California Indigenous Groups Oppose Legislation Aimed at Regulating Sweepstakes Gambling

California Tribes Protest Assembly Bill 831, Fearing Threat to Sovereignty and Revenue

A group of California Native American tribes have raised concerns about Assembly Bill 831, a proposed legislation that could potentially impact their digital business ventures and revenue streams. The Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Big Lagoon Rancheria, and other tribes have voiced their opposition to the bill.

At the heart of the controversy is Russell J. Dean, the current chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, who argues that the bill could rob smaller tribes of key opportunities in the digital business world. This sentiment is shared by Eric Wright, Tribal Administrator of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, who views digital commerce as a "lifeline" rather than a luxury for communities far from big cities.

The critics of AB 831 argue that the bill could establish a two-tier system favoring big casino operators at the expense of tribes with limited resources. Sherwood Valley Rancheria Secretary Buffey Bourassa shares similar concerns, viewing the bill as a threat to her tribe's ability to support themselves.

Monday's protest by these four tribes demonstrated their strong opposition to AB 831, urging politicians to block the bill or risk widening the gaps between California's native peoples. The tribes argue that if it becomes law, AB 831 would tear down an industry that brings in over $1 billion in California.

Financial concerns about AB 831 are also prominent. Critics warn that the bill could rob smaller tribes of revenue streams for essential services like healthcare, education, housing, and food programs. Eric Wright, for instance, has warned that taking away this option would rob tribes of funds to pay for these services.

The debate over AB 831 has exposed deep divisions within California's tribal community. On one side, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), which backs the bill, argues that it is necessary to stop illegal gambling. On the other hand, the heads of the four tribes mentioned claim that the bill helps rich casino tribes while hurting smaller nations in rural or far-off areas.

CNIGA leader James Siva has accused sweepstakes companies of deceiving smaller tribes with false promises, though he acknowledges some tribes struggle. However, the tribes argue that these partnerships are crucial in bringing in money for their communities, and the loss of this option could be detrimental.

The controversy surrounding AB 831 highlights the importance of tribal sovereignty and the need for proper consultations with all tribal nations before making decisions that could affect them. Mechoopda Chairman Dennis Ramirez has claimed that the bill moved forward without proper consultations with all tribal nations. Critics of the bill are sounding the alarm about tribal independence, claiming that the bill's wording could apply criminal punishments to tribes, potentially breaking federal rules that protect against state control in Indian Country.