SGLA joined by Californian Tribe in opposition to AB 831
Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation has submitted a letter imploring lawmakers to reject the proposed bill.
Key Points
- The economic development arm of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation has officially apposed California AB 831
- The Tribal operator is concerned the bill could prohibit the growth of smaller Tribes in the state
- This action juxtaposes that of many other local Tribal operations who have voiced support of the bill
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has united with Californian Tribe, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, against proposed Assembly Bill 831, which seeks to outlaw sweepstakes promotions in the Golden State.
Originally submitted by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the bill’s attempt to outlaw online games using “free legal sweepstakes” has faced fierce opposition from various industry participants.
Now, however, the Kletsel Economic Development Authority (KEDA) – the economic development branch of the California Tribe – has also voiced its formal opposition to the bill, citing concerns that it could minimize economic development opportunities for smaller tribes, especially those that are more geographically isolated.
Commenting on this latest action, Eric Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Kletsel Economic Development Authority, said, “For Tribes like ours, geography has always limited traditional economic development.
“It is self-serving for large, well-established gaming tribes to advocate for policies that restrict emerging digital commerce opportunities for others, effectively holding smaller and less-advantaged tribes’ hostage to their location. Eliminating lawful, regulated digital opportunities will deepen existing disparities, reduce self-sufficiency and undermine California’s commitment to economic justice for all tribes.”
This turn of events represents an interesting juxtaposition to the stance of most tribes in California, who have voiced support for the bill, most likely in protection of their current monopoly on sports betting activity in the Californian market.
Good to know: California Assembly Bill 831 specifically looks to prohibit the operation of DFS operations with players physically located in the state, but yields potential repercussions for the sweepstakes market
Now, this latest development follows the SGLA’s prior joint opposition to the bill with the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) last month which underlined that – at the time – 20,000+ Californians had signed in opposition to the bill. Indeed, the pair have continuously argued that the bill could criminalize legal promotions from major brands.
Speaking on this latest news, SGLA Executive Director, Jeff Duncan, said, “The SGLA is proud to stand with the Kletsel Economic Development Authority to urge the lawmakers to reject AB831 and instead support policies that foster economic opportunity, respect tribal sovereignty, and preserve access to popular forms of digital entertainment for all Californians.
“Social games give millions of Californians access to a community and network that brings people together and gives everyone the chance to experience premium games for free – regardless of budget or location. They have the potential to expand opportunities for tribal nations.”
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