The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has become the third California tribe to oppose AB 831, a bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos in the Golden State. Sherwood joins the Big Lagoon Rancheria and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation in speaking out against this policy.
In its letter to lawmakers, the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians pointed to economic hardships, such as housing shortages, poverty, and unemployment, as key reasons for opposing AB 831.
The tribe argued that online sweepstakes casinos offer a chance to diversify revenue beyond traditional casino operations, which would support essential community services.
Tribal leaders also criticized the fast pace at which the bill is moving. California lawmakers implemented a “gut and amend” strategy with AB 831, which is when the terms of a bill are completely changed midway through the process to speed up its progression.
Three tribes now oppose AB 831, and of the three, two have partnerships with sweeps operators. The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation has a partnership with sweepstakes giant VGW, the operator of Chumba Casino and Global Poker. Meanwhile, Sherwood Valley is partnered with sweepstakes operator B-Two Operations (owner of McLuck and Hello Millions).
While these are only three of 105 recognized tribes in California, that’s three tribes expressing formal opposition AB 831 within the same month.
In 2022, Californians decisively rejected two competing sports betting proposals: Propositions 26 and 27. This reflected apprehension around gambling expansion and sovereignty.
Both measures were overwhelmingly defeated: Prop 26 received just over 30% support, while Prop 27 was crushed with only about 17% of the vote.
This outcome illuminates a clear message: California voters prioritized tribal autonomy and the integrity of traditional gaming.
Fast forward to today, where tribes are opposing AB 831 on similar grounds. With the failed sports betting initiatives as precedent, rushing legislation on sweepstakes casinos without meaningful tribal consultation could be seen as overreach and may ultimately shape the outcome.
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has joined tribal voices in urging lawmakers to slow down on AB 831, pointing to the growing number of tribes warning of its economic harm. They expressed these concerns after Big Lagoon Rancheria became the second tribe to oppose this bill earlier this month.
Civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have also raised concerns, similarly arguing that the bill infringes on tribal sovereignty. The ACLU showed their opposition to this bill while it went through the gut-and-amend process in late July.
This expanding coalition of critics suggests that the legislation may face stronger resistance as it continues through the California Senate.
As AB 831 advances through the California Senate, opposition from tribes, industry groups, and civil rights organizations is mounting. But that has been countered by a California lawsuit against Stake.us and another against VGW, both prominent sweepstakes operators. If these lawsuits win, they would penalize partners like game developers, marketing platforms, and even social media influencers.
Whether lawmakers choose to revise or push forward, the debate over AB 831 underscores a larger conflict in California’s gambling landscape: balancing the regulation of sweepstakes platforms with the economic rights and sovereignty of tribes.
