Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in California? No: AB 831 Bans Them From January 1, 2026
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
No. Sweepstakes casinos are banned in California under AB 831, effective January 1, 2026. AB 831 bans sweepstakes casinos using dual-currency systems. Operators that follow the law block California players, so you should not expect to sign up or redeem prizes there.
What the law says
| Status | Banned |
|---|---|
| Bill or statute | AB 831 |
| Effective date | January 1, 2026 |
| Summary | AB 831 bans sweepstakes casinos using dual-currency systems. |
| Last reviewed | September 29, 2026 |
What it means for players in California
- New accounts: operators that follow the law block sign-ups from California.
- Existing balances: many operators give a window to redeem eligible Sweeps Coins. Verify your identity and request any redemption promptly.
- Location checks: do not use a VPN or false details. It breaks the terms and can void your account and prizes.
- Travel: availability depends on where you are when you play, not where you live.
Which casinos have left California?
Casinos announce state exits on their own sites, usually by email and in-app notice, so the details differ by operator. We add a dated line to our changelog when we confirm one. Until then, assume any sweepstakes casino follows the law in California and check its terms.
Alternatives in California
Sweepstakes casinos are not the only way to play. Social casinos with no redeemable prizes, state lotteries and, where legal, licensed regulated gaming remain options. Always check the rules that apply to you, and play for entertainment only.
Latest news mentioning California
Neighboring states
California sweepstakes casino FAQ
This page is general information compiled from public sources and is not legal advice. Laws change often. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.