The California Attorney General’s Office has reviewed two proposed ballot initiatives, Prop 26 and Prop 27, that would allow established sole entity Tribes in California to function as sports betting operators around the state, according to a local report in The Sacramento Bee.
Both initiatives have been published on the AG’s website.
However, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association pushed back against both proposals, citing that the state government failed to reach out to the association for its input.
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association said in a statement that it is “deeply disappointed that the sponsors of the two recently filed initiatives did not first reach out to the State’s largest tribal gaming association for consultation and input.”
The organization said that they were made aware of the initiatives after they were posted online and encouraged lawmakers to “engage rather than dictate” with the community next time.
The association commented further on this in its statement by saying, “Decisions driving the future of tribal governments should be made by tribal governments.
“While the sponsors of these initiatives may believe they know what is best for Tribes, we encourage them to engage with Indian Country and ask, rather than dictate.”
Both propositions are designed to legalize sports betting, with Prop 26 focusing on Tribal-owned casinos and racetracks. Prop 27 would legalize online betting. DraftKings and FanDuel spent millions in an effort to propel Prop 27, according to the local report.
California residents, however, did not advance either of these propositions. Prop 26 gained only 33% of the yes vote, while Prop 27 gained 17% of the yes vote.
