Sweeps Sportsbook Thrillzz Sued in California, Sidepot Withdraws from Arizona + More

Thrillzz Sportsbook Subject of New Class Action Lawsuit in California

As California is the epicenter of the seismic battle for the future of sweepstakes sites, yet another legal front has opened against an industry player.

This time it is online sweepstakes sportsbook Thrillzz, which is facing a class action lawsuit in the state of California. The suit alleges that the company is running an illegal platform for sports wagering.

The class action lawsuit is a partnership of seven law firms, and it seeks compensation for class members located in the state of California. The lawsuit claims that Thrillzz is in violation of multiple parts of the California penal code, including section 337(a.) That section relates to the acceptance of bets on the results of a contest of "man, beast, bird, or machine."

Depending on the prior record and circumstance of a violator, they can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony under the code. Max penalties for misdemeanors is one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. The max penalty for felony charges is up to three years in prison.

The case, fied in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, is seeking trial by jury.

Even confronted by legal challenges, Thrillzz continues to claim that their product is free and legal under state laws.

Sidepot Leaves Arizona After Parent Company Gets C&D

Back in August 2025, four operators were sent cease-and-desist letters from the Arizona Department of Gaming. One of those operators served was social sportsbook operator Fliff.

Fliff operates several web sites, including the sweepstakes casino site Sidepot. Although the C&D letter didn't mention the Sidepot brand by name, it appears that Fliff has gotten the message that Arizona is serious about ramping up enforcement efforts. As a result, Sidepot has also left the Arizona market.

With this latest closure to another state market, Sidepot now excludes players from over one-third of US states. Sidepot is also excluded in Quebec province, although they allow players from other parts of Canada.

Sweeps Casino Carnival Citi Runs for Exits in California

Another sweeps casino operator sees the writing on the wall. With multiple lawsuits pending in the state of California, plus a sweepstakes casino ban bill sitting on the governor's desk, sweeps operator Carnival Citi has decided to pull out of the state.

Even though the ban, if enacted, would not take effect until January 2026, Carnival Citi likely sees all the legal actions already underway without the ban and probably determined that, from a risk management perspective, continuing operations in the state just isn't worth it.

Considering that California is nearly 20% of the sweepstakes casino volume in the United States, this is quite a big move.

Carnival Citi was one of the lucky four recipients of a cease-and-desist letter from Arizona regulators just a few months back. Perhaps that also influenced their decision to be proactive in leaving another state.