All Roll Calls
Yes: 282 • No: 0
CaliforniaAB 8312025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Gaming: Tribal-state gaming compacts.
Sponsored By: James Ramos (Democratic), Avelino Valencia (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ban on gambling-style online sweepstakes
The law bans running or promoting online sweepstakes games that use a dual‑currency system, act like gambling, and pay cash or cash‑equivalent prizes. It also bans methods in stores, on websites, or in apps that simulate gambling and predetermine or connect play to cash prizes. Banks, payment processors, geolocation and platform providers, gaming content suppliers, and media affiliates may not knowingly and willfully help these games. Violations are misdemeanors with fines from $1,000 to $25,000, up to one year in county jail, or both. Licensed gambling businesses and the California State Lottery are not restricted. Limited, occasional product‑promotion sweepstakes and games that do not award cash or cash equivalents remain lawful. The law defines direct and indirect consideration to cover both paid and free value used to play.
Clear contest rules and cost caps
At first contact and before any payment, operators must show the expected number of contestants and past success rates for the last three contests (or all prior ones if fewer). On request, they must give the actual number and percent who solved each puzzle in the last contest. Every puzzle or promo must state the maximum number of puzzles, the maximum total money you could be asked to pay (including postage and handling), that later puzzles or tie breakers will be harder, when the contest ends and prizes are awarded, how final ties are decided, and all rules. For tie‑breaker rounds, payments are optional. Operators may charge only up to $1.50 plus actual postage for postage and handling and must offer a free entry option right away in the same way as the paid option.
Consent for name use and check labels
Businesses must get your express consent, spoken or written, before using your name in promotional mail sent to others. Any fake checks or fake money used in promotions must clearly say “SPECIMEN—NONNEGOTIABLE.”
Truth in sweepstakes ads and winners
Operators must tell the truth about odds, rules, and prize value. They must award the prize type and approximate value they promised. They cannot claim entries are limited, someone was already selected, or someone won unless it is true; a real contest means at least a majority did not win. Any winner claim must say what was won and the approximate value. They may not label any entry as “lucky” or say it has a better chance to win.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
James Ramos
Democratic • House
Avelino Valencia
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 9/12/2025
Item 17 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 79 • No: 0
legislature vote • 9/11/2025
Vote in CX07
Yes: 20 • No: 0
Senate vote • 9/8/2025
Item 394 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 36 • No: 0
legislature vote • 8/29/2025
Vote in CS61
Yes: 7 • No: 0
legislature vote • 8/18/2025
Vote in CS61
Yes: 7 • No: 0
legislature vote • 7/15/2025
Vote in CS72
Yes: 6 • No: 0
legislature vote • 7/8/2025
Vote in CS48
Yes: 15 • No: 0
legislature vote • 6/10/2025
Vote in CS48
Yes: 14 • No: 0
House vote • 5/5/2025
Item 90 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 77 • No: 0
legislature vote • 4/2/2025
Vote in CX07
Yes: 21 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 623, Statutes of 2025.
10/11/2025SenateApproved by the Governor.
10/11/2025legislatureEnrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
9/24/2025legislatureSenate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 3366.).
9/12/2025HouseFrom committee: That the Senate amendments be concurred in. (Ayes 20. Noes 0.) (September 11).
9/11/2025HouseJoint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 3164.)
9/10/2025HouseRe-referred to Com. on G.O. pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2.
9/9/2025HouseIn Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
9/8/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 2622.).
9/8/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
9/4/2025SenateRead third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
9/3/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
8/29/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 29).
8/29/2025SenateIn committee: Referred to suspense file.
8/18/2025SenateRead second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
7/16/2025SenateFrom committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (July 15).
7/15/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (July 8). Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
7/8/2025SenateRe-referred to Coms. on G.O. and PUB. S.
6/27/2025SenateRe-referred to Com. on RLS. pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(c).
6/27/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
6/24/2025SenateRead second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
6/23/2025SenateOrdered to second reading.
6/23/2025SenateFrom inactive file.
6/23/2025SenateOrdered to inactive file at the request of Senator Richardson.
6/13/2025SenateFrom Consent Calendar.
6/13/2025Senate
Bill Text
Chaptered
10/11/2025
Enrolled
9/16/2025
Amended Senate
9/3/2025
Amended Senate
7/16/2025
Amended Senate
6/23/2025
Introduced
2/19/2025