The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) expressed its disappointment last week when the California Senate Appropriations Committee moved Assembly Bill 831 to a vote on the Senate floor.
SGLA Urges California Lawmakers To Reject AB 831
If passed, AB 831 would outlaw sweepstakes casinos, social casinos, and company sweepstakes promotions. Sweeps platforms that offer free-to-play casino-style games via a dual-currency model would be prohibited.
Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of the SGLA, released this statement:
“SGLA is extremely disappointed that the Senate Appropriations Committee has decided to move AB 831 forward instead of listening to the California tribal nations that oppose the bill, the legitimate California businesses that will be threatened with criminal liability for providing routine services, the California constituents who have made it clear they prefer commonsense regulation over banning online social games and the California players who love the games. We urge lawmakers who are planning to vote in favor of AB 831 to reconsider their stance and think about what their constituents actually want.”
Nationwide Poll Shows Americans Disapprove Of Anti-Sweepstakes Bill
A new nationwide poll with an oversample of California voters reveals that Californians overwhelmingly oppose banning online social games with sweepstakes promotions.
Instead, California voters prefer regulation and taxation that would “protect consumers, preserve choice, and deliver economic benefits” for the Golden State.
The survey of California voters found:
- 85% agree California should modernize and update laws to regulate and tax online social gaming, providing more money for state budgets.
- 77% of Californians said online social games with sweepstakes should continue operating.
- The percentage rises to 89% among Californians who have played the games.
- Only 6% believe the games should be banned.
Californians Have Voiced Their Complaints
In addition, the SGLA stated that more than 34,000 letters, calls, and X posts from California residents have been sent to state legislators to express their opposition to the bill.
Economic modeling shows that online social games currently generate more than $1 billion annually in direct and indirect benefit to California.
“SGLA urges Senators to vote ‘No’ on AB 831 and remains committed to working with state leaders to develop a smart and modern regulatory framework that prioritizes consumer safety, promotes innovation, protects California’s digital economy, provides tribal economic opportunities, and delivers economic benefits to the state without increasing taxes on California families,” the Association added.
Last week, Publishers Clearing House (PCH), a leading sweepstakes industry giant, also sent a letter to the California Senate Appropriations Committee “to express our strong opposition to Assembly Bill 831.”