Three California tribes will rally outside the State Capitol next week to oppose Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), a measure they argue threatens tribal sovereignty and limits economic opportunity.
The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, and the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria announced plans to rally on September 8 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The protest will take place on the grounds of the State Capitol in Sacramento.
AB 831 is at the center of the dispute
AB 831 was introduced late in the legislative session through a “gut and amend” maneuver. If passed, it would ban online social games that use sweepstakes promotions. The tribes opposing AB 831 cite several key concerns, including:
- Disproportionate harm to less wealthy tribes — the bill would cut off emerging economic opportunities for tribes without large casino operations.
- Restrictions on tribal sovereignty — AB 831 limits the ability of tribes to determine their own economic futures.
- Loss of digital entertainment for Californians — the legislation would ban a popular form of online sweepstakes gaming.
- Rushed legislative process — AB 831 was introduced through a “gut and amend” tactic late in session, leaving little time for tribal consultation or debate.
- Lack of tribal consensus — the bill is backed by San Manuel, but smaller tribes argue it does not reflect the interests of all tribal nations.
The advisory also underscores a lack of unity among tribes on AB 831. While the bill is supported by San Manuel, one of California’s largest gaming tribes, smaller tribes have come out strongly against it.
“Representatives from tribal nations will be urging state legislators to vote ‘NO’ on this harmful and rushed legislation,” the advisory states.
Opposing tribes are calling for lawmakers to replace AB 831 with a modern regulatory framework. They argue that such an approach could expand economic opportunities, respect tribal sovereignty, generate new revenue for the state, and preserve access to online entertainment for Californians
Where things stand with the smaller tribes
Beyond opposing AB 831, several of the tribes have also moved to establish partnerships with sweepstakes casino operators:
- The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation (Cortina Rancheria) has partnered with VGW, the operator behind platforms such as Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker. This alliance highlights their intent to pursue digital gaming as an economic opportunity. Sweepsy+1
- The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has formed a collaboration with B-Two Operations Limited, known for managing sweepstakes casino brands like McLuck and Hello Millions.
- The Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, who also oppose AB 831, have partnered with Yellow Social Interactive, the company behind Pulsz Casino and Pulsz Bingo.
