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California sports betting update

27 October 2022


The vote on California sports betting is just weeks away, and fear is growing that both ballot propositions on the matter will fail. We speak to James Siva, Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, about both California sports betting propositions on the ballot. Discussion includes the benefits and detriments of each on the Tribal Gaming business in the state. Mr. Siva is also of the Vice Chairman for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, California.

There is no hotter topic than California sports betting and whether it will be legalized after the 2022 election. Californians are just weeks away from voting on two propositions that could legalize sports betting in California for the first time, and California sports betting can be legalized if either of the new propositions on the November ballot pass with more than 50% of the vote.

There is opposition from some California Indian tribes, who currently control some of the in-person gambling in the state. There is also in-person gambling at horse racetracks, which would expand if sports betting is legalized in November. Until California online sports betting becomes a reality, bettors can head to the race track and take part in the sports betting in California the state has to offer now.

California Sports Betting Proposition 26: Most of California’s tribes back Prop 26, which would allow tribal casinos and horse racetracks to offer retail sports betting. Under this initiative’s terms, online sports betting would not be allowed, dealing a blow to major sportsbook brands like DraftKings and FanDuel. The 10% tax on sports betting revenue would fund problem gambling programs, gambling policy enforcement, and the state’s General Fund.

California Sports Betting Proposition 27: Private sportsbook companies, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, have sponsored their own sports betting initiative, Prop 27, on the November 2022 ballot. The mobile sportsbook initiative will allow private sportsbook companies like DraftKings and FanDuel to partner with a California tribe to offer mobile sports betting. California bettors would be able to download sportsbook apps and bet from home. The 10% tax on sports betting revenue would fund problem gambling programs, gambling law enforcement, homelessness programs, and California tribal development programs for non-gaming tribes