As of January 1, 2026, sweepstakes-based social casinos such as Stake.us are no longer permitted to operate in California. This means that any promo codes, welcome bonuses and promotions will not be available to residents.
California has recently updated their legislation (AB 831) which now prohibits platforms that use a dual-currency sweepstakes model and offer prizes/redemptions linked to promotional play. As Stake.us operates under this model it is no longer available to California residents and this page will explain why as well as what else is available.
Stake.us has previously been available in California but from 1st January 2026 this will be prohibited, but you may be asking why?
Stake.us runs on a sweepstakes model that is now prohibited under California law. Under AB 831, operators, suppliers, and affiliates are now prohibited from offering sweepstakes based casino or sports style play to California residents.
This means that residents are unable to use the site and other sweepstakes sites too. If any sites are offering duel currency or promotional play and prize redemptions to CA residents they are breaking the law.
Are There Any Legal Alternatives?
Yes. These alternatives are non-gambling and free-to-play entertainment games. These can include skill based games, where they are based on, as you can guess, your skills rather than chance. It can also include free social casinos where you play with non redeemable virtual currencies only for entertainment purposes.
Conclusion
California’s 2026 law change brought an end to sweepstakes casinos and sweepstakes-based gaming models in the state, including Stake.us. Promo codes, bonuses, redeemable currency systems, and prize-based gameplay are no longer available to California players.
While online sports betting and sweepstakes casinos remain prohibited, residents can still enjoy non-gambling alternatives. These can include free-to-play games and skill based competitions. If there are any more changes to the California state law in the future, we will be sure to let you know.
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