There’s been plenty of California sports betting news as of late. Unfortunately for those looking to see it legalized in the Golden State, most of it has been negative.
In fact, one of the few legal options for aspiring California sports bettors may be in jeopardy. According to a report, the office of the California Attorney General received an inquiry questioning the legality of daily fantasy sports (or DFS).
Is California DFS In Trouble?
We’re not sure yet. However, Sen. Scott Wilk reached out to AG Rob Bonta for clarity earlier this month. His outreach asked if state law prevents Californians from using all DFS platforms.
The scope of the inquiry is notable. Other states are currently considering the legality of pick ‘em-style games on sites such as PrizePicks and Underdog. However, Wilk’s question also includes the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel, which have been prominent for close to a decade.
Those two operators were among the biggest investors in 2022’s failed CA online sports betting ballot initiative. Proposition 27 would have legalized California online sports betting and brought some of the country’s best sportsbooks to the Golden State. However, that effort was met with overwhelming opposition from the state’s tribes, which control most of California’s gambling industry and had their own legislation (Proposition 26) on that year’s ballot.
The CA sports betting fight attracted $458 million in spending from all sides, making it the most expensive ballot initiative battle in history. Both measures failed on Election Day. In fact, Prop 27 was rejected in a landslide, as it received less than 18% of the vote.
The Latest On California Sports Betting
Two ballot initiatives were submitted in October that would put California sports betting on the 2024 ballot. Those measures will soon enter the signature-gathering phase of the process.
Both proposals are branded as tribal initiatives. However, important figures within several tribes are already voicing opposition to the measures. As a result, optimism for passage in 2024 is low.
Victor Rocha of the Pechanga Band of Indians posted on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday:
“Getting a no vote in California is easy. Getting a yes vote, that’s the real challenge. For that to happen, everyone has to be in alliance – tribes, government, voters & the industry.
“The tribes have the only feasible strategy. They’ve already invested an incredible amount of time, money & political capital. If online is ever going to happen in California, the industry needs to get in the backseat, shut up & be an ally.”
