A dated record of every sweepstakes casino legal and enforcement event we track in California, including AB 831. Each entry links the primary source so you can verify it.
Key regulatory developments, market changes, and enforcement actions affecting sweepstakes casinos in California from 2020 to 2026.
January 1, 2026
California's sweepstakes casino ban officially took effect, making it illegal to operate online sweepstakes games using the dual-currency model within the state. California accounted for approximately 17% of total U.S. sweepstakes industry revenue according to Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. The ban represents a major contraction in the sweepstakes casino market, setting a precedent that other states have begun to follow.
Sources:
September 1, 2025
Voluntary exit anticipating AB 831 ban
September 1, 2025
Ruby Sweeps voluntarily exited California ahead of AB 831, citing regulatory uncertainty and the likelihood of the ban becoming law. Other operators also chose to leave before the January 1, 2026 effective date.
October 11, 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 into law, effectively banning sweepstakes casinos in California effective January 1, 2026. The bill passed with unanimous support in both chambers, backed by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), which argued sweepstakes casinos violated tribal gaming compacts. The law makes operating or supporting online sweepstakes games a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Notably, it extends criminal liability to payment processors, geolocation providers, gaming content suppliers, platform providers, financial institutions, and media affiliates that 'knowingly' support such operations.
Sources:
October 15, 2025
AB 831 sweepstakes casino ban
October 15, 2025
AB 831 sweepstakes casino ban
October 15, 2025
AB 831 sweepstakes casino ban
October 15, 2025
Following the signing of AB 831, multiple major sweepstakes casino operators ceased California operations. High 5 Casino, Carnival Citi, and Dora Casino all announced immediate exits from the California market. Operators cited the imminent ban and extended liability provisions that could affect payment processors and technology vendors as primary reasons for the early departure.
Ruby Sweeps exits California market
Sep 2025Voluntary exit anticipating AB 831 ban
Ruby Sweeps Exits California Market
Sep 2025Ruby Sweeps voluntarily exited California ahead of AB 831, citing regulatory uncertainty and the likelihood of the ban becoming law. Other operators also chose to leave before the January 1, 2026 effective date.
High 5 Casino exits California market
Oct 2025AB 831 sweepstakes casino ban
Carnival Citi exits California market
Oct 2025AB 831 sweepstakes casino ban
Dora Casino exits California market
Oct 2025AB 831 sweepstakes casino ban
Mass Exodus: High 5, Carnival Citi, Dora Casino Exit
Oct 2025Following the signing of AB 831, multiple major sweepstakes casino operators ceased California operations. High 5 Casino, Carnival Citi, and Dora Casino all announced immediate exits from the California market. Operators cited the imminent ban and extended liability provisions that could affect payment processors and technology vendors as primary reasons for the early departure.
Last updated: January 1, 2026
See the current availability status, listed operators, and nearby states.
SweepState contains affiliate links. When you register through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. That revenue supports editorial work, documented checks, and site maintenance. Affiliate relationships do not purchase rankings, review conclusions, or page placement.
Ratings and state notes follow our published methodology, which may include operator-term review, source checks, redemption source status, and support-channel review.
Read full disclosureSweepstakes play should be treated as entertainment. If play is affecting your finances, time, or wellbeing, use the responsible-gaming resources linked below.
For help, call 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). 1-800-522-4700 remains active as an alternate National Problem Gambling Helpline access point, or use the responsible-gaming resources page.
Source: National Council on Problem Gambling. Last checked 2026-05-03. SweepState is an informational review site and does not provide counseling, treatment, crisis support, or medical advice.
Age requirement: You must meet the minimum age requirement in your state to participate. No purchase necessary to play.