Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in California?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in California. Skill machines in California bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in California. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in California; Carrom has none anywhere yet. All 3 of California's neighbors have cash play at the Skillz level too. California taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for California, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in California
| Game | Cash play in California | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not California |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not California |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not California |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not California |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not California |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows California |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows California |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows California |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows California |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows California |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows California |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in California
Every game plays free first, so California players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in California
California taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your California return. The California Franchise Tax Board decides how California treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for California players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering California
Every state bordering California has cash play at the Skillz level. Ball Pool Cash's listing also excludes neighboring Arizona.
Elsewhere in the Pacific region (US Census division):
Questions about skill-game apps in California
Can I play Atay games for cash in California?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in California. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in California I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Los Angeles and Sacramento get the same answer.
Do I need to do anything when I drive from California into Arizona?
No. Arizona also has cash play at the Skillz level, and the app checks your location when you play. One difference: Ball Pool Cash's listing excludes Arizona.
Does California tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and California has a state income tax; check the California Franchise Tax Board's guidance for your situation.
California status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.