Highlights
- Popular sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us and McLuck are about to cease operations in California
- Bill AB 831 prohibits dual-currency sweepstakes casinos from operating in the Sunshine State
- CA players can still access single-currency social casinos like Hard Rock Jackpot Planet
With traditional online casinos banned in California, many players have turned to sweepstakes casinos as viable gaming alternatives. These no-cost platforms allow users to enjoy casino-style games using virtual currencies instead of real money.
However, things are about to change. With the introduction of the recently signed bill AB 831, sweepstakes casinos will be outlawed in the Sunshine State from January 1, 2026 and many operators have already shut down access to their sites for CA players. Stick with us as we’ll share the details of this new legislation and which alternatives you should consider when playing from California.
Why Are Sweepstakes Casinos Banned in California?
In many parts of the US sweepstakes casinos remain excellent gaming alternatives for players in states where traditional gambling is restricted. These no-cost platforms allow you to play casino-style games using two types of virtual currencies. Gold Coins which are used to play just for fun and Sweeps Coins which can be used on promotional games. Eligible SC winnings can then be redeemed for real prizes including cash and gift cards.
Sweepstakes casinos have long been popular among CA players, but from January 1, 2026 these platforms will no longer be accessible to residents in the Sunshine State. First proposed in February 2025, bill AB 831 has passed both the Senate and the Assembly with unanimous votes and has subsequently been signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 11, 2025.
The bill outlaws any dual-currency sweepstakes casino that offers slots, video poker, table games, sports wagering, bingo, and certain types of lotteries by which players participate for a chance to claim real prizes such as awards, cash, or cash equivalents. In short, you won’t be able to access sweepstakes sites like Stake.us or McLuck any longer and many sites have already closed access to their sites for California residents. But where does this leave you as a player? Let’s find out!
Hard Rock Jackpot Planet – a Great Alternative for CA Players
As opposed to sweepstakes casinos that use a dual virtual currency system, true social casinos operate using only a single virtual currency, usually Gold Coins. These single currency platforms remain legal and accessible to California players since they do not offer the chance to redeem cash prizes or cash equivalents.
Hard Rock Jackpot Planet
is a no-cost social casino app which allows you to play over 250 casino-style slots as well as some fun Hard Rock exclusives without having to make a purchase. To get you started you’ll receive 100,000 Gold Coins and there are plenty more ongoing promotions to keep your GC balance well stocked up.
1000% Extra on First Purchase
The Bottom Line: Sweepstakes Casinos Will Leave California, but You Can Still Enjoy Great Alternatives
By now you should know that sweepstakes casinos will no longer be available to players in California come January 1, 2026. Bill AB 831 prohibits any and all dual virtual currency platforms that simulate gambling and offer real prizes such as cash and cash equivalents. That, of course, also means that popular brands like RealPrize or McLuck will no longer operate in the state. However, true social casinos that use only one type of virtual currency remain legal and accessible. Why not give Hard Rock Jackpot Planet a try? This social casino app offers over 250 casino-style games and you can get started with a cool 100,000 GC welcome offer when you sign up via one of our links.
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