Rural tribes oppose AB 831 in California
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9 Sep 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes California is the scene of an unprecedented political and cultural confrontation. Four tribes from the north of the state gathered in front of the Capitol in Sacramento on 8 September to protest against AB 831. The bill, which aims to ban online gambling linked to sweepstakes promotions, could disrupt a sector estimated to generate more than a billion dollars in annual revenue.
When the digital economy becomes a lifeline
The heart of the controversy lies in the dependence of small rural tribes on revenues generated by digital partnerships. Social gaming platforms using sweepstakes promotions have opened up an alternative economic path for these isolated communities, deprived of large-scale casinos.
According to Eric Wright, Tribal Administrator of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, these activities fund essential programmes such as healthcare, social housing, education and food. The same is true of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria. Its secretary, Buffey Bourassa, sees AB 831 as a direct threat to the autonomy and economic dignity of her nation.
Small tribes denounce favouritism towards large casinos
Behind the legal debate, a deeper rift is emerging between American Indian nations. The large tribes operating casinos are overwhelmingly supporting AB 831 through the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). Their argument: sweepstakes-type games would be tantamount to illegal gambling, undermining the regulatory power of recognised nations.
But for Dennis Ramirez, President of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, the text is akin to political manoeuvring. In his view, the small tribes would be left out in favour of the powerful operators who already have prosperous casinos.
Beyond the financial stakes, AB 831 raises a crucial issue: that of sovereignty. Opponents fear that the wording of the bill would open the door to criminal sanctions directly applicable to tribal nations. A prospect that would contravene federal protections prohibiting the California government from exercising direct control over Native American territories.
Supporters of AB 831 fight back
On the side of the project’s defenders, the tone is just as firm. James Siva, President of the CNIGA, accuses sweepstakes companies of manipulating small tribes. For him, the legislation is a necessity: it would strengthen the legality of the gambling sector and consolidate the sovereignty of the large nations that already have a solid infrastructure.
A community divide under the spotlight
The demonstration on 8 September highlighted the depth of the divisions within the Californian tribal movement itself. On one side, the large nations who want to protect their economic model and avoid any competition considered illegal. On the other, small rural tribes who see digital technology as a unique opportunity to prosper.
AB 831 is currently making its way through the legislative process. Its future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle over sweepstakes has reawakened deep-seated tensions in a tribal landscape already marked by strong disparities.This conflict goes far beyond the borders of California. Observers believe that the outcome of the debate could set a precedent for other American states facing similar issues. The issues at stake combine sovereignty, fairness and the regulation of gambling in the digital age.