Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Yes — in most states. Sweepstakes casinos operate under federal promotional sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations. The model is built around a fundamental legal requirement: no purchase is ever necessary to participate or win. This is the same legal principle that governs mail-in contest entries and promotional giveaways, and it's what separates sweepstakes casinos from real money gambling in the eyes of federal law.
There is no federal law that explicitly bans sweepstakes casinos. The federal layer — primarily enforced through the FTC — regulates promotional disclosure and treats the gambling-or-not determination under state law. This means each state decides independently whether to permit or prohibit the sweepstakes casino model. Most states accept it. A growing number do not. The states that ban or restrict sweepstakes casinos do so under their own gambling codes or through new legislation specifically targeting the dual-currency model.
How sweepstakes casinos are regulated
Sweepstakes casinos are not regulated by state gaming authorities in the same way licensed real money casinos are. There is no gambling licence required to operate a sweepstakes casino in a permissive state. Instead, operators must comply with federal sweepstakes law requirements and ensure their platform structure qualifies as a lawful promotional sweepstakes rather than illegal gambling.
The three legal pillars that every sweepstakes casino must meet to operate lawfully are:
- No purchase necessary (NPN): Players must be able to obtain Sweeps Coins without making any purchase. This is typically fulfilled through the sign-up bonus, daily login rewards, and the AMOE mail-in method. If a platform removes the free entry option, it loses its legal foundation entirely.
- Free Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE): Every sweepstakes casino is legally required to offer a free mail-in entry method. Players can send a handwritten request to the operator's registered address and receive Sweeps Coins without purchasing anything. This requirement is non-negotiable — it's what legally distinguishes the model from gambling.
- Prizes must be awarded: The sweepstakes model requires that real prizes are genuinely awarded to players. Sweeps Coins must be redeemable for real cash prizes or equivalent value. A platform that restricts redemption or refuses to process prize claims violates the sweepstakes model and may be considered a fraudulent promotion.
Beyond the federal requirements, state-level compliance varies. Some states have passed specific legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos. Others apply existing gambling statutes broadly to capture the model. The result is a patchwork legal landscape that changes frequently as state legislatures act.
Sweepstakes casino legal status by state
The table below shows the current legal status of sweepstakes casinos in every US state referenced in this guide. Status is based on the most recent legislative and enforcement information available and is updated as state laws change. Always verify with the specific platform you're interested in, as individual operators may apply their own compliance restrictions beyond the legal minimum.
| State | Status | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| California | ⛔ Banned | AB 831 — explicit statutory ban, effective January 1, 2026 |
| Washington | ⛔ Banned | RCW 9.46 — state law classifies prize-redeemable sweepstakes as gambling |
| Connecticut | ⛔ Banned | Explicit statutory ban enacted 2025 |
| Montana | ⛔ Banned | Ban effective October 2025 |
| New Jersey | ⛔ Banned | Explicit statutory ban — NJ has a regulated online casino market |
| Michigan | ⛔ Banned | Regulated iGaming market — unlicensed sweepstakes operators excluded |
| Idaho | ⛔ No redemption | Idaho Code 18-3801 — players can play but cannot redeem prizes |
| Nevada | ⛔ Restricted | State gambling code interpreted to cover sweepstakes model — operators self-exclude |
| Louisiana | ⛔ Restricted | Effective ban — AG enforcement through general gambling code |
| New York | ⚠️ Restricted | New restrictions passed 2025–2026 — most major operators have withdrawn |
| Indiana | ⚠️ Pending ban | HB 1052 — ban takes effect July 1, 2026 |
| Tennessee | ⚠️ Restricted | AG enforcement — most major operators self-exclude |
| Kentucky | ⚠️ Variable | Some operators self-restrict — check availability with your chosen platform |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Available | Sweepstakes permitted alongside regulated online casino market |
| Virginia | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos operate freely |
| Ohio | ✅ Available | No prohibition — one of the most active sweepstakes markets |
| Arizona | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos widely available |
| North Carolina | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos operate freely |
| Illinois | ✅ Available | No prohibition — large and active sweepstakes market |
| Iowa | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
| Kansas | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
| Maryland | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos widely available |
| Missouri | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos operate freely |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
| Colorado | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos operate freely |
| Oregon | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
| New Mexico | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
| Nebraska | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
| Georgia | ✅ Available | No prohibition — one of the largest sweepstakes markets in the US |
| Hawaii | ✅ Available | No prohibition — sweepstakes casinos available |
States where sweepstakes casinos are banned or restricted
The number of states prohibiting sweepstakes casinos grew significantly in 2025 and 2026. What was once a small list of outliers — primarily Washington — has expanded to include California, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and Michigan through explicit legislation, while Nevada, Louisiana, and Idaho effectively prohibit the model through their general gambling codes.
⛔ California — banned January 1, 2026
California passed Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), which took effect on January 1, 2026. AB 831 explicitly classifies sweepstakes casino operation as unlawful gambling under California law. The law targets operators rather than players — companies offering sweepstakes games to California residents face civil penalties. All major sweepstakes casino operators withdrew from California in advance of or immediately following the effective date. California players cannot currently access any legal sweepstakes casino platform.
⛔ Washington — strict prohibition under existing gambling law
Washington's gambling statute (RCW 9.46) has long been interpreted to cover prize-redeemable sweepstakes. The state broadly prohibits online gambling activity and courts have ruled that virtual casino chips and extended gameplay constitute "things of value" under Washington gambling law. The Washington Gambling Commission has confirmed online gambling is prohibited. Washington was the earliest state to effectively ban sweepstakes casinos and remains one of the most restrictive jurisdictions in the US.
⛔ Michigan — regulated market exclusion
Michigan has a fully regulated online casino and sports betting market, making it one of only a handful of states with licensed real money casino play available. As the regulated market expanded, Michigan pushed unlicensed sweepstakes operators out through enforcement actions and legislative clarification. Players in Michigan can access licensed real money online casinos but not standard sweepstakes platforms. Some sweepstakes operators have explored compliant licensing options in Michigan, but the standard sweepstakes model is not currently permitted.
⛔ New Jersey — regulated market ban
New Jersey, like Michigan, has a mature regulated online casino market. Sweepstakes casinos were eventually subject to explicit statutory restrictions that effectively removed all major operators from the state. Players in New Jersey have access to licensed real money online casinos — among the strongest in the US — but the sweepstakes model is not available through standard platforms.
⛔ Connecticut, Montana — explicit statutory bans
Connecticut and Montana both passed explicit statutory bans on sweepstakes casino operations. Montana's ban took effect in October 2025. Connecticut's ban was enacted in 2025. Both states now block access to sweepstakes casino platforms at the operator level.
⛔ Idaho — no prize redemption permitted
Idaho's gambling code (Idaho Code 18-3801) does not contain a specific sweepstakes casino ban, but its interpretation effectively removes the core value of the model. Players in Idaho can access the play-for-fun Gold Coin side of sweepstakes casinos but cannot receive or redeem Sweeps Coins for real cash prizes. Without the prize redemption element, the sweepstakes casino format has no practical benefit for Idaho residents.
⛔ Nevada — effective ban through gambling code
Nevada, despite being the home of Las Vegas and some of the most established casino regulation in the world, blocks sweepstakes casinos that fall outside direct state oversight. The state's broad gambling laws capture the dual-currency model, and operators self-exclude from Nevada to avoid regulatory conflict. Players in Nevada have access to licensed poker apps and physical casinos but not standard sweepstakes platforms.
⛔ Louisiana — AG enforcement
Louisiana doesn't have a specific sweepstakes casino statute but its general gambling code has been interpreted broadly enough by the state Attorney General to capture the model. Major operators self-exclude from Louisiana preemptively due to enforcement risk. The state has issued cease-and-desist communications to some operators.
⚠️ Indiana — ban takes effect July 1, 2026
Indiana passed House Bill 1052, which bans sweepstakes casino operations effective July 1, 2026. Until that date, sweepstakes casinos remain available in Indiana. After July 1, 2026, Indiana joins the list of states where sweepstakes casinos are prohibited. Players in Indiana should be aware of this upcoming change when registering at any platform.
⚠️ New York — new restrictions in force
New York passed legislative measures in 2025 and 2026 that restrict sweepstakes casino operations. Most major operators have voluntarily withdrawn from New York following these developments. Availability varies by platform — some smaller operators remain but the major sweepstakes casinos on this page are not currently available to New York residents.
⚠️ Tennessee and Kentucky — operator self-restriction
Tennessee has seen enforcement action against sweepstakes operators from the state Attorney General's office. Most major platforms have self-excluded from Tennessee as a result. Kentucky is in a similar position where some operators choose to restrict access due to regulatory uncertainty. Availability in both states varies by platform — always check the platform's sign-up page to confirm access in your state.
States where sweepstakes casinos are fully available
Approximately 38 US states allow sweepstakes casinos to operate openly. In these states, players can register, earn Sweeps Coins, play casino-style games, and redeem prizes for real cash without any legal restriction. Note that Pennsylvania has both a licensed real money casino market and sweepstakes casinos operating in parallel.
| State | Status | State | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | ✅ Available | Minnesota | ✅ Available |
| Alabama | ✅ Available | Missouri | ✅ Available |
| Alaska | ✅ Available | Massachusetts | ✅ Available |
| Arkansas | ✅ Available | Nebraska | ✅ Available |
| Colorado | ✅ Available | New Hampshire | ✅ Available |
| Florida | ✅ Available | New Mexico | ✅ Available |
| Georgia | ✅ Available | North Carolina | ✅ Available |
| Hawaii | ✅ Available | North Dakota | ✅ Available |
| Illinois | ✅ Available | Ohio | ✅ Available |
| Iowa | ✅ Available | Oregon | ✅ Available |
| Kansas | ✅ Available | Pennsylvania | ✅ Available (real money + sweepstakes) |
| Maine | ✅ Available | Rhode Island | ✅ Available |
| Maryland | ✅ Available | South Carolina | ✅ Available |
| South Dakota | ✅ Available | Texas | ✅ Available |
| Vermont | ✅ Available | Virginia | ✅ Available |
| Wisconsin | ✅ Available | Wyoming | ✅ Available |
How the sweepstakes legal model works
The legal foundation of every sweepstakes casino is the federal no-purchase-necessary doctrine. Under US federal law, a promotional sweepstakes is lawful if it meets three conditions: the prize is awarded by chance, no purchase is required to enter, and the promotion is not deceptive. Sweepstakes casinos are built around the second condition — the free entry requirement — which is what distinguishes them from illegal gambling in permissive states.
The dual-currency system
Sweepstakes casinos use two separate currencies to maintain the legal model. Gold Coins (names vary by platform) have no cash value and are used for free-play entertainment only. Players can purchase Gold Coin packages or receive them free through sign-up bonuses and promotions. The purchase of Gold Coins is what funds the platform commercially — but it is never the only way to participate.
Sweeps Coins are the second currency and the one with prize value. They are earned exclusively through free channels — sign-up bonuses, daily logins, referrals, and the AMOE mail-in method. Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased directly. When players meet the platform's play-through requirement using Sweeps Coins, the remaining balance can be redeemed for real cash prizes. The separation of the two currencies — one purchasable, one prize-redeemable, never directly convertible — is the structural foundation of the legal model.
Why the AMOE matters legally
The Alternative Method of Entry is not a technicality buried in the fine print. It is the core legal requirement that prevents sweepstakes casinos from being classified as gambling. Under sweepstakes law, a promotion becomes gambling if a purchase is required to win a prize. The AMOE removes that requirement by guaranteeing that every player can obtain Sweeps Coins by post without spending anything. Regulators and courts in permissive states have accepted this framework as a genuine promotional sweepstakes. Regulators in banned states have rejected it, arguing that the practical reality — most players do purchase Gold Coins — makes the free entry option a legal fiction rather than a genuine alternative.
Why the legal landscape is changing
The sweepstakes casino model grew rapidly between 2020 and 2024, attracting significant player volumes in states without licensed online casinos. This growth drew the attention of two groups: regulated casino operators who saw sweepstakes platforms as unlicensed competition, and state regulators who saw a product that looked and functioned like online gambling without paying licensing fees or tax revenue. Both groups have lobbied for restrictions. The result is the wave of state bans between 2025 and 2026 that has reduced the number of available states from the near-universal access of a few years ago to approximately 38 states today.
Best legal sweepstakes casinos
The five platforms below are recommended legal sweepstakes casinos available in the states listed above. Every platform meets the legal requirements for US sweepstakes operation — confirmed AMOE availability, genuine free sign-up coin allocation, and real prize redemption. Check the availability section of each platform before registering to confirm access in your specific state.
| Casino | Free sign-up bonus | Games | Redemption method | Available in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | 25,000 GC + 25 SC | 2,000+ | Cryptocurrency | AK, AL, AR, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IN, KS, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, and WY |
| Crown Coins | 100,000 CC + 2 SC | 700+ | Gift cards, bank transfer | AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY |
| LoneStar Casino | 100,000 GC + 2 SC | 500+ | Gift cards, bank transfer | AK, AL, AR, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY |
| McLuck | 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC | 1,300+ | Gift cards, bank transfer | AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY |
| MegaBonanza | 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC | 1,000+ | Gift cards, bank transfer | AK, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, KS, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY |
Stake.us
- Multiple bonuses
- Over 2,500 casino-style games
- 24/7 live chat
- No dedicated Android app
Stake.us gives new players 25,000 Gold Coins and 25 Sweeps Coins on sign-up — the highest free SC bonus on this page. The platform operates under the standard sweepstakes legal model with a confirmed free AMOE entry method and genuine prize redemption via cryptocurrency. The 3x play-through requirement on Sweeps Coins is one of the lowest redemption thresholds in the market. Stake.us is restricted in more US states than the other platforms on this page due to its compliance approach — check availability before registering.
| Free sign-up bonus | 25,000 GC + 25 SC |
| AMOE available | Yes |
| Play-through on SC | 3x |
| Redemption method | Cryptocurrency |
| Games | 2,000+ including Stake Originals at 99% RTP |
| Available in | AK, AL, AR, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IN, KS, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, and WY |
Crown Coins
- Cash and gift card redemptions
- iOS mobile app available
- VIP rewards program
- Live chat support
- No table games
Crown Coins gives new players 100,000 Coin Credits and 2 Sweeps Coins on sign-up. It operates under the standard US sweepstakes legal model and is available in a broad range of US states. The platform confirms free AMOE entry on its terms and conditions page and processes genuine cash prize redemptions via gift cards and bank transfer. Crown Coins is one of the most widely available sweepstakes casinos in the US market.
| Free sign-up bonus | 100,000 CC + 2 SC |
| AMOE available | Yes |
| Play-through on SC | 1x |
| Redemption method | Gift cards, bank transfer |
| Games | 700+ |
| Available in | AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY |
LoneStar Casino
- 500+ casino-style games
- 7-tier loyalty program
- SC redemptions for gift cards and cash prizes
- No mobile app
LoneStar Casino gives new players 100,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins on sign-up. It operates under the standard sweepstakes legal model and is available in a wide range of US states, including several where competitor platforms are restricted. The free AMOE entry method is confirmed in LoneStar's terms, and prize redemptions are processed via gift cards and bank transfer.
| Free sign-up bonus | 100,000 GC + 2 SC |
| AMOE available | Yes |
| Play-through on SC | 1x |
| Redemption method | Gift cards, bank transfer |
| Games | 500+ |
| Available in | AK, AL, AR, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY |
McLuck
- Numerous promotions
- Excellent customer support
- iOS and Android app available
- Not available in all US states
McLuck gives new players 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins on sign-up. It operates under the standard US sweepstakes legal model with a confirmed AMOE entry method and genuine cash prize redemptions via gift cards (within 24 hours) and bank transfer. McLuck's 1,300+ game library is the most comprehensive of any platform on this page for standard casino-style games, and the 10 SC minimum redemption is one of the lowest thresholds in the market.
| Free sign-up bonus | 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC |
| AMOE available | Yes |
| Play-through on SC | 1x |
| Min redemption | 10 SC |
| Redemption method | Gift cards (24 hrs), bank transfer |
| Games | 1,300+ |
| Available in | AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY |
MegaBonanza
- Starting off is exciting with a 150% Extra Coins reward and a 5,000 Gold Coins welcome offer.
- Registering gets you GC 7,500 and SC 2.5, which is pretty generous.
- There are over 800 games from top providers, so you'll have plenty of options to explore.
- You're automatically entered into the Mega Bonanza Jackpot Play, giving you exciting chances to get rewarded.
- The redemption process might be a bit slow, taking 1-5 days, which some might find inconvenient compared to other platforms.
MegaBonanza gives new players 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins on sign-up. It operates under the standard sweepstakes legal model with confirmed AMOE availability and genuine prize redemption via gift cards and bank transfer. The platform has a strong live dealer section with 10+ tables and runs hourly Mega Jackpot draws alongside standard game play. The iOS app holds a 4.8 App Store rating.
| Free sign-up bonus | 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC |
| AMOE available | Yes |
| Play-through on SC | 1x |
| Redemption method | Gift cards (24 hrs), bank transfer |
| Games | 1,000+ including 10+ live tables |
| App Store rating | 4.8 ⭐ |
| Available in | AK, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, KS, MA, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY |
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How we verify legal status
The state-by-state legal information on this page is compiled from primary sources including enacted state statutes, state attorney general communications, and published operator terms of service. Sweepstakes casino legality is an actively evolving area of law and the status of individual states changes as new legislation is passed or enforcement actions are taken.
We update this page when significant legal developments occur. However, individual platform availability can change faster than this page is updated — an operator may voluntarily withdraw from a state ahead of legislation, or re-enter a state if a legal challenge succeeds. Always confirm availability directly with the platform you want to use by attempting to register from your current location. Every sweepstakes casino uses geolocation to verify that you are physically in an eligible state at the point of sign-up.
Responsible play
Sweepstakes casinos are free to play and no purchase is ever required. However, the optional Gold Coin purchase mechanic means it is possible to spend real money on the platform. If you choose to purchase, set a firm budget before doing so and treat it as entertainment spending. All platforms on this page offer purchase limit tools and self-exclusion options in account settings.
If gambling in any form is becoming a problem, free and confidential support is available from the following organizations.
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — 24/7 helpline, chat, and text support. Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support groups based on a 12-step recovery program, with meetings available across the US.
Final thoughts
Sweepstakes casinos remain legal in approximately 38 US states, but the legal environment is more restrictive than it was two years ago. The wave of state bans between 2025 and 2026 — led by California, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and Michigan — has significantly reduced the number of states where the major platforms operate. Players in states with regulated real money casino markets (New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia) have access to licensed real money alternatives. Players in the remaining states without licensed casinos have sweepstakes platforms as the legal free-to-play option.
Always verify availability in your specific state before registering at any platform. Use our links above to visit any of the five recommended platforms and check whether your state is currently eligible at the sign-up stage.
FAQs
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Sweepstakes casinos are legal in approximately 38 US states as of [yyyy]. States where they are banned or effectively prohibited include California, Washington, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, and Louisiana. Indiana's ban takes effect July 1, 2026. Always check availability in your specific state before registering.
Why are sweepstakes casinos legal?
Sweepstakes casinos operate under US federal promotional sweepstakes law, which permits prize competitions as long as no purchase is required to enter. The free Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) — a mail-in route to receive Sweeps Coins at no cost — is the legal foundation that distinguishes the model from gambling in permissive states.
Which states have banned sweepstakes casinos?
States with explicit statutory bans include California (AB 831, effective January 1, 2026), Washington, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and Michigan. States with effective bans through general gambling law enforcement include Idaho, Nevada, and Louisiana. New York has passed restrictions that have caused most major operators to withdraw.
Can I play sweepstakes casinos in New York?
Most major sweepstakes casino operators have withdrawn from New York following legislative restrictions passed in 2025–2026. Availability varies by platform. Check the sign-up page of any platform from your New York location to confirm current access.
Are sweepstakes casinos regulated by gaming authorities?
No. Sweepstakes casinos do not require a state gaming licence and are not regulated by state gaming authorities in the same way licensed real money casinos are. They operate under federal sweepstakes law. In states with regulated online casino markets (New Jersey, Michigan), the absence of a gaming licence is part of why sweepstakes operators have been excluded.
What is the AMOE and why is it legally required?
AMOE stands for Alternative Method of Entry. It is a legal requirement under US sweepstakes law — every sweepstakes casino must provide a free way to receive Sweeps Coins without any purchase. The standard method is mailing a handwritten request to the operator's address. Without the AMOE, the model would require a purchase to win a prize, which would make it gambling rather than a sweepstakes.
Is it legal to win real money at sweepstakes casinos?
Yes, in states where sweepstakes casinos are permitted. The prizes awarded through Sweeps Coin redemption are genuine cash payments processed via bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These are legally prize distributions under sweepstakes law, not gambling winnings. They are treated differently for tax purposes — check with a tax professional regarding reporting requirements for prize winnings in your state.
Why was California added to the banned list?
California passed Assembly Bill 831, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The law explicitly classifies sweepstakes casino operation as unlawful gambling under California law. It applies to operators rather than individual players and carries civil penalties for companies offering sweepstakes games to California residents. California's ban was driven in part by lobbying from tribal casino operators who saw sweepstakes platforms as competition outside the regulated market.