California signed a law banning sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks, with the ban due to take effect on 1 January. Separately, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an opinion that all forms of daily fantasy sports violate state law, but no enforcement action against DFS operators had followed by year-end.
The ban changes the legal position for sweepstakes gambling businesses operating in California.
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California lawmakers were reported to be considering legislation targeting online sweepstakes casinos, with the bill’s text not yet public. Reports said provisions may be added to AB831, a bill proposing changes to tribal gaming compacts; the proposed measure would make facilitating or promoting illegal sweepstakes casinos unlawful.
Tribal gaming representatives and industry figures discussed sweepstakes operators and unregulated gambling at an Indian Gaming Association conference in San Diego, reportedly. Light & Wonder government relations head Howard Glaser cited a report estimating $20bn in California online gaming from $330bn in annual US wagering; California Nations Indian Gaming Association chair James Siva said tribes were pursuing regulatory and payment-related measures to protect gaming exclusivity.
Reportedly, Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Wyoming have put forward legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos. Wyoming's draft would extend felony provisions to online casinos, sweepstakes and businesses knowingly supporting their operation, with imprisonment of up to three years. Its Management Council will decide whether to sponsor the measure for the 2027 session.
Reportedly, Oklahoma’s sweepstakes casino prohibition takes effect on 1 November 2026 after legislators overturned Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto of SB 1589. The law makes violations involving the dual-currency model felonies and extends liability to suppliers, payment processors and affiliates.
Oklahoma's prohibition on sweepstakes casinos takes effect on 1 November 2026, after legislators overrode Governor Kevin Stitt's veto of SB 1589, according to the source report. The law targets the dual-currency model used by most sweepstakes casino sites.
New Jersey prohibited paid-entry sweepstakes casinos when Governor Phil Murphy signed A5447 on 15 August 2025, citing RG.org. The law sets civil penalties of up to $100,000 for an initial violation and $250,000 for subsequent violations, counted daily. It also expands agencies' enforcement powers.