A sports betting initiative is really in the offing.
Sources tell Sports Handle that the most powerful tribes in the state — Graton Rancheria, Pechanga, and San Manuel — are not filing an initiative. All three were key players in 2022, when a group of tribes put forth a retail sports betting initiative but then pivoted to focus on killing a commercial operator-led initiative that would have allowed for statewide mobile wagering.
Neither initiative ed, and the one led by soundly defeated initiatives in state history.
Play USA reported that the Pala Band of Mission Indians has plans to file an initiative proposal Monday with the intent of opening up discussion among tribes about whether to move forward. Monday is a federal holiday, but it appears California government offices will be open.
European operators taking their turn? 1c3v7
Sources told Sports Handle Sunday that the aforementioned four major U.S. operators are not behind the proposals, and Caesars Sportsbook, which is partnered with a California tribe via its Harrah’s brand in the state, is likely to stay on the sidelines of any wagering politics, as it did in 2022. When queried Sunday by Sports Handle about a proposal, sources at multiple operators said it was news to them. One replied with “Not us!” and another said, “First I’ve heard of that.”
Multiple sources pointed across the Atlantic and suggested that bet365 or another European operator trying to expand its brand in the U.S. could be potential partners.
The tweet that got the conversation moving came from Victor Rocha, the conference chairman for the Indian Gaming Association:
Rumors were floating around last night that a sports betting initiative was about to be filed in California. No confirmation yet. Just rumors.
— Victor Rocha (@VictorRocha1) October 8, 2023
Details of what’s coming are beginning to emerge. One source told Sports Handle that there would be two proposals, including one that would outline a 51%-49% revenue split favoring the tribes.
Should a ballot initiative proposal be filed, it would be for the 2024 presidential election ballot, and it would have to go through a months-long process to get approval. Once filed with the attorney general’s office, proposals are assigned a tracking number and then get in line for the attorney general to issue a title and summary. Proposed initiatives are open for a 30-day public comment period on the day they are filed.
After the public comment period closes and a title and summary are issued, those backing the proposals can begin collecting the 874,641 signatures needed to get on the 2024 ballot. Proponents have a maximum of 180 days from when the title and summary are issued to gather signatures and file petitions for verification with county officials. Any proposed initiative for the 2024 ballot must qualify for the ballot 131 days before the Nov. 5 election, which means a cutoff date of June 27.
