Apprehension is swirling around the passage of two major sports betting measures (Prop 26 and Prop 27) as the November ballot nears according to sources. Per one report, there is pessimism around the two measures passing even though both sides have pumped in millions of dollars in “a broadcast battle” that is increasingly expected to yield an 0-2 result. In fact, one industry expert said “it does not look good” in one article, and “it seems like both (ballot measures) are going to meet the same fate.” Indeed even outside polls are showing that only a portion of California voters would back one of the measures.
For this report, SBS will go over the latest wagering news coming out of California and also what else to know about wagering in the Golden State.
Per one major report, an independent poll in early September showed only 34% of California voters would vote yes on the sportsbook-backed Prop 27. If passed, this would bring legal online sports betting to the Golden State. Also in the same report, this was the catalyst that led to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle that the “Yes on 27” coalition was pulling its television advertising in major California markets.
In addition to Prop 27 having faltering support at this point, its main opponent in Prop 26 is also facing challenging headwinds. Per one article, the tribal-backed Prop 26 also seems unlikely to pass later this fall. For those that are not consistent readers of this space, if passed, Prop 26 would bring legal retail sports betting to the state via tribal casinos. According to one industry insider, there is a belief that the powers that be behind Prop 26 are not pushing yes on that measure anymore, and what’s more, sports betting is not even the major portion of that prop if passed for tribal groups.
One major criticism that has persisted in the multi-million dollar advertising battle between Prop 26 and Prop 27 is mixed messaging per some sources. For instance, the broadcast advertising campaigns have centered on homelessness funding and tribal sovereignty, with very little mention of sports betting. Moreover, Gary Painter, the executive director of the USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute was quoted in one article saying that Prop 27 is viewed in homeless circles as a fight over California’s online gaming prize.
Moreover, while Prop 27 states that 85% of annual tax revenues would go to homelessness, one source projects that it could generate $200 million annually. However, this number pales in comparison to what the state spends already fighting housing and homelessness which is closer to the tune of $10 billion annually. Also as one article states, a compromise solution is difficult to envision here as the tribes have significant power in California, and their relationship with sports betting operators is “fractured” as one source states.
Once you are done getting up to speed regarding the latest gaming news in California, make sure to also check with all the other awesome resources SBS has put together for you. The first place to check out is our California sports betting guide which goes over all the latest news coming out of the state and has the latest welcome bonus information as well. Regarding the topic of welcome bonuses, definitely take some time to check out the SBS best bonus betting sites rundown which goes over a catalog of the latest and great bonus offers. Finally, if you are maybe uncertain about how to make deposits and withdrawals, then our payment methods overview will break down all the different ways to get your money moving for you.
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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