The Senate modifications to AB 831, which forbids online casino sweepstakes companies in the Golden State, were approved by the California State Assembly on Friday.
Assemblyperson Avelino Valencia’s bill was approved by a vote of 63-0 without any debate on the floor. The law is now on its way to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has 30 days to approve it or reject it. The bill becomes law at the conclusion of the 30-day period if he does nothing. The bill was moved by the Senate on Tuesday, 36-0.
The Social Leadership and Gaming Alliance released a statement almost immediately after the vote, expressing displeasure.
“The California Assembly’s decision to approve AB 831 is extremely disappointing,” commented SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan. “This bill will immediately deprive the state’s economy of $1 billion, in addition to the fact that it would exacerbate economic disparities among California tribes, place California at the back of the line in terms of digital innovation in this area, and eliminate a popular form of entertainment for residents.”
“Instead of allowing online social games to boost the state’s economy and economically underprivileged tribal nations, we urge Governor Newsom to veto this bill and establish California as a pioneer in next-generation gaming technology.”
A victory for the majority of the tribes
The bill has nearly universal support in California’s Indian Country. However, four Northern California gambling tribes that are either non- or limited have backed the bill with the SGLA. At the committee hearing on Thursday, representatives of those four tribes, most notably the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, voiced their disapproval.
In an email sent to Casino Reports on Friday, a representative said, “The Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) applauds the bipartisan, unanimous passage of Assembly Bill 831.” “This significant victory for California closes harmful loopholes used by illicit online sweepstakes casinos and protects consumers.”
Two of the most prosperous gaming tribes in Southern California, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, are among the 13 members of TASIN.
The vote on Friday ended AB 831’s convoluted path around the Sacramento statehouse because the law was a “gut-and-amend” of the previous legislature. After Valencia made changes to his bill that safeguarded social sweepstakes operators, it returned to second reading in the upper house last week after passing three Senate committees.
Courtesy:https://www.covers.com, https://www.casino.org, https://pechanga.net
