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Sweepstakes Poker Operators Start Leaving California Before January Deadline
- California's new sweepstakes gambling ban prompts operator exits.
- ClubsPoker and Stake US withdrawing, ClubWPT Gold shifts model.
- Regulatory acceptance of new models remains uncertain.
California’s newly passed sweepstakes gambling ban is no longer just theoretical. With the law set to take effect in just two weeks, on January 1, operators have begun pulling out of the state, confirming what many industry observers expected once the legislation was signed.
Several sweepstakes poker and casino platforms have now either confirmed their exit or are widely expected to follow, as the environment tightens around dual-currency gaming models.
ClubsPoker Confirms December Exit
ClubsPoker is among the first sweepstakes poker operators to formally announce its departure from California. According to an email sent to users on December 10, the platform will cease operating in the state after December 29.
California-based players have been advised to redeem any remaining Sweeps Coins before that date. Players who have relocated outside the state are encouraged to contact customer support to update their address, which may allow continued account access depending on location.
Stake US Also Pulls Out of California
Stake US has also exited the California market following the passage of the new law. While the operator has not issued a detailed public statement, its withdrawal comes after Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting dual-currency sweepstakes casino-style gambling.
The law’s scope extends beyond operators themselves, covering payment processors, geolocation providers, content suppliers, and affiliates, making continued operation increasingly difficult.
What About ClubWPT Gold?
One notable exception may be ClubWPT Gold. The platform announced earlier this year that it was changing its business model, eliminating its traditional dual-currency structure.
Instead of offering Sweeps Coins alongside Gold Coins, ClubWPT Gold now sells “poker training credits,” which can be used to play and redeem prizes. The company has positioned this shift as a way to comply with evolving regulations and has indicated it intends to continue operating in California under this revised model.
Whether regulators ultimately accept this approach remains to be seen.
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