Sweepstakes Gaming Groups Merge to Counter Ban in California
Expertise: iGaming, Online casinos
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The development is in response to the California Assembly approval of Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), which proposes the ban of sweepstakes gaming in the state. The measure now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, which could potentially shut down online sweepstakes games in California, if signed.
The SPGA was founded in September 2024 to inform people about sweepstakes and push for responsible gaming in unregulated markets, while the SGLA was created in May 2025 by companies like VGW, Playstudios, and Yellow Social Interactive. Both groups fought against AB 831, which passed with a 79-0 vote in the Assembly and 36-0 in the Senate.
The SPGA is joining forces with the SGLA. The industry needs one clear voice. We’re proud of what our members have done and excited for the SGLA to lead the way.
With the merger, the two groups aim to strengthen the industry’s voice in California, the biggest sweepstakes gaming market in the US. If AB 831 becomes law by October 12, 2025, it will put California in line with places like New York and New Jersey that already limit sweepstakes casinos. It could also force the closure of popular sweepstakes gaming sites like Club WPT Gold and Global Poker.
Tribal Communities Weigh the Impact
The bill has stirred up debate among tribal gaming groups, a key part of California’s economy. Some tribal leaders back AB 831 to protect regulated markets, but others worry it could hurt smaller tribes that rely on digital income.
Laws like AB 831 block new online business opportunities that could bring in much-needed extra income, giving bigger tribes with strong gaming ties an unfair edge.
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What’s Next for Sweepstakes Gaming
With this merger, the SGLA is set to lead the charge as other states like Michigan and Washington look at similar bans. The fate of AB 831 will be a major moment for the industry, with advocates urging Newsom to veto the bill to keep online poker and sweepstakes alive. As the SGLA steps up, its work to handle these challenges will shape the future of sweepstakes gaming across the country.
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