Key Points
- The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is seeking to gain a veto of California Bill AB 831
- A lobby group, the SGLA represents interests in the sweepstakes gaming industry
- If Bill AB 831 passes into law, sweepstakes casinos will be banned in California
All it will take is Governor Gavin Newsom's signature for California Bill AB 831 to become law. If that happens, it will likely lead to the demise of sweepstakes casinos in the Golden State.
It may appear that all hope is lost for groups in favor of preserving sweepstakes casinos in the state, but give them credit for not giving up.
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is a prominent industry association representing sweepstakes casino interests. It was formed in May 2025 to lobby against Bill AB 831.
This organization is seeking to
convince Newsom to veto
California Bill AB 831.
“Beyond the fact that this bill would worsen economic disparities among California tribes, put California to the back of the line in terms of digital innovation in this space, and take away a popular form of entertainment for residents, it will immediately strip ($1 billion) out of the state’s economy,” SGLA executive director Jeff Duncan said in a statement.
Bill AB 831 passed unanimously by a 79-0 vote of the full California Assembly. That was the final step to send the bill to Newsom's desk. He has three choices now. He can sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or take no action. Since the bill has progressed through every step of the process via unanimous approval, Newsom's latter two options seem unlikely at this stage.
Rather than a complete abolition of sweepstakes casinos, groups like the SGLA would prefer to see both sides negotiate some sort of regulatory model for sweepstakes casinos.
Some California tribes are in opposition to Bill AB 831
It was interesting that the lone tribal member of the California Assembly was opting out of the final vote on Bill AB 831. Representative James Ramos of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation abstained from voting.
The majority of California's tribes are backing AB 831. They control all casino gambling in the state and feel that sweepstakes casinos are an illegal infringement on their monopoly.
However, four tribes have been vocal in their opposition to the passage of this bill. Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria
staged a protest
outside the state assembly.
These tribes feel that sweepstakes casinos are providing a viable business opportunity for the state's smaller tribes, which can't operate a land-based casino.
Two of these tribes have a vested interest in maintaining the legality of sweepstakes casinos in California. They have partnership agreements with sweepstakes casino operations:
- The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians formed a digital partnership with B-Two Operations. That company operates Hello Millions and McLuck sweepstakes casinos.
- The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation and sweepstakes casino operator VGW have also entered into a partnership deal. VGW operates sweepstakes casinos Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, and Global Poker.
The impact of the impending passage of AB 831 is already being felt
Beyond banning sweepstakes casino operators, the language of Bill AB 831 goes much further. It would allow charges to be laid against any group found to be working with the sweepstakes casino industry. That includes game providers.
Several game developers are taking this matter seriously. Earlier this week, 10 game developers pulled all of their products out of Stake.us sweepstakes casino in California. Games from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger Gaming, Booming Games, Big Time Gaming, Evolution Gaming, No Limit City, NetEnt, Just Slots, Fat Panda, and Live88 are no longer available to California players through the Stake.us platform.
1.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
2.
New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Min. $5 first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Plus, upon qualifying bet placement, get 1 100% Profit Boost Token, valid only for a NCAA Tournament Winner bet. Max. Bet: $10. Profit Boost Tokens are single-use and expire on 4/6/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Must select Token BEFORE placing bet. Boost only applies to winnings. Ends 4/6/26 11:59 PM ET. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook
3.
Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. MA Gambling Helpline or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
4.
Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
5.
Best Alternative
Open BetMGM
Daily picks from betting experts on odds boosts and casino promos
