- California Democrats spoke against a proposed state constitutional amendment regulating online sports betting.
- There are two potential sports betting bills being put to the vote in California in November; one would allow online betting while the other would only allow betting on tribal grounds.
- The California Democrats are not opposed to the tribal sportsbooks.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The ongoing fight between the California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act and the California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act has seen the California Democrats pick a side.
Sunday, Dems of the Golden State spoke out against allowing online sports betting while staying neutral on tribal sportsbooks.
We are proud to announce our ballot measure endorsements, which include measures to
✅enshrine the right to abortion in our state’s constitution,
✅provide more funding for arts & music education,
✅ improve the quality of medical care,
✅better fund climate action, & more. pic.twitter.com/DAA0GNplOs— California Democratic Party (@CA_Dem) July 10, 2022
California Dems Opposed Online Sportsbooks
The Democratic Party in California reviewed a number of ballot initiatives during the Resolutions Committee. Both sports betting bills will be voted on in the November election. The Dems took their hard stance on a number of issues and opposing online betting was one of them.
The online betting measure is the Homelessness Act and was also recently opposed by the California Teachers Association.
Local tribes have been fighting against this California initiative for months and issued several statements surrounding the issue. This recent news from local Democrats was also fuel used in the ongoing issue.
“By opposing Prop 27, California Democrats rejected out-of-state corporations and reaffirmed their commitment to California’s Indian tribes,” said Reid Milanovich, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Chairman in a statement. “Prop 27 is not a solution to anything. It would expose children to a massive expansion of gambling and turn every cell phone, gaming console, tablet and laptop into a gambling device. Prop 27 is a direct attack on tribal gaming and Indian self-reliance.”
It is too soon to tell if the Democrat’s opposition to the measure will affect voters. The Democratic Party control a 2-1 voting majority over local Republicans.
This could result in the tribal initiative winning over voters come November.