Legalizing sports betting in California has hit another snag, with industry experts now predicting that a referendum on the issue may not happen until 2026 or even 2028. This delay could have severe implications for the state’s potential revenue and the gaming industry.
James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, recently shared insights at the Global Expo in Las Vegas. He suggested that Californians might have to wait several more years before they can legally place bets on sporting events. This news comes as a disappointment to many sports enthusiasts across the state who were hoping for a quicker resolution.
The setback follows the failure of two competing ballot measures in 2022, both of which were rejected by wide margins. These propositions mainly focused on sports betting specifically, with one aiming to give California’s tribes exclusivity and the other allowing commercial operators to participate. The rejection of both measures, however, highlighted just how complex the state’s gambling legislation is.
Interestingly, Siva hinted that when the referendum does happen, it might include provisions for online casino gaming. Online gambling for real money, including both sports betting and casino gaming remains illegal. The only form of online gambling that is currently legal is horse race betting, sweepstakes casinos, and daily fantasy sports, with residents turning to offshore gambling sites. These international online casinos are regulated and licensed by reputable licensing authorities, providing consumer protection. Additionally, such online casinos offer a wider range of gaming options, payment options like cryptocurrencies, where you can withdraw instantly, and a larger catalog of sports for sports betting.
The situation in California differs from the challenges Florida and Texas are facing. In Texas, sports betting remains illegal, with no immediate prospect for legalization. Despite growing interest and professional sports organizations and sportsbooks advocating for sports betting, the situation remains unchanged. The Texas Republican Party instructed lawmakers to oppose gambling expansion, despite 70% of Texans saying they would vote in favor of a referendum on legal sports betting.
Florida, on the other hand, made some progress. While sports betting is legal, it is limited to the Seminole Tribe and its partner Hard Rock. The tribe also announced the launch of retail sports betting at its casinos, however, online betting remains limited to select groups of bettors, with no target date announced for a full rollout.
These setbacks and delays in California, Texas, and Florida are having a significant impact on the overall growth of the sports betting industry. By not legalizing sports betting, these states including our own, are missing out on substantial economic benefits. For example, New Jersey’s gambling sector has seen success, recently exceeding $200 million in revenue in September. The potential for increased revenue remains an argument from those advocating for the legalization of sports betting. However, each state faces its own unique challenges, including political, legal, and cultural factors impeding legalization efforts.
While James Siva’s comments suggest that gambling legalization in California is possible, he also made reference to the fact that it will likely be a complex and exceptionally lengthy process, with tribal interests playing a massive role in shaping the outcome.
