SGLA believes Senate passing of AB 831 could threaten Tribal sovereignty
The organization stated AB 831 jeopardizes California jobs, shuts out opportunities for ‘economically disadvantaged’ Tribal nations and ignores ‘overwhelming’ voter preference.
Key Points
- AB 831 was officially passed through the California Senate on September 8 with a unanimous 36-0 vote, seeking to ban dual-currency and prize-awarding sweepstakes operators
- The SGLA also stated approximately 100 community members from various Tribal organizations gathered outside the Sacramento State Legislature to protest AB 831
Following a unanimous 36-0 vote from the California Senate to approve Assembly Bill 831 on September 8, which seeks to ban dual-currency and prize-awarding sweepstakes operators, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) voiced its opposition to the legislation and brought forth concerns over its impact on Tribal sovereignty.
“AB 831 is a fundamentally flawed proposal that serves the narrow interests of a few powerful groups while silencing the voices of millions of Californians who responsibly enjoy these games – and Tribal nations who see the games as a lifeline to fund vital services,” SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan said.
“This bill threatens legitimate businesses with criminal liability, strips economically disadvantaged tribes of a key development opportunity and ignores the potential for smart regulation to generate hundreds of millions in new tax revenue for the state. We urge the Assembly members to reject this misguided legislation and stand for equity, innovation and tribal self-determination.”
The SGLA also stated that approximately 100 community members from various Tribal organizations gathered outside the Sacramento State Legislature to protest AB 831 on September 8.
Good to know: A spokesperson from Pragmatic Play informed Gaming America that the supplier will be withdrawing from the US sweepstakes market on September 2
“These Tribal advocates traveled to the state capital to deliver a clear message: respect Tribal sovereignty, protect economic rights for all Tribal nations and recognize that digital commerce opportunities directly translate to essential services like clean water, safe roads and housing for their communities,” Duncan said.
“Their unified call to ‘Stop AB 831’ and protect Tribal economic rights should be prioritized above the interests of powerful, well-funded gaming operators.”
The SGLA warned California lawmakers that AB 831 would “jeopardize California jobs, shut out opportunities for economically disadvantaged Tribal nations while benefiting wealthy gaming Tribes and ignore overwhelming voter preference for regulation and taxation.”
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