Social Gaming Leadership Alliance urges Governor Newsom to veto anti-sweepstakes bill

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Sweepstakes advocacy group the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance is hoping to open up discussions with the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the hope that he will veto Assembly Bill 831.

The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Avelino Valencia, aims to ban online sweepstakes casinos from operating statewide. It passed the legislature on September 12 with a 63-0 vote in the Assembly, and now awaits Newsom’s signature.

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The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance’s calls for a veto following similar objections from Native American Tribes: Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria.

The advocacy group has also noted several reasons the bill is a bad idea, including a recent poll that shows 85% of Californians believe these games should be allowed to continue, either as they are, or with stronger regulations and taxation.

Social Gaming Leadership Alliance Executive Director Jeff Duncan said the bill will set the state back in terms of digital innovation in the igaming space, as well as stripping US$1 billion from the economy.

Duncan added, “We implore Governor Newsom to veto this bill and instead open the door for online social games to support economically disadvantaged tribal nations and the state’s economy while positioning California as a leader in next-generation gaming technology.”

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