Kletsel Tribe Org. Opposes California Bill to Ban Sweepstakes

While there's been nearly unanimous tribal support of California's Assembly Bill 831, which would ban sweepstakes casinos, one group, the Kletsel Economic Development Authority, which consists of individuals that advocate on behalf of the financial and economic interests of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, has come out against the bill, saying it "restricts opportunity." 

So far, there has been strong tribal support for the bill's passage. 

On Aug. 18, 2025, the bill will be heard before the California Senate Appropriations Committee. This is the third and final Senate committee hearing. 

KEDA Sends a Letter

According to Sweepsy, the Kletsel Economic Development Authority (KEDA) sent a letter on August 7 to members of the Senate committee in which they said they are "respectfully opposing the bill." 

“This bill lacks unanimous support among California tribes, has advanced without meaningful consultation with many of us, and threatens our inherent right to create legitimate revenue streams to support our people," the letter said. 

KEDA's Rationale

In the letter, KEDA examines a divide within Indian Country. 

“For tribes like ours — far from high-traffic tourism corridors — geography has always limited traditional economic development. Large, well-established gaming tribes already benefit from these geographic advantages and decades of success. It is self-serving for them to advocate for policies that restrict emerging digital commerce opportunities for others, effectively holding smaller and less-advantaged tribes’ hostage to their location.”

Eric Wright, the CEO of KEDA, said that digital outlets are “one of the few viable ways for geographically isolated tribes to fund essential services: healthcare, education, housing, food security, and social programs,” stressing that “the need is urgent.” 

“Nearly 1 in 3 residents in California tribal areas live below the poverty line, and over one-third of homes are overcrowded or substandard. Native households face food insecurity rates up to 92% in some communities, compared to about 14% nationwide," KEDA added. 

The letter also said, “Reject AB 831 and work toward legislation that expands — not restricts — opportunity for every tribal nation.”

AB831 Moving Quickly

Assembly Bill 831 has been moving quickly through the legislative ranks. 

In June, it underwent a "gut-and-amend" which replaced what was a tribal-state compact bill with a broader sweepstakes ban. 

It advanced through the Assembly in its original iteration, allowing it to sail through the Senate quickly. 

There are two arguments surrounding this "maneuver." 

Those against so it gives opponents little time to organize and get prepared, whereas those in favor believe that this will stop unregulated gambling from continuing. 

If it passes in the Appropriations Committee, it could, realistically, be on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk by September. 

KEDA speaking out is quite substantial, as the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) is in support of it. 

We'll see if KEDA's letter has any impact on the August 18 hearing.