Sports betting in California remains off the table for the foreseeable future, as tribal leaders confirm that legalization efforts are unlikely to succeed before 2028. Representatives from the state’s major gaming tribes – including the Pechanga Band of Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians – have cited declining public support as a key barrier to any immediate legislative push.
California’s last attempt to legalize sports betting ended in failure during the 2022 referendum, which became the most expensive ballot measure in U.S. history, with nearly $450 million spent on campaigns. Since then, polls indicate that enthusiasm for sports betting has waned further, making it difficult for any new initiative to gain traction.
Why Is California Delaying Sports Betting?
One of the primary reasons for the delay is the lack of a clear consensus on how sports betting should be regulated. Tribal leaders assert that any future initiative must be driven by the tribes themselves, rather than by external corporate interests or competing stakeholders. This stance has created tension with commercial operators who see California as a major untapped market. 
Furthermore, concerns over gambling addiction, regulatory challenges, and the economic implications of legalized sports betting have contributed to hesitancy among lawmakers and voters alike. The failure of the 2022 referendum demonstrated that Californians are not yet convinced that the benefits outweigh the potential downsides.
A Different Approach in Minnesota
While California remains cautious, other states are moving forward with sports betting legislation. In Minnesota, lawmakers have introduced competing bills aimed at establishing a regulated market for sports wagering. This reflects a broader trend in the United States, where an increasing number of states are considering or implementing legal frameworks for sports betting.
What Comes Next?
Tribal leaders in California emphasize that if sports betting is to be legalized in the future, it must be done in a way that prioritizes tribal sovereignty and economic interests. Any successful initiative will require careful negotiation and collaboration between stakeholders, including legislators, tribes, and the public.
For now, Californians hoping for legal sports betting will likely have to wait until at least 2028 before any serious legislative effort moves forward.
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