California bill to ban sweepstakes gaming heads to Assembly vote
The California Assembly Governmental Organization Committee has approved Assembly Bill 831.
US.- The California Assembly Governmental Organization Committee has unanimously approved a bill that proposes a ban on online sweepstakes gaming. Assembly Bill 831 passed the state Senate on September 8 with a 36-0 vote and will now get a full Assembly vote.
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).
It has been amended to ensure that the sweepstakes offered by businesses for marketing purposes will not be affected. The bill passed through multiple committees. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) opposes the bill.
Montana was the first US state to pass legislation explicitly banning online sweepstakes casinos. The new law will enter into effect on October 1.
