Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Big Lagoon Rancheria, and Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians opposition signals growing resistance to rushed AB831 legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is highlighting broad industry trade media recognition of California tribes’ – including Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Big Lagoon Rancheria, and the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians – opposition to Assembly Bill 831 (AB831), legislation that seeks to ban social games with sweepstakes promotions in California.
Industry analysts and outlets have described the tribes’ opposition as a pivotal moment for digital gaming and tribal economic opportunity in the state, as lawmakers consider a bill that would deny less wealthy California tribes the chance to develop new revenue streams.
Coverage highlights include:
- NewsNet5.com: The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has officially voiced its strong opposition to California Assembly Bill 831. This legislation, which is currently progressing through the state legislature, seeks to ban all forms of sweepstakes gaming throughout California. Joining forces with other tribes like the Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria Tribe, Sherwood Valley stands firmly against the bill. (August 28)
- Sweepsy: The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has partnered with B-Two Operations Limited, operator of a group of sweeps casinos including McLuck and Hello Millions, to explore responsible digital gaming as a new revenue source. The move comes as the tribe breaks with the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) to oppose Assembly Bill 831. (August 28)
- US iGaming Hub: A third California tribal nation, the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, has joined a growing coalition of tribes opposing a bill that would ban online sweepstakes casinos in the state. In a formal letter of opposition, the tribe argued that the legislation, AB 831, threatens its sovereignty and would eliminate a vital pathway to economic development for smaller, rural tribes. (August 28)
- SBC Americas: Big Lagoon Rancheria said on Monday that Assembly Bill 831, which has the backing of most tribes and tribal gaming entities in California, threatens the sovereignty and economic viability of smaller tribes that cannot sustain large gaming operations. (August 26)
- CasinoBeats: The Big Lagoon Rancheria has become the second California tribe to formally oppose the state’s proposed sweepstakes casino ban, breaking ranks with the larger tribal coalition that supports the measure. (August 26)
- Sweepsy: The Big Lagoon Rancheria has asked California’s Senate Appropriations Committee to “pause consideration of AB 831 to allow for meaningful tribal consultation and consideration of the bill’s impacts,” becoming the second tribe to raise concerns over the proposed ban on sweepstakes casinos in California. In a letter dated Aug. 25 and signed by Tribal Chairperson Virgil Moorehead, the tribe urged lawmakers not to advance the measure without further dialogue. (August 25)
- Casino Reports: VGW dramatically raised the stakes of the industry’s fate in California on Monday when it announced a partnership with Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria tribe. (August 19)
- SCCG Management: The VGW California Tribal Partnership with the Kletsel Economic Development Authority (KEDA) marks a pivotal moment for sweepstakes and social gaming in the United States. By aligning with KEDA, VGW will introduce free-to-play social games and sweepstakes promotions in California. This development not only opens new digital entertainment opportunities but also reinforces the role of tribal partnerships in shaping the future of the gaming landscape. (August 19)
- Gambling News: If anything, [the VGW and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria tribe] alliance suggests that sweepstakes are not only here to stay, but they have found a viable business model in the face of established local partners. (August 19)
- NewsNet5.com: [The VGW and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria tribe] alliance indicates that sweepstakes and social gaming continue to have a viable path forward, especially when aligned with established local partners. (August 19)
- Sweepsy: KEDA’s stance marks the first visible tribal pushback, signaling that support for the bill is not universal. Although AB831 has formal support from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), doubts about whether the CNIGA represents every tribal entity within California’s borders rise as a result of this communication. This letter also signals that the debate over digital economic opportunities is as much about equity between tribes as it is about consumer protection. (August 15)
The California tribes warn that AB831 would disproportionately harm smaller tribes by stripping away lawful digital commerce opportunities, deepening disparities between large, established gaming tribes and more geographically isolated nations.
AB831 was introduced as a last-minute “gut-and-amend” bill in July, drawing opposition not only from tribal stakeholders but also from organizations including the ACLU of California, the American Transaction Processors Coalition, and the Association of National Advertisers.
The SGLA continues to urge California lawmakers to reject AB831 and instead pursue policies that expand economic opportunity, respect tribal sovereignty, and preserve access to popular forms of digital entertainment for all Californians.
If you would like to speak to a representative from a tribe in opposition to AB831 or an SGLA member, please reach out to Laurie Rossbach at laurie@sevenletter.com.
To learn more about SGLA, please visit our website at www.SGLeadership.org and our social channels at LinkedIn, X, Facebook and BlueSky.
Contact:
Laurie Rossbach
Partner, Seven Letter
202.258.7810
Laurie@SevenLetter.com
About the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) champions social gaming operators who offer innovative, free-to-play entertainment experiences enjoyed by millions of Americans while promoting responsible digital entertainment. Our partners set the standard for innovation, world class games and the responsible use of digital marketing including sweepstakes promotions. We advocate for appropriate oversight that recognizes the unique entertainment value of social online games, protects players, platforms and the community, and promotes responsible gameplay.
The SGLA’s operator partners are VGW, PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive and B-Two Operations, representing Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, Global Poker, Pulsz, Pulsz Bingo, Modo Casino, McLuck, HelloMillions and SpinBlitz. Other partners include major payments provider Nuvei. The SGLA’s advocacy and standards focus exclusively on online social games. Our advocacy does not extend to operators offering sports products or transacting in cryptocurrency.
