California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently expressed his opposition to Proposition 27, a ballot measure that seeks to allow mobile sports betting statewide. The proposal, which has the support of several operators, including BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings, aims to legalize online and mobile app wagering for Californians. However, Governor Newsom believes that Prop 27 “is bad for California” and has cited reasons for his opposition.
Governor Newsom’s Concerns:
Governor Newsom has raised several concerns about Proposition 27. He believes that it would be detrimental to California’s Indian Tribes and could lead to an increase in underage gambling. Additionally, he fears that the measure could result in billions of dollars flowing out of the state and benefiting out-of-state corporations instead. Citing these concerns, he has urged Californians to vote against Prop 27.
November Ballot Measures:
On November 8, Californians will have the opportunity to vote on two ballot measures related to the legalization of sports betting. If both initiatives pass, they will only be implemented if they are found to be compatible and not conflicting with each other. While Prop 27 seeks to allow statewide mobile sports betting, it is opposed by several California tribes who support Prop 26. Prop 26 aims to legalize sports betting at tribal locations and horseracing tracks.
Political Stances and Support:
The political landscape regarding the ballot measures is complex. In August, the Republican Party joined the Democratic Party in opposing Proposition 27. On the other hand, Major League Baseball (MLB) has expressed its support for the initiative, believing that it would create a safe and responsible online sports betting market for California.
Progress of Hard Rock Casino Proposal:
In a separate development related to the gaming industry in California, the proposed $600 million Hard Rock casino near Mettler in Kern County is moving closer to becoming a reality. The California State Senate recently passed a bill ratifying a gaming compact with the Tejon Indian Tribe, the proponent of the casino project. The bill, known as Senate Bill 910, gained unanimous support with a 39-0 vote in the Senate, following earlier support from the Assembly.
The opposition expressed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to Proposition 27 has added to the complexity of the debate surrounding the legalization of sports betting in the state. As the November 8 ballot approaches, Californians will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on the issue. Meanwhile, the progress of the proposed Hard Rock casino in Kern County signals potential expansion in the gaming industry in the state. The outcome of these developments will shape the future of sports betting and casino gaming in California.