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.
Operators serving California residents must account for the ban on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos taking effect in 2026.
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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.
Several US sweepstakes casinos closed or tightened state access in September. Citing Deadspin, it said LuckyLand Slots closed on 14 September after parent VGW reached an $8m settlement with New York regulators. CoinFrenzy also closed, while Playstudios’ The Win Zone stopped purchases on 22 September and subsequently ended gameplay.
LuckyLand Slots ceased operations on 14 September after its parent company VGW reached an $8m settlement with New York regulators, according to a report citing Deadspin. CoinFrenzy also stopped operating in September, the report said, without a detailed public explanation. The Win Zone, operated by Playstudios, halted purchases on 22 September and ended gameplay shortly afterwards.
California’s Adam Schiff and Utah’s John Curtis filed a bipartisan bill that would prohibit CFTC-licensed entities from listing sports event contracts. The report provides no further details on the proposal.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta reportedly plans to prohibit online daily fantasy sports in the state, with a decision expected by 3 July. His office began reviewing the legality of the contests in October 2023 after a request from former senator Scott Wilk; tribal groups have urged lawmakers to wait for the opinion before pursuing legislation.