Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
Not available — restricted
Law: AB 831 (Ch. 623, Stats. 2025) · effective Jan 1, 2026
Since Jan 1, 2026, California has banned online sweepstakes casinos under AB 831 (Ch. 623, Stats. 2025). All 93 casinos we track are closed to prize play for players located here.
- Oct 11, 2025 — AB 831 approved by Governor, Chapter 623 — defines and prohibits 'online sweepstakes games' using a dual-currency system.
Sources: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, gov.ca.gov · checked Oct 7, 2026 · All state laws explained
What the law covers
AB 831 makes it unlawful to operate, conduct or offer an online sweepstakes game in California. It was approved on October 11, 2025 as Chapter 623 of 2025, and it’s aimed at games run on a dual-currency system.
“(a) It is unlawful for any person or entity to operate, conduct, or offer an online sweepstakes game in this state.”
From the source text: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
What this means for players in California
There’s nothing to list for California. We don’t list sweepstakes casinos for players located here, and operators’ terms forbid using a VPN or someone else’s address to slip past that. Doing it can cost you the account and any prizes.
How operators treat California
Of the 93 casinos we track, 71 leave California off their own state lists, 14 allow Gold Coin play only, 1 offers merchandise prizes only and 7 still list it as open. We count California as closed for those 7 too, because state law or the state’s regulators say these games aren’t allowed, whatever the operator’s list shows. Operators edit these lists themselves, so the split can change.
Gold Coin play in California
14 casinos we track still let players in California use Gold Coins, though not Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins can’t be redeemed for anything, so this is play for fun only.
LuckyLand CasinoGolden Hearts GamesNoLimitCoinsPlaytanaGleaming SlotsSweepicoFireSevensSweepSharkTaoFortuneDexyPlayTang LuckFunrizeFunzCityJackpotRabbit
Legal options in California
Sweepstakes casinos are out in California. These are the alternatives as official sources describe them, with a link to each. We checked each one on Oct 14, 2026.
- Real-money online casino: Not legal. The California Gambling Control Commission says online gambling is illegal under state law and it can’t license an online casino. (cgcc.ca.gov)
- State lottery online: No online sales. The California Lottery says selling its tickets online or through an app is illegal. (calottery.com)
- Problem gambling help: California Problem Gambling Helpline: call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), or text SUPPORT to 53342. (cdph.ca.gov)
Nearby states with sweepstakes casinos
These counts are for players located in those states, under each operator’s own state list and that state’s law.
California sweepstakes casino FAQ
- Are sweepstakes casinos legal in California?
- No. AB 831 (Ch. 623, Stats. 2025) bans online sweepstakes casinos in California, effective Jan 1, 2026. None of the 93 casinos we track accept prize play from players located there.
- Can I still play with Gold Coins in California?
- Yes, at some sites. 14 casinos we track allow Gold Coin-only play here: LuckyLand Casino, Golden Hearts Games, NoLimitCoins, Playtana and Gleaming Slots, plus 9 more. Gold Coins can’t be redeemed, so there are no prizes.
- What happens if I use a VPN to play from California?
- It breaks the operators’ terms. Using a VPN or someone else’s address to get past location checks can get the account closed and any prizes voided.
- Where can I play legally in California?
- Not at a sweepstakes casino: none of the ones we track accepts prize play here. Real-money online casinos aren’t legal in California either. Across the state line, casinos we track accept prize play from players located in Arizona (77 casinos) and Oregon (93 casinos).