Pragmatic Play will officially cease supplying its gaming services to Sweepstakes Casinos in the United States on September 8, 2025, at 17:00 CET (which is 8:00 AM PST and 11:00 AM EST). This move will directly impact popular platforms such as stake.us, causing the discontinuation of Pragmatic Play’s games on sites like Spree, McLuck, CrownCoins, and RealPrize.
Why Is Pragmatic Play Exiting US Sweepstakes Casinos?
The decision is driven by growing legal pressure following California State bill AB-831 and an active lawsuit filed against Stake.us. Bill AB-831 aims to ban sweepstakes casinos, accusing them of exploiting legal gray areas through their dual-currency models and free-to-play frameworks. Support from major gaming associations and tribal leaders amplifies the crackdown, destabilizing the ecosystem for sweepstakes casinos within California and across other states facing similar bills.
The Industry’s New Legal Tactics
Lawmakers and legal advocates are now targeting gaming providers—such as Hacksaw, Evolution, and Pragmatic Play—instead of focusing solely on Stake.us. The rationale is that going after platform operators, influencers, and supporting companies presents an easier legal route due to the weaker direct case against Stake.us alone.
Regulators are now targeting game suppliers like Pragmatic Play because enforcement efforts have shifted from focusing solely on sweepstakes casino operators to the upstream content providers fueling these platforms, after realizing that direct legal action against operators like Stake.us was legally complex and less effective. By including suppliers in lawsuits and pending bills (such as California’s AB-831), regulators aim to disrupt the supply chain that makes unregulated or “gray area” gambling possible, arguing that supplier content is central to maintaining these illegal online gambling ecosystems.
Key Reasons for Supplier Targeting
- Supplier Liability and Enforcement Efficiency
Regulators find it easier to hold content suppliers liable for enabling illegal gambling by providing games to sweepstakes platforms deemed illegal under state law. By targeting suppliers with civil lawsuits and regulatory measures, authorities effectively block access to games and shrink the sweepstakes casino market. - Reputational and Compliance Pressure
Major suppliers are highly visible and often operate globally, making them susceptible to reputational harm and compliance scrutiny if their games appear on unlicensed or contested platforms. Legal actions can force suppliers to withdraw, protecting their brand and encouraging more robust compliance methods such as ring-fencing games for regulated markets only. - Impact of California Lawsuit and AB-831
The lawsuit against Stake.us in California specifically included suppliers as defendants, alleging they knowingly facilitated illegal gambling; this, combined with AB-831, signals a broad crackdown that is likely to set legal precedents impacting supplier conduct nationwide.
Strategic Implications
These shifts mean suppliers now face greater compliance burdens, legal risks, and reputational stakes, leading to withdrawal from unregulated U.S. markets and tighter controls over where their games are distributed. This approach is considered more effective for regulators to limit illegal gambling than relying solely on targeting the platforms themselves.
Where Can Sweepstakes Players Still Enjoy Online Slots?
Players seeking high-quality slot gameplay can still find exciting options from robust providers:
- Peter&Sons
- BetSoft
- 3Oaks
- Playson
These providers are among the best alternatives for sweepstakes slot fans. Find their platforms directly:
(Note: All are do-follow links for SEO enhancement.)
Most Played Slots: Provider Reviews
Peter&Sons
- Punch Club: Delivers a market-leading RTP of 97.38% and allows for wins up to 3,000x.
- Wild Bard: Offers an RTP of 96.27% and a 3,508x multiplier, with engaging gameplay and top historical popularity.
- Xibalba: Mayan-themed slot with 96.2% RTP and high payout potential (up to 10,000x).
- Robin Sherwood Marauders: Known for a RTP of 96.1% with possibilities for massive multipliers (x35,000).
BetSoft
- Sugar Pop: Social game mechanics, high 97.70% RTP, rich features, and wide popularity.
- WhoSpunIt: Detective-themed, 97.64% RTP, and rewarding wilds and multipliers.
- Gypsy Rose: Magical theme, 97.63% RTP, plus re-spins and bonus rounds.
- Quest to the West: Asian adventure with 97.53% RTP and a unique leveling bonus system.
- Book of Helios: Sun god focus, 95.58% RTP, max win of 20,168x, and modern features.
3Oaks
- More Magic Apple: Fairy-tale slot, RTP 95.57%, max win 7,420x, and attractive bonus features.
- Green Chilli: Mexican theme, RTP 96.65%, max win 2,000x, and sticky wilds in free spins.
- Book of Sun: RTP 96.80%, low volatility, and top payouts.
- Fishin’ Bear: RTP 96.50%, medium volatility, fun gameplay.
Playson
- Sakura Fortune: 96.58% RTP, medium variance, timeless Asian style.
- Rich Diamonds: Hold and Win: Gem-themed with 95.66% RTP, medium volatility, rewarding bonus round.
- Lucky Pirates: Known for 95.79% RTP, vivid graphics, and steady engagement.
- God of Wild Sea: 95.79% RTP with immersive oceanic designs.
Conclusion
As Pragmatic Play exits the US sweepstakes scene under legal and regulatory pressures, players still have access to thrilling slots from Peter&Sons, BetSoft, 3Oaks, and Playson. These providers remain strong alternatives, continuing to deliver top-tier experiences to sweepstake fans while legal tides shift the market
