California Moves Closer to Banning Sweepstakes with Advancement of AB 831

California’s anti-sweepstakes bill, Assembly Bill 831, is rapidly gaining momentum and has now advanced to the Senate. If passed, this legislative measure would mark a significant shift by effectively banning dual-currency social casinos. These platforms, commonly known as sweepstakes, have attracted a lot of attention due to their unique free-to-play model. However, users often purchase paid currency to prolong their gaming experience, prompting intense scrutiny from regulators and licensed operators across the United States. They argue that these sweepstakes constitute illegal gambling, despite the industry’s claims to the contrary.

The push against sweepstakes isn’t limited to California alone; several states across the country have attempted to curtail this type of gaming. While some social casinos have halted their operations voluntarily in certain jurisdictions, comprehensive legislative efforts have frequently encountered roadblocks.

The push against sweepstakes isn’t limited to California alone; several states across the country have attempted to curtail this type of gaming. While some social casinos have halted their operations voluntarily in certain jurisdictions, comprehensive legislative efforts have frequently encountered roadblocks. AB 831 gains traction in a postlude to a previously unsuccessful anti-sweepstakes bill, establishing a crucial foothold in the Senate with a unanimous 7-0 vote from the Appropriation Committee. Yet, the journey is far from over, as the bill now faces the scrutiny and potential approval – or rejection – by the Senate.