Stake.us Alternatives for California Players
Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s assent to Assembly Bill 831, sweepstakes casinos such as Stake.us and McLuck are closing their doors to all players in California, signalling an end to online sweepstakes casino gaming in the Golden State. Starting January 1, 2026, Stake.us, McLuck, and other sweepstakes sites will block access to players in California to comply with the newly passed legislation.
Why are sweepstakes casinos closing down in California?
On September 8, 2025, the California State Senate passed AB 831, a bill that seeks to ban the activities of sweepstakes casino sites that use virtual currencies such as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, and allow players to claim various prizes by playing casino-style games.
The California State Assembly passed the same bill four days later, transmitting it to Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed it on deadline to put a final stop to sweepstakes casino activities in the state.
AB 831 bans the operation of sites offering “online sweepstakes games” in the state of California. The bill defined them as games that use a dual-currency system, mimic typical online casino games, reward some players with cash or cash-equivalent prizes, and can be accessed on a computer or smartphone.
With Governor Gavin Newsom appending his signature to the landmark bill, the law officially takes effect on January 1, 2026, abruptly forcing sweepstakes sites such as McLuck and Stake.us to cease operation in the Golden State.
Best legal alternative for players in the Golden State – Hard Rock Jackpot Planet
Sweepstakes casinos such as Stake.us and McLuck are now unavailable in California, but enthusiasts seeking casino-style gameplay still have an option: online social casinos. Like sweepstakes casinos, they use a virtual currency, Gold Coins, and offer games that mimic typical online casino games, but have no avenue to reward players with cash or cash-equivalent prizes.
Players can try
Hard Rock Jackpot Planet
today; with 250+ casino-style games, a 100,000 Gold Coins signup bonus to start, and various promotions and bonuses, it’s a decent site for players transitioning from sweepstakes sites like Stake.us and McLuck.
Welcome Bonus – 1000% Extra on First Purchase
Welcome Bonus 2026
T&Cs apply, 18+
Conclusion – Players transition to alternatives as new law bans Stake.us, others, in California
California’s new law is pulling the curtains on sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us and McLuck, forcing players and enthusiasts to seek alternatives, and sites like Hard Rock Jackpot Planet are already stepping up to the challenge. With numerous games, rewarding bonuses, and a model that remains available to players in California, players can sign up and continue playing at Hard Rock Jackpot Planet today.
Simon Day
About Simon Day
Simon has been writing about Gaming and Sports for over a decade, with his work featured in a variety of well-known gaming magazines. In 2025, he joined win.gg as an Editorial Specialist, where he continues to share his passion for the industry through insightful and well-crafted content pieces.
View full profile
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