California Tribes to Create Unique Sports Betting Model

As the landscape of sports betting continues to evolve across the United States, with markets established in 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, California's tribal leaders are poised to pioneer a sports betting framework unlike anything seen before in the nation. Speaking at the recent Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, James Siva, Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, emphasized the need for an innovative approach tailored specifically to California's unique environment.

Siva highlighted the diverse characteristics of California’s 109 federally recognized tribes, which include varying levels of gaming facilities, geographic differences, and distinct population demographics. “For sports betting, California is so big,” Siva noted. “We have tribes operating massive facilities and tribes not offering any facilities, so we’ve really had to start thinking outside the box.” This diversity presents both challenges and opportunities for tribal leaders as they seek to create a model that benefits all tribes in the state.

In a proactive move, California tribal leaders will convene in a workgroup this month to draft legislation for online sports betting. This collaborative effort aims to craft a framework that will ultimately serve as the basis for a ballot initiative slated for the 2026 or 2028 elections. The importance of unity among tribes cannot be overstated; Siva emphasized that a successful plan must ensure all tribes benefit, protecting existing operations while paving the way for future growth.

Siva’s assertion that California will innovate rather than simply replicate existing models from other states underscores the potential for a unique regulatory framework. “We’re going to take bits and pieces of other models we’ve seen, but what’s going to come out of California is going to be something new and unique,” he asserted, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of California tribes.

The panel at G2E featured leaders from various states, providing a broader perspective on the challenges and prospects for tribal gaming. Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, highlighted the state’s struggles with sports betting legislation due to disagreements with the state governor. Tribes are willing to wait until a new governor is in office, as exclusivity remains a crucial factor in their negotiations. Meanwhile, Rebecca George, executive director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, indicated that Washington tribes are still in the early stages of discussing an online sports betting framework. Although in-person sports betting was legalized in the state in 2020, any legislative movement towards online betting is not expected until at least 2025.

 

The Future of Online Gaming in California

While the immediate focus is on sports betting, the discussions among California tribes are intricately tied to the future of online gaming. Siva noted, “What we’ve learned is that sports betting really isn’t about sports betting. It’s about how this new form of gaming will affect the entry of iGaming into the California market down the road.” This perspective indicates a strategic approach, where establishing a successful sports betting framework may lay the groundwork for future online casinos.

In Minnesota, Andy Platto, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, echoed similar sentiments, indicating that while sports betting is the current priority, the groundwork being laid now could have significant implications for future online gaming opportunities in the state. “Setting that exclusive precedent in the mobile market in sports betting is so important for the future of iGaming,” he stated.

 

Conclusion

As California’s tribal leaders work collaboratively to carve out a unique sports betting model, they are also laying the foundation for a potential expansion into online gaming. The insights shared at the Global Gaming Expo reflect a shared vision among tribes to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of gambling in the United States. With the lessons learned from other states and a commitment to tribal sovereignty, California is on the cusp of creating a sports betting framework that could redefine the gaming experience for players while ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of tribal operations.