Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria gathered outside the State Capitol in Sacramento to protest Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831).

If passed, the bill would limit economic opportunities available to less wealthy tribes in the state by banning legitimate online social games using sweepstakes promotions. It would also eliminate more than $1 billion of existing economic activity generated by the industry in California, and close off a potential new revenue source for the state via sensible, modern regulation and taxation.

“AB831 is a flawed and rushed bill that lacks broad tribal consensus. As Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria have made clear, this bill would limit economic options available to tribes and worsen already fragile economic conditions. What California lawmakers should focus on instead is creating proper regulation that supports online social games, creates new revenue sources for the state and protects economic opportunities for all tribes,” said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA and former Congressman.

The tribes’ protest focused on the following themes:

• Economic Disparity. Tribes in more geographically isolated areas often lack the scale and resources of wealthy, established gaming tribes. The policies proposed in AB 831 would eliminate digital commerce opportunities for economically disadvantaged tribes to partner with social gaming operators that could provide essential supplemental revenue streams to fund essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, food security, and social programs.

• Lack of Tribal Unity. The increasing number of tribes coming out in opposition to AB 831 highlights the growing divide amongst tribal nations when it comes to the legislation.

• Violation of Tribal Sovereignty. AB 831 contains broad criminalization language that would impose criminal penalties on those who “support directly or indirectly the operation, conduct, or promotion of an online sweepstakes game.” As written, AB 831 also applies to tribal nations. Extending State criminal jurisdiction into Indian Country violates federal law and is an encroachment on tribal sovereignty.

“For communities long overlooked and geographically isolated, digital commerce is not a luxury – it is a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline. Tribal members gather at the State Capitol today to ask lawmakers to stand for tribal equity, sovereignty, and economic justice by voting NO on AB 831,” said Eric Wright, Tribal Administrator of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation and CEO of Kletsel Economic Development Authority, the tribe’s economic development arm.

“We were proud to join with other tribes at the Capitol in Sacramento to tell lawmakers that eliminating legitimate, regulated digital enterprise will only deepen the disparities our people face, erode our tribal self-sufficiency, and contradict California’s stated commitment to equity and inclusion for all tribal nations. We call on California legislators to reject AB 831 and instead advance inclusive policies that support digital innovation, economic diversification, and tribal self-determination. The future of our communities depends on it,” Buffey Bourassa, Secretary of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, said.

“This bill has moved forward without meaningful consultation with our tribes, and it threatens to even further entrench a two-tiered system that benefits wealthy gaming tribes while marginalizing more rural nations like ours. We urge California lawmakers to reject AB 831 and stand firmly for tribal sovereignty, equity, and economic justice,” said Dennis Ramirez, Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria.

Previously, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria have sent letters to state legislators, including President pro Tempore Senator Mike McGuire and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Anna Caballero, voicing their opposition against AB 831 and the harm the bill would cause their tribes.

AB 831 was introduced as a last-minute “gut-and-amend” bill in July. The members of these tribal nations and others are urging California lawmakers to reject AB 831 and instead pursue policies that expand economic opportunity, respect tribal sovereignty, and preserve access to popular forms of digital entertainment for all Californians.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department” or “ADG”) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the United Kingdom, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the ‘Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,’ currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to ‘Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home.’

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”

Why This Operation Is Illegal

Arizona law prohibits gambling unless it is specifically authorized (A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 33). There is no exception for so-called “sweepstakes.” Raffles may only be conducted by Arizona charitable, tax-exempt organizations (A.R.S. § 13-3302(B) & (C)), and personal profit is prohibited. Only individuals 21 years of age or older may legally participate in gambling in Arizona.

Because this operation is accessible to users under the age of 21, is conducted for personal gain, and is not conducted by a qualified nonprofit, it violates Arizona law. Additional potential felony violations include:

• Promotion of Gambling – A.R.S. § 13-3303
• Illegal Control of an Enterprise – A.R.S. § 13-2312
• Money Laundering – A.R.S. § 13-2317

Furthermore, foreign-based platforms, such as Raffall, do not adhere to Arizona or U.S. gambling laws, leaving consumers without essential protections.

Consumer Protection Advisory

As illegal online gambling activity continues to rise, the Department urges all residents and visitors to be cautious when participating in gaming, whether online or in-person. Regulated gaming provides important consumer protections, ensuring fair play and fair drawings, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.

If you purchased entries in this illegal gambling operation:

• Stop participating immediately and do not buy additional entries.
• Contactyourbank or credit card company to dispute the charges or request a chargeback. Your financial institution is the best avenue for seeking a refund.
• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
• IdentityTheft.gov (English)
• RobodeIdentidad.gov (Spanish)

Important: The Department cannot assist with refund requests or individual disputes against unlicensed platforms. Consumers must work through their financial institutions to protect themselves and/or retain legal counsel. They may also file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.