USA
California sweepstakes ban and gaming supplier exits, operators finding workarounds, jackpot joy, and unified efforts among industry lobby groups.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview:
- Evolution and Pragmatic Play Exit California: Suppliers halt games in California amid lawsuit and state ban.
- California’s AB831 passes Senate: Unanimous vote advances the sweepstakes ban that targets a $1 billion market.
- ClubWPT Gold revamps model: Replaces Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins with training software and rewards.
- Lobby Groups United Under the SGLA: Trade groups unite to strengthen advocacy against anti-sweepstakes laws.
- Jackpota player wins 231,321 SC: Jingle Coins slot delivers $231,321 prize, with 2M SC jackpot looming as we approach the Christmas season.
Evolution and Pragmatic Play Cease Supplying Stake.us in California
Following a Los Angeles civil lawsuit, major iGaming suppliers Evolution and Pragmatic Play have ceased providing casino games, including sweepstakes slots and live dealer games, to sweepstakes casinos in California. This includes Evolution and all its subsidiary gaming divisions, such as Nolimit City, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming, NetEnt, and Hacksaw Gaming. Effectively immediately, games from Evolution and Pragmatic Play are no longer available on sweepstakes platforms.
The decision is a result of evolving regulations and increased scrutiny of sweepstakes casinos in the US, along with a streamlining of business strategies to focus on fully regulated markets, such as online casino gaming in regulated states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
California’s AB831 Passes Senate to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos in the State
On September 9, 2025, California’s Senate unanimously approved Assembly Bill 831 (36-0, four abstentions), advancing a ban on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos to the Assembly before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom.
When signed, effective January 2026, AB831 imposes fines of up to $ 25,000 and jail time for operators, payment processors, and suppliers supporting sweeps, impacting California’s $1 billion market, which accounts for 17.3% of the US total, according to Eilers & Krejcik. Supported by over 50 tribes, including the San Manuel, the bill aims to curb unregulated operators that lack consumer protections.
Smaller tribes and industry groups, such as the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), oppose AB831, arguing that it threatens tribal sovereignty and potentially jeopardizes $200 million in tax revenue. VGW advocates for regulation over bans. High 5 Casino exited California on September 15, with more withdrawals expected. California will be the sixth state in the United States to ban sweepstakes casino sites.
SPGA Merges into SGLA to Unify Sweepstakes Advocacy
Last month, sweepstakes industry lobby groups, led by the Social & Promotional Games Association (SPGA), announced their merger into the SGLA. Under this new organization, all voices of the industry are combined into one. The SGLA continues to campaign against anti-sweepstakes bills as they emerge across the US, including in states where sweepstakes casinos are already banned, instead advocating for responsible innovation and player protections.
ClubWPT Gold Revamps Model to Navigate Anti-Sweepstakes Laws
ClubWPT Gold, a sister site to ClubWPT, introduced a novel approach to counter anti-sweepstakes legislation by replacing its dual-currency model. Instead of Gold Coins, players now purchase credits for a hand analysis software, likely from WPT’s acquisition of Upswing Poker's toolkit, while Sweeps Coins, renamed "Chips," remain redeemable for cash prizes. The site rebrands as a "poker training and playing platform," aiming to align with product-based promotions rather than gambling.
Online poker is more complex than online casino gaming, where skills can impact long-term returns. However, it can still be approached by regular sweepstakes casino operators, targeting games like blackjack, which offer improved ROI when played optimally. The same can be said for online sports betting, available on sites like Sportzino and Legendz, where a skilled punter can beat the odds.
Jackpota Player Takes Home 231,321 SC Jackpot, the Equivalent of $231,321
A Jackpota player struck gold with a massive 231,321 Sweeps Coins win on Playson’s Jingle Coins: Hold and Win, redeemable for $231,321 in cash prizes. Although the Christmas holiday season is two months away, this festive slot game is available year-round. It features 3x3 classic fruit symbols with Christmas cheer, featuring a Hold and Win bonus round and four in-game jackpots, amplified by Jackpota’s progressive network offering eight total tiers, including a Grand jackpot exceeding 2 million SC.