B-Two Operations Limited, also known as B2 Services OÜ, is reportedly starting to pull its social casinos out of California amid new legislation introduced to outlaw sweepstakes casinos.
Hello Millions, Mega Bonanza, PlayFame, And SpinBlitz Exit California
Hello Millions, Mega Bonanza, PlayFame, and SpinBlitz have now all restricted access to players from the Golden State. Jackpota, McLuck, and SportsMillions remain accessible at the time of this report.
The Estonia-based sweepstakes giant is exiting the California market because of Assembly Bill 831, a measure that would ban casino-style games and sweepstakes promotions by companies such as Marriott, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
The bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, said the measure helps close a loophole that unregulated platforms like sweepstakes casinos and social casinos use to offer casino-style games via a dual-currency model.
“We cannot look the other way while these platforms exploit legal grey areas,” Valencia said in a statement. “These operations undermine the voter-approved framework that affirms Tribal governments’ sovereign right to conduct gaming in California. AB 831 strengthens that framework and ensures gaming in California remains fair and accountable.”
California Coalition Opposes Anti-Sweepstakes Bill
A coalition of organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Association of National Advertisers, whose members include Google, NBCUniversal, and other Fortune 500 companies, joined the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) in opposing AB 831.
Other opponents of the bill include the American Transaction Processors Coalition, Californians United for a Responsible Budget, and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA).
The SGLA noted that more than 20,000 letters, calls, and texts from California residents were sent to lawmakers to urge opposition to the legislation. They also mentioned “broad language” that could “criminalize routine services provided by technology companies, financial institutions, and media platforms.”
Casino-Style Games Would Be Classified As A Simulated Gambling Program
In a press release earlier this month, the SGLA cited “several red flags” of AB 831:
- Impractical Monitoring Requirements
- Unfair Criminal Liability
- Lack of Clear Standards
AB 831 would make “an unfair practice using or offering games of these types that use a system of payment” that allows the person “playing the simulated gambling program to become eligible for a prize or award, cash or cash equivalents, or a chance to win a prize or award, or cash or cash equivalents, in a business establishment, on the internet, or using an online application” unlawful.
The California legislative session runs until Sept. 12, but bills can carry over into the 2026 session.