Sherwood’s opposition highlights lack of unity even among gaming tribes, strengthening momentum against rushed legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – The Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians has formally opposed Assembly Bill 831 (AB831), becoming the third California tribe to push back against the measure that would ban legitimate online social games with sweepstakes promotions in the state.
Sherwood Valley, a member of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), which has previously supported AB831, has broken ranks to voice its strong opposition to the bill, underscoring that not only are California tribes divided on the bill, but so too are gaming tribes themselves.
SGLA partner B-Two Operations Limited, which operates brands including McLuck.com, has partnered with Sherwood Valley to collaborate around responsible digital gaming opportunities that will provide the tribe with innovative revenue streams.
“The addition of Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians to the growing opposition underscores what we’ve said from the beginning: AB831 is a rushed, flawed bill that lacks broad tribal consensus,” said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA and former Congressman. “Online social games are a popular, safe form of digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of Californians. Lawmakers should support policies that foster economic opportunity, respect tribal sovereignty, and expand access to legitimate digital entertainment.”
In a letter submitted to the California Senate Appropriations Committee, Sherwood Valley leaders argued that policies that restrict emerging digital commerce opportunities – as AB831 would do – limit economic options available to tribes that lack the advantages of wealthier gaming tribes.
Highlighting the need to address community challenges like housing shortages and overcrowding, homelessness, economic insecurity and poverty, unemployment and lack of job opportunities and transportation barriers to accessing essential services like education, jobs and healthcare, Buffey W. Bourassa, Secretary of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, wrote, “We urge the Committee to reject AB831 and instead support policy solutions that empower all tribes to diversify economically, address systemic challenges, and chart a path toward sustainable self-governance and prosperity.”
Sherwood Valley joins Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation (Cortina Rancheria) and Big Lagoon Rancheria in opposing AB831. Together, these tribes are challenging claims of tribal unanimity and warning lawmakers about the bill’s disproportionate harm to tribal nations with fewer resources.
AB831 was introduced as a last-minute “gut-and-amend” bill in July and has faced opposition not only from California tribal nations, but also from organizations including the ACLU of California, the American Transaction Processors Coalition, and the Association of National Advertisers, among others.
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About the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
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.
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.
