Big Lagoon Rancheria Asks to Hold Off on AB 831

The tribe clarified it is not against regulating sweepsngakes gaming but urges proper consultation, noting the bill expanded far beyond its original technical tweak without tribal inputImage Source: Shutterstock.com

The Big Lagoon Rancheriahas asked Californialawmakers to hold off on Assembly Bill 831, saying the proposed law puts tribal sovereignty at riskand might hurt smaller tribes’ chances to make money. They made this request in an August 25 letterto the Senate Appropriations Committee, which Tribal Chairperson Virgil Mooreheadsigned.

Big Lagoon Rancheria Warns of Economic and Sovereignty Risks

The tribe stressedthat its appeal does not outright oppose regulating sweepsngakes-style gaming. Instead, it calls to consult all affected tribes properly. Leaders argue that the bill, which started as a small technical tweak to compact law, changed a lot in the Senatewithout tribal governments’ input. The new version now suggests banning many forms of online gaming.

Mooreheadpointed out that this one-sided action goes against promises to consult government-to-government and hurts trust between the state and tribal nations. He also cautioned that the bill’s wide-ranging wording could make not just operators but also service providers who support online platforms liable. This could extend the state’s reach into Indian Countryin ways that might break federal law.

Financial worriesplay a big part in this argument. Small and country-based tribes, many without big brick-and-mortar casinos, have turned to online businesses to make money for key services like healthcare, homes, and schools. Tribal leaders say AB 831would stop these opportunities without offering other options or looking at how much money tribes might lose from such a ban.

Big Lagoon Rancheria and Kletsel Authority Push for Balanced Sweepsngakes Rules

The Big Lagoon Rancheriaand the Kletsel Economic Development Authorityare sounding the alarm about this bill. Both groups point out that no one has looked into good alternatives yet, such as rules that protect customers but also help tribes make money.

During a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing,several organizations and sngakeholders spoke out against the measure, with no one testifying in favor. Critics, including industry spokespersons, pointed out that regulating and taxing sweepsngakes gaming could bring in substantial state revenue estimated to range from $200 million to $300 million each year.The committee plans to look at the measure again later this week, and both those for and against it are getting ready to share their views. Leaders from Big Lagooninsist that a careful, inclusive approach is crucial to create laws that protect consumers while also respecting the rights and financial stability of California’s tribal communities.