Per a recent report related to the potential gaming arms race in the Golden State, more details have emerged regarding two important gaming measures. According to one source, California’s Secretary of State announced earlier this month the proposition numbers for the two main measures voters will decide on in November’s general election. In this case and potentially on the upcoming ballot, the proposal to legalize retail sportsbooks at tribal and tribal-licensed racetracks aka Proposition 26 will fall next to the amendment to legalize online sports betting statewide, which is now called Proposition 27.
In this breakdown, SBS will go over what this new update means and also the current state of the ballot measures in California.
According to one article, groups affiliated with the tribal gaming measure (proposition 26), said this result was expected. Historically in California, the Secretary of State gives constitutional amendment questions lower numbers than other “citizen-driven ballot initiatives” per a source. Also, measures that qualify earlier – the tribal gaming measure qualified back in May 2021 – are given lower numbers.
While the tribal gaming measure has been cleared for the upcoming November ballot for some time, the online betting proposal was passed through in late June, which was just ahead of the deadline to get on the ballot for the November 8th election. With these two ballots looking very similar on the surface, a spokesperson for the tribal-backed “Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming,” proposed a solution to ease the confusion of prospective voters.
“What will be confusing for voters will be remembering which one is in person and which one is online, but both campaigns will make that clear in our education efforts,” spokesperson Kathy Fairbanks said to one news outlet. “And it will be clearer still when voters read the ballot pamphlet and their actual ballot which includes a description.”
According to one article, although there are two sports betting measures qualified for the upcoming ballot, there are actually four political committees that have been set up in response to the measures. Per reports from the California Secretary of State’s office, the four groups have already raised $183.8 million to promote or oppose a specific ballot.
As pointed out in one article, with four months left before the general election, the odds are fairly good that the sports betting measures will break the state record for fundraising related to a political initiative. In fact, in one report from KQED Public Radio in California, the current record is $224 million, which was spent two years ago on Prop 22. This proposition sought to exempt companies such as Uber and Lyft from state labor law.
Finally, for those that need a quick refresher on Prop 26 and Prop 27, here is an abridged summary on both. The former would allow retail sportsbooks for in-person wagering at California’s tribal casinos and the state’s four thoroughbred racetracks. Sportsbooks at racetracks would have their revenues taxed at 10% according to the Secretary of State’s website. Prop 27 meanwhile would allow for sports betting statewide through online sportsbooks and mobile apps. Sportsbook revenues would be taxed at 10% with 85% of the funding going to fund homelessness and mental health services.
If you still desire more gaming information and details related to the Golden State, then make sure to check out our California sports wagering guide. On this page you can find everything you need when it comes to knowing about betting in the Golden State. This includes great topics like deposit options, payout methods and also the latest and greatest welcome bonuses available. Speaking of bonuses, SBS has done a lot of the heavy lifting for you by putting together our welcome bonuses overview page which details all the best ways to maximize your bets. On a final note, if you are a gambler that is always on the go, then perhaps our mobile wagering breakdown will give you some great tips and tricks to never miss out on the action.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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