AB 831 Unanimously Passed

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


To resolve issues, the bill now excuses standard advertising sweepstakes and marketing contests active during the vote. The Senate's passage sends the bill to the Assembly for concurrence.


If authorized, it continues to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. With this vote, California edges towards ending up being the biggest state to disallow sweepstakes casinos.


AB 831: Tribes and Groups That Rallied Against its Passing


Despite broad assistance, AB 831 drew vocal opposition from people and industry groups alike. Notably, four smaller sized people 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 problematic and hurried bill that does not have broad tribal consensus." He highlighted that it would "limit financial alternatives offered to tribes and worsen already vulnerable financial conditions."


Meanwhile, Eric Wright of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation included, "For communities long overlooked and geographically separated, digital commerce is not a high-end, it's a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline."


Big Lagoon Rancheria also officially opposed the legislation. In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, they cautioned that the bill threatened tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and slammed its development through a "gut-and-amend" process.


These groups cautioned that AB 831's overly broad language could advertising activities, interfere with lawful sweepstakes and advertisements, stifle development, and weaken customer protections.


Legislative Crossroads and National Implications


Now that AB 831 cleared the Senate, the Assembly should consider modifications before the legal session concludes. If Governor Newsom indications it, California will set a precedent most likely to ripple across the United States.


Yet tribal opposition and advocacy group resistance may still influence modifications or future policymaking.


AB 831's improvement may motivate comparable legislation in other states. While several states currently limit sweepstakes gambling establishments, California's size makes this a turning point. If enacted, the bill could improve how sweepstakes casinos run nationally.


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