Playtech Pulls Out of California Sweepstakes Casinos Amid Legal Heat, Calls Exit ‘Immaterial’

Now that California has passed AB 831, sweepstakes casinos and providers are scrambling to adjust and recalibrate their strategies. At least six operators have pulled out of the state, including High 5 Casino, right after its passage. The ripple effect extends to providers—at least four suppliers have exited the market, including Playtech. Playtech, one of iGaming’s most recognized casino games and software vendors, has officially exited the state as of the first week of September. 

Today, all Playtech games are no longer available in the state’s top sweepstakes casinos, including VGW-operated sites like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. But for Playtech’s management team, its recent move isn’t part of a calculated move.

Playtech Shrugs Off Exit from the California Sweepstakes Industry

Playtech is one of the first providers to exit the California sweepstakes casino market after the Senate approved AB 831. The vendor promptly exited the state in early September 2025, following Pragmatic Play and Evolution Gaming. After confirming its decision, Playtech-affiliated sweepstakes casinos, including VGW sites (which also announced their exits), have removed the vendor’s popular games.

While Playtech’s recent decision meant exiting a huge market for sweepstakes casinos, its top management sees it as a “necessary management move”. During the company’s H1 2025 earnings call with Mor Weizer, CEO & Director and Chris McGinnis, CFO & Executive Director in attendance, the management sees the exit as “immaterial” to its operations as it only accounts for just 1% of its total revenues.

In the same call, Mor Weizer called its move a “natural development”, and argued that Playtech is just taking “a very conservative approach”. Mr Mozer added that it’s the company’s policy to follow the changes in regulations in the US.

What Playtech’s Pullout Means for the Company and Industry in General

Playtech’s exit isn’t just an interesting development on paper. The company’s decision has far-reaching effects on sweepstakes casinos and the industry in general. Here are some key points that can be taken from this latest decision:

• Playtech took a conservative approach and has limited interaction in a very fluid state like California.
• The provider’s exit means removing Playtech’s titles, like slots and live blackjack, from popular sites, like Chumba Casino.
• Playtech’s income in California is just 1% of its total revenues, and it’s shifting its resources to other states and regions.
• Playtech remains committed to regulated casino markets, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
• The company’s move is part of a broader industry move to pull out from states that are enforcing bans on sweepstakes casinos.

As California Regulates, Playtech Moves Forward

With California finalizing its plans to implement a ban on sweepstakes casinos, Playtech has remained committed to its roadmap. Playtech is distancing itself from the US sweepstakes market due to regulatory risks, but remains focused on growing its presence in regulated markets. 

For Weizer, it’s business as usual for the company, and promises to continue operating in regulated US states. He then adds, expansion in regulated US states is the team’s focus- Playtech’s focus.

REFERENCES

• California’s Track Bill