Ruby Sweeps Pulls the Plug in California

After Thrillz and Carnival Citi, another top sweepstakes casino has exited the California market: Ruby Sweeps. Popular for its proprietary games like “Go High” and dual-currency model, Ruby Sweeps becomes the latest operator to fold under the state’s legal pressure.

The management promptly shared the news on its platform, informing its existing players that its final day of operation is September 25th. This was also the last day that players could play and redeem their Emeralds—the platform’s equivalent of Sweeps Coins (SCs).

Ruby Sweeps Follows Thrillz and Carnival Citi Out the Door

Ruby Sweeps is the third sweepstakes casino to exit the California market in recent weeks. The primary reason for its decision was the looming decision of Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 831 and ban sweepstakes casinos starting January 1, 2026.

Here’s a look at the other crucial factors that led to Ruby Sweeps’ decision:

• The potential sanctions and penalties posed by AB 831 directly target operators and their affiliates. As listed in Section 337o, violations are classified as misdemeanor that are punishable by a fine of not more than $25,000, imprisonment, or both.
• Ongoing opposition and pressure from California tribes, who control much of California’s traditional gambling sites, and see sweepstakes casinos as “unregistered competitors”.
• Broader regulatory climate, with similar inquiries and investigations in states like Nevada, Arizona, West Virginia, and Mississippi, where Ruby Sweeps had restricted operations.
• Efforts of Ruby Sweeps to reduce its exposure to financial and legal risks in response to growing states’ pressure.

Ruby Sweeps’ Exit Reflects Broader Issue for Operators

The company’s decision to exit California ahead of the signing of AB 831 follows the decision of other smaller operators. Days before Ruby Sweeps’ announcement, Thrillz and Carnival Citi have also announced their plans to end their operations. 

Unlike bigger operators, Ruby Sweeps and other smaller operators have minimal resources and reach to address the growing legal pressure and representation costs. Instead of spending money on legal challenges, these platforms opt to withdraw and move to other states with a friendly regulatory environment.

Ruby Sweeps had also exited Nevada, Mississippi, Arizona, and other states due to growing legal and regulatory pressures. Also, some commentators have suggested that the company’s decision to exit California is a calculated move, as the odds of AB 831 being approved are high

REFERENCES:

• California’s Senate Committee for Governmental Organization
• Senate Committee on Public Safety