Thia new ACC team has been to 17 NCAA tournaments with a record of 23-16 and one National Championship in 1942.
Stanford plays its home games at the Maples Pavilion.
Related Pages:
How to find college basketball pick’em lines
When you visit a DFS site or use a social sportsbook, you’ll see an A-Z menu of available markets. NCAAB and other popular sports may have their own dedicated icons that you can click on. If not, just look for basketball on the list and drill down to select college or NCAAB.
Once you’ve done that, all of the upcoming games will be listed out in the home screen by start time. Some social sportsbooks will have the odds for the three main pregame picks:
- Moneylines
- Spreads
- Totals
To see additional options, just click through the listing. After you do so, you’ll see a range of options that may include:
- More or less prop-style player picks
- More of less prop-style game picks
Most platforms also have a dedicated link for college basketball futures selections. You can get in early on March Madness by making a selections for the next National Champion and much more.
Once you’ve zeroed in on your pick of choice, simply click on the college basketball selection that correspond with your opinion. If all looks good to you, click to submit.
The site will display your picks conveniently so you can keep track. You will be able to follow with ease until your pick either wins or loses.
Popular NCAA basketball social sportsbook lines
The most popular picks in college basketball are the main pregame picks, but there’s plenty more to consider. Here’s a brief look at how all of the top NCAA basketball picks work.
- Moneylines: A moneyline selection is when you pick the team you think will win the game. The odds will reflect how oddsmakers see the matchup: negative numbers for the favored side and positive digits for underdogs.
- Spreads: A point spread is set by operators on each game. It’s essentially the perceived difference between the two teams or an estimated margin of victory. You can choose the favorite minus the spread or the dog plus the points, but your pick has to cover the number for you to win.
- Totals: A totals pick is based on how many combined points will be scored in the game. Operators set the bar with an estimate, and players then get to pick over or under that number.
- Props: A prop is basically a pick on events that may happen during the game or by its conclusion. There are props for the game as a whole, as well as for the individual teams and players.
- Futures: A futures pick is on an event that won’t be decided until down the road, such as the winner of the National Championship or a team to reach the Final Four.
Making March Madness picks in CA
March Madness is when college basketball takes center stage. The NCAA Men’s D1 Basketball Tournament features 68 teams. Many teams receive an automatic bid for winning their conference tournaments, while the remainder are at-large picks chosen by the selection committee.
It’s a single-elimination tournament. Teams advance when they win and go home when they lose. March Madness can be a wild ride with lots of upsets, Cinderella stories and dominant performances by powerhouse programs. The futures market remains busy all year, but the volume for DFS and social sportsbook picks goes through the roof when the tournament field is set.
Beyond filling out a bracket, you can also make picks for each game individually with these operators as the tourney plays out. March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year and one of the busiest stretches for these operators. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for special March Madness betting promotions from the top platforms we mentioned above, as well as others in the California market.
NCAAB picks vs. NBA picks
Hoops may be hoops, but there are some distinct differences between making a pick on professional game and making a pick for a college event. Here are some of the key points of difference between NCAA and NBA picking that you need to know.
- College basketball games are shorter (40 minutes compared to 48), so there tends to be less scoring than in NBA games. Average scoring outputs can make a big difference for totals and pro-style picks.
- Due to the sheer number of NCAA teams, it is harder for operators to handicap college basketball than the NBA. That opens up the possibility of finding an edge on lower-profile teams and games when you make your picks.
- The NBA is a star and highlight-driven league, while college basketball is more in tune with the sport in its purest form. The seemingly subtle differences impact game flow, passing and more.
Why do NCAAB DFS sites or social sportsbooks remove the moneyline or spread selections?
Operators may remove the option to place a pick on a team’s moneyline or point spread in certain instances.
If a team is favored by a lot of points, college basketball DFS sites and social sportsbooks may remove the option of betting on either team’s moneyline to help mitigate the risk of having to make significant payouts in the event of an upset. For massive favorites, moneyline odds are often very unappealing anyway.
When a game is too close to call, sometimes the platform might remove something like the spread and just allow a moneyline selection. This situation is known as PK or pick ’em odds.
NCAA basketball live picks
Live picks are one of the top innovations at DFS sites and social sportsbooks. This is real-time picking that’s ongoing after the games have already tipped off. As the action plays out, you’ll see a whole range of new odds and prop-style selections to choose from, as well as updated odds for the top pregame picks.
Generally speaking, social sportsbooks and DFS apps are the best way to take advantage of all that live picking has to offer. You can log in once the game gets started and simply keep your eyes on the live odds. Things move fast with making your picks live, but these apps are set up so you can tap and pick a selection you like instantaneously.
Also known as in play or in game, live picking gives you the opportunity to hedge your initial picks or double down as the situation warrants. It’s an incredibly exciting way to jump on any momentum swings that might come up, but remember not to get too swept away and to always place your picks responsibly.
Rules around making NCAAB picks
It’s essential to look at each social sportsbook or DFS site’s basketball picking rules before placing a selection. While most of the rules will be straightforward and virtually identical, there could be slight variations. Here are some of the standard rules to know.
- All picks are settled based on official game data and statistics. You’ll win or lose based on the NCAAB odds at the time of pick placement regardless of any moves in the numbers afterward.
- A slight delay in start time will not impact your picks, but a cancellation, postponement or uncompleted game will lead to your selection being voided.
- Unless otherwise specifically stated in the pick terms, as in a regulation-only selection, the result of your pick will be inclusive of any overtime periods needed to determine a winner.
House rules can be found at all of the top operator sites. It’s on you as the player to know and understand them, so be sure to take the few minutes it takes to review wherever you play.
Vegas odds vs. CA DFS and social sportsbook odds
Sports betting odds from Las Vegas have long been considered the gold standard, but times are changing. The traditional sportsbetting odds coming out of Sin City are still heavily watched, but California’s DFS sites and social sportsbook platforms are dishing out comparable numbers.
There may be some differences for individual picks due to the sheer volume, but you’ll find that the numbers stack up quite well with Vegas and the market as a whole. You can still see what Vegas has to say if you want, but know that you can get the same odds (if not better) closer to home using DFS games and social sportsbooks.
Start making your college basketball picks today!
If you’re passionate about college basketball, one way to amplify that fandom is to dive into the world of DFS and social sportsbooks.
If California ends up legalizing sports betting, residents may have access to popular operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars and others. But until then, social sportsbooks and DFS games are the legal options for California residents.
Until there are legal NCAA basketball sites in California, operators such as Betr, Sleeper, Underdog and others will remain the top choices.
