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Single-Currency Sweepstakes Casinos: The New Legal Framework (2026)

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by Lines

A single-currency sweepstakes casino uses one virtual coin for both gameplay and prize redemption. The older dual-currency model splits those functions into Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. California AB 831 and New York S 5935A banned the dual-currency model in 2026. Operators including CardCrush and ClubWPT Gold now run single-currency systems in California and New York. This guide explains the single-currency framework, the laws that triggered it, and how redemption works.

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  • 5 Mystery Coins + 5 Cards
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  • 45 bonus Coins per referral
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Terms 21+

Key takeaways

  • A single-currency sweepstakes casino uses one redeemable coin instead of separate Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
  • California AB 831 took effect January 1, 2026, and prohibits the dual-currency sweepstakes model.
  • New York S 5935A was signed December 5, 2025, by Governor Hochul and took effect immediately.
  • States restricting dual-currency sweepstakes include California, New York, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington, per Lines.com tracking as of June 2026.
  • CardCrush and ClubWPT Gold operate single-currency systems in California and New York.

What is a single-currency sweepstakes casino?

A single-currency sweepstakes casino runs on one virtual coin. That coin handles both play and prize redemption. The dual-currency model used two separate coins instead.

The distinction matters for state law. California AB 831 and New York S 5935A target the dual-currency structure specifically. A single-currency system restructures the coin model to fall outside that prohibition.

CardCrush calls its coin Mystery Coins. ClubWPT Gold uses a single-currency poker system. Both operators launched single-currency designs for California and New York players.

The single-currency label describes the coin architecture, not a legal guarantee. State regulators have not certified any single-currency operator. Lines.com tracks each brand’s status by state.

Learn more about how CardCrush works on Lines.com.

Single-currency vs dual-currency model

The two models differ in coin count and legal exposure. The table below compares the core attributes.

AttributeDual-currency modelSingle-currency model
Coin typesGold Coins plus Sweeps CoinsOne coin, such as Mystery Coins
Play currencyGold Coins, no cash valueThe same coin used for play
Prize currencySweeps Coins, 1 SC redeems for $1The same coin, redeemable above a floor
Legal statusBanned by AB 831 and S 5935AStructured outside the dual-currency ban
Example brandsMcLuck, Pulsz, Stake.usCardCrush, ClubWPT Gold

In the dual-currency model, Gold Coins carry no monetary value. Sweeps Coins carry prize value. One Sweeps Coin redeems for one US dollar at most operators.

The single-currency model removes that split. One coin serves play and redemption together. CardCrush values one Mystery Coin at $1, per CardCrush mechanics published in 2026.

Learn more about legal casino options in California on Lines.com.

Why the model changed: AB 831 and S 5935A

State bans drove the shift to single-currency systems. Two 2026 laws reshaped the market.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831 on October 11, 2025. AB 831 took effect January 1, 2026. AB 831 prohibits operating or supporting dual-currency online sweepstakes games. The California Senate passed AB 831 by a 36 to 0 vote.

AB 831 also extends liability beyond operators. Payment processors, geolocation vendors, and affiliates face exposure under AB 831. Violations are misdemeanors carrying penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

New York followed with S 5935A. Governor Hochul signed S 5935A on December 5, 2025. S 5935A took effect immediately and targets the dual-currency model. Fines under S 5935A range from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation.

Many dual-currency operators exited both states within weeks. Single-currency brands moved in to capture displaced players. McLuck, a dual-currency brand, left California after AB 831.

Learn more on the California AB 831 tracker and the New York S 5935A tracker on Lines.com.

See how each brand’s status is changing in California on the Lines.com AB 831 tracker.

How single-currency redemption works

Single-currency redemption converts the play coin directly into prizes. The same coin a player uses for games also holds the prize value.

CardCrush sets one Mystery Coin equal to $1. CardCrush applies a one-time playthrough requirement before redemption. CardCrush uses a $75 minimum cash redemption floor, per CardCrush terms published in 2026.

Cardcrush Home Lines

ClubWPT Gold runs a single-currency poker model. ClubWPT Gold structures access through a framework it calls CA Game Days. Both operators present the single coin as the play and prize unit.

Club Wpt Gold Home Lines

No-purchase-necessary entry remains part of the design. Free coin acquisition methods aim to remove the consideration element under promotional contest rules. Lines.com reports these mechanics as operator-stated terms, not legal conclusions.

Learn more in the CardCrush review and ClubWPT Gold review on Lines.com.

Where single-currency casinos operate

Single-currency casinos target states that banned the dual-currency model. California and New York are the primary markets in 2026.

States restricting dual-currency sweepstakes include California, New York, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. That list reflects Lines.com tracking as of June 2026. State rules continue to change, so availability varies by brand.

A single-currency design does not make a casino legal everywhere. Each state applies its own gaming rules. Check your state’s current regulations before joining any platform.

Learn more by comparing CardCrush and ClubWPT Gold on Lines.com.

  • Mystery Box — 66% Off
  • 5 Mystery Coins + 5 Cards
  • $9.99
  • Sign Up 5 Free Cards + 2 Coins
  • 45 bonus Coins per referral
  • VIP perks
  • Daily Reward Drops

Terms 21+

The bottom line

A single-currency sweepstakes casino runs on one coin for play and prizes. That structure responds directly to California AB 831 and New York S 5935A. Both laws banned the dual-currency model that pairs Gold Coins with Sweeps Coins. CardCrush and ClubWPT Gold are the early single-currency examples in those states. Check your state’s rules and each brand’s current status before you sign up.

Frequently asked questions

What is a single-currency sweepstakes casino?

A single-currency sweepstakes casino uses one virtual coin for both play and prize redemption. The dual-currency model used Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins separately. CardCrush and ClubWPT Gold are single-currency examples in 2026.

Is the single-currency model legal?

The single-currency model is structured to fall outside the dual-currency bans. No state regulator has certified any single-currency operator. Check your state’s current regulations before participating.

What did California AB 831 ban?

AB 831 prohibits operating or supporting dual-currency online sweepstakes games. AB 831 took effect January 1, 2026. Penalties reach up to $25,000 per violation.

What did New York S 5935A do?

S 5935A bans the dual-currency sweepstakes model in New York. Governor Hochul signed S 5935A on December 5, 2025. Fines range from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation.

How does single-currency redemption work?

One coin holds both play value and prize value. CardCrush sets one Mystery Coin at $1 with a $75 redemption floor. A one-time playthrough applies before redemption at CardCrush.

Which states restrict dual-currency sweepstakes casinos?

States restricting dual-currency sweepstakes include California, New York, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. That list reflects Lines.com tracking as of June 2026. Rules change often, so verify your state before joining.

What replaced McLuck in California?

McLuck exited California after AB 831 took effect. Single-currency brands such as CardCrush moved to capture displaced California players. Lines.com tracks each brand’s California status.

Track the market

Compare California and New York legal casino options and payout terms on Lines.com.

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