CaliforniaAB-831 makes it a misdemeanor to operate, promote, or knowingly support an online sweepstakes casino in California. Effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Quick answer
California banned dual-currency online sweepstakes games effective January 1, 2026 under AB-831. Sweepstakes Wiz suppresses all affiliate offers for California visitors and shows informational content only — including on this page. This guide explains the law, why we take that posture, and what alternatives exist.
| Quick fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site status | Info only — no affiliate CTAs |
| Partner availability | 3 of 13 list CA (site suppresses all) |
| Minimum age | 18+ / 21+ per operator where applicable |
| Key statute | AB-831 (eff. Jan 1, 2026) |
| Affiliate liability | Yes — promoters face statutory exposure |
See the national overview on our state legality hub, whether sweepstakes casinos are legit more broadly, and our editorial policy for compliance standards.
Regulatory specifics
Why sweepstakes casinos are different from real-money gambling
Dual-currency sweepstakes casinos use Gold Coins (no cash value) plus Sweeps Coins obtained through free entry methods and optional purchases. AB-831 specifically targets this dual-currency online model — not every form of social gaming. For a primer on the mechanic nationally, read what are sweepstakes casinos.
What California law says about sweepstakes casinos
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 on October 11, 2025. It took effect January 1, 2026, adding California Business and Professions Code provisions that prohibit operating — and promoting — certain online sweepstakes casino games that use dual virtual currencies where one currency can be redeemed for prizes.
The affiliate-liability language is why Sweepstakes Wiz treats California as a site-wide suppressed state: we do not render affiliate calls-to-action for California visitors on any brand, regardless of a partner’s own availability matrix.
Direct answer: AB-831 makes dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos unlawful to operate and promote in California as of January 1, 2026. We show California visitors informational content only and suppress all affiliate marketing on this site.
Operators in California
Most major dual-currency operators restrict California in their terms. A small number — including Card Crush (CA/NY-only) and select others — may still list California, but we do not promote affiliate offers here. The list below this guide reflects partner availability for transparency only; California visitors will not see bonus CTAs anywhere on Sweepstakes Wiz.
Practical guidance
Who can play in California?
Where platforms still accept California registrations, age requirements typically start at 18+, with 21+ at some operators. This guide does not encourage registration in violation of operator terms or California law — verify eligibility directly with any platform.
Prizes and redemptions in California
Dual-currency redemption paths have largely closed or narrowed for California residents on major platforms since AB-831 took effect. Any remaining redemption mechanics are operator-specific and may change without notice.
Legal gaming options in California
Californians retain access to the California State Lottery, licensed in-person tribal casinos, and gold-coin-only social casinos that do not offer Sweeps Coin prize redemption. Card Crush and similar single-currency platforms are sometimes discussed as alternatives — regulatory treatment remains unsettled; we note them for awareness only, without affiliate promotion.
Licensed online sports wagering is not broadly available statewide in the same way as some other states — check current California Gaming Control Commission guidance for authorized products.
Play responsibly
If gaming stops being fun, free confidential help is available 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. See our Responsible Gaming page.
This page is informational and is not legal advice. California sweepstakes law is evolving; consult qualified counsel for personal legal questions.
Reviewed operators listing
Because of California’s rules on marketing sweepstakes casinos, we show informational content only here and do not promote affiliate offers. Please review the law and each operator’s official rules before playing.
Pending legislation in California
Sources
FAQs
Is sweepstakes gambling legal in California after AB 831?
California AB-831 (signed October 11, 2025; effective January 1, 2026) prohibits operating and promoting certain dual-currency online sweepstakes games. The statute targets operators and promoters — including marketing affiliates — not typical players as the primary enforcement focus.
Can Californians still play sweepstakes casinos?
Some platforms may still accept California registrations, but major dual-currency operators have restricted or exited the market. We suppress all affiliate offers for California visitors and publish informational content only — consistent with AB-831 affiliate liability.
What is Card Crush and is it legal in California?
Card Crush is a single-currency sweepstakes-style platform available only in California and New York per its operator terms. Regulatory treatment of single-currency models remains contested. We describe it for context but do not promote affiliate offers in California.
Are social casinos with Gold Coins only legal?
Gold-coin-only social casinos that do not offer Sweeps Coin redemption for prizes occupy a different category from dual-currency sweepstakes casinos. They are widely available but do not offer the same prize-redemption mechanic AB-831 targets.
Does AB 831 affect players or only operators?
The statute's clearest liability targets are operators and those who promote prohibited games — including affiliates. Player enforcement has not been the primary focus in public guidance, but players should understand platforms may restrict California access.
Sweepstakes casino legality in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
See every US state on the state legality hub or the interactive tracker.
Play responsibly · 21+. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 at1-800-GAMBLER. See ourResponsible Gaming page. This page is informational and not legal advice.