The California Senate passed Assembly Bill 831 on September 9, 2025, with an unanimous 36-0 vote. The step bans dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, citing their resemblance to real-money gaming.

To resolve concerns, the bill now exempts conventional advertising sweepstakes and marketing contests active throughout the vote. The Senate's passage sends out the bill to the Assembly for concurrence.

If approved, it proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. With this vote, California edges toward becoming the largest state to forbid sweepstakes gambling establishments.

AB 831: Tribes and Groups That Rallied Against its Passing

Despite broad assistance, AB 831 drew vocal opposition from people and industry groups alike. Notably, four smaller sized tribes protested at the California State Capitol. These are:

Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria Big Lagoon Rancheria

Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), condemned AB 831 as "a flawed and hurried expense that does not have broad tribal agreement." He emphasized that it would "limit financial alternatives readily available to people and aggravate currently fragile economic conditions."

Meanwhile, Eric Wright of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation added, "For neighborhoods long neglected and geographically separated, digital commerce is not a high-end, it's a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline."

Big Lagoon Rancheria likewise officially opposed the legislation. In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, they alerted that the costs threatened tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and criticized its development by means of a "gut-and-amend" procedure.

These groups alerted that AB 831's overly broad language might criminalize daily marketing activities, disrupt lawful sweepstakes and ads, stifle development, and undermine customer protections.

Legislative Crossroads and National Implications

Now that AB 831 cleared the Senate, the Assembly should think about changes before the legal session concludes. If Governor Newsom indications it, California will set a precedent most likely to ripple throughout the United States.

Yet tribal opposition and advocacy group might still affect amendments or future policymaking.

AB 831's development may motivate similar legislation in other states. While several states currently restrict sweepstakes gambling establishments, California's size makes this a critical moment. If enacted, the bill could improve how sweepstakes gambling establishments operate nationally.

Ultimately, AB 831 marks a critical juncture for sweepstakes gambling establishments and tribal economic policy. It draws sharp lines in between tribal sovereignty, state policy, online gaming, and marketing liberties.