SweepCasinos > States > California

California sweepstakes casinos & the law in 2026

California’s sweepstakes casino era has officially ended. Assembly Bill 831 took effect on January 1, 2026, after being signed on November 10, 2025.
Read on for a breakdown of how the ban came about, the current situation, and the risks it poses to you as a player.

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Renzo A.

Content Writer

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Fact checked by

Last updated

10 June 2026

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Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?

If you’re a player in California looking to access sweepstakes casinos, the short answer is that you can’t (anymore).

AB 831 took effect on January 1, 2026, banning dual-currency platforms statewide. Most operators had already geofenced California by that time.

Below, we explain what the law says and how it affects your taxes if you have prior winnings.

Legal overview

Status 🔴 Banned (effective Jan 1, 2026)
Player penalty None
Law AB 831 (2025)
Sponsor Asm. Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim)
Date signed October 11, 2025
Effective date January 1, 2026
Operator penalty Misdemeanor; Up to $25,000 fine + up to 1 year county jail

What the ban means for you

Player risk You face no criminal liability as a player. The ban targets operators, not players.
Platform access Major operators have geofenced California in response to the ban. VPN use does not change your legal exposure.
Tax on past winnings Any winnings earned before the ban took effect remain taxable as gambling income.

Timeline of AB 831

Feb 18, 2025 — AB 831 introduced

Late June 2025 — Bill amended to dual-currency definition

Sept 8, 2025 — Senate passes 36-0

Sept 12, 2025 — Assembly concurs in amendments

Oct 11, 2025 — Gov. Newsom signs into law

Jan 1, 2026 — Takes effect

Illustration of a judge’s gavel over the state of California, symbolizing the laws and regulations that affect sweepstakes casinos in California.

California vs. neighboring states

Compare California to other US states in the region.

FAQs

Can I still play sweepstakes casinos in California?

No. AB 831 banned online sweepstakes casinos in California as of January 1, 2026. The law added Section 337o to the Penal Code and amended Section 17539.1 of the Business and Professions Code, making it illegal for operators to run any site built on the gold coin and sweeps coin setup. The ban also covers the businesses behind them, like payment processors and geolocation providers.

What happened to my sweeps coin balance when the ban took effect?

If you had a balance on a site like McLuck, Pulsz, or NoLimit Coins, you needed to redeem your Sweeps Coins by December 31, 2025. Most operators closed California accounts at or before the cutoff, and any Sweeps Coins with real value expired then. If you missed the deadline, contact the operator’s support directly. Some still process redemption requests filed before the cutoff.

Could the ban be overturned?

There is no active legal challenge that has paused or suspended AB 831. The bill passed 36-0 in the Senate and 63-0 in the Assembly, which signals broad political backing and makes a legislative reversal unlikely any time soon.

Can I get in trouble for playing anyway?

No. AB 831 goes after operators and the businesses that support them, not you. The law does not penalize California residents who played on these platforms. You will not be charged, found, or prosecuted. That said, any platform still accepting you as a California player after January 1, 2026, is likely operating outside the law, which puts your account and balance at risk.

Can I use a VPN to keep playing?

Using a VPN to hide your location almost always breaks the operator’s terms of service. Operators routinely void winnings, freeze balances, and close accounts when they catch VPN use. We do not recommend it.

Can I play if I travel out of California?

That depends on the operator and where you go. Sweepstakes platforms check your physical location, not your residency. If you are in a state where the operator still accepts players, the geolocation check should let you play. Read the operator’s terms before you assume anything.

A note on legal advice

This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. AB 831 is a new law, and how operators, regulators, and courts apply it will keep evolving. If you have specific concerns about your account, balance, or legal exposure, talk to a licensed attorney in California.

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About the Author

Renzo A.

Content Writer

Renzo is one of the newest additions to the crew. With his extensive background in data gathering and valuable insights on casinos, he’s the person to go to for questions about the iGaming industry. He has worked hard to develop his ability to discover trends and craft well-put-together reviews. In his spare time, Renzo is a crypto enthusiast and trader who likes to explore the exciting, endless possibilities of blockchain technology.

Other sources

  • California Business and Professions Code § 17539.15. (2025). Sweepstakes solicitation materials and prize notifications. California Legislative Information. Link
  • Imperium Comms. (2025, October 20). Sweepstakes casinos banned in California: What’s next? Reuters. Link
  • Sabalow, R. (2025, September 22). California’s tribes once again get lawmakers to attack gambling competitors. The Desert Sun. Link
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