CA AB 831
enactedGambling: operation of a contest or sweepstakes.
California · 2025-2026 Regular Session · lower
Quick answers
Did CA AB 831 pass?
Yes. CA AB 831 has been enacted into law as of 2025-10-11. Latest recorded action (2025-10-11): Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 623, Statutes of 2025.
What is CA AB 831 about?
Existing law prohibits specified unfair acts or practices undertaken or committed by any person in the operation of any contest or sweepstakes including, among other things, using or offering for use any method intended to be used by a person interacting with an electronic video monitor to simulate gambling or play gambling-themed games in a business establishment that directly or indirectly implements the predetermination of sweepstakes cash, cash-equivalent prizes, or other prizes of value, or otherwise connects a sweepstakes player or participant with sweepstakes cash, cash-equivalent prizes, or other prizes of value. This bill would specify that using or offering for use any method, including an internet website or an online application, in the manner described above is prohibited, and would make conforming changes. The bill would delete the term "gambling-themed games" from the above-described provisions, and revise the description of "gambling" to include examples, such as lottery games, bingo, sports wagering, or any game that mimics or simulates similar gambling, as specified. The bill would make an unfair practice using or offering games of these types that use a system of payment that allows a person to play or participate in a simulated gambling program for direct or indirect consideration, as specified, and for which the person playing the simulated gambling program may become eligible for a prize or award, cash or cash equivalents, or a chance to win a prize or award, or cash or cash equivalents, in a business establishment, on the internet, or using an online application. The bill would specify that these provisions do not make a game that does not award cash prizes or cash equivalents unlawful. Existing law makes it unlawful to engage in specified activities related to gambling, including, among others, (1) proposing or drawing a lottery, (2) dealing or playing certain games played with cards, dice, or any device for money, and (3) manufacturing, repairing, or owning slot machines. A violation of these prohibitions is a misdemeanor. This bill would make it unlawful for any person or entity to operate, conduct, or offer an online sweepstakes game, as defined, in this state. The bill would make it unlawful for any entity, financial institution, payment processor, geolocation provider, gaming content supplier, platform provider, or media affiliate to knowingly and willfully support directly or indirectly the operation, conduct, or promotion of an online sweepstakes game within this state. The bill would make a person who violates these provisions guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not less than $1,000 nor more than $25,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment. By creating new crimes, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would specify that these provisions do not make unlawful or otherwise restrict lawful games and methods used by a gambling enterprise licensed under the Gambling Control Act or operations of the California State Lottery. The bill would specify that these provisions do not make unlawful game promotions or sweepstakes conducted by for-profit commercial entities on a limited and occasional basis as an advertising and marketing tool that are incidental to substantial bona fide sales of consumer products or services and that are not intended to provide a vehicle for the establishment of ongoing gambling or gaming. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Who sponsors CA AB 831?
Valencia is the primary sponsor of CA AB 831.
Description
Existing law prohibits specified unfair acts or practices undertaken or committed by any person in the operation of any contest or sweepstakes including, among other things, using or offering for use any method intended to be used by a person interacting with an electronic video monitor to simulate gambling or play gambling-themed games in a business establishment that directly or indirectly implements the predetermination of sweepstakes cash, cash-equivalent prizes, or other prizes of value, or otherwise connects a sweepstakes player or participant with sweepstakes cash, cash-equivalent prizes, or other prizes of value. This bill would specify that using or offering for use any method, including an internet website or an online application, in the manner described above is prohibited, and would make conforming changes. The bill would delete the term "gambling-themed games" from the above-described provisions, and revise the description of "gambling" to include examples, such as lottery games, bingo, sports wagering, or any game that mimics or simulates similar gambling, as specified. The bill would make an unfair practice using or offering games of these types that use a system of payment that allows a person to play or participate in a simulated gambling program for direct or indirect consideration, as specified, and for which the person playing the simulated gambling program may become eligible for a prize or award, cash or cash equivalents, or a chance to win a prize or award, or cash or cash equivalents, in a business establishment, on the internet, or using an online application. The bill would specify that these provisions do not make a game that does not award cash prizes or cash equivalents unlawful. Existing law makes it unlawful to engage in specified activities related to gambling, including, among others, (1) proposing or drawing a lottery, (2) dealing or playing certain games played with cards, dice, or any device for money, and (3) manufacturing, repairing, or owning slot machines. A violation of these prohibitions is a misdemeanor. This bill would make it unlawful for any person or entity to operate, conduct, or offer an online sweepstakes game, as defined, in this state. The bill would make it unlawful for any entity, financial institution, payment processor, geolocation provider, gaming content supplier, platform provider, or media affiliate to knowingly and willfully support directly or indirectly the operation, conduct, or promotion of an online sweepstakes game within this state. The bill would make a person who violates these provisions guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not less than $1,000 nor more than $25,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment. By creating new crimes, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would specify that these provisions do not make unlawful or otherwise restrict lawful games and methods used by a gambling enterprise licensed under the Gambling Control Act or operations of the California State Lottery. The bill would specify that these provisions do not make unlawful game promotions or sweepstakes conducted by for-profit commercial entities on a limited and occasional basis as an advertising and marketing tool that are incidental to substantial bona fide sales of consumer products or services and that are not intended to provide a vehicle for the establishment of ongoing gambling or gaming. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
- Introduced
- 2025-07-15
- Latest action
- 2025-10-11 — Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 623, Statutes of 2025.
- Bill type
- bill
- Last updated
- —
Subjects
Sponsors
- Valenciaauthor
Committees
Not provided by source.
Action timeline
2025-02-19
Read first time. To print.
reading-1
2025-02-20
From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
2025-03-03
Referred to Com. on G.O.
referral-committee
2025-04-03
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 21. Noes 0.) (April 2). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
committee-passage,committee-passage-favorable,referral-committee
2025-04-10
Ordered to second reading.
reading-1,reading-2
2025-04-10
Withdrawn from committee.
withdrawal
2025-04-21
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
reading-1,reading-2,reading-3
2025-05-05
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 1420.)
passage,reading-1,reading-3
2025-05-06
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
reading-1,referral-committee
2025-05-14
Referred to Com. on G.O.
referral-committee
2025-06-10
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (June 10).
committee-passage,committee-passage-favorable
2025-06-11
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
reading-1,reading-2
2025-06-13
From Consent Calendar.
2025-06-13
Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Richardson.
2025-06-23
Ordered to second reading.
reading-1,reading-2
2025-06-23
From inactive file.
2025-06-23
Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
amendment-passage,reading-1,reading-2
2025-06-24
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
reading-1,reading-2,reading-3
2025-06-27
Re-referred to Com. on RLS. pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(c).
referral-committee
2025-06-27
Re-referred to Coms. on G.O. and PUB. S.
referral-committee
2025-07-08
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (July 8). Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
committee-passage,committee-passage-favorable,referral-committee
2025-07-15
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (July 15).
amendment-introduction,amendment-passage,committee-passage,referral-committee
2025-07-16
Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
amendment-passage,reading-1,reading-2,referral-committee
2025-08-18
In committee: Referred to suspense file.
referral-committee
2025-08-29
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 29).
committee-passage,committee-passage-favorable
2025-08-29
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
reading-1,reading-2,reading-3
2025-09-03
Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
amendment-passage,reading-1,reading-2,reading-3
2025-09-04
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
reading-1,reading-2,reading-3
2025-09-08
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 2622.).
passage,reading-1,reading-3
2025-09-08
In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
2025-09-09
Re-referred to Com. on G.O. pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2.
referral-committee
2025-09-10
Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 3164.)
2025-09-11
From committee: That the Senate amendments be concurred in. (Ayes 20. Noes 0.) (September 11).
committee-passage
2025-09-12
Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 3366.).
amendment-passage,committee-passage,committee-passage-favorable
2025-09-24
Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
executive-receipt
2025-10-11
Approved by the Governor.
executive-signature
2025-10-11
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 623, Statutes of 2025.
became-law
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Votes
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar
2025-04-02 · pass · 21-0
Member-level votes (22)
- Davies: yes
- Dixon: yes
- Bryan: yes
- McKinnor: yes
- Sanchez: yes
- Ta: yes
- Gabriel: yes
- Nguyen: yes
- Alvarez: yes
- Wallis: yes
- Fong: yes
- Gipson: yes
- DeMaio: yes
- Solache: yes
- Valencia: yes
- Ramos: yes
- Pacheco: yes
- Berman: yes
- Michelle Rodriguez: yes
- Blanca Rubio: yes
- Soria: yes
- Carrillo: other
AB 831 Ramos Assembly Third Reading
2025-05-05 · pass · 77-0
Member-level votes (79)
- Haney: yes
- Lackey: yes
- Wicks: yes
- Krell: yes
- Lowenthal: yes
- Ta: yes
- Dixon: yes
- Muratsuchi: yes
- Lee: yes
- Castillo: yes
- Wilson: yes
- Michelle Rodriguez: yes
- Quirk-Silva: yes
- Ortega: yes
- Tangipa: yes
- Pellerin: yes
- Irwin: yes
- Berman: yes
- Wallis: yes
- Zbur: yes
- Petrie-Norris: yes
- Soria: yes
- Hoover: yes
- Ávila Farías: yes
- Sharp-Collins: yes
- McKinnor: yes
- Connolly: yes
- Elhawary: yes
- Hadwick: yes
- Jeff Gonzalez: yes
- Bennett: yes
- Calderon: yes
- Bryan: yes
- Ward: yes
- Patterson: yes
- Harabedian: yes
- Flora: yes
- Rivas: yes
- Papan: yes
- Schultz: yes
- Caloza: yes
- Pacheco: yes
- Fong: yes
- Celeste Rodriguez: yes
- Mark González: yes
- Bonta: yes
- Rogers: yes
- Gallagher: yes
- Sanchez: yes
- Nguyen: yes
- Garcia: yes
- Hart: yes
- Stefani: yes
- Gabriel: yes
- Ramos: yes
- Schiavo: yes
- Aguiar-Curry: yes
- Jackson: yes
- Arambula: yes
- Patel: yes
- Solache: yes
- Macedo: yes
- Ransom: yes
- Boerner: yes
- Alvarez: yes
- DeMaio: yes
- Kalra: yes
- Addis: yes
- Alanis: yes
- Bauer-Kahan: yes
- Carrillo: yes
- Valencia: yes
- Chen: yes
- Blanca Rubio: yes
- Davies: yes
- Gipson: yes
- Ahrens: yes
- Ellis: other
- Bains: other
Do pass and be ordered to the Consent Calendar
2025-06-10 · pass · 14-0
Member-level votes (15)
- Smallwood-Cuevas: yes
- Rubio: yes
- Ochoa Bogh: yes
- Jones: yes
- Wahab: yes
- Richardson: yes
- Cervantes: yes
- Blakespear: yes
- Weber Pierson: yes
- Padilla: yes
- Dahle: yes
- Valladares: yes
- Ashby: yes
- Hurtado: yes
- Archuleta: other
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Public Safety]
2025-07-08 · pass · 15-0
Member-level votes (15)
- Ochoa Bogh: yes
- Archuleta: yes
- Valladares: yes
- Blakespear: yes
- Dahle: yes
- Rubio: yes
- Smallwood-Cuevas: yes
- Richardson: yes
- Weber Pierson: yes
- Wahab: yes
- Jones: yes
- Cervantes: yes
- Ashby: yes
- Hurtado: yes
- Padilla: yes
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]
2025-07-15 · pass · 6-0
Member-level votes (6)
- Pérez: yes
- Wiener: yes
- Gonzalez: yes
- Arreguín: yes
- Caballero: yes
- Seyarto: yes
Placed on suspense file
2025-08-18 · pass · 7-0
Member-level votes (7)
- Richardson: yes
- Seyarto: yes
- Caballero: yes
- Cabaldon: yes
- Dahle: yes
- Wahab: yes
- Grayson: yes
Do pass
2025-08-29 · pass · 7-0
Member-level votes (7)
- Richardson: yes
- Grayson: yes
- Wahab: yes
- Dahle: yes
- Seyarto: yes
- Caballero: yes
- Cabaldon: yes
3rd Reading AB831 Valencia By Cervantes
2025-09-08 · pass · 36-0
Member-level votes (40)
- Wahab: yes
- Niello: yes
- Jones: yes
- Laird: yes
- Choi: yes
- Rubio: yes
- McGuire: yes
- Cortese: yes
- Ochoa Bogh: yes
- Richardson: yes
- Reyes: yes
- Dahle: yes
- Valladares: yes
- Grayson: yes
- Limón: yes
- Wiener: yes
- Padilla: yes
- Umberg: yes
- Hurtado: yes
- Blakespear: yes
- Menjivar: yes
- Cabaldon: yes
- Cervantes: yes
- Weber Pierson: yes
- Durazo: yes
- Seyarto: yes
- Smallwood-Cuevas: yes
- Strickland: yes
- Arreguín: yes
- Grove: yes
- Pérez: yes
- Archuleta: yes
- Alvarado-Gil: yes
- Caballero: yes
- Gonzalez: yes
- Becker: yes
- McNerney: other
- Stern: other
- Allen: other
- Ashby: other
With recommendation: That Senate amendments be concurred in.
2025-09-11 · pass · 20-0
Member-level votes (22)
- Gabriel: yes
- Blanca Rubio: yes
- Soria: yes
- Alvarez: yes
- Berman: yes
- Valencia: yes
- Carrillo: yes
- Davies: yes
- Ta: yes
- Fong: yes
- Wallis: yes
- Sanchez: yes
- Michelle Rodriguez: yes
- Macedo: yes
- Dixon: yes
- Gipson: yes
- Pacheco: yes
- Bryan: yes
- McKinnor: yes
- Nguyen: yes
- Ramos: other
- Solache: other
AB 831 Valencia Concurrence in Senate Amendments
2025-09-12 · pass · 79-0
Member-level votes (80)
- Addis: yes
- Haney: yes
- Elhawary: yes
- Carrillo: yes
- Ransom: yes
- Berman: yes
- Bauer-Kahan: yes
- Schiavo: yes
- Alvarez: yes
- Caloza: yes
- Hoover: yes
- Nguyen: yes
- Ortega: yes
- Solache: yes
- Lowenthal: yes
- Petrie-Norris: yes
- Gabriel: yes
- Zbur: yes
- DeMaio: yes
- Hadwick: yes
- Irwin: yes
- Tangipa: yes
- Patel: yes
- Kalra: yes
- Sanchez: yes
- Johnson: yes
- Mark González: yes
- Gipson: yes
- Hart: yes
- Calderon: yes
- Wilson: yes
- Soria: yes
- Valencia: yes
- Celeste Rodriguez: yes
- Connolly: yes
- Papan: yes
- Bonta: yes
- Jeff Gonzalez: yes
- Alanis: yes
- Patterson: yes
- Jackson: yes
- Davies: yes
- Pellerin: yes
- Muratsuchi: yes
- Krell: yes
- Chen: yes
- Quirk-Silva: yes
- Bains: yes
- Michelle Rodriguez: yes
- Arambula: yes
- Bennett: yes
- Ávila Farías: yes
- Aguiar-Curry: yes
- Lee: yes
- Castillo: yes
- Wallis: yes
- Stefani: yes
- Ta: yes
- Blanca Rubio: yes
- Gallagher: yes
- Ellis: yes
- Macedo: yes
- McKinnor: yes
- Rivas: yes
- Ahrens: yes
- Dixon: yes
- Rogers: yes
- Ward: yes
- Fong: yes
- Wicks: yes
- Schultz: yes
- Pacheco: yes
- Boerner: yes
- Sharp-Collins: yes
- Bryan: yes
- Harabedian: yes
- Lackey: yes
- Flora: yes
- Garcia: yes
- Ramos: other
Related bills
No related bills recorded for this bill.
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