California anti-sweepstakes bill is one vote closer to passing

Key points:

– The bill was approved 20 votes to zero with two abstentions

– It will now progress to the final vote before it reaches Governor Newsom

– Final State Assembly verdict could arrive very soon

Bill AB 831 has taken a slightly unusual route through the Californian state legislature – the ‘gut and amend’ process by which the bill would theoretically enter law, replacing and modifying a pre-existing bill, means it was voted on in the upper house before making its way to the Assembly. 

On 9 September, the bill that would outlaw sweepstakes style casinos and daily fantasy sports was unanimously voted through by the 36 senators present in the upper chamber. 

Now, it has been seen by an Assembly committee that specialises in policy relating to gaming among other things, The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee.

Having been read and scrutinised at this preliminary session in Sacramento, the bill has passed again with 20 ayes and zero noes. 

Though no dissent was recorded, there were two abstentions. 

The result of this new victory for the bill will be that it will now go to the full State Assembly for all 80 members to vote on. 

Good to know: California Attorney General Rob Bonta gave his opinion in July 2025 that daily fantasy sports games meet the definition of betting on sporting events, which is illegal in the state 

If, as seems likely at this point, the bill is again passed, all that will remain is for Governor Gavin Newsom to sign it into state law. 

The session will continue on Friday 12 September and it is possible a verdict will be given by the Assembly in short order. 

Newsom has remained tight-lipped on the topic up until now, so it remains uncertain if he would prove to be a stumbling block for the bill, though campaigners for the bill are confident in its safe passage. 

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Rory Calland

Journalist

Rory Calland is a journalist and Staff Writer at Gambling Insider, having joined the publication in June 2025. Based in the United Kingdom, he covers breaking news, industry developments and market trends across the global gambling and iGaming sectors.

At Gambling Insider, Rory reports on key commercial, regulatory and financial stories affecting operators, suppliers and stakeholders, producing timely analysis and exclusive coverage for the brand’s professional B2B audience. He has also showcased his reporting on notable industry developments such as major funding rounds, regulatory movements and market expansion.

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