California Assembly Bill 831 Lands on Newsom’s Desk for Signature or Veto

All that awaits is Gov. Gavin Newsom's left-handed signature.

The California Senate Friday afternoon moved A.B. 831 (an act relating to gambling) out of its chamber (along with concurrence), after passing through the state's Assembly Governmental Organization Committee by a 20-0 vote on Thursday and now is headed to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

Newsom now has 30 days to sign the bill.

Last week, the bill was read for a third time on the state Senate floor and amended, with the addition of exempting state-run lottery games and “occasional” sweepstakes-based promotions from criminalization.

Sweepstakes casinos operators that oppose the bill have argued that California Lottery’s online games, in addition to consumer-facing, sweeps-style promos run by companies would be also prohibited under the legislation.

The bill needs a simple majority in the Senate and then goes back to the Assembly. If approved, California Bill 831 will go to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature to be put into law.

If A.B. 831 does become law, it would prohibit operating online sweeps that use a “dual currency” model for casino-like wagering, including sports betting.

It will contain penalties for those who operate and offer online sweepstakes casinos, by creating a misdemeanor violation which can result in up to one year of jail time and $1,000-$25,000 in fines.

Monday Protests

Three California tribes rallied outside the State Capitol in Sacramento on Monday to oppose the bill.

Members of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, and the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria all gathered for approx. two hours on Monday to protest in front of the State Capitol.

“AB831 is a flawed and rushed bill that lacks broad tribal consensus. As Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria have made clear, this bill would limit economic options available to tribes and worsen already fragile economic conditions,” said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA and former Congressman in a news release.