WOW Vegas Holding the Line in California Until Final Hour

WOW Vegas has confirmed it will remain operational in California until 11:59 p.m. on December 31, the final moment before Assembly Bill 831 takes effect and effectively bans sweepstakes casinos across the state.

This decision makes WOW Vegas the largest operator to commit to a full-term exit, outlasting earlier departures from Carnival Citi, Dara Casino, Ruby Sweeps, and even High 5 Casino, which shuttered operations on October 20.

Operators Respond to California’s Crackdown

Since AB831 passed in mid-September, platforms have taken different routes. Some, like Carnival Citi and Dara Casino, opted for immediate withdrawal. Others, such as High 5 Casino, followed a phased timeline before eventually pulling the plug. A few, like WOW Vegas, are holding on until the deadline.

Meanwhile, other brands have shifted strategy entirely. Baba Casino re-entered six previously restricted states, while Spree resumed operations in Georgia and Alabama. NoLimitCoins and Fortune Wheelz dropped their age requirements back to 18.

On the opposite end, Vivaro.us permanently exited the U.S. market on October 1, citing increased regulatory pressure.

Why Some Left Early

The new law casts a wide net. It’s not just operators under threat—any platform, processor, or partner that knowingly supports sweepstakes casinos in California could face legal consequences.

That looming liability has led many to act cautiously. Even though enforcement doesn’t begin until January 1, 2026, the risk of litigation or reputational damage has driven several brands to exit early.

A Costly Goodbye

California wasn’t just another market—it was the market. Before AB831, the state accounted for more than 17% of national sweeps casino revenue. Projections have taken a hit. Eilers & Krejcik dropped their 2025 forecast from $4.6 billion to $4 billion, with further cuts expected in 2026.

What Comes Next?

With California closing its doors, industry attention is shifting. Florida faces mounting tribal pressure. In Texas, while no legislation is expected before 2027, experts warn that Attorney General action could come sooner. Other states like Ohio and Illinois have seen bills introduced, but none passed yet.

For now, brands are focused on squeezing the last bit of revenue out of their largest market—before the lights go out at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

References:

• Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Report
• California Gambling Control Commission
• California Legislative Information