Tribes Still Not Supporting California Sports Betting Initiatives

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates with running back Christian McCaffrey (23) after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY SportsCalifornia Tribes believes proponents of two sports betting initiatives are attempting to “divide and conquer” tribesThe California Nations Indian Gaming Association voted down amendments to the initiativesThe sports betting initiatives are not backed at all by the largest tribes in California

There will be no Christmas miracle for California sports betting.

California tribal leaders are still not interested in supporting two sports betting ballot initiatives that aim to legalize retail and online sports betting for state tribes, while prohibiting retail and online sports betting for any other entity.

“The disingenuous nature of these initiatives should be a red flag to every tribal government as well as every voter in California,” said California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Chairman James Siva in a released statement. “The proponent of the measures are attempting to divide and conquer tribes by pushing an initiative that attempts to legitimize illicit off-shore operators and putting our governments at risk.”

Tribes Not Swayed by Amendments

Proponents of the two sports betting ballot initiatives, the Tribal Gaming Protection Act (23-0031) and The Sports Wagering Regulation (23-0030), presented amendments to the tribes two weeks ago in an attempt to gain support for the potential legislation.

The initiative creators increased the mandatory contribution from state tribes to the tribal sports wagering revenue sharing trust fund. Tribes will be required to contribute 25% of the adjusted sports betting gross gaming revenue into a tribal sports wagering revenue sharing trust trust, an increase from the original 15% contribution.

Additionally, the initiatives were amended to move the proposed sports betting start date to no earlier than July 1, 2025, up from Sept. 1, 2025.

The amendments did not curry support with tribes in CNIGA, as they were unanimously voted down.

“The opposition coming from Indian Country is loud and it is clear. Tribes will not be distracted by outside influences making empty promises. Indian Country will stand firm in protecting our sovereign rights and integrity. We call on the proponents to do the honorable thing and withdraw these flawed initiatives,” Siva said.

A letter was sent to the backers of the initiatives, Ryan Tyler Walz, Reeve Collins and Kasey Thompson, urging them to pull the proposals.

“Your initiatives are a cynical and deceptive attempt to hijack – for your personal gain – the goodwill tribes have earned and maintained for decades with the people of California. According to your own media interviews, these ballot measures are designed to cleanse illegal off-shore online gambling corporations with an appalling track record of illegal gambling, money laundering and other illicit activities. We will not allow imposters to exploit our good names. As aggressive campaign will be waged against these reckless initiatives – like in 2022 which resulted in an 82% NO vote – that harm potential legitimate efforts to authorize sports wagering responsibly in California,” a portion of the letter reads.

Initiatives Likely Dead for 2024

The initiatives likely have little chance to appear on the 2024 general election ballot. As of right now, Walz and Collins are still planning to move to the signature collecting process.

The measures aim to legalize retail and online sports betting for California tribes, while prohibiting retail and online sports betting for any entity other than a state tribe.

To appear on the Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballot, the proponents of the initiatives will have to collect 874,641 valid signatures over the next four months. The state suggests that signatures should be collected over six months to ensure success.