California governor signs bill to ban sweepstakes gaming
The measure will be effective from January 1.
US.- California governor Gavin Newsom has signed a AB 831 into law, introducing a ban on online sweepstakes gaming in the state from January 1.
The legislation prohibits sweepstakes games that use a dual currency model. It also bans any entity, including affiliates from promoting such gaming. Breaches will be punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine of between $1,000 and $25,000, or imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or both.
The law 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 Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) opposes the bill. The measure passed the State Senate and Assembly unanimously.
New Jersey, Montana, Connecticut and Nevada have also passed legislation against sweepstake gaming models. Montana was the first, with the law entering into effect on October 1.
