Key Points
- AB 831 targets online sweepstakes casinos, fantasy sports
- Tribal nations support the bill to protect regulated gaming
- Legislation aims to impose penalties on operators and affiliates
California lawmakers have introduced a bill called
AB 831. It aims to stop online sweepstakes casinos and some fantasy sports platforms from operating without more regulatory oversight.
Assemblymember Avelino Valencia leads this effort, with the support of tribal nations and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA).
What AB 831 does
AB 831 defines fantasy sports and sweeps casinos as sites offering games of chance disguised as fair outcome games. The bill also targets people who promote these sites, like affiliate marketers. If the bill passes, operators and promoters could face stiff penalties. The goal is to remove these platforms from California’s online space.
Potential ban on fantasy sports
AB 831 may also affect daily fantasy sports platforms. A recent report from
local outlet KCRA-TV
suggests California’s Attorney General is considering a full ban on these platforms. Former Senator Scott Wilk began looking at the legality of DFS in October 2023, and the coming days could bring a blanket decision.
Fantasy sports sites, like sweepstakes casinos, don’t have the same regulation to rely on like legislative-approved online casinos. They let users create virtual teams and win prizes based on real-world sports results. Critics say these platforms resemble gambling.
A
joint letter to state legislators
from the CNIGA was sent to preemptively oppose any legislation that would legalize DFS, according to KCRA’s report.
“Despite this pending opinion, some fantasy sports interests are already approaching members of the Legislature to author and/or support a bill on this issue,” the letter reads. “We respectfully urge you to withhold any commitments or authorships until the Attorney General releases his opinion.
“It is essential that all stakeholders—including the Legislature—have the benefit of clear legal guidance and facts before proceeding with any legislation. Should a bill be introduced before the Attorney General’s opinion is released and fully evaluated, we will be compelled to oppose it.”
This comes on the heels of CNIGA expressing concern with DFS contests in January 2024.
Why tribes support the bill
Tribal nations back AB 831 to protect people from unregulated gambling sites. These groups say sweepstakes casinos operate in a legal gray area that offer casino-style games using a model that avoids state gambling laws, thereby hurting casinos that do abide by regulations. This refers to a system of virtual coins or sweepstakes entries that allow users to indirectly play for real money.
CNIGA has pointed out that these platforms lack the oversight needed to protect players like regulated betting does. The concern is that lack of proper guardrails can lead to fraud or unfair practices for players. With this in mind, the group believes AB 831 will create a safer, fairer gaming environment in California.
How the bill moves forward
Introduced in the 2025-2026 session, the bill is open for public review. It does not involve funding or local programs, per state records. The state legislature is reviewing the bill now, with more talks expected soon. AB 831 would need a majority vote to pass.
The California Legislative Information website tracks AB 831’s progress. Anyone interested can sign up for updates through the state’s tracking official legislative portal, which sends alerts about the bill’s key developments.
Impact on California’s gaming rules
AB 831 appears to further tighten California’s strict gaming laws by banning sweepstakes casinos, which is part of a California’s broader effort to regulate online gaming. Lawmakers aim to balance tribal rights with state control despite the risk of limiting players’ options.
If passed, the bill could influence other states facing similar issues with unregulated online gaming as the industry looks to maximize tax revenue.
