Modo.us to Launch New Rewards Program, "Modo Stars," On CA Ban Day

Photo by Pexels, CC0
- Modo.us will launch a new rewards program, Modo Stars, on Jan. 1
- This program will launch in all states, including the 16 they deem" GC Only States"
- Modo Stars will be able to be redeemed for Gold Coins packages, and "even more fun rewards in the future," but no one knows what those are yet
With the sweepstakes ban looming in California and others, such as New York, already in effect, sweepstakes casino operators are finding new ways to adapt to an ever-changing market.
One of those is Modo.us, operated by ARB Interactive, the company that purchased Publishers Clearing House, which will be launching Modo Stars, a new rewards program, on Jan. 1, 2026, the same day as the California ban.
Modo.us has announced it plans to stay in California, but players will only be able to use Gold Coins, not Sweeps Coins.
Learn more about the program and more below.
Modo.us Email to Players
Modo.us sent out an email to its players describing Modo Stars:
"WE’RE KICKING OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH SOMETHING BIG!
"On January 1, 2026, we’re launching Modo Stars, a new way to get rewarded when you play.
"What are Modo Stars?
"Modo Stars are our new in-game rewards you earn just by playing with Gold Coins.
"As your balance grows, you’ll be able to redeem Modo Stars for Gold Coin Packages, and even more fun rewards in the future!
"Mark your calendar:
"Launch date:
"January 1, 2026
"What to do:
"Start earning and watch your Modo Stars add up."
Additionally, Sweepsy reports that rewards progress won't be lost when Sweeps Coins play ends in California.
Here's more information:
• Your current rewards are safe. Everything you’ve earned with your current Modo Rank will remain yours throughout 2026. Nothing you’ve unlocked is being removed.
• Your progress now still counts. The more you achieve before the end of the year, the stronger your starting point will be for the new rewards launching in 2026.
• Revamped Modo Ranks arrive January 1, 2026. A fresh system begins in the new year, giving everyone new chances to rank up and continue advancing.
• Introducing Modo Stars. Also launching January 1, this new feature creates another path to earn rewards simply by enjoying Gold Coin play.
Where It'll Launch
Despite the sweepstakes casino market evolving, Modo.us plans to launch Modo Stars in all states, including the 16 states it considers "GC Only States."
Those states include: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia.
What The Rewards Can Be Used On
In their communication, Modo.us said that the rewards program “creates another path to earn rewards simply by enjoying Gold Coin play.” It also stated that “you’ll be able to redeem Modo Stars for Gold Coin Packages, and even more fun rewards in the future.”
Of course, with the ban, you won't be able to redeem for cash prizes. What could it be? One possibility is redeeming points for things like cruises, hotels, event tickets, and more. Interestingly, this system is used by Play.Yamaava is a social casino owned and operated by the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation, which backed California's sweepstakes casino ban.
We'll have to see what comes of this system when Jan. 1, 2026, arrives, and how operators will make up lost ground going forward.
Richard Janvrin is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He started writing as a teenager before breaking into sports coverage professionally in 2015. From there, he entered the iGaming space in 2018 and has covered numerous aspects, including news, reviews, bonuses/promotions, sweepstakes casinos, legal, and more.

Washington Judge Blocks Kalshi Sports Event Contracts
The ruling marks another legal setback for Kalshi as states challenge sports event contracts.

Kentucky Sports Betting Age Raised to 21 Under New Law
House Bill 904 introduces several changes to Kentucky sports betting, including a higher minimum age.

NFL Suspends Cardinals Scout Ryan Gold Over Gambling Policy Violations
The suspension stems from gambling activity and sharing confidential draft information.

Judge Awards $112K Online Casino Jackpot to Account Holder
The court sided with the woman whose online casino account was used to win the jackpot.

Trump Teleprompter Operator Under CFTC Investigation Over Kalshi Trades
Investigators allege the White House staffer profited from nonpublic knowledge of presidential speeches.

Judge Denies Stake.us Motion to Arbitrate Minnesota Lawsuit
The court ruled that Stake.us failed to establish a valid arbitration agreement with the plaintiff.

Pennsylvania Study Recommends Ending Live Betting to Reduce Gambling Harm
The study proposes several changes to reduce problem gambling across the state.

Tribe and State Interests Align In The Fight Against Prediction Markets, Says UNLV Law Professor Danielle Finn
UNLV law professor Danielle Finn says tribal and state gaming interests, usually at odds, are now aligned against prediction markets — with over 20 lawsuits alleging violations of federal Indian gaming law and billions in lost tax revenue at stake.

Arizona Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Five Online Gambling Operators
State officials continue expanding their enforcement efforts against unlicensed online gambling.

Judge Denies Kalshi's Bid to Block New York Gambling Enforcement
Kalshi has appealed after a federal judge refused to halt New York's enforcement efforts.

Ex-New Hampshire Senator, Casino Owner Pleads Guilty to Stealing $250,000
Although prosecutors and the judge seemed to support the one-year, one-day length, sentencing will not be determined until an upcoming hearing.

North Carolina Budget Adds Tax on Prediction Markets
The state's latest budget includes new taxes for both sportsbooks and prediction market operators.

California Judge Rules Against State Limitation on Cardrooms
A successful installment of the protocols would’ve resulted in cardrooms losing their right to offer blackjack-style games and limited other options.

Alberta Adds More Gaming Operators Ahead of July 13 Launch
The province's list of approved online gaming operators continues to expand before launch.

Indiana and Maine Sweepstakes Casino Bans Take Effect This Month
Two new state laws are reshaping the sweepstakes casino landscape this month.

Nebraska Group Submits Signatures to Put Online Sports Betting on Ballot
The campaign seeks to legalize online sports betting through a statewide ballot measure.

South Africa Orders Sports Bookmakers to Remove Casino-Style Games
South Africa's gambling regulators have intensified enforcement against casino-style games offered by sports betting operators. The move follows recent court decisions and regulatory guidance confirming that online casino games cannot legally be provided under sports betting licences, forcing affected operators to remove certain products or risk regulatory action.

AGCO Fines Great Canadian Entertainment $120K for Breach
Ontario's gaming regulator fined Great Canadian Entertainment $120,000 after finding unauthorized bill validator software at four casinos.

BetMGM Alberta Opens Pre-Registration Ahead of July 13 Launch
Alberta's regulated online gambling market officially launches on July 13.

CFTC Sues Kentucky Over Prediction Market Dispute
The dispute centers on whether states or the CFTC have authority over sports event contracts.

MLBPA Proposes Ban on Player Prop Bets in New Labor Talks
The proposal would eliminate one of baseball's most popular sports betting markets.

Caesars Eyes Maine Online Casino Launch Through Tribal Partnership
The proposed platform would add mobile casino gaming alongside online sports betting.

Bally’s Threatens to Sue Chicago for Allowing VGTs in New Budget Plan
A Baly’s official noted that VGTs were not in the picture when the gaming company agreed on a project that would create a mega-casino in the state’s largest city.

North Carolina Raises Sports Betting Tax to 23%
The state's online sportsbooks will face a higher tax burden under the new rate.

FanDuel Predicts Expands Event Contracts Through Crypto.com Partnership
The agreement adds new sports and entertainment contract opportunities for users.

Illinois Lawmakers Decline to Merge State Gaming Regulators
A plan to combine Illinois gaming and horse racing oversight agencies failed to advance.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Skill Games Are Slot Machines
Lawmakers now have 120 days to decide how skill games will be regulated.

Kentucky Files Lawsuits Against Kalshi, Polymarket, and VGW
State officials allege several gambling-related platforms are operating illegally in Kentucky.

IGP's Gamehost Acquisition Gets Court Approval in Alberta
Alberta's top court approved IGP's acquisition of Gamehost, paving the way for a $13.65 per share cash buyout to close this month.

Dina Titus Accuses CFTC of 'Blatant Corruption' Over Prediction Markets
The debate over prediction markets continues to intensify among lawmakers and regulators.

Terry Rozier Pleads Guilty to New Gambling-Related Charges
A federal judge has scheduled Terry Rozier's trial for February 2027.

Wisconsin Begins Tribal Talks on Statewide Mobile Sports Betting
Negotiations with tribal nations will help determine how online sports betting launches in Wisconsin.

Judge Grants Brendan Sorsby Injunction, Restoring Eligibility for 2026 Season
The Texas Tech quarterback can return to the field amid sports gambling violations.

