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California tribes have been blocked from suing cardrooms over exclusive rights to run such events in the state in the latest courtroom step.
The tribes in California have faced obstacle after obstacle in trying to block the cardrooms industry across the state. The tribal groups claim that they should be able to press litigation challenging games offered at cardrooms, arguing that they should have exclusive rights.
While the motion made it to court, Sacramento State Superior Court Judge Lauri A. Damrell ruled that the bill the tribes used to bring their lawsuit into court was preempted by the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), leaving her “bound by law”.
“The court is mindful that previous efforts to resolve this longstanding dispute, whether through regulatory action, legislation, ballot initiatives, or litigation, have been unavailing,” Damrell stated in her ruling. She went on to “recognize the genuine desire, shared by many stakeholders, including the California Legislature, to reach the merits and achieve a final resolution.”
The California Gaming Association released this statement via Munger, Tolles & Olson: “Cardrooms for many decades have proudly operated lawful games with full transparency and stringent oversight by the office of the Attorney General of the State of California and the California Gambling Control Commission.
“We are encouraged by today’s decision. Our member cardrooms will continue to support good jobs, vital public services, and local economies across California while upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and compliance.”
What are cardrooms?
Cardrooms refer to Vegas-style gambling rooms, often set aside for private games attached to wider gambling or poker establishments. They can be either standalone businesses licensed for card games or parts of larger businesses that are used for private, offshoot games.
The California tribes argue that it was established by vote in California that they have exclusive rights to host table games. They claim that this income is protected as an avenue for revenue to support their historically disenfranchised communities.
Featured image: Pexels
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The SGLA has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB 831 into law, essentially banning online social games with sweepstakes promotions in California. The state is following in the footsteps of Montana and New Jersey, despite opposition from California tribal nations and other relevant groups.
That includes tribes like Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria. They argue that the legislation will limit economic opportunities available to tribes that don’t have the same backing and resources that the wealthier gaming tribes do.
The SGLA also cited research from Eilers & Krejcik that estimated AB 831 would immediately eliminate $1 billion from California’s annual economy, with the state reportedly losing out on at least $200-$300 million in taxes each year.

If Governor Newsom signs AB 831 into law, online social games with sweepstakes promotions will be banned in the state of California, taking along $1 billion in contributions to the state.
Californians must act TODAY. Tell Governor Newsom to VETO AB 831: https://t.co/EIxBJON0hH pic.twitter.com/C15gPFpOrz
— Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) (@SGLeadership) October 10, 2025

“Voters, players who love online social games, California tribes, and online social games operators all made their position clear: they didn’t want a ban on this popular, safe form of entertainment,” said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA.
“We hoped that Governor Newsom would see past the anti-competitive efforts of the powerful, well-funded tribes behind this bill and veto AB 831, but he chose the easy, short-sighted path and turned his back on choice, innovation and economic gains.”
Sweepstakes stance of Gavin Newsom criticized
As well as the direct impact on the economy and the tribes, the SGLA went on to argue that the bill itself was “poorly designed”, with “zero industry consultation and was backed by conflicted proponents”. The organization pointed to a nationwide poll with an oversized sample of California voters as proof that the people of the state don’t want the ban.
It cited that 85% of California voters agreed the state should modernize and update laws to regulate and tax online social gaming, which is not in line with the outright ban that has been passed. The SGLA stated that it would continue to promote “sensible regulatory frameworks” in line with voter demands, economic growth, and with a view of protecting consumer rights.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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Allwyn International and the Greek gaming company OPAP S.A. have decided to merge in an all-share deal that gives the combined business an equity value of €16 billion ($19 billion). The two companies said the new organization will be called Allwyn.
According to the joint announcement, the merger will create “the second largest listed gaming entertainment company globally,” with leading positions across Europe, the United States and other international markets. Allwyn, the gaming operator group now responsible for the UK’s National Lottery, currently owns 51.78% of OPAP.
Allwyn and OPAP merger becomes the world’s second largest listed lottery
Karel Komarek, founder and chair of Allwyn and its parent company KKCG Group AG, said, “Today’s announcement redefines the sector, signalling the creation of the second largest listed gaming entertainment company globally. For investors, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic company that is shaping the future of entertainment.”

“We’re on a mission to build the world’s leading global gaming entertainment company, and today’s transaction takes us one step closer to that goal.” – Karel Komarek, Allwyn founder and chair

He added, “The combined strength and scale of these multi-billion dollar businesses, massive customer base and Allwyn’s continued investment in technology and content, will accelerate innovation and fuel significant international growth.”
Allwyn Chief Executive Robert Chvatal said the deal marked “a further milestone in Allwyn’s successful journey.” He continued, “Since being founded 13 years ago, we have grown substantially in terms of business performance, scale and innovation. With this combination, we will be able to grow further, faster as we deploy Group-wide know-how, a unified brand and sponsorship strategy, and in-house technology and content.”
OPAP CEO Jan Karas described the merger as “an exciting combination” that “creates a leading gaming company with strong Greek heritage, as well as a continued presence and listing in Greece.”
While OPAP CFO Pavel Mucha said the merger would maintain strong financial performance, stating, “The tremendous financial characteristics of the combined business will continue to deliver substantial, consistent dividends to our shareholders, while also allowing investment in the business and additional value-accretive acquisitions to further accelerate growth.”
Merger still needs shareholder approval
The combined company will stay listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, where it’s expected to become one of the largest firms by market value. Allwyn also plans to seek another major international listing, potentially in London or New York, once the merger is complete.
OPAP separately announced that it will rebrand its consumer-facing business to Allwyn starting in the first quarter of 2026. The company said the new name is meant to strengthen its connection with customers and attract younger audiences.
As part of the merger, OPAP will transfer its operations to new Greek subsidiaries and move its official headquarters to Luxembourg. Apart from its existing OPAP stake, Allwyn will add its assets and liabilities to the Luxembourg-based company in exchange for newly issued shares. The merged company will then move its headquarters to Switzerland, where Allwyn is currently based.
The deal values Allwyn’s contributed assets at €8.97 billion ($10 billion). In return, Allwyn will receive €8.81 billion in new ordinary voting shares and €161 million ($187 million) in preferred voting shares. Once the merger is completed, Allwyn is expected to own about 78.5% of the new company, while OPAP’s public shareholders will hold roughly 21.5%.
KKCG, which owns 95.73% of Allwyn, is expected to control about 85% of the total voting rights in the merged entity.
OPAP’s board has received fairness opinions from Morgan Stanley and Grant Thornton to support the transaction. The merger still needs shareholder approval, with a general meeting expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Featured image: Allwyn International / OPAP SA
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