California Tribal Casinos & Indian Gaming | 2022 News Archive
Explore this 2022 news archive containing historical articles about California tribal casinos, Indian gaming, tribal nations, and new construction projects.
The two California sports betting propositions (26, 27) on last week's ballot both went down in overwhelming defeats. Prop 26, which proposed sports betting inside tribal casinos, was opposed by 69% of voters. Prop 27, which proposed online sports betting, was opposed by 83% of voters.
Professor David McCuan, the chairman of the political science department at Sonoma State University, explained the result this way:
"Anytime voters face two measures at odds with each other, they tend to reject both.
"Whenever we have dueling ballot measures, and the competitors have an arsenal of dollars ... the competitors will go nuclear. And in a nuclear war everybody loses. The most powerful money in California politics is on the 'No' side of ballot measures."
- David McCuan, Professor
Although Prop 25 was defeated, California tribes still retain exclusive gambling rights in the state.
So, what will come next?
California is the most populous state in our nation, and gambling is a multibillion-dollar market. The sports betting segment is too large to simply walk away from.
"The tribes can wait forever. They don't need sports betting. California doesn't need sports betting," says Victor Rocha, Conference Chair at National Indian Gaming Association.
There are two ways either sports betting group can pursue another shot:
New Ballot Proposition (2024) It is common in California to have defeated propositions return in a new election. An initiative for tighter regulations at dialysis clinics has been defeated in each of the last three elections.
. State Legislature Action The California legislature could pass a law allowing sports betting according to I. Nelson Rose, a gambling law expert at Whittier Law School. The legislature could also pass a constitutional amendment that would appear on the ballot for voter approval.
A spokesman for the Prop. 27 online gaming companies released a statement after the election that indicated supporters are not walking away from California.
"Dozens of states and countless local governments are benefitting from the significant tax revenue that online sports betting provides, and as California faces tax revenue declines and uncertain economic headwinds, online sports betting can provide substantial solutions to fill future budget gaps."
Some tribal leaders have also indicated another try in the future.
"As tribes, we will analyze these results, and collectively have discussions about what the future of sports wagering might look like in California," said Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians
"Our perspective continues to be that whatever proposal might emerge from tribes, it has got to be one that will be supported by the voters," said Jacob Mejia, VP of public affairs for the Pechanga Band of Indians.
Although nothing is known for certain about the future of sports betting in California, it seems a certainty the issue is not going away. It will return.
California Prop 26 v Prop 27 Ballot Battle: Most Expensive in US History!
September 22, 2022
The stakes are high in California for two sports betting propositions on the Nov. 8 election ballot. Supporters and opposers of Prop 26 and Prop 27 have already spent $500 million on TV ads to influence voters, making this most expensive ballot initiative in U.S. history.
[No Ads]
Game on: the dueling sports betting measures Californians will soon vote on Courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego, Sep 8, 2022 . Available from YouTube
So, what are the differences between the two propositions?
Retail sports betting would be authorized inside all California Indian casinos and four horse tracks (Del Mar, Golden Gate Fields, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita).
Tribal casinos will also be allowed to add craos and roulette games.
California will receive a 10% tax on net revenues from sports betting. The funds will be deposited into a new California Sports Wagering Fund (CSWF) for allocation to K-12 schools and community colleges and state regulatory costs. Remaining monies would go to gambling addiction and mental health programs.
Promoters include Indians, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and Wilton Rancheria. California has 79 tribes operating 66 casinos in 28 counties.
Prop 27: "California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act"
Online sports betting would be licensed to sportsbook websites and mobile apps.
Five-year licenses would cost gambling companies $100 million. Subsequent 5-year renewals would cost $10 million. Tribes would pay $10 million for a license and $1 million for renewals.
California will receive a 10% tax on net revenues from sports betting. The funds will be deposited into a new California Online Sports Betting Trust Fund (COSBTF) to cover state regulatory costs with 85% of the remainder allocated to homelessness and gambling addiction programs. The 15% balance would be allocated to tribes without online sports betting revenues. These tribes could apply the funds to health, education and economic development.
Promoters include FanDuel, DraftKings, WynnBET, Bally's,, BetMGM, Fanatics Betting, and Penn National.
If Both Pass: If Prop 26 and 27 are both approved by voters, the final outcome will be determined by the courts. The reason is Prop 26 includes a five-year ban on online sports betting.
California Sports Betting Ballot Measures: State of the War!
July 16, 2022
California voters will decide in November whether to approve either of two ballot proposals authorizing a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting. Voters will choose either retail or online sports betting, both or neither.
The California Democratic Party announced its position on the two sports betting initiatives last Sunday. The Democratic Party opposes online sports betting (Prop 27 ) and will remain neutral on retail sports betting (Prop 26).
Sports betting would be allowed at all California tribal casinos and four horse tracks (Del Mar, Golden Gate Fields, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita). Card clubs are excluded.
Betting on in-state college sports teams is prohibited.
All sports betting would be taxed 10% on revenues.
All tribal casinos will be allowed to add roulette, craps and other dice games.
Online sports betting will be banned for at least five years.
Promoters:
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and Wilton Rancheria (Sky River Casino).
Supporters:
Most California tribes, California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), and Dolores Huerta, a labor and civil rights activist. California Democratic Party is "neutral" (July 11)
Opposition:
Cardrooms
ONLINE SPORTS BETTING PROPOSITION 27 Title: "California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act"
Provisions:
Sports betting would be allowed using mobile apps and online websites.
85% of taxes will be allocated to the homelessness crises in California
Promoters:
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bally's Interactive, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, Penn National Gaming and WynnBET
Supporters:
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe
Opposition:
California Democratic Party (July 10)
California Teachers Association (May 24)
Veterans (March 30) - includes National Veterans Foundation, the Marine Corps Veterans Association and the Association of the United States Army groups in Northern and Southern California
If Both Proposition 26 and 27 Pass
If both propositions pass in November, tribal groups would likely challenge Prop 27 in court based on the Prop 26 five-year ban of online sports betting.
Second California Sports Betting Measure Qualifies for November Ballot
May 12, 2022
A mobile sports betting measure received enough signatures last week to qualify as a choice on California's November ballot. The measure titled "Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support" is promoted by national sports betting operators. The group announced it has submitted 1.6 million petition signatures to the Secretary of State Office. A minimum of 997,139 signatures is needed to qualify for the ballot.
[No Ads]
Game on | California voters to decide whether to legalize sports betting - Courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego, May 5, 2022. Available from YouTube
The key campaign supporters are FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, which contributed $16-plus million each, and Bally's, Barstool, WynnBet & Fanatics, which contributed $12-plus million each.
Update: California sports betting battle on Nov ballot
April 23, 2022
California voters will decide whether to legalize sports betting and who will control it in this year's November 8 election.
[No Ads]
High stakes battle over legalizing CA sports gambling on Nov. ballot - Courtesy of KESQ News Channel 3, Apr 14, 2022. Available from YouTube
Although most of the sports betting initiatives are still seeking signatures to qualify for the ballot, the November battle currently appears to be a decision between in-person betting at casinos or online betting from anywhere in the state. It is possible both measures will pass and litigation will determine the final overlapping issues.
California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative (2022) This measure is currently the only qualified ballot initiative for the November ballot. The measure is supported by 40 California tribes. If passed, it will legalize sports betting at California Indian gaming casinos and four California racetracks. It will also legalize roulette and dice games at tribal casinos.
California Solutions to Homeless and Mental Health Support Act This ballot petition is led by Draft Kings and Fan Duel. If it completes its qualification for the ballot and passes, the measure will allow online sports betting and taxes would support homeless and mental health programs. A ten percent tax would be paid on all sports betting. Initial taxes would cover state regulatory costs and 85% of the remainder would go to homelessness programs.
Voter Poll California voters do not show decisive support for the legalization of sports betting according to a recent Berkley IGS Poll. Only 45 percent favor legalization and 33 percent oppose it. The remaining 22 percent are undecided.
Play Hot Drop Jackpots! Hourly Daily Epic Jackpots
Jackpots 24/7, 1 every hour, 1 every day, and 1 before the pot hits $250K! BOVADA
CNIGA supports latest mobile sports betting measure for 2022 ballot
February 24, 2022
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) announced support last week for the latest California sports betting initiative seeking signatures for the 2022 ballot. The measure titled "Age-Verified Tribal Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Regulatory Act" would give California tribes the exclusive rights to operate sports betting at both tribal casinos and online statewide.
Age-Verified Tribal Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Regulatory Act This latest initiative is backed by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (Yaamava' Resort Casino), Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians (Harrah's Resort Southern California), the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Graton Resort & Casino), and Wilton Rancheria (Sky River Casino).
California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act The CNIGA also supports this measure to authorize in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and four racetracks exclusively. The measure is already qualified for the Nov. 8th ballot.
Commercial Sports Betting Initiatives Two other measures have also qualified for the November ballot. One would allow national sportsbook operators, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, to partner with tribal casinos for online sports betting. The other would allow online and in-person sports betting at major cardroom operators.
San Manuel-backed sports betting initiative cleared to gather signatures
January 22, 2022
A sports betting initiative backed by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and three other tribes has been cleared by the California Secretary of State to begin collecting signatures for the November ballot. The initiative requires petition signatures from 997,139 registered voters by June 30, 2022.
California tribes will have exclusive rights to operate sports betting inside tribal casinos and online statewide.
10% of gross gaming revenue will be paid to the state's Homelessness and Mental Health Fund.
10% of gross gaming revenue will be paid to the Tribal Sports Wagering Revenue Sharing Fund.
FOURTH PROPOSAL This initiative is the fourth proposal for legalizing sports betting in California. The other three proposals are:
Sports betting will only be in-person at tribal casinos and four racetracks. This measure titled "California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative" has qualified for Nov. 8th ballot. Details
Major cardroom operators would operate online and in-person sports betting and add new card and tile games.
National sportsbook operators, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, would partner with tribal casinos for online betting.
Disclaimer: All images are copyright to their respective owners and are used by 500 Nations for informational purposes only.
500 Nations is an independent directory and information service free of any gaming operator's control and not affiliated with any casino.
Warning: You must ensure you meet all age and other regulatory requirements before entering a casino or placing a wager.
There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the world with Internet access and hundreds of different games and gambling opportunities available on the Internet.
Do not assume that Internet gaming sites are in compliance with the rules and regulations of every jurisdiction from which they accept players.
YOU are responsible for determining if it is legal for YOU to play any particular game or place any particular wager under the laws of the jurisdiction where you are located.
$3,000 Casino Welcome Bonus!
California Prop 26 v Prop 27 Ballot Battle: Most Expensive in US History! 
