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.
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), which counts B-Two among its partners, announced the collaboration Thursday. The organization said the partnership will create innovative revenue opportunities while supporting responsible play.
“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.”
Sherwood Valley joins growing opposition
In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sherwood Valley leaders said AB831 would block emerging digital commerce opportunities. They stressed that smaller tribes rely on such options to address challenges like unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and education.
Bufey W. Bourassa, Secretary of the Sherwood Valley Band 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, which is part of the CNIGA (which has endorsed AB831), joins the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation (Cortina Rancheria) and Big Lagoon Rancheria in rejecting the bill. Their stance highlights growing resistance among tribes and industry groups who argue AB831 would unfairly limit economic options.
The Sherwood Valley Band’s opposition to AB831 is unique compared to that of the other two tribes because it owns its own casino, Sherwood Valley Casino, while the other two tribes don’t.
Last week, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation formed a partnership with sweeps operator VGW, which owns Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker. No partnerships have been publicly announced yet with the Big Lagoon Rancheria.
