California and New York residents have found themselves in a strange position lately when it comes to sweepstakes gaming.
The regulatory situation has shifted massively in both places over the last 12 months, with almost all sweepstakes casino operators leaving to avoid violating new legislation banning the sweeps format.
As a result, we’re now seeing ‘alternative’ gaming platforms set up shop particularly in CA and NY, offering a similar service for those players who miss sweepstakes gaming – maybe to attract some completely new customers as well.
These sites still offer redeemable prizes and social-style online gameplay, but they sidestep the standard sweepstakes casino idea. Two of the newest examples are GetGud.win and Clash5, both of which are available in California and New York.
We already have some alternative gaming sites like Card Crush serving these two states, but let’s take a look at these two new challengers in more detail.
GetGud (April 2026 Launch) – Skill Games App by Kickr Games
Rather than functioning as a traditional sweeps casino with rather passive slots and table games, GetGud.win focuses on skill-based arcade experiences where players compete against each other. This puts it under a different set of laws, which is why it can operate in CA and NY (and 43 other states).
The platform launched in April 2026 under Kickr Games Pty Ltd, the same company behind the now-defunct Kickr social casino. This company actually has links to the original sweepstakes casino operator, VGW (Chumba), so you know there’s a solid degree of expertise involved here.
However, instead of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, GetGud only uses one currency simply called Coins. You can receive Coins for free through sign-up bonuses, daily rewards, and referrals, while additional Coins can also be purchased directly.
What makes the site stand out is the actual gameplay. Titles like Tetro Tiles, Pinfall Manic, and 21 Hustle feel much closer to arcade games or mobile skill apps than anything you’d normally associate with sweepstakes casinos. In many cases, you’re competing directly against other players rather than against the house itself, and you’re able to win Coins to redeem/cash out later.
Then, something that may attract players frustrated with mainstream sweeps casinos is the site’s very low redemption minimum. GetGud allows redemptions from just 5 Coins ($5), and bonus Coins only carry a 1x playthrough requirement. At a time when some sweeps casinos are raising minimum redemption limits or playthrough requirements, this could appeal to many users, even outside of CA and NY.
The platform is still clearly green though. There are only around 10 games in total, support options are limited, and there’s no live chat. But the initial offering feels strong enough that the site could do well, especially among younger players who grew up on competitive mobile gaming rather than traditional slots.
One day, it could rival more established skill-based sites like MaxDuel, Skillz, and Blitz, especially because of the experience this market-leading operator has.
Clash5 (May 2026 Launch) – Collectible Card Battles & Casino Blend
Clash5 takes a different approach by blending card collection and battles with casino-style gaming. It’s operated by Clash5 LLC, a new company that doesn’t have any other brands under its care yet.
But Clash5 was launched in May 2026, and one part of the site revolves around collectible card battles – think Yu-Gi-Oh-type gameplay. Players build decks, open mystery boxes containing stronger cards, and then face off against other users in battles. Whoever plays the highest attack card each round wins.
Then, apart from the battle system, Clash5 also offers around 40 casino-style games, including slots, plinko-style instant games, and live dealers from ICONIC21. In fact, it’s basically the same model as Card Crush, which I mentioned up top.
Like Card Crush, Clash5 uses two currencies: Collectible Cards and Clash Coins (CC), and Clash Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes through PayPal and Venmo once players hit the 100 CC minimum threshold.
The reason sites like this can get around the sweeps-banning legislation is that the site is not technically dual-currency – rather than buying Gold Coins with Sweepstakes Coins bundled in, you’re buying Cards, which are central to the card game element of the platform, and Clash Coins. Then the casino-games exist somewhat separately, and here you can play with your Clash Coins.
The interface is packed with animated effects and mystery-box mechanics. It obviously takes inspiration from trading card games and mobile gacha systems rather than from traditional online casinos.
There are still some obvious weaknesses though, especially compared to main competitor Card Crush. The casino lobby is relatively small, there’s no daily login bonus, and the card battle system itself lacks transparency in certain areas. For example, it’s not fully clear how stronger cards are distributed or whether all opponents are genuine human players rather than bots.
Still, Clash5 does show how operators are experimenting with new formats that blur the lines between social casinos and collectible card games, and it’s available in 35 states in total.
A Sign of Where the Industry Is Heading?
What’s interesting about both GetGud and Clash5 is that they feel like direct responses to the pressure on the traditional sweepstakes casino model.
Going forward, for players in California and New York, skill-based gaming sites or card collection games seem to be the best way to get your kicks. For now, Card Crush ranks as the best option in this space, while Thrillaroo is another interesting concept.
And with more states scrutinizing sweepstakes casinos in 2026, don’t be surprised if more hybrid gaming platforms like GetGud.win and Clash5 start appearing over the coming months.
Author: Alex Windsor
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