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California’s AB 831 took effect on January 1, 2026, prohibiting online sweepstakes games that use specified dual-currency systems to simulate gambling for cash or cash-equivalent prizes, according to Business Model Analyst. The California Gambling Control Commission says the law covers internet sites and apps.
The law preserves limited promotional sweepstakes that are incidental to bona fide product sales. PlayCA reported in October 2025 that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the California sweepstakes ban into law.
Product controls highlighted for sweepstakes casino alternatives
Business Model Analyst presents CardCrush as an example of a California sweepstakes casino alternative. The platform combines digital card collection with player battles and also lists casino-style slots and live table games. It requires users to be 21 or older, and its terms state that access can vary by territory and that customers must follow applicable local law.
The controls the article describes include:
- Purchase limits: CardCrush lists daily and weekly purchase limits and monthly caps. A request to increase or remove a limit carries a 24-hour cooling-off period.
- Session caps: Daily caps range from one hour to 12 hours. Once the chosen period expires, access to games stops until the following day, and requests for a higher cap face a 24-hour cooling-off period.
- Breaks: The site offers short breaks running from one day to 30 days.
- Withdrawal rules: CardCrush publishes separate withdrawal rules for its Mystery Coins. Eligible coins must satisfy a playthrough condition before withdrawal. Cash withdrawals require at least 75 eligible coins, while gift-card claims begin at 10.
Research cited on responsible-gaming tools
The article cites an American Gaming Association survey by YouGov of 2,010 U.S. adults in 2025. Among online casino users, 56% reported setting a budget on a regular basis, and 78% of that group said they tended to stay within it. The same study found that 84% of past-year gamblers knew of at least one responsible-gaming tool, and 87% considered industry encouragement of responsible gaming important.
It also cites a randomized study by Michael J. A. Wohl, Amy C. Ortis, Christopher G. Davis and Nassim Tabri involving 314 U.S. casino loyalty members who had not activated a deposit limit. One group received standard information, while another received the same message plus reward points worth $5 for activating the safeguard. Verified enrollment reached 17.1% in the incentive group, compared with 2.1% among controls.
Consumer warnings on prize offers
California’s Attorney General warns consumers that legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment for entry or to improve the chance of winning. The office advises people to examine prize claims and protect personal information.
The article also points to a Federal Trade Commission case in which the agency sent 104,820 checks worth more than $13.5 million to consumers harmed by a fraudulent prize operation. That case involved fake sweepstakes and participation fees without promised prizes.
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Source: As reported by Business Model Analyst.
