California’s Senate Public Safety Committee advanced AB 831 in a unanimous 6-0 vote, according to the report. The proposed measure would target sweepstakes gaming operators and associated service providers; the SGLA, SPGA and ACLU of California oppose it, citing potential effects on businesses and civil liberties.
Operators and service providers could face criminal liability if the proposed restrictions become law.
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Eleven sweepstakes casino platforms have restricted access for California residents after Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831, according to reports. The ban on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos takes effect on 1 January 2026; the report says larger operators have not yet exited the state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831 on 11 October, making specified dual-currency sweepstakes casino operations unlawful from 1 January 2026. The law also covers payment processors, marketing affiliates and other service providers, with penalties of up to one year in county jail or a $25,000 fine for knowingly supporting the operations; some platforms have already stopped accepting California players.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831, targeting sweepstakes gambling operators and related businesses, with the law due to take effect on 1 January. Light & Wonder government affairs executive Howard Glaser said 17 states had made sweepstakes gambling illegal and six others had laws that deterred operators; he also cited California’s 20% share of sweepstakes revenue and $100 million in advertising.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831 into law, prohibiting online sweepstakes and dual-currency gambling systems from 1 January 2026. The law also covers entities that knowingly support or promote such activity, with violations punishable by fines of up to $25,000, up to one year in county jail, or both; licensed operators, the state lottery and qualifying promotional sweepstakes are exempt.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 on 11 October, banning sweepstakes gambling in the state. The law also provides for penalties against suppliers, affiliates and other partners that support the platforms. SGLA executive director Jeff Duncan said the group had urged Newsom to veto the bill.