Stake.us will cease operations in the state of California on December 30, 2025

Beginning January 1, 2026, sweepstakes casinos will be officially banned in the state of California. As a result, Stake.us will shut down its operations in the state on December 30, 2025. While some operators are exploring ways to stay active under the new rules, Stake.us has chosen a more drastic path — a full exit from California and the closure of all player accounts.

There are clear reasons behind this decision

One of them is a lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney, which names not only Stake.us but also major game providers such as Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Playtech, and others. According to the complaint, Stake.us is effectively promoting an illegal online casino in the state under the guise of a “sweepstakes-style” model.

Pragmatic Play and Evolution responded immediately, announcing that their games would no longer be available on sweepstakes casino platforms in California. For providers operating within the regulated U.S. market, this move was expected — the reputational risks outweigh any potential revenue.

Wider Impact on the California Sweepstakes Market

Beyond individual operators and suppliers, the upcoming ban is expected to reshape the broader sweepstakes casino ecosystem in California. Industry analysts note that many smaller platforms relying heavily on third-party content may struggle to adapt, while larger companies could attempt to pivot toward social gaming or fully regulated gambling verticals once legislative progress is made. Meanwhile, player advocacy groups have welcomed the stricter stance, arguing that the sweepstakes model has long operated in a regulatory gray area with limited oversight. As enforcement tightens, the market is likely to see a clearer distinction between compliant entertainment products and gambling services requiring full licensing.

For California players now seeking safe and compliant options, choosing a legitimate platform is more important than ever. We recommend relying on our 10 years of evaluation experience and checking our curated list of verified, legal casino sites available in the state.