California: Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians calls potential sweepstake ban a ‘threat’
The tribe argues that small tribes need economic diversification, and a ban on sweeps would only benefit wealthier tribes.
Key points:
– The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians has voiced opposition to California’s AB 831
– Secretary Buffey W. Bourassa said the bill “threatens our inherent right to create legitimate revenue streams to support our people”
– It was argued that the bill would benefit wealthier tribes while rural tribes would lose access to a source of income
Another US tribe has voiced its opposition to Assembly Bill 831. The bill, which aims to ban sweepstakes gaming in California, has been backed by some tribes, as sweepstakes gaming operates in the legal grey area that may threaten tribal gaming, however some tribes, including the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, disagree.
In a letter to Senator Anna Caballero and members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians Secretary Buffey W. Bourassa wrote: “On behalf of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, we respectfully oppose AB 831. This bill lacks the alleged unanimous support among California tribes, has advanced without meaningful consultation of broader tribal interests, and threatens our inherent right to create legitimate revenue streams to support our people.”
Bourassa goes on to explain that rural tribes, including theirs, face economic challenges, alongside difficulties in expanding their gaming operations. AB 831, Bourassa argues, “restrict emerging digital commerce opportunities that could provide essential supplemental revenue streams,” limiting the tribes ability to diversify its revenue streams while wealthier tribes are able to prosper without online competition.
Good to know: The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and the Social and Promotional Games Association have also called for the bill to be rejected
The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians is facing a range of economic challenges, including housing shortages, homelessness, poverty and unemployment. Native households also face significantly higher rates of food insecurity, making economic diversity essential. “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,” Bourassa added.
The letter concluded with the tribe urging the Committee to reject AB 831, and to instead consider an alternative policy that will positively benefit all tribal bodies.
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