Social Casinos in California: Legal Status & Platform Availability
Last reviewed: June 2026
California banned dual-currency sweepstakes casinos effective January 1, 2026. All three major platforms — Stake.us, McLuck, and SpinQuest — have blocked California players. Operators face criminal penalties under AB 831.
Platform availability
| Platform | Accepts players? | Minimum age | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | No | N/A | Exited December 30, 2025; AB 831 compliance | Stake.us Help Center |
| McLuck | No | N/A | Blocked effective January 1, 2026 | McLuck Terms of Service |
| SpinQuest | No | N/A | Blocked effective January 1, 2026 | SpinQuest Sweepstakes Rules |
What state law says
Assembly Bill 831, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 11, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, explicitly bans dual-currency sweepstakes casino platforms in California. The law targets platforms that:
- Sell virtual coins or currency that can be used to play casino-style games, and
- Award cash-redeemable prizes based on those games
AB 831 does not rely on existing gambling statutes. It creates a new category of prohibited conduct targeting the sweepstakes casino model specifically. Penalties include:
- Criminal misdemeanor for operators: up to one year in jail and $25,000 per violation
- Extended liability: payment processors, geolocation providers, gaming content suppliers, and media affiliates who “knowingly and willfully” support banned platforms can also face liability
This liability extension to vendors — including affiliates — is more aggressive than bans in other states. California’s AB 831 is widely cited as the most comprehensive sweepstakes casino ban enacted in the United States.
Recent developments
August 2025 — The Los Angeles City Attorney filed a civil action against Stake.us, describing it as “a rogue and real money gambling racket.” This was a city-level action predating the statewide ban.
October 11, 2025 — Governor Newsom signed AB 831 into law.
December 30, 2025 — Stake.us ended access to all games for California players, one day ahead of the January 1 effective date.
January 1, 2026 — AB 831 took effect. All three platforms have blocked California access.
Why all platforms are unavailable
AB 831 imposes criminal liability on operators, not just civil penalties. No sweepstakes casino can legally serve California players without risking criminal exposure for operators, payment processors, and affiliated parties. The law is not ambiguous — it was written to specifically and clearly prohibit the dual-currency model.
Sources
- California AB 831 — Full bill text (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
- Stake.us restricted states (updated May 19, 2026)
- iGaming Business — Newsom signs AB 831
- ZwillGen — AB 831 vendor liability analysis
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AB 831 is in effect — no sweepstakes casino platform may legally serve California residents. 21+. If gambling is affecting you, call 1-800-522-4700 (NCPG).