The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is displeased with the California Senate for advancing Assembly Bill 831, legislation that would ban online social games with sweepstakes promotions in the Golden State.
On Tuesday, the California Senate passed Assemblymember Avelino Valencia’s AB 831 by a 36-0 vote. The legislation would outlaw sweepstakes casinos and sweeps promotions in the state.
If signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the measure would also make it illegal “for any person, entity, financial institution, payment processor, geolocation provider, gaming content supplier, platform provider, or media affiliate to knowingly support directly or indirectly the operation, conduct, or promotion of an online sweepstakes game within the state.”
SGLA Opposes California Senate’s Decision
The SGLA strongly condemns the Senate’s decision, warning AB 831 would jeopardize jobs, limit opportunities for economically disadvantaged tribal nations, and ignore overwhelming voter preference.
“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 Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance.
“This bill threatens legitimate businesses with criminal liability, strips economically disadvantaged tribes of a key development opportunity, and ignores the potential for smart regulation to generate hundreds of millions in new tax revenue for the state. We urge the Assembly members to reject this misguided legislation and stand for equity, innovation, and tribal self-determination.”
Four California Tribes Protested The Bill In Sacramento
The Senate’s advancement of AB 831 came shortly after about 100 community members from financially disadvantaged tribes gathered outside the Sacramento state legislature to protest the bill on Monday.
Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria had gathered outside the Capitol building.
“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,” Duncan added.
“Their unified call to ‘Stop AB 831’ and protect tribal economic rights should be prioritized above the interests of powerful, well-funded gaming operators.”
The SGLA stated in its press release that it “remains committed to working with policymakers to advance a modern regulatory framework that expands opportunities for every tribal nation, protects consumers, preserves choice, and supports California’s economy.”