AB 831 Unanimously Passed

The California Senate passed Assembly Bill 831 on September 9, 2025, with an unanimous 36-0 vote. The step bans dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, citing their similarity to real-money betting.


To address issues, the costs now exempts traditional advertising sweepstakes and marketing contests active during the vote. The Senate's passage sends the costs to the Assembly for concurrence.


If approved, it proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. With this vote, California edges toward ending up being the biggest state to forbid sweepstakes gambling establishments.


AB 831: Tribes and Groups That Rallied Against its Passing


Despite broad assistance, AB 831 drew vocal opposition from tribes and industry groups alike. Notably, four smaller sized tribes opposed at the California State Capitol. These are:


Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation
Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians
Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
Big Lagoon Rancheria


Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), condemned AB 831 as "a flawed and rushed expense that lacks broad tribal agreement." He stressed that it would "restrict financial choices readily available to tribes and aggravate currently delicate financial conditions."


Meanwhile, Eric Wright of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation added, "For communities long ignored and geographically isolated, digital commerce is not a luxury, it's a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline."


Big Lagoon Rancheria likewise formally opposed the legislation. In a letter to the Committee, they alerted that the expense threatened tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and slammed its development by means of a "gut-and-amend" procedure.


These groups alerted that AB 831's excessively broad language might criminalize everyday advertising activities, interfere with legal sweepstakes and advertisements, stifle innovation, and undermine consumer defenses.


Legislative Crossroads and National Implications


Now that AB 831 cleared the Senate, the Assembly should think about amendments before the legislative session concludes. If Governor Newsom signs it, California will set a precedent most likely to ripple across the United States.


Yet tribal opposition and advocacy group resistance might still affect changes or future policymaking.


AB 831's development may inspire similar legislation in other states. While numerous states already restrict sweepstakes gambling establishments, California's size makes this a turning point. If enacted, the bill could improve how sweepstakes gambling establishments operate nationally.


Ultimately, AB 831 marks a crucial juncture for sweepstakes casinos and tribal financial policy. It draws sharp lines between tribal sovereignty, state regulation, online video gaming, and advertising liberties.