California Tribes Block Efforts for Legal Sports Betting

Clock’s Ticking, California!

Today, we’re diving into the ongoing betting news drama surrounding California’s quest to legalize sports betting. It’s like watching a high-stakes poker game, but the cards seem to be perpetually stacked against the Golden State.

So, here’s the scoop–the latest attempt to roll the sports betting dice in California has hit a roadblock. The idea was to throw the issue on the next election ballot as a ballot initiative, but it seems the tribal groups weren’t keen on joining the betting bonanza.

Now, you might be wondering why Californians can’t catch a break when it comes to legalizing sports betting. Is it a curse, or is it just a case of exceptionally bad timing? Well, let’s unravel the tangled web of California’s sports betting journey.

I need sports betting to become legal in california. Quit playing around.

— RAD. (@The___RAD) October 12, 2023

A few weeks back, the California Attorney General waved the green flag for two ballot measures–Initiatives 23-0031 and 23-0030 A1. These initiatives, backed by the ambitious Eagle1 partners (Kasey Thompson, Reeve Collins, and Ryan Tyler Walz), aimed to open the doors for both online and in-person sports wagering. Sounds exciting, right?

Hold on to your betting slips because here’s the kicker–the tribal groups, a crucial player in this game, weren’t on board. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), representing 52 tribal governments, made it crystal clear: no support for these initiatives. They even wrote an open letter, urging Eagle1 to fold their cards and withdraw the proposals.

CNIGA Chairperson James Siva didn’t mince words, stating, “Using tribes for your own gain will get you nowhere.” Ouch, that’s a verbal red card if I ever heard one.

But this isn’t the first time California’s sports betting dreams have taken a hit. In the November 2022 ballot, voters slammed the door on two proposals:

But this isn’t the first time California’s sports betting dreams have taken a hit. In the November 2022 ballot, voters slammed the door on two proposals:

• Proposition 26: A tribal-backed initiative aiming to legalize in-person wagering at tribal casinos and tracks. It even threw roulette and craps into the mix. Alas, the voters weren’t feeling it.
• Proposition 27: The online gambling dream, backed by sports betting giants like Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Penn National, WynnBET, and Fanatics. It promised to allocate 85% of sports betting tax revenue to tackle homelessness and mental health. Despite the noble cause, it too faced rejection.

So, where does California go from here? Will betting online be possible at some point? We don’t know, but one thing’s for sure, neither the tribes nor the betting moguls are ready to throw in the towel. The Golden State’s sports betting saga continues, and we’ll be here to spill the tea on every twist and turn. Stay tuned!

For gambling news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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