Starting January 1, 2026, sweepstakes casinos will no longer be accessible in California. If you’ve tried to log in to your accounts at Stake.us, McLuck, or Real Prize this morning, you may have received a restricted access message.
The change follows the passage of AB 831, marking a significant shift for players who have redeemed Sweeps Coins or their equivalents for real prizes. However, all hope isn’t lost: you don’t have to give up on casino-style gaming altogether. That’s why we recommend Hard Rock Jackpot Planet as the best alternative for Californians.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill AB 831 into law following unanimous support from the state legislature. For years, sweepstakes casinos operated by using two virtual currencies: Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins or their equivalents for prize redemption.
However, AB 831 recently eliminated this model by targeting “indirect consideration”. As it stands, this law classifies any online game that uses a dual currency model to simulate casino-style gambling as unauthorized if it offers cash prizes or their equivalents.
By exiting sweepstakes, the state has prioritized tribal casinos, which annually generate over $9 billion for California’s economy.
The era of dual-currency sweepstakes sites in the Golden State might be officially over, but social casinos are still legal in the state. These sites avoid the restrictions of AB 831 by operating on a single currency, using Gold Coins or their equivalents.
Hence, if you’re looking for a new site to play casino-style games, we recommend Hard Rock Jackpot Planet. Here’s why we think you’ll love it:
When you sign up and verify your account, Hard Rock Games will automatically credit your account with 100,000 Gold Coins for free. The bonus will help you kickstart your journey.
You’ll have access to over 200 exclusive slots, including legendary titles from IGT, Aristocrat, and Konami, like Cleopatra II and WheelReal-worlde.
For us, that’s a game-changer. By linking your Unity by Hard Rock account, your consistent play can help you obtain Tier Credits and rewards that you can actually use at physical Hard Rock hotels, cafes, and casinos worldwide.
January 1, 2026, marks the beginning of a new era for sweepstakes casinos in California. You may miss the way your favorite sites let you redeem Sweeps Coins or their equivalents for real prizes. However, transiting to social casinos like Hard Rock Jackpot Planet ensures you have peace of mind. To discover what more is in store for you here, click the banners on this page to sign up.
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