Sweepstakes Casinos to close in California
From January 1st 2026, sweepstakes casinos will no longer be available to players in California. This follows the passing of Bill AB 831, which outlaws all sweepstakes casino sites using a dual currency system allowing real money prize redemptions.
In this article, we’ve got a total breakdown of what this change means for you and your gaming. While sweepstakes casinos might be off the cards, there are social casino sites that you can still legally access. These sites don’t have the facility to redeem real world prizes but they do allow you to play casino-style games for free.
Sweepstakes casinos outlawed in California – key details
Sweepstakes casinos are unique sites which allow you to play casino-style games for free. Rather than real money, players use virtual only currencies called Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins, the latter of which can be redeemed as real life prizes, such as cash, once certain conditions are met.
Widely available across the US, sweepstakes casinos have been outlawed in the Sunshine State by the passage of Bill AB 831, which was signed into law on October 11th 2025 by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Bill will take effect from January 1st 2026 and, on this date, sweepstakes casinos will no longer be available in California. However, California residents will still be able to join social casinos.
What are social casinos?
Social casinos operate using only Gold Coins, or equivalent, and don’t support the option to redeem prizes. Nevertheless, they’re still fun, social spaces where you can play cool games and share your experience with friends.
Our favorite social casino – Hard Rock Jackpot Planet
Hard Rock Jackpot Planet is a social casino and a superb alternative to sweepstakes sites. You won’t be able to redeem real life prizes but you will be able to play more than 250 slots, including three reel classics and modern titles with exciting visuals, such as Pinball Double Gold, Cleopatra II and Three Lucky Pigs, Plus, there are exclusive games made by Hard Rock Jackpot Planet.
New players joining the site receive 100,000 free Gold Coins and will be able to claim daily promotions to receive more GC. You can also join in missions with other players and unlock treasure chest bonuses.
Final words – sweepstakes casinos outlawed but there are alternatives for California residents
Sweepstakes casinos will be outlawed in California from the 1st of January 2026 but that doesn’t mean players will have to miss out on gaming. Hard Rock Jackpot Planet is a social casino and a fantastic legal alternative to sweepstakes sites where you can play more than 200 slots for free. Sign up now to receive 10,000 Gold Coins straightaway.