California’s push to ban sweepstakes-style casinos and daily fantasy sports has gained significant momentum after Bill AB 831 cleared another crucial hurdle. On September 9, the bill passed unanimously in the State Senate with 36 votes in favor. This week, it was reviewed by the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee, where it was approved with 20 votes in favor, none against, and two abstentions. 

The committee’s overwhelming endorsement ensures that the bill confidently moves to the full State Assembly, where all 80 members will cast their votes in a decisive moment. Advocates of the legislation were pleased with the outcome, describing it as another encouraging indication that the proposal is on course for eventual passage within California’s evolving gambling industry.

An Unusual Legislative Path

AB 831 has taken a less conventional path through California’s legislative process. Instead of following the traditional route, the bill underwent what is known as a gut and amend procedure. This approach lets lawmakers replace the text of an existing bill with new rules while keeping the bill’s original place in the legislative process. As a result, AB 831 was voted on by the Senate before it was presented to the Assembly. This method has allowed the proposal to advance more quickly than most bills, adding urgency to the debate around regulating sweepstakes-style games and daily fantasy sports.

Legal Backdrop and Attorney General’s Opinion

The bill comes amid ongoing concerns from regulators and legal authorities about the rise of sweepstakes-style casinos and daily fantasy sports platforms in the state. In July 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a legal opinion that daily fantasy sports fall under the definition of betting on sporting events. Since sports betting remains illegal in California, his interpretation provided additional weight to efforts aimed at banning such activities.

Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to close legal loopholes that operators have used to justify offering games that closely resemble gambling. Opponents have argued in the past that fantasy sports should be considered a game of skill rather than a form of betting.

What Happens Next

The full State Assembly is expected to take up the bill as early as Friday, September 12, during its ongoing session. If approved, AB 831 will then head to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for final consideration. While Newsom has so far avoided making public statements on the policy, campaigners for the bill remain optimistic that he will not obstruct its passage.

If signed into law, California would formally ban sweepstakes-style casinos and daily fantasy sports, reshaping the state’s gaming landscape. With strong bipartisan support recorded so far, many observers believe the bill is likely to secure final approval.