American Indian tribes currently have a monopoly on casino gambling in California. Sports betting is still illegal in the state, but that could change this year.
There are several potential sports betting initiatives on the 2022 ballot. Some could place online sports betting into the hands of the tribes while others open up new gambling options. The ballot measures differ in terms of where they allow sports betting.
Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative
Native American tribes in California have backed a ballot measure to legalize sports betting in California.
This ballot measure would allow sports gambling at tribal casinos and racetracks. It would also block sports gambling from being available at any other establishments.
The rules outlined in this ballot measure do not allow for mobile sports betting. Supporters say that this measure would allow Californians to place bets at secure locations that are already well-regulated and transparent. They also claim that unfettered access to mobile sports betting leads to increased crime and addiction.
California Legalize Sports Betting Initiative
The difference between the California Legalize Sports Betting Initiative and the tribe-backed initiative is the former allows gambling beyond American Indian casinos and racetracks.
This ballot initiative is backed by California card rooms and would allow retail sportsbooks to take bets online and on mobile platforms. Professional sports entities and leagues would also be allowed to accept sports bets.
In California, an initiated constitutional amendment needs signatures that total 8% of the votes cast in the previous gubernatorial election (997,139). Organizers have until April 18th, 2022, to gain signatures to put this bill on the ballot.
California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act
Several sports betting companies, including BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel, are backing the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act. The bill also has backing from several of the state’s mayors.
This ballot measure would allow sports betting outside tribe-owned casinos, though operators must partner with a tribe to run an online sportsbook. It would also allocate funds from sports betting taxes to assist California’s mental health and homelessness issues. This act would make California the first state to use sports betting tax funds in this way. Fifteen percent of the funds would also go towards the tribes that aren’t involved in sports gambling.
Supporters say that this initiative is complementary to the Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative and that it solves a serious problem while giving consumers more options.
Analyzing the sports betting initiatives on the 2022 ballot
Forty-five percent of Californians approve of online sports betting in California, while 33% oppose it. Supporters of these initiatives, along with those who don’t want sports betting in the state, are expected to spend millions on advertising for the coming election cycle.
Californians will have the chance to vote on these measures at the polls in November 2022.