3rd California Tribe Comes Out Against Proposed Anti-Sweeps Bill

A third California tribe, the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, has come out against California AB 831, a bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos. 

The tribe sent a letter to the California Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, stating that the bill “has advanced without meaningful consultation of broader tribal interests.”

In addition to the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Big Lagoon Rancheria, and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, other groups have come out against the legislation. 

More About the Letter Sent 

The letter was written by Buffey W. Bourassa, the tribe's secretary. 

Bourassa writes to lawmakers, telling them to “reject AB 831 and instead support policy solutions that empower all tribes to diversify economically, address systemic challenges, and chart a path toward sustainable self-governance and prosperity.”

Bourassa also included five reasons to oppose the bill, including housing shortages/overcrowding, possible homelessness, unemployment, transportation issues, and economic problems within their community.

Other Tribes Expressed Similar Concerns

During a discussion regarding the bill earlier this week, Jason Hiles, the executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association, voiced similar concerns as Bourassa. 

Giles said the legislation was moving far too quickly and that it had been significantly altered since its introduction. 

The American Civil Liberties Union also opposed the bill, citing economic concerns and tribal sovereignty. 

Also in Bourassa's note, the following was added: “Digital platforms offer vital opportunities for tribes to diversify revenue sources beyond traditional gaming and fund essential services.”

Alliance Between Tribe and B-Two Operations

As the discourse around the bill has continued, tribes and operators have been partnering up, including the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, which has linked up with Virtual Gaming Worlds, the operator of Chumba Casino, Global Poker, and LuckyLand Slots. 

Now, the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has allied with B-Two Operations, the operator of sweepstakes casinos like McLuck and Hello Millions. 

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance announced this partnership on Thursday. 

“The addition of Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians to the growing opposition underscores what we’ve said from the beginning: AB831 is a rushed, flawed bill that lacks broad tribal consensus,” said former congressman and Executive Director of SGLA, Jeff Duncan. “Online social games are a popular, safe form of digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of Californians. Lawmakers should support policies that foster economic opportunity, respect tribal sovereignty, and expand access to legitimate digital entertainment.”