Sweepstakes casino operator ClubsPoker is exiting the California market after the state recently passed a law banning the platforms.
The company sent an email to users on Dec. 10 that said the platform will no longer operate in the Golden State after Dec. 29, according to Poker Industry Pro. Players with Sweeps Coins are advised to request a prize redemption by Dec. 29.
Those who may have left the state are asked to contact customer service to change their address in order to regain access to their accounts.
Other Sweeps Expected To Leave State
ClubsPoker has also left other states that enacted bans on sweepstakes casinos or ruled that they are illegal. Those include Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and West Virginia.
California’s new law prohibits dual currency sweepstakes casino-style gambling. The ban extends to payment processors, geolocation providers, content suppliers, and also affiliates.
Stake US has also pulled out of the state since the legislation was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). Leading sweepstakes poker site Global Poker is also expected to leave the state, but the company has yet to release an official announcement.
The law goes into effect Jan. 1.
Has ClubWPT Gold Found A Loophole?
One operator may have found a way to skirt the new law in California. ClubWPT Gold announced in September that the company was changing its business model.
The platform no longer allows Gold Coin play. Instead, players can purchase “poker training credits” to play and redeem winnings for prizes.
The plan attempts to maneuver around the dual-currency model, which involves receiving Sweeps Coins after purchasing Gold Coins.
Utilizing this new model, ClubWPT Gold intends to continue operating in California.
