Sweepstakes Casinos no longer available to CA Players
For years, California players were allowed to play casino-style games at sweepstakes sites in place of traditional casinos. These sweepstakes casinos worked around the state’s strict online casino laws by using virtual currencies instead of real money.
Unfortunately, California finally enacted a ban on all forms of sweepstakes gaming with the passage of AB 831. The bill made it clear, if a site looks, feels, and plays like gambling, it’s prohibited, whether virtual currencies are used or not. This guide lists which sweepstakes sites qualify as illegal under the new law and provides other important information.
Why sweepstakes casinos aren’t legal in California
With traditional online casinos prohibited for CA players, sweepstakes casinos became the legal option. These sites let you play online casino-style games for free using virtual currencies instead of real money.
You’ll be given Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC) to play. Gold Coins are used for fun play only. However, Sweepstakes Coins obtained through gameplay are redeemable for real prizes, such as gift cards and cash.
Despite using virtual currencies instead of real money, California has decided to remove all forms of sweepstakes gaming effective January 1, 2026. This update came in after Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Bill AB 831into law on October 11, 2025.
As a result, dual-currency sites, including social betting sites, poker, sweepstakes casinos, and contests, will no longer be legal for CA players.
What counts as a sweepstakes site in California?
According to Bill AB 831, “online sweepstakes game”, promotion, or contest, refers to any platform that meets all of the following criteria:
- Accessible on the internet through a mobile phone, computer, or similar device.
- Uses a dual-currency model that lets you play with direct or indirect consideration, for which you may become eligible for a prize. Prizes include awards, cash, or cash equivalents.
- Mimics gambling and offers, including but not limited to:
- Slot machines
- Table games
- Video poker
- Lotteries, as defined in section 319
- Bingo
- Sports wagering
Not adhering to these rules will result in a penalty including fines up to $25,000 and up to one year in county jail.
Where do California players stand after AB 831?
Although sweepstakes casinos have been banned in California, there’s still a ray of hope. We discovered that CA players can still legally access true social casinos. These sites are legal because only one virtual currency is involved: Gold Coins. You can play purely for entertainment with no option to redeem real prizes.
With that in mind, we’ve carefully vetted most of these sites, and Hard Rock Jackpot Planet is a top choice. Here’s why:
Hard Rock Jackpot Planet
New CA players who sign up on the Hard Rock Jackpot Planet app will receive a welcome bonus of 100,000 GC to get started across 250+ casino-style games. The social casino app aligns with AB 831. Other promotions you can participate in for additional GC include daily missions, timed bonuses, and a daily bonus wheel.
Conclusion – Try other sweepstakes alternatives in California
With sweepstakes gaming leaving California, true social casinos have become the legal option in the Golden State. At the moment, Hard Rock remains our top option for legally enjoying online casino-style games in California. You get a sizable welcome bonus of 10,000 Gold Coins to start playing right away.
If you’ve been looking for an alternative to sweepstakes gaming in California, click the banners on this page to sign up at Hard Rock Jackpot Planet.
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. This year, 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.
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