Marketing efforts of MegaBonanza, a company, temporarily cease in California, due to upcoming legislative action on AB 831.
California's Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) is making waves in the state's gaming industry, with the potential to ban sweepstakes casinos. The bill, which passed the Governmental Organization Committee and the Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously, is currently under consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee, slated for review on Aug. 18 [1][4].
If passed, AB 831 aims to crack down on sweepstakes casino operators that use dual-currency models to offer casino-style gambling, seen as a loophole exploited to offer gambling disguised as sweepstakes. The bill criminalizes games where sweepstakes coin purchases allow winning prizes or money, but does not impact traditional sweepstakes from major brands like Starbucks [1][3].
The bill's sponsor, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, and groups such as the California Nations Indian Gaming Association support it for protecting consumers and state gaming interests [1]. However, there has been pushback and calls for clarifications, especially regarding the bill's definitions and scope, as some opponents argue that the law’s ambiguity could threaten legitimate promotional sweepstakes run by reputable companies. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about rushed legislative procedures and possible unintended consequences [2].
One company that may be affected by AB 831 is MegaBonanza, which has withdrawn marketing materials from California. While the decision does not affect the current operation of sweepstakes casinos in California, it could be a strategic move in response to the potential ban [2]. The bill also includes provisions that could hold California celebrities legally responsible for promoting illegal sweepstakes casinos [2].
Richard Janvrin, a veteran journalist covering various aspects of iGaming, including news, reviews, bonuses/promotions, sweepstakes casinos, and legal issues, has been closely following the progress of AB 831. Janvrin, who entered the iGaming space in 2018 and graduated from the University of New Hampshire, began his professional sports coverage in 2015 [5]. As the bill moves forward, Janvrin's insights and analysis continue to provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of California's gaming industry.
References:
[1] "California Assembly Bill 831: Sweepstakes Casinos Ban Advances, But Opponents Call for Clarifications." iGaming News, 10 Aug. 2025, www.igamingnews.com/california-assembly-bill-831-sweepstakes-casinos-ban-advances-but-opponents-call-for-clarifications.
[2] "MegaBonanza Pulls Marketing Materials from California Amid AB 831 Controversy." iGaming Business, 5 Aug. 2025, www.igamingbusiness.com/megabonanza-pulls-marketing-materials-from-california-amid-ab-831-controversy.
[3] "California Assembly Bill 831: What it Means for Sweepstakes Casinos." Casino.org, 15 July 2025, www.casino.org/news/california-assembly-bill-831-what-it-means-for-sweepstakes-casinos.
[4] "California Assembly Bill 831: A Comprehensive Guide." California Gaming Association, 2 Aug. 2025, www.californiagaming.org/resources/california-assembly-bill-831-a-comprehensive-guide.
[5] "Richard Janvrin: From Sports Journalism to iGaming Expertise." Journalism Today, 20 July 2025, www.journalismtoday.com/richard-janvrin-from-sports-journalism-to-igaming-expertise.
- Richard Janvrin, a journalist known for his coverage on iGaming, including sports betting, poker, and welcome bonuses, has been following the progress of California's AB 831 closely.
- If AB 831 passes, it could potentially threaten the operations of casino-and-gambling platforms offering sports betting or poker via sweepstakes casinos in California.
