California now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to see if sweepstakes will be outlawed
Various parties have spoken out against AB 813, which could wipe out a $1-billion industry, they warn
Gov. Newsom has 30 days to decide and either veto, pass, or take no action on the bill
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has voiced its concerns over the successful advancement of Assembly Bill 813, which is now likely to materialize as enforceable law.

Listen to reason, SGLA urges Californian governor, lawmakers
These steps could now lead to the likely outlawing of social sweepstakes products, such as casinos in the state, and cost California a $1-billion industry, the SGLA warned in a press statement.

“Today’s hearing exposed the committee’s complete disregard for facts, economic reality, and the voices of tens of thousands of Californians, all to hand monopoly power to tribes that have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Las Vegas and California coastal properties,” SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan argued.

Before this reality comes to pass, however, AB 831 still needs a nod from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who would have to pass or veto the bill. The governor has 30 days to decide. If he refrains from either signing or vetoing it, the bill will automatically become a law within 30 days.

Yet, the SGLA may have reason to worry as lawmakers are indeed moving against the sector at a rapid clip, whether they want to entrench the interests of a select few or out of fear that the sector is skirting sector regulation.

The SGLA has argued that the premise of AB 831 is false. There is nothing illegal about social sweepstakes casinos, which are completely legal and based on precedent, the association further argued.