Wishful Thinking? Some Think Gov. Newsom Might Veto Sweeps Ban

Wishful Thinking Surrounding California Sweeps Casino Ban

There have been some recent articles online suggesting that California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) might not sign the state's passed sweepstakes casino ban, AB 831.

Perhaps we should chalk this one up to wishful thinking, considering that, in both houses of the state legislature, there was ZERO opposition to the bill. It passed unanimously in both houses with support of all members of both parties.

In fact, we can't remember the last time a bill passed without at least one member of a legislature crying foul and opposing the measure.

As much as we would like to believe that there is a possibility that Governor Newsom would veto the sweepstakes casino ban, we're going to just chalk this one up to wishful thinking and clickbait.

But, as ones devoted to bringing you the most current news from the sweepstakes casino industry in the US, we feel the obligation to let you know what is being said.

Victor Rocha, conference chairman for the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), thinks Newsom might not sign the proposed sweepstakes ban, stating: "He wants to be president, so he doesn't want to (anger) the 18-35 demographic."

That said, Rocha doesn't believe that Newsom will go so far as to veto the bill; instead he expects that Newsom is likely to take no action and not sign the bill into law.

If you're a sweepstakes casino enthusiast, such a decision by Newsom will be no comfort. Choosing not to sign the bill won't prevent it from becoming law. Governor Newsom would need to proactively veto the bill to block it.

SCCG Management, an advisory firm in the global gaming industry, took things one step further in a blog post, stating that "Gavin Newsom Might Veto Sweepstakes Ban Due to Presidential Aspirations."

However, if you read SCCG's article, there really isn't anything to support the idea of a possible veto. They mention the same statement from Victor Rocha, plus they mention a little bit of distance between Governor Newsom's stance on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and that of California's Attorney General.

So, at the risk of ending up with egg on our faces, we can state with a great deal of confidence that AB 831 will soon be the law of the land in California, with or without the signature of Governor Newsom.

SGLA Ramps Up Campaign for NY Sweeps Casino Ban Veto

When the New York legislature passed a sweeps casino ban in June, most operators made a quick head for the exits. It seemed a forgone conclusion that the Empire State was set to outlaw the sweepstakes casino model.

Not so fast, my friend. At least that's what the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is saying.

Efforts are being ramped up by the SGLA to oppose the sweepstakes casino ban bill that is sitting on Governor Kathy Hochul's desk. Their grassroots campaign is seeking a veto of the bill, which to date has not received any action from the governor.

Through the SGLA's Quorum platform, they have asked New Yorkers to contact Governor Hochul via phone, social media, and/or e-mail. Through September 23rd, the group had recorded over 2,000 actions initiated by players.

The bill, passed in June, was followed up on with twenty-six cease-and-desist letters from the New York Attorney General to operators. However, the delay in action by the governor leads some to believe that there is still an opportunity to influence her decision-making process.

Even if the SGLA manages to get a veto of the proposed New York ban, which, to be honest, seems to be quite unlikely, the situation still remains murky. Uncertainty will abound, especially in the wake of the massive number of cease-and-desist letters issued.

At the same time, there is speculation that a Hochul veto could open the door for many operators to return, determining that the reward is too great to pass up for the amount of risk a return to the Empire State would pose.

At the end of the day, the governor has a choice. She can either keep the door open to sweepstakes casinos that are begging for fair regulation, or she can send players into the arms of potentially unscrupulous offshore operators.

We will keep you updated when there's more news about Gov. Hochul's decision.