The Big Lagoon Rancheria is calling on California lawmakers to pause Assembly Bill 831, warning that the measure threatens both tribal sovereignty and the economic prospects of smaller tribes. In an August 25 letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tribal Chairperson Virgil Moorehead emphasized that the tribe does not oppose regulation of sweepstakes-style gaming—but objects to the process and potential consequences.
According to Moorehead, what began as a modest technical update to tribal gaming law has evolved into a far-reaching online gaming crackdown. The revised bill, altered significantly in the Senate through a “gut-and-amend” tactic, was advanced without meaningful consultation with all tribes, especially those without large-scale casinos.
“AB 831 will eliminate digital business opportunities for various tribes by locking them out of emerging digital business sectors, without offsetting any offsetting benefits,”Moorehead wrote. He also noted the bill could extend liability not just to sweepstakes operators, but to service providers, encroaching on tribal jurisdictions and possibly violating federal law.
Economic Threats to Non-Gaming Tribes
Big Lagoon Rancheria, a federally recognized Yurok and Tolowa tribe in Humboldt County, has no active gaming operations. With only a small land base and limited population—17 residents according to the 2010 census—the tribe says online economic ventures like sweepstakes gaming have become a key means to support essential services, including housing and healthcare.
The tribe’s concerns echo those of the Kletsel Economic Development Authority, which last week joined the opposition. The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria, which has partnered with sweepstakes operator VGW, also voiced its objection, arguing that AB 831 stifles small tribes’ ability to compete in the digital economy.
Both tribes argue that lawmakers have not explored potential compromises, such as consumer protection frameworks that would allow sweepstakes gaming while ensuring safe and fair practices.
Stakeholder Opposition Builds Ahead of Senate Vote
During a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, opponents outnumbered supporters, with no public testimony in favor of the bill. Industry advocates noted that legalizing and regulating sweepstakes gaming could potentially generate between $200 million and $300 million in annual state revenue—an argument for regulation over prohibition.
Despite growing opposition from smaller tribes, AB 831 continues to enjoy strong backing from larger tribal organizations, including the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. These groups argue the measure protects tribal gaming exclusivity.
Currently, the bill resides on the Senate’s Suspense File calendar due to its fiscal impact. Lawmakers are scheduled to decide on August 29 whether to advance it to a full Senate vote or let it die. Because of the sweeping changes made in the Senate, the Assembly would also need to re-approve the bill before California’s legislative session concludes on October 15.
Big Lagoon leaders insist that any law governing sweepstakes or digital gaming must reflect genuine government-to-government consultation. Without that, they warn, AB 831 risks undermining trust between the state and tribal nations—and jeopardizing the financial stability of the very communities it claims to support.
Source:
“Big Lagoon Rancheria Asks to Hold Off on AB 831”, newsbreak.com, August 26, 2025
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