California’s Sports Betting Struggle Continues
Sports Betting Fans May Have to Wait a Couple of Years for Its Legalization
Sad Day for Cali 😪
If you’ve been following the betting news you know that legalizing sports betting in California is turning into a real nail-biter. Now things have taken an unexpected turn straight out of an M. Night Shyamalan movie.
So, the latest drama unfolds as the backers of the initiative hit the brakes on their campaign. Why, you ask? Well, it seems they didn’t get the warm embrace they were hoping for from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the various tribes scattered across the state.
Now, Kasey Thompson, the spokesperson for the initiative, is throwing in the towel, citing unintended division within the tribes. It’s like trying to bring everyone together for a barbecue, but they can’t agree on the sauce. Thompson’s standing by his word and saying, “No go, folks. Let’s try again later.”
Me, waiting for sports betting to be legalized in California…what a joke https://t.co/0jYuerNpoT pic.twitter.com/YYvnjJX9Ww
— Tommy Lorenzo (@sportsbooktom) January 23, 2024
But this setback isn’t the first dance of disappointment. Last year, Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 took a swing at legalizing sports betting, but the voters said, “Not today.” The failure of these measures hit the pause button, and now Californians might have to twiddle their thumbs for another two years until the next legislative session.
Thompson and his partner, Reeve Collins, were gunning for an online gambling provision, but the CNIGA threw a wrench in the gears. The CNIGA wasn’t shy about their disapproval, and last month, they officially gave the stink eye to sports betting initiatives.
Now, James Siva, Chairman of CNIGA, is doing a victory dance of sorts, pleased that the initiatives got the boot. He’s warning others, “Don’t mess with the tribes, or you’ll strike out.”
The potential for sports betting in California is huge. The industry could rake in “tens of millions” in tax revenue, according to the California Attorney General’s office. With the popularity of online betting at the moment, if it came to Cali it would be like a new gold rush.
But here’s the kicker – a poll last year showed that only 30% of state voters were giving a nod to legalizing online sports betting. Now, that’s a head-scratcher. Seems as if not everyone in Cali is head over heels for sports betting. It’s got me thinking – maybe there’s something funky in the Cali water. I always thought only the folks in Los Angeles were a bit out there, but now it looks like the whole state’s caught up in some strange vibes.
Now, the businessmen behind the ballot initiatives, Ryan Tyler Walz, Reeve Collins, and Kasey Thompson, decided to fold their cards. No signatures, no November ballot.
And guess what? If you were holding out hope for sports betting in California, you might need to chill until 2026. Yeah, we will probably have the premiere of Shrek 5 and Constantine 2 first. Thus, settle in and get ready for the long haul – we’ve got some serious waiting on our hands.
So, here we are, California, caught in the middle of a sports betting saga. Will we see a happy ending, or is this just another wild goose chase?
For gambling betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
