California bill to ban sweepstakes gaming approved by Senate
Assembly Bill 831 returns to the Assembly for approval from the Governmental Organization Committee.
US.- A bill that proposes a ban on online sweepstakes gaming in California has passed the state Senate with a 36-0 vote. Assembly Bill (AB) 831 now returns to the Assembly for approval from the Governmental Organization Committee. It then needs majority support from the chamber floor to be able to reach Governor Gavin Newsom for final authorisation.
The bill would prohibit sweepstakes games that use a dual currency model. It was proposed by assemblymember Avelino Valencia and co-sponsored by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN).
The bill was amended last week to include ensure the sweepstakes offered by businesses for marketing purposes will not be affected.
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) opposes the bill and four tribes protested at the state capitol.
SGLA executive director Jeff Duncan said: “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.”
Montana was the first US state to pass legislation explicitly banning online sweepstakes casinos. The new law will enter into effect on October 1.
