California has banned online sweepstakes casinos. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) on October 11, 2025, and the ban took effect on January 1, 2026. This guide covers what the law changed, which operators left, and the legal alternatives for California players.
Legal status in California
Sweepstakes casinos are banned in California. The law makes operating or supporting a dual-currency online sweepstakes casino a misdemeanor, with penalties up to one year in jail and $25,000 per violation, and extends liability to payment processors, software suppliers, geolocation firms and affiliates. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) on October 11, 2025, and it took effect on January 1, 2026.
Real-money online casinos are not legal in California either; tribal nations hold a constitutional monopoly on casino gambling. That leaves no legal online casino product for California residents.
This is not legal advice. For specific questions, consult a licensed attorney or your state regulator.
Minimum age requirements
Age limits are moot while the ban is in force, because there is no legal online sweepstakes casino operating in California. Across the US the typical minimum is 18, with some operators applying 21.
Can you still play in California?
No. Following the ban, the major operators (Stake.us, McLuck, Pulsz, Chumba, LuckyLand Slots, High 5 Casino, and WOW Vegas) have stopped accepting California players.
If a site still lets you sign up from a California address, it is operating against state law; avoid it. The operator's own signup flow is the authoritative source, not affiliate lists.
Taxes on sweepstakes winnings in California
Sweepstakes prize winnings are taxable as "other income" under US federal law (IRS Publication 525). Operators typically issue Form 1099-MISC if your cumulative redemptions from that operator hit $600 or more in a calendar year. You're responsible for reporting prize income on your federal return regardless of whether a 1099 is issued.
California imposes state income tax on top of federal. Your sweepstakes prize income is typically treated as ordinary income at the state level. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Responsible play resources in California
The federal 1-800-GAMBLER 24/7 helpline (operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling) is available to anyone in the US, including California residents. State-specific helpline for California: 1-800-GAMBLER (California).
Self-exclusion in the sweepstakes model is per-operator, there is no nationwide equivalent of the UK's GamStop. NCPG maintains a state-by-state directory of state-level self-exclusion programs and resources at ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/state-resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
California sweepstakes FAQ
Q: Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California? A: No. California banned them under Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), which took effect on January 1, 2026.
Q: Can I still sign up or redeem Sweeps Coins in California? A: No. The major operators have stopped accepting California players, and any site still doing so is operating outside state law.
Q: When did the California ban take effect? A: Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) on October 11, 2025; it took effect on January 1, 2026.
Q: What can I play legally in California? A: California's 60-plus tribal casinos offer in-person play, and licensed daily fantasy sports operate under their own framework.