AB 831 Unanimously Passed by California Senate

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AB 831 Unanimously Passed by California Senate

The California Senate passed Assembly Bill 831 on September 9, 2025, with a unanimous 36-0 vote. The measure bans dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, citing their resemblance to real-money gambling.

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

If approved, it proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. With this vote, California edges toward becoming the largest state to outlaw sweepstakes casinos.

AB 831: Tribes and Groups That Rallied Against its Passing

Despite broad support, AB 831 drew vocal opposition from tribes and industry groups alike. Notably, four smaller tribes protested 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 bill that lacks broad tribal consensus.” He emphasized that it would “limit economic options available to tribes and worsen already fragile economic conditions.”

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

Big Lagoon Rancheria also formally opposed the legislation. In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, they warned that the bill threatened tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and criticized its development via a “gut-and-amend” process.

These groups warned that AB 831’s overly broad language could criminalize everyday promotional activities, disrupt lawful sweepstakes and ads, stifle innovation, and undermine consumer protections.

Legislative Crossroads and National Implications

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

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

AB 831’s advancement may inspire similar legislation in other states. While several states already restrict sweepstakes casinos, California’s size makes this a pivotal moment. If enacted, the bill could reshape how sweepstakes casinos operate nationally.

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

The final outcome will shape both California’s and the nation’s approach to digital sweepstakes gaming.