California residents will have the chance to vote on making sports betting legal in the state during a referendum vote in November, 2022.
Editor Note: Polling suggests neither measure will pass in 2022.
On the ballot in November will be two propositions, Prop 26 and Prop 27. Voters will get the chance to vote Yes, or No on both which could open up sport betting in the state.
Under Prop 26 sports betting would be legalized at Federally recognized Native American gaming casinos and racetracks in the state. Prop 26 would also allow Native American casinos to offer roulette and dice games for the first time.
Under Prop 27 online and mobile sports betting would be legalized anywhere in the state. This would allow both Native American tribes and online sports betting companies to legally operate online sports betting websites and apps in the state.
It is possible that both Prop 26 and 27 could be approved by voters. According to state representatives if that were to happen the one that receives the most votes would be declared the winner. Legal experts also think if both Prop 26 and 27 were approved by voters a decision on the matter could end up with the courts.
In years past, California residents had the opportunity to vote on expanded gambling and legal sports betting in a November 2020 referendum.
But there is a lot of progress that must happen before then, as no bills have been introduced since a preliminary one June 27, 2019. Since then, a hearing was conducted in early 2020, but that did not include any of the California tribes or cardroom operators who are expected to argue over sports betting privileges.
Sen. Dodd has indicated that he prefers an online, state-wide form of mobile sports betting in California. Currently, the native tribes control casino gambling and want in on the action.
But political friction between the groups has roadblocked online poker from taking off like it should have in California. Can the parties come together to all benefit from sports betting or will it be more of the same? (Read California legalization updates).
Is sports betting legal in California?
No, sports betting remains illegal in California. This could change in November, 2022 depending on the outcome of the vote on Prop 26 and Prop 27. Prop 26 would make sports betting legal at Native American casinos, while Prop 27 would make online and mobile sports betting legal throughout the state.
Where can I bet at California sportsbooks?
As of September, 2022 there is nowhere in California that offers or allows legal sports betting. Depending on the November vote on Prop 26 and 27 this could change.
What about mobile sports betting apps in California?
There are currently no legal sports betting apps in California. A yes vote on Prop 27 in November, 2022 would legalize online and mobile sports betting throughout the state. Earlier, Sen. Dodd stated he believes this is the best way to open the market fully and properly and to ensure good tax revenue for the state. Stand by for updates on this one, as the rest of the country will be watching to see how California navigates this tricky political landscape.
