News Summary
California is entering discussions to potentially legalize sports betting as sports betting operators and tribal leaders collaborate. Following the defeat of competing propositions in 2022, a new proposal suggests creating a governing body to oversee online sports wagering while maintaining tribal control. This development could allow California to tap into the lucrative sports betting market, with tribal leaders advocating for fair revenue sharing. Further negotiations are expected, as tribes aim for a plan that avoids a ballot in 2026 and seeks legalization by 2028.
California is witnessing a potential breakthrough in the efforts to legalize sports betting as sports betting operators and tribal leaders initiate talks for collaboration. This comes after a contentious ballot fight in 2022 where over $200 million was spent on two competing propositions related to sports betting that ended in significant defeats for both sides.
At the recent Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention held in San Diego, representatives from the Sports Betting Alliance, which includes prominent companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel, unveiled a proposal aimed at establishing a single governing body to oversee online sports wagering in the state. This governing body would maintain tribal control while allowing national sports betting operators to participate in the market, potentially paving the way for legal sports betting in California.
Currently, tribal casinos represent the only legal gambling establishments in California, alongside the State Lottery, horse racing, and card rooms. All other betting forms, including commercial sports betting, are prohibited. Supporters of the new proposal believe it presents a crucial opportunity for California to enter the lucrative sports betting market that has attracted substantial interest across the nation.
Previously, efforts to legalize sports betting in California faced significant opposition as both tribes and sports betting operators pitched their own measures—Proposition 27, which favored commercial operators without tribal oversight, and Proposition 26, which aimed for tribal-controlled betting. Ultimately, Proposition 27 was defeated by 80% of voters, while Proposition 26 garnered support from less than 30% of the electorate.
The new SBA proposal suggests that sports betting operators would be allowed to compete against one another under the supervision of the proposed governing body, a model that has already garnered interest among some tribal leaders who previously considered similar frameworks. However, there are concerns regarding compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and questions remain about how revenue distribution would be structured, with tribal leaders advocating for an equitable allocation of the revenue generated from sports betting.
In response to the discussion, a representative from the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe emphasized that tribes desire a significant share of the revenue from sports betting operations. To facilitate these discussions, the SBA has formed a tribal advisory board aimed at including tribal leadership in any conversations regarding the legalization process. This initiative is part of a broader push for collaboration between sports betting operators and tribal casinos.
As negotiations continue, tribal governments are expected to engage in further discussions regarding the framework through which sports betting could be legalized. Tribal leaders have expressed a commitment to pursuing a more inclusive approach and have indicated that they will refrain from bringing sports betting to the ballot in 2026, focusing instead on assembling a viable plan for potential legalization by 2028.
The atmosphere around sports betting legalization in California remains charged with significant considerations from both tribal and commercial stakeholders. The delicate balance of power and the need for a collaborative strategy mark this new chapter in the attempts to bring legalized sports betting to California, reflecting the complex landscape that intertwines economics, governance, and community interests in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Deadspin: All Legal Sportsbooks in California
- Wikipedia: Sports Betting in the United States
- The Coast News: California Tribes and Sports Betting Operators Explore 2026 Ballot Initiative
- Google Search: California Sports Betting
- Legal Sports Report: California Sports Betting Tribal Comments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gambling
- SJV Sun: Sports Betting Could Return to the Ballot in 2026
- Google News: California Sports Betting 2026
- Axios: California Sports Betting Super Bowl NFL Loophole
- Google Scholar: California Sports Betting
- GlobeNewswire: Best California Sports Betting Sites
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
