Sweepstakes Casinos in California 2026

California enacted Assembly Bill 831 (AB831) in late 2025, which took effect January 1, 2026. AB831 explicitly bans sweepstakes casinos that offer real-money prize redemptions through virtual currency models. This makes California one of only 11 US states where sweepstakes casinos are illegal, alongside Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington.

Before AB831, sweepstakes casinos operated freely in California. The bill was introduced after lobbying from tribal gaming interests, who argued that sweepstakes casinos competed with their regulated operations. California's 76 tribal casinos generate billions in annual revenue and have significant political influence over state gambling policy.

California residents who previously held accounts at sweepstakes casinos were given a transition period to redeem remaining Sweeps Coins. Most major platforms — including Stake.us, Chumba Casino, and WOW Vegas — now geoblock California IP addresses and reject new registrations from the state.

California banned sweepstakes casino platforms via AB 831, which took effect January 1, 2026. The law specifically targets the dual-currency model (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins) used by major platforms and extends liability to payment processors and platform vendors — not just the casinos themselves. As a result, the major sweepstakes operators including Stake US, Pulsz, Chumba Casino, and Zula Casino no longer accept California registrations.

California joins Washington and New York as one of the most prominent states where sweepstakes casino platforms are unavailable. CA residents looking for free-to-play casino-style entertainment are limited to social casino apps that offer no cash prize redemptions.

With sweepstakes casinos banned and online gambling unlicensed, California residents interested in casino-style gaming are limited to licensed tribal casinos and card rooms. The state has hundreds of tribal gaming facilities across Southern California, the Central Valley, and Northern California.

If AB 831 is challenged or repealed, sweepstakes platforms would likely re-enter the market quickly. Monitor platform availability notices — some operators may re-enable CA access if the legal status changes.