The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has formally opposed two sports wagering initiatives that were recently filed with the California Secretary of State’s office.
A vote took place following a meeting between initiative proponents and CNIGA Executive Committee, with all 52 members of CNIGA voting to oppose the two initiates.
At the start of November, California residents voted against two sports betting proposals, which CNIGA also pushed back, saying the state Government had failed to reach out to the association for its input.
CNIGA Chairman James Siva said: “The entire effort surrounding these initiatives was handled abhorrently by the initiative sponsors.
“It is hard not to be offended when listening to these individuals speak. This is another example of outside influences trying to divide and conquer Indian Tribes. We will not let history repeat itself.
“California Tribes have been successfully engaged in the gaming market for more than four decades. This didn’t happen by mistake, nor without careful consideration of the effects on our members and our surrounding communities. Tribal Leaders are the experts, and we will decide what is best for our people.
“Now that the sponsors have heard directly from Tribes that their efforts are not supported, we call on them to drop the initiatives as they have pledged to do if tribes were to oppose them. Our opposition could not be more clear and is irrevocable.”
In other California news, the Oakland A’s, which currently resides in the Golden State, has received approval from the other owners in Major League Baseball (MLB) to move to Las Vegas.
