A group of federally recognized Indian tribes in California have voiced their concerns regarding a sports betting initiative.
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has issued a statement concerning sports wagering after the group formally opposed two sports betting initiatives last month. The CNIGA, which has 52 members, has taken a strong stance on the emerging U.S. sports betting market.
“The disingenuous nature of these initiatives should be a red flag to every tribal government as well as every voter in California,” said CNIGA chairman James Siva in a statement. “The proponent of the measures are attempting to divide and conquer tribes by pushing an initiative that attempts to legitimize illicit off-shore operators and putting our governments at risk.”
The initiatives were opposed by the CNIGA despite recent amendments submitted to the California Attorney General’s office. The largest California tribal gaming association opposed the initiatives amid a lack of notice. The initiatives — "Tribal Gaming Protection Act" and "Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act” — caused immediate tension amongst tribes after the ballot measures were filed with California’s attorney general in October.
The two ballot measures proposed to authorize California sports betting under tribal control.
Uphill battle
The CNIGA’s stance on sports betting measures comes after unfavorable voting results.
In November, California voters rejected Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, two bills that proposed online sports betting sites and retail wagering at racetracks and tribal casinos. The pieces of legislation saw more than $400 million spent on political fundraising to support them.
DraftKings and FanDuel combined to spend more than $60 million to campaign for Prop 27.
