The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto AB 831, a bill that would ban most sweepstakes casinos statewide. The measure passed the Legislature without a single recorded “no” vote and now awaits action.
Under California rules, Newsom has until Oct. 12 to sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without his signature. The Alliance says a ban would hurt jobs and ad spending tied to sweepstakes-style platforms, while supporters argue the bill protects tribal rights and the state’s gaming system.
What AB 831 Would Do
AB 831 targets online sweepstakes casinos that look and feel like casino games and serve people in California. These sites typically sell virtual coins for gameplay and give separate promotional credits that can be redeemed for prizes.
Backers of the bill say those mechanics mimic real-money gambling without the same oversight. If it becomes law, the state could increase enforcement and push operators to exit or face penalties.
The Alliance is asking for regulation instead of a blanket ban. It points to an estimated $1 billion in yearly economic activity tied to the space, citing research from Eilers & Krejcik that includes ad budgets, payment processing, and cloud hosting spent in-state.
Group leaders say rules could add consumer protections, require strong age checks, and mandate clear game disclosures. They also argue that a regulated path could help smaller tribes explore new digital revenue, rather than shutting down the channel completely.
Who Supports It, Who Opposes, and What’s Next
The bill enjoys strong support from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, which says sweepstakes casinos clash with tribal sovereignty and long-standing exclusivity over casino gambling.
Many lawmakers cited that position in explaining their votes. At the same time, tribal views are not uniform. Some tribes encouraged a slower approach and asked the state to consider guardrails rather than an outright ban.
Public objections have come from Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria.
These tribes urged leaders to explore regulatory options that could support smaller communities and avoid unintended harm to local economies. Their push did not stop the bill’s momentum, but it highlighted a divide over how to address gray-area gaming products in the state.
On Sept. 12, the Assembly voted 63–0 to send AB 831 to the governor, and there were no recorded “no” votes at any stage. What happens next is straightforward. If Newsom signs it, the bill becomes law, and most sweepstakes casino-style sites will likely block Californians.
Platforms would rely on geolocation to restrict access, and advertisers may need to shift campaigns. If he vetoes it, expect a new round of talks on a regulatory framework that sets age checks, game disclosures, dispute help, and audits. If he takes no action by Oct. 12, the bill becomes law without his signature on the same timeline.
