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

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

If approved, it proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. With this vote, California edges towards ending up being the biggest state to forbid sweepstakes gambling establishments.

AB 831: Tribes and Groups That Rallied Against its Passing

Despite broad support, AB 831 drew vocal opposition from people and market groups alike. Notably, four smaller 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 rushed expense that lacks broad tribal consensus." He stressed that it would "limit financial options offered to people and worsen currently fragile financial conditions."

Meanwhile, Eric Wright of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation included, "For communities long overlooked and geographically isolated, digital commerce is not a luxury, it's a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline."

Big Lagoon Rancheria also formally opposed the legislation. In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, they cautioned that the costs threatened tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and criticized its development through a "gut-and-amend" process.

These groups alerted that AB 831's excessively broad language might criminalize everyday advertising activities, interrupt legal sweepstakes and ads, stifle development, and undermine customer protections.

Legislative Crossroads and National Implications

Now that AB 831 cleared the Senate, the Assembly must consider changes before the legislative session concludes. If Governor Newsom signs it, California will set a precedent likely to ripple across the United States.

Yet tribal opposition and advocacy group resistance may still influence modifications or future policymaking.

AB 831's development may inspire comparable legislation in other states. While several states already restrict sweepstakes casinos, California's size makes this a turning point. If enacted, the bill might improve how sweepstakes gambling establishments operate nationally.

Ultimately, AB 831 marks a critical juncture for sweepstakes gambling establishments and tribal financial policy. It draws sharp lines between tribal sovereignty, state policy, online gaming, and promotional freedoms.