AB 831 Advances as Opposition Grows in California

California is getting closer to banning sweepstakes casinos statewide. Assembly Bill 831 just moved another step forward after the state’s Public Safety Committee unanimously voted in favor of it on July 15. The proposed law now awaits further legislative steps before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.

Good to know

• Assembly Bill 831 aims to ban sweepstakes casinos across California.
• The bill passed both the Senate Governmental Organization Committee and the Public Safety Committee.
• Critics say the bill could hurt lawful promotional businesses without offering better consumer protections.

Howard Glaser, Global Head of Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel at Light & Wonder, confirmed the Public Safety Committee’s vote earlier this week. The bill had already cleared the Senate’s Governmental Organization Committee on July 8.

Since then, opposition has grown. On July 14, the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) joined forces to voice concerns about the legislation. The issued a statement:

“The SPGA is proud to stand alongside the ACLU, the Association of National Advertisers and other partners in voicing concerns about AB 831. This diverse coalition, including civil liberties advocates, leading businesses and industry groups, reflects a shared belief that the bill, as written, could have unintended consequences for lawful promotional practices without offering clear consumer protections.”

The path to AB 831 began with a different bill approved by the Assembly in May 2024. Later, anti-sweepstakes language was added by the Senate in June, shaping AB 831 into its current form.

If the bill makes it through the remaining steps, including a full legislative vote and the governor’s signature, it could still carry over into the 2026 session depending on how long the process takes. California’s legislative calendar runs through September 12, but bills do not automatically expire if they do not get finalized by then.

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