Can you still play sweepstakes casinos in California?

California's AB 831 banned the dual-currency sweepstakes model as of January 1, 2026, and the major operators pulled cash-redeemable play from the state. A few sites still operate in California under different legal structures — collectible card-game, parimutuel horse racing, and skill-based formats. The list below pulls live from the SweepsGuard database. None is a regulator-approved casino.

Sites still operating in California

  • Card Crush
  • Clash5
  • GetGud
  • GiddyUp
  • Horseplay
  • Zumba Cards

Are sweepstakes casinos illegal in California now?

The dual-currency sweepstakes-casino model is banned under AB 831, effective January 1, 2026. The major operators have stopped offering cash-redeemable play to California residents. A small number of sites continue to operate under different legal structures (collectible card-game, parimutuel horse racing, and skill-based formats).

Will I get in trouble for playing a sweepstakes casino in California?

No. AB 831 targets operators, payment processors, geolocation providers, and affiliates — not individual players. There is no provision penalizing someone for having played, and no enforcement against players.

Can I still play Stake.us, McLuck, or Pulsz in California?

Not for cash-redeemable Sweeps Coins. Major sweepstakes brands have pulled redeemable play from California following AB 831. Some still allow free Gold Coins play with no prizes.

What sweepstakes casino alternatives still work in California?

Sites built on a non-sweepstakes model still accept California players — collectible card-game sites like Card Crush and Clash5, horse-racing (parimutuel) sites like Horseplay and GiddyUp, and skill-based arcade sites. None is a regulator-approved casino, and the card-game model in particular has not been tested in court.

What happens to my leftover Sweeps Coins?

Operators leaving California have generally provided a window to redeem outstanding Sweeps Coins balances. Check the specific operator’s announcement and redeem before their stated deadline.