Two ballot initiatives have been filed with the California Attorney General, aiming to secure tribes’ exclusive rights for retail and online sports betting in the state. The submissions intend to present the Tribal Gaming Protection Act (23-0031) and The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act (23-0030) on the 2024 election ballot.
Key Provisions of the Initiatives:
The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act emphasizes the need for well-regulated online and in-person sports betting, involving Indian tribes, the federal government, and the State of California. The aim is to eliminate illegal gambling operations and provide strong consumer protections.
The initiatives propose a legal betting age of 21 and require online sports betting accounts to be registered in person at tribal casinos.
Tribes would be obligated to contribute 15% of adjusted sports wagering gross gaming revenue to the Tribal Sports Wagering Revenue Sharing Trust Fund and 10% to the California Homelessness and Mental Health Fund.
Sports betting could commence no earlier than September 1, 2025.
Proponents and Signature Requirement:
The initiatives are filed by Ryan Tyler Walz and Reeve Collins. To secure a place on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot, they need to collect 874,641 valid signatures within the next four months.
Response from California Nations Indian Gaming Association:
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has expressed deep disappointment regarding the lack of consultation with tribal governments before filing the initiatives. The association emphasizes that decisions affecting tribal governments should be made by tribal governments themselves and encourages the proponents to engage with Indian Country rather than dictate terms.
In the 2022 ballot, California voters rejected both Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, which aimed to legalize sports betting in the state. Proposition 26, backed by tribal governments, sought to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos but faced opposition from card room operators. Proposition 27, supported by online sports betting companies, was opposed by Native American tribes and Governor Gavin Newsom.
The filing of these initiatives sets the stage for potential changes in California’s sports betting landscape. Their success in securing a place on the 2024 ballot will depend on collecting the required number of signatures and navigating the complex dynamics between tribal interests, commercial operators, and the state government.