Growing Support Emerges for Legalized Sports Betting in California
A recent survey found that Californians are gradually accepting legalized sports betting. Sixty percent of voters showed some degree of support for regulation. Politico, in collaboration with the Citrin Center and the Possibility Lab, interviewed more than 1,400 participants across the state.
Research indicates that a quarter of respondents believe that a legal California sports betting market is overdue, as others legalized the practice after the federal prohibition was lifted in 2018. Another 35% stated they would vote for legalization but would need more details of a regulatory framework.
Although there had been a shift in public opinion, 40% still opposed legalization. Concerns were most significant around greater gambling harms, such as addiction and financial issues. These are also set to dominate future discussion as policymakers and tribal leaders consider forms for regulation.
The best sports betting sites and tribes have had early discussions surrounding a potential ballot initiative, with 2026 representing the first year voters would once again vote on the matter. Insiders noted that any such proposal in the future would likely be led by tribal ownership but funded by large sportsbooks.
This approach marks a change from previous efforts, which saw direct competition between tribes and commercial operators.
The survey results arrive against the backdrop of the failed 2022 ballot initiatives, when dueling campaigns between the two groups resulted in more than $400 million in advertising and record voter rejection.
DFS ban proposal impacts support
The debate over sports betting in California remains influenced by tribal power and the state's ongoing struggle with unregulated gaming alternatives.
While a 2022 proposal for legalized statewide online sports betting, paid for entirely by commercials, garnered only 16% support due to tribal organizations mobilizing opposition, some game products were successful in regulatory gray areas. These include daily fantasy pick 'em games, sweepstakes casino games, and sports prediction markets.
However, both have drawn reactions from state officials and tribal operators, who are afraid they threaten gaming laws.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a formal opinion declaring daily fantasy sports contests illegal in California, though no enforcement action has yet followed. That ruling has prompted lawsuits and further uncertainty.
Tribes have also sought to curb the expansion of sweepstakes models and sports prediction markets. FanDuel recently revealed plans to introduce a prediction market platform in California, though it emphasized that initial offerings will not include sports-based contracts.
This move could give FanDuel leverage in eventual sports betting talks, as the platform could pivot toward sports if regulatory or tribal approval is secured
