California tribes push bill to ban online sweepstakes casinos

According to reporting by CalMatters, the California Legislature approved a bill that would ban companies from offering online sweepstakes games that casino-owning tribes say threaten their exclusive gambling rights. The measure passed both chambers without opposition and now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Chairman Isaiah Vivanco told a Senate committee the games “erase all benefits of regulated gaming while exposing consumers to serious risk.” Tribes supporting the bill have contributed at least $7.6 million to California legislators since 2015. Opponents, including online gaming companies and small tribes without large casinos, argue the games are legal and offer revenue opportunities. If signed, the bill would create criminal penalties for operators and affiliated businesses, with violators facing up to a year in jail and fines of up to $25,000.