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Sweepstakes Casino Ban Passes California Senate Unanimously 36-0

Sports Writer

Publish Date: Sep 09, 2025

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

Sweepstakes ban passes California State Senate by 36-0 vote
Bill now moves to Assembly for potential vote, then on to Governor if passed
Any "dual-currency" gaming app will be prohibited if bill becomes a law

A bill banning sweepstakes casinos and social casino-style websites passed the California Senate on Tuesday by a 36-0 vote.

Assembly Bill 831 had no opposition as it cleared the last hurdle in the state senate, finding support from both parties. Now the bill will return to the assembly for debate and a vote.

AB 831 has recently come under fire from a handful of native tribes and organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union of California. Opponents say it would limit revenue opportunities for tribal nations. Other critics say it infringes on tribal sovereignty, while others worry it will prohibit sweepstakes games of the non-gambling variety.

Bill amended before passing

A flurry of last-second amendments changed the bill so it would not ban retail sweepstakes games. Regardless, four tribal nations oppose it: Big Lagoon Rancheria, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians.

On Monday, ahead of the Senate vote, members from three of those tribes protested outside the state Capitol building. That effort fell flat, as senators went ahead and gave the green light to the bill, sending it back to the assembly where it originated.

AB 831 would prohibit any "dual currency" casino-style platform in the state. It also establishes penalties for infractions of the ban.

Some in the state are critical of any legislation that limits online gaming. California is the sixth-largest economy in the world, yet it does not have a legal, regulated online casino or sports betting market. In recent years, efforts to legalize online gaming have failed to pass as ballot proposals.

Indian tribes in California have steadfastly defended their sovereign gaming rights. Those rights have been negotiated at the federal and state level in years past, granting native tribes exclusivity for gaming activity. While many states have legalized gaming since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, California has not added commercial gaming apps.

California would be the largest state to ban sweepstakes casinos

If the assembly takes up AB 831 and passes it, as many expect, the prohibition on sweepstakes and social casinos would go into effect within 30 days. That means operators will need to shutter their apps and cease offering them to California consumers.

California would be the largest state to pass a prohibition on sweepstakes casinos. Earlier in 2024 and 2025, New York, New Jersey, and several smaller states passed bans.

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