California Senate Approves AB 831 as SGLA Warns of Tribal Impact

California’s effort to clamp down on dual-currency and prize-awarding sweepstakes has ignited opposition from gaming advocates and Tribal representatives. On September 8, the California Senate voted 36-0 in favor of Assembly Bill 831, but critics warn the measure could harm both Tribal sovereignty and community-based economic opportunities.

Good to Know

• AB 831 passed the California Senate unanimously, 36-0, on September 8.
• The bill would ban dual-currency and prize-awarding sweepstakes operators.
• The SGLA says it threatens Tribal economic rights and future tax revenue.

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) quickly voiced strong opposition, arguing that the proposal favors large, well-funded operators while undermining Tribal communities.

“AB 831 is a fundamentally flawed proposal that serves the narrow interests of a few powerful groups while silencing the voices of millions of Californians who responsibly enjoy these games – and Tribal nations who see the games as a lifeline to fund vital services,” said SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan.

Concerns Over Tribal Sovereignty

At the heart of the debate is how AB 831 could reshape economic opportunities for Tribal nations. According to the SGLA, the bill threatens to impose criminal liability on businesses operating responsibly while cutting off revenue streams for economically disadvantaged Tribes. Duncan argued that smart regulation, rather than an outright ban, could create hundreds of millions in new tax revenue for California while protecting consumer choice.

The SGLA further stressed that AB 831 undermines Tribal sovereignty by limiting digital commerce opportunities that fund basic services such as clean water, housing, and road infrastructure.

On the day of the Senate vote, around 100 Tribal community members gathered outside the Sacramento State Legislature to protest the bill. Their message, according to Duncan, was clear:

“These Tribal advocates traveled to the state capital to deliver a clear message: respect Tribal sovereignty, protect economic rights for all Tribal nations and recognize that digital commerce opportunities directly translate to essential services like clean water, safe roads and housing for their communities.”

The group rallied around the slogan Stop AB 831, urging lawmakers to prioritize Tribal economic rights above the interests of well-funded gaming operators.

The Alliance cautioned that AB 831 could have far-reaching consequences. In their statement, they warned that the bill would “jeopardize California jobs, shut out opportunities for economically disadvantaged Tribal nations while benefiting wealthy gaming Tribes and ignore overwhelming voter preference for regulation and taxation.”

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