The landscape of American social gaming shifted fundamentally on January 1, 2026. With California’s Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) now in full effect, the nation’s most populous state has joined New York in implementing some of the strictest regulations the industry has ever seen.
For years, the “dual-currency” sweepstakes model—where players purchase Gold Coins and receive Sweeps Coins as a bonus—operated in a legislative gray area. Today, that area is officially black and white. Major operators like Stake.us and Pulsz have withdrawn from these markets to avoid penalties that can reach $25,000 per violation.
However, for players in the Golden State and the Empire State, the “social” in social casino hasn’t disappeared—it has simply evolved. Here is our guide to the platforms that remain compliant, accessible, and entertaining in 2026.
1. The Pivot to Card-Based Social Play: CardCrush.com
As traditional slot-heavy sweepstakes sites face mounting pressure, CardCrush.com has emerged as a primary alternative for players in restricted jurisdictions.
Unlike platforms that mimic the high-stakes aesthetic of Las Vegas slots, CardCrush focuses on high-engagement, card-based mechanics. This strategic shift allows the platform to align more closely with “social gaming” definitions rather than “simulated gambling.”
Why it’s gaining traction in 2026:
- Regulatory Stability: Its model is built to withstand the specific language of AB 831.
- Mobile-First Design: It caters to the 78% of US social gamers who now prefer one-handed, portrait-mode gameplay.
- Community Integration: The platform emphasizes social leaderboards and gifting over the traditional redemption-focused loops.
2. The “Casino4Fun” Standard: BetRivers.net
For those who miss the thrill of high-end slots from developers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play, BetRivers.net remains the gold standard for restricted states.
By operating a strictly “for-fun” model with no real-money redemptions, BetRivers.net stays 100% compliant with New York and California laws. It provides the most authentic “casino” feel without the legal risk, making it the safest harbor for players who prioritize the gaming experience over prize potential.
3. The Rise of Skill-Based Competition
The 2026 bans specifically target chance-based sweepstakes. This has led to a migration toward platforms where the outcome is determined by player ability.
- WorldWinner: Remains a powerhouse for NY and CA residents, offering prize tournaments for games like Solitaire, Bingo, and Bejeweled.
- DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports): While constantly under review, DFS platforms continue to serve these markets, offering a competitive outlet that remains distinct from the banned sweepstakes models.
Important Compliance Note: The “VPN Trap”
A common trend in community forums is the suggestion to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geofencing. At Casino Context, we strongly advise against this.
The 2026 regulatory framework requires operators to use advanced KYC (Know Your Customer) and geolocation tools. Even if a VPN allows you to access a site, your identity and address verification will fail during the redemption process. Under the new laws, sites are legally obligated to freeze these accounts and forfeit any balances. Playing on restricted sites via VPN is the fastest way to lose your funds permanently.
The Path Forward
The 2026 restrictions are a “new normal” for American social gaming. While the era of easy-access sweepstakes slots in CA and NY has closed, platforms like CardCrush.com and BetRivers.net demonstrate that the industry is capable of innovating within new boundaries.
