California’s sweepstakes casino ban, Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), took effect on January 1, 2026. It makes dual-currency “Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins” casino games illegal in the state, and it reaches beyond operators to the companies that knowingly support them. Here is what the law says, what happened to players and balances, and what is still allowed.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and can change.
What is AB 831?
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831 on October 11, 2025, and it took effect on January 1, 2026. According to a law firm summary from Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, the law defines an “online sweepstakes game” as one that meets all four conditions:
- It is accessible online or on mobile devices.
- It uses a dual-currency system in which players give consideration to be eligible for prizes.
- It simulates casino-style games such as slots, poker, bingo or lotteries.
- It awards cash or cash-equivalent prizes.
If you are new to the model, our guide to the dual-currency sweepstakes casino explains how Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins work.
Who does the law cover?
The law does not only target the casino brands. CasinoBeats reports that enforcement extends to payment processors, geolocation providers and affiliates that facilitate access for California players. The Sweepsy report quotes the bill’s wording that it applies to anyone who “knowingly and willfully” supports the operation, conduct or promotion of an online sweepstakes game in the state.
Penalties are criminal. Both sources describe fines and possible jail time for violators, but they do not set out the exact amounts, so check the bill text if you need them.
What happened to operators and players?
Several operators left California before the law took effect. Action Network reported in October 2025 that Vivaro.us, Carnival Citi, Ruby Sweeps and Dara Casino were withdrawing, and that game suppliers Evolution and Pragmatic Play pulled games from California-facing platforms.
Other operators wound down in stages. Sweepsy reports that VGW, which runs Chumba Casino, Global Poker and LuckyLand Slots, began phasing out Sweeps Coin play on December 30, 2025. Players could not collect new Sweeps Coins from that date, and they had until January 15, 2026 to redeem what they held. After that date, remaining Sweeps Coins were forfeited, according to the same report. VGW kept Gold Coin play available in California.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 11, 2025 | AB 831 signed by Governor Newsom |
| Oct 2025 | Several smaller operators announce California exits |
| Dec 30, 2025 | VGW begins phasing out Sweeps Coin play in California |
| Jan 1, 2026 | AB 831 takes effect |
| Jan 15, 2026 | VGW redemption deadline for remaining Sweeps Coins |
Is anything still allowed?
The Frankfurt Kurnit summary notes an exception for “limited and occasional” promotional games run by for-profit businesses as incidental advertising tied to substantial sales of real products or services. That is not a casino site model.
Gold-Coin-only social casinos, which have no prize redemption, are a different category. Next.io describes true social casinos with a single entertainment currency as the remaining option for California players. Always read an operator’s terms to see whether it offers a prize option in your state.
What if you still have a balance or a pending redemption?
Because deadlines were set by each operator, there was no single rule. If you had a balance or a pending request, the practical steps are:
- Contact the operator’s support and ask for your account status in writing.
- Keep screenshots of your balance, request and any messages.
- Review how long payouts normally take in our guide on sweepstakes casino redemption times.
- Check minimum redemption amounts, since balances below the minimum may not have been redeemable.
Our article on whether Sweeps Coins expire covers how account rules affect unused balances.
How does this fit the bigger picture?
California is one of several states that have moved against the model. For a wider look, see our overview of sweepstakes casino laws in the US. Sweepstakes casinos are not legal everywhere, and the list of states changes, so check your state’s current rules and the operator’s terms before you play.
FAQ
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
Dual-currency sweepstakes casinos have been prohibited since January 1, 2026 under AB 831.
Can I still play Gold Coin games in California?
Some operators said they would keep Gold Coin play, which has no prize redemption. Terms vary by operator.
Who can be penalized under AB 831?
Operators and those who knowingly support them, including payment processors, geolocation providers and affiliates, according to the sources above. The law’s focus is on the businesses, not on players.
Could I lose my Sweeps Coins?
At VGW, remaining Sweeps Coins were forfeited after January 15, 2026. Other operators set their own deadlines.
Responsible play: Sweepstakes sites are for adults (18+ or 21+ depending on the operator and state). Play for fun, set time and spending limits, and see our guide to responsible play at sweeps casinos. Nothing here promises prizes or winnings.
Sources checked
Checked October 9, 2026:
- Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz: California Bans Online Sweepstakes Casinos (Oct 30, 2025)
- Sweepsy: Newsom signs AB831
- Sweepsy: VGW exit timeline
- Action Network: operators exit California (Oct 22, 2025)
- CasinoBeats: California sweepstakes casino ban
- Next.io: sweepstakes casinos cease operations in California (Dec 31, 2025)
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