California bans social sweepstake games in a move to curb in on sweepstake gaming legislation and on how to define and regulate social gaming. California is one of the largest states in the US, and is about to loose an estimated 200-300 million a year in tax revenues. Cutting the budget for the state by some margin.
What has happened?
California Governor Gavin Newson has signed a bill AB 831 banning the promotion of sweepstakes in social online casinos or games. Although passed by the California Senate and Assembly, the move has drawn up some criticism from various groups. The SGLA,Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, has voiced concern that the decision to ban the games outright, will squeeze the economic household even further.
Several tribal nations,including the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria, opposed strongly, as they are arguing, the move is undermining their tribal sovereignty.
What role are tribal groups playing in California?
Pro and contra within the Tribes. Most tribes have supported the ban via AB 831, and felt, sweepstake platforms in the way run currently, undermining their role in the business. Many tribes has some sort of monopoly on certain games, and sweepstakes are giving a loophole to bypass those.
Opposition is coming from smaller tribal groups, arguing, the move is excluding players from entering a safe digital arrangements.