The Social & Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has announced broad-based support in its pushback against California Assembly Bill 831A, a controversial proposal that seeks to ban sweepstakes-style gaming statewide. The bill’s current language has drawn widespread criticism for its vagueness and potential to impact not just casino-style sweepstakes, but also traditional promotions and marketing campaigns.
Coalition Grows to Challenge AB 831A
Prominent organizations now standing with SPGA include:
- ACLU California Action
- Association of National Advertisers — representing brands like Google & NBCUniversal
- American Transaction Processors Coalition
- Californians United for a Responsible Budget
- Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA)
- Virtual Gaming World
SPGA argues that AB 831A was introduced using a “gut-and-amend” tactic—replacing the bill’s content late in the legislative process—and that the overly broad language introduces legal ambiguity, potentially outlawing lawful sweepstakes and promotional activities used by nonprofits, retailers, and tech platforms.
Shared Concerns Over Consumer Impact
A spokesperson for SPGA expressed gratitude to the diverse coalition joining the effort:
“This diverse coalition, including civil liberties advocates, leading businesses, and industry groups, reflects a shared belief that the bill, as written, could have unintended consequences for lawful promotional practices without offering clear consumer protections.”
The groups are urging lawmakers to significantly revise AB 831A, citing concerns about potential harm to businesses, infringement on commercial speech, and disruption of legitimate marketing channels.
Legal Battles Expand Across California’s Gaming Landscape
Meanwhile, California’s daily fantasy sports (DFS) sector is also under fire. Lawsuits targeting major DFS operators—including FanDuel, DraftKings, Underdog Fantasy, and PrizePicks—claim their offerings constitute illegal gambling. California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently echoed this view, suggesting DFS platforms should be barred from operating in the state.
Separately, tribal operators have intensified opposition to prediction market platform Kalshi, arguing that its growth undermines traditional wagering models. As legal pressure mounts, stakeholders across multiple gaming verticals are bracing for a volatile regulatory landscape in California.
