California Sweepstakes Casinos in 2026

California Sweepstakes Casinos: What Players Need to Know in 2026

As the world is approaching 2026, California sweepstakes casinos are approaching a regulatory turning point, which was announced earlier this year.

In October 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831, a law that changes how sweepstakes-style social gaming platforms may operate in the state. The measure is effective January 1, 2026 — essentially prohibiting dual-currency, prize-redeemable sweepstakes casinos within the Golden State.

Under this new law, platforms that rely on a model allowing players to participate in simulated gambling and redeem virtual currencies for real money prizes, are no longer permitted to serve players physically located in California.

Until the end of December 2025, California residents were still able to access sweepstakes platforms, play games, and redeem prizes.

Players located outside California or other restricted US states may still see sweepstakes platforms available to them, depending on individual operator policies and availability rules.

Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in California in 2026?

Following these regulatory changes, sweepstakes casinos are not legal in California starting 2026.

The restricted gameplay model is the one using two types of virtual currencies. One is used only for entertainment purposes, while the other can be potentially redeemed for prizes. Assembly Bill 831 directly addresses this model by redefining how prize-redeemable virtual currencies obtained from simulated gambling are treated under California law.

The California sweepstakes ban applies to platforms offering virtual currencies that can be exchanged for cash prizes, regardless of whether the platform includes free entry methods or promotional access. Under AB 831, the exchange of in-game coins (such as Sweeps Coins) for cash prizes is not permitted, and only entertainment-based social casinos are allowed.

In simple words, the legislation first defined what sweepstakes casinos are, basically drawing the line between what’s permitted and what isn’t. It broadly applied to most, if not all online sweepstakes platforms — even those that previously relied on promotional exemptions to operate within the state.

Important Dates for California Sweepstakes Players

The ban on California sweepstakes casinos is effective January 1st, 2026.

Sweeps platforms remain accessible to California players through the end of December 31st, 2025, including the ability to redeem prizes before the law becomes active and enforceable.

It’s important to mention that some platforms such as Splash Coins keep player accounts and coin balances active and secure even after the bill comes into effect. Players can access their accounts as usual once they are physically located outside of restricted states.

Timeline Overview

What Happens After the Ban Takes Effect?

Entering 2026, sweepstakes casinos that wish to follow California sweepstakes rules can no longer be available to players physically located within the state. The change affects access to gameplay and prize redemption but does not automatically close player accounts.

Between the law being announced and restrictions being applied, players had a defined transition window to use virtual currencies and redeem prizes. Following the deadline, access depends on the current location and state-level restrictions rather than prior account history.

From an operational standpoint, sweepstakes platforms may continue to operate in other states where permitted. Player accounts are not deleted, with accessibility being determined based on their geographic location.

At platforms such as Splash Coins, accounts remain active for players located outside California and other restricted states, reflecting how sweepstakes legal requirements are now applied based on location rather than residency.

Can California Players Still Enjoy Social Casinos?

Yes. California players can still play social casino platforms for entertainment purposes, as social casinos do not offer cash prizes, sweepstakes redemptions, or any form of real-world value tied to gameplay. This keeps them outside AB 831 signed to ban sweepstakes gameplay.

Free social casinos feature virtual coins used purely for fun. Players can spin slots, play table-style games, and explore different themes without the option to redeem winnings for money or prizes. Since no prize redemption is involved, these platforms are not considered sweepstakes casinos under the new California law.

As a result, social casinos remain available to players in California who are looking for casual entertainment without the promise of real-world prizes.

How Sweepstakes Casinos Differ From Social Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos and social casinos may look similar on the surface, but they operate under very different gameplay models. Both offer similar slots and other Vegas-style games — yet they’re different in the way virtual currency is used.

Sweepstakes casinos utilize a dual-currency system. One currency, often referred to as Gold Coins, is used for play for fun. The second currency, commonly called Sweeps Coins, may be redeemed for cash prizes once specific conditions are met. Under sweepstakes laws, these platforms must always offer a free way to play with no purchase necessary, and clear terms and conditions must be provided to players.

Social casinos use a single virtual currency, which is designed around entertainment only. There are no Sweeps Coins, no prize redemptions, and no real-money promotions. All winnings stay virtual and can only be used to play further.

In California, this distinction is critical, as sweepstakes casino platforms offering prize redemption are restricted, while social casinos remain permitted.

What’s Next for California Sweepstakes Players?

The path forward is now clear. California sweepstakes operating under a dual currency model are no longer permitted, while social casinos remain accessible for entertainment purposes for those who wish to keep the thrill alive. For players, the experience constitutes a shift away from prize redemption and back towards casual play.

Within the USA, California joins a few other states that have restricted sweeps play. As of now, most states do not restrict sweepstakes casinos, and many players nationwide still continue to enjoy them where legally permitted.

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About Author

Emily Reeves

Emily has been a social casino buff for the past 6+ years, and honestly... she can't imagine doing anything else.

What started as one late-night game session in her Colorado hometown turned into a true love-at-first-spin affair. Now she gets to write about it for a living. Lucky her!

She's that friend who always seems to know which games will become big hits or where you can find the best bonus drops around. Talk to Emily (or "Em" as she prefers) and she'll tell you all about the coolest hacks and opportunities that most players walk right past, plus she gets a real kick out of sharing those "aha!" moments with the Splash Coins community.
Outside Splash Coins, Emily spends her free time scouring the yummiest food trucks in town and adding to her impressive collection of rock concert T-shirts.

She approaches articles with the same energy she brings to everything else in her life: genuine enthusiasm and a promise that you'll learn something super worth your time.