Verified Oct 12, 2026
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in California? (2026)
California
BannedSweepstakes casinos are banned in California: AB 831 made running or supporting an online dual-currency sweepstakes game a misdemeanor from January 1, 2026.
AB 831 Effective Jan 1, 2026
Full details for this stateCasinos that exclude California
Not available here: Stake.us, Chumba Casino, Crown Coins Casino, McLuck, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, Hello Millions, Mega Bonanza, LoneStar Casino, RealPrize, Fortune Coins (now Fortune Wins), Modo.us, Spree
The short version
No. Assembly Bill 831 made running or supporting an online dual-currency sweepstakes game a misdemeanor in California from Jan 1, 2026. Governor Newsom signed it on Oct 11, 2025 (Chapter 623, Statutes of 2025).
What the law covers
AB 831 targets online sweepstakes games that use two currencies, the Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins model every casino we review uses. It applies to operators and to businesses that support them. It does not make playing Gold Coin social games illegal on its own; it targets the redeemable-prize model.
Where sources disagree
The state’s bill site blocked our automated check, so the chapter number and the Jan 1, 2026 effective date rely on search-indexed legislature data and news coverage. Jan 1 is California’s default effective date for non-urgency laws. We will re-check the bill page by hand and log any change in the changelog.
What it means for players
Every active casino we review lists California as excluded: Stake.us, Chumba Casino, Crown Coins Casino, McLuck, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, Hello Millions, Mega Bonanza, LoneStar Casino, RealPrize, Fortune Coins (now Fortune Wins), Modo.us, Spree. Hello Millions’ Terms (updated Jul 15, 2026) say it no longer offers promotional contests in California. If you had a balance when the ban started, check the casino’s notices about redemption windows.
What to watch
Enforcement news and any court challenges. Read how other states compare on the banned states list, and learn what sweepstakes casinos are in our explainer.
Timeline
Governor Newsom signed AB 831 (Chapter 623, Statutes of 2025)
Source: www.gov.ca.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where sources disagree
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov returned 403 to our fetcher; chapter number and Jan 1 2026 effective date (default for non-urgency statutes) rely on search-indexed leginfo data plus news. Re-check the bill page by hand.
Questions people ask
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
No. AB 831 banned online dual-currency sweepstakes games from Jan 1, 2026. Governor Newsom signed it on Oct 11, 2025.
Can I play Chumba or Stake.us in California?
No. All 14 active casinos we review exclude California.
Is it illegal to play Gold Coin games in California?
AB 831 targets operating or supporting online dual-currency sweepstakes games, the model where coins can be redeemed for prizes. Read the law at the source link for the exact wording; this is not legal advice.
When did California's sweepstakes ban start?
Jan 1, 2026, per legislature data and news coverage. The bill was signed on Oct 11, 2025.
Play for fun, never to fix money problems
Set a spending limit before you buy coins. If it stops being fun, take a break. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.