California's Future Sports Betting Proposal

California Tribes Prepare Discussions for Sports Betting Proposal

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 06 November 2024

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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History of California Legislation

California has many legal gambling options, such as state lottery, parimutuel betting, and charity bingo games. However, it also has some stringent laws, such as only tribal casinos can host banked table games. Any card rooms must have the players act as bankers, and no new card rooms have been opened since 1995. Additionally, online casinos and sports betting are illegal, along with daily fantasy sports.

Some tribes that are further away from cities also rely on the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, where profits from land-based casinos are pooled to help them. As such, there is pressure to legalize sports betting, which will bring more revenue. However, it must also be done properly, as any mistakes could damage the industry, and several attempts have already failed.

Plans for Future Ballot

The CNIGA Chairman, James Siva, understands the tribes’ need to spearhead these discussions, so he is organizing a workgroup with other tribal leaders. All leaders are welcome to join, with Siva hoping they can prepare a draft for the 2026 or 2028 ballot. No tribes are excluded, so they can all express their ideas and opinions.

We’re not going to exclude or prioritize anyone. I’m hoping to get a mass collection of tribal leaders across the state to participate in the workgroup.

James Siva, CNIGA Chairman

A similar workgroup was formed in 2022, but it could not succeed as the tribes were split in their decisions. Some wanted only land-based sports betting, others preferred having online operators, and a third group wanted the tribes to handle online betting.

As such, the current plans are to hear everyone out and form a draft that benefits all tribes and is ready in time for the 2026 or 2028 ballot. Sive also expects the group to shrink once they start having a more concrete plan.

Current Momentum and the Future

One reason for reviving these discussions is the clarification of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Following a legal challenge from the West Flagler Associates to the Seminole tribe in Florida, SCOTUS ruled that tribes can offer online gaming outside the reservation, as long as it’s legal in the state.

Now that there is approval from the government, the tribes can work towards legalizing sports betting. Siva is also aware that this legislation can serve as a framework for the possibility of online casinos in the future. As such, it’s crucial to ensure the law benefits everyone and that all the tribes can agree on its formulation.

Conclusion

It may take some time before a draft is formed, but the future is bright for sports betting in California. Many of the tribes understand there’s pressure to bring in more revenue, and recent court decisions have given them the incentive to restart discussions. We will keep track of the situation and provide information on future developments.