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Three California tribes protest AB 831 outside State Capitol Monday

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Publish Date: Sep 09, 2025

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

This article was written prior to AB 831 being enacted into law, meaning some of the information may be outdated or inaccurate. From January 1, 2026 all sweepstakes sites are no longer legal in California.

The voices are growing louder as three California tribes rallied outside the State Capitol in Sacramento Monday afternoon to oppose Assembly Bill 831.

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.

Last Thursday, the bill was read 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.

Legal 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.

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.

“What California lawmakers should focus on instead is creating proper regulation that supports online social games, creates new revenue sources for the state and protects economic opportunities for all tribes.”

There are three main themes that all three of the tribes are focusing on: Economic Disparity, Lack of Tribal Unity, and Violation of Tribal Sovereignty.

Previously, all three tribes have sent letters to state legislators, including President pro Tempore Senator Mike McGuire and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Anna Caballero, voicing their opposition against AB 831 and the harm the bill would cause their tribes.

“For communities long overlooked and geographically isolated, digital commerce is not a luxury - it is a lifeline,” said Eric Wright, Tribal Administrator of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation and CEO of Kletsel Economic Development Authority, the tribe’s economic development arm. “AB 831 would sever that lifeline.

Tribal members gather at the State Capitol today to ask lawmakers to stand for tribal equity, sovereignty, and economic justice by voting NO on AB 831.”

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

“We were proud to join with other tribes at the Capitol in Sacramento to tell lawmakers that eliminating legitimate, regulated digital enterprise will only deepen the disparities our people face, erode our tribal self-sufficiency, and contradict California’s stated commitment to equity and inclusion for all tribal nations.

We call on California legislators to reject AB 831 and instead advance inclusive policies that support digital innovation, economic diversification, and tribal self-determination.

The future of our communities depends on it," said Buffey Bourassa, Secretary of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians. Looking for more news and updates? Head over to our Ballislife Play page.

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