If you’re gearing up for the Super Bowl, you’ve probably seen ads everywhere for FanDuel and DraftKings. But when you try to log in, chances are you can’t. So why can’t I bet on FanDuel or DraftKings for the 2026 Super Bowl? The answer usually comes down to state laws, licensing, and geo-restrictions. Even if you’ve used them before, leaving a legal state prevents you from accessing these apps.
Luckily, you don’t have to miss out on Seahawks vs. Patriots. Legal DFS platforms like Underdog and Sleeper, as well as predictive market sites like Kalshi and Novig, let you make picks and get action on the big game, even if the best betting sites aren’t available in your state.
Why FanDuel and DraftKings Aren’t Available Everywhere
Sports betting legality varies widely. Some states allow in-person betting at casinos but not online, while others haven’t passed any sports betting legislation at all. FanDuel operates in 23 states plus Washington, D.C., and DraftKings is in 22 states plus Washington, D.C., meaning large portions of the U.S. population cannot place NFL bets on the Seahawks vs. Patriots using these apps.
Even when you are in a legal state, location verification can block access if your device thinks you’re elsewhere. If you’ve been asking yourself, why can’t I bet on FanDuel or DraftKings for the 2026 Super Bowl?, this is the main reason.
Legal Ways to Make Super Bowl Picks Without Sportsbooks
Luckily, there are legal alternatives that let you make picks on the Super Bowl no matter where you are.
DFS Platforms
Underdog: Use the Underdog promo code TOPACTION to play a $5 lineup and get $75 in fantasy bonus entries. Underdog lets you pick player projections for the Seahawks vs. Patriots and other games, giving you a sportsbook-like experience in more states.
Sleeper: Use the Sleeper promo code ACTION for a $20 sign-up bonus plus a 100% deposit match, up to $100. Sleeper allows fantasy pick’em contests, even if you can't access traditional sports betting in your state.
Prediction Market Platforms
Kalshi: Trade $10 and get a $10 bonus using the Kalshi promo code ACTION. Kalshi lets you trade on event outcomes, including the Seahawks vs. Patriots, offering a legal way to speculate on the Super Bowl.
Novig: Spend $25 and get $50 in Novig Coins with the Novig promo code ACTION. Novig works like a predictive market where you can place trades on game outcomes and player stats, giving you more options than standard sportsbooks.
How DFS and Prediction Markets Work
The biggest difference is how you make your picks. On DFS platforms like Underdog and Sleeper, you select pick’em-style lineups where your entries are evaluated based on player performance, not by competing directly against other users in real time. Prediction markets like Kalshi and Novig let you trade on outcomes directly, win/loss, player stats, or point spreads, without violating state betting laws.
This structure keeps it simple for first-time users and is perfect if you’ve been wondering why can’t I bet on FanDuel or DraftKings for the 2026 Super Bowl?
Other Ways to Make Super Bowl Picks
If you’re not interested in online platforms, you can still enjoy the game with friends:
- Organize a Super Bowl squares pool
- Place friendly wagers on outcomes with family or coworkers
- Fill out prop sheets for fun
Even if FanDuel and DraftKings aren’t available, there are plenty of ways to get involved. With DFS and prediction market platforms, you can make picks, enter contests, and still enjoy the Seahawks vs. Patriots, no matter where you live. That’s why so many fans are asking: why can’t I bet on FanDuel or DraftKings for the 2026 Super Bowl?
