California Online Sports Betting Proposal Unites GOP and Dems

Written By David Danzis on August 22, 2022 - Last Updated on October 21, 2024
CA sports betting initiative hated by both democrats and republicans

Republicans and Democrats disagree on most issues but opposition to California online sports betting is bringing them together.

Nearly a month after state Democrats issued a voter guide objecting to Proposition 27, the California GOP announced it will not endorse the online sports gambling proposal either.

California Republicans also oppose the in-person California sports betting option, known as Proposition 26. State Democrats choose to remain neutral on Prop 26.

Two California sports betting questions on November’s General Election ballot

California voters have two ballot questions in November that would legalize and regulate sports gambling.

Prop 26 is backed by tribal casino operators. It would only permit sports betting at their gambling parlors and four California horse racing venues. Prop 27 authorizes online sports betting but does not prohibit in-person wagers.

More than $370 million has already been spent on the public relations battle between the two California sports betting ballot questions.

California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson sent a statement to the No on 27 campaign, which stated, in part:

“Prop 27 breaks the promise made to California’s Native American tribes to grant them the sovereign right to operate gaming in California in order to improve the lives of their communities across the state. We stand with California tribes and oppose Prop 27.”

Growing list of support, opposition

Online sports betting operators are touting Prop 27 as a way to combat the state’s growing homelessness and mental health service issues.

However, the list of opposition to the proposal includes prominent state politicians, teachers and Native American tribes.

Prop 26 faces opposition from California cardrooms and their host communities. That’s because the ballot question contains language that opens the door for legal challenges from tribal casinos. Additionally, it would allow California tribal casinos to offer roulette and dice games, further putting cardrooms at a disadvantage.

Animal welfare organizations, public sector unions, and both the state Hispanic and Black chambers of commerce are also against Prop 26.

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David Danzis

David Danzis is a lead writer and analyst for CatenaMedia's network of Play sites, appearing on PlayNJ, PlayCA and PlayOH. He is a New Jersey native and an honors graduate of Rutgers University. As a newspaper reporter for the New Jersey Herald and Press of Atlantic City, David earned statewide awards for his coverage of politics, government, education, sports, and business. After years of reporting on Atlantic City casinos, NJ online gambling and sports betting, his focus is now on emerging gaming markets. David lives in NJ with his wife and two children. When not on the beach, golf course, or snowboarding, David enjoys watching his beloved New York sports teams — Yankees, Jets, Rangers, and Knicks.

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