TLDR A new Citrin-POLITICO poll shows half of California voters support sportsbooks at tribal casinos. The same share of voters opposes online sports betting, with only 37% in favor. Voter views have softened since 2022, when Propositions 26 and 27 both failed. Retail sports betting could reach about 65 locations if racetracks are included. There is no sports betting measure on the California ballot this year.
California voters may be ready to approve sports betting, but only in person. A new poll shows support for sportsbooks at tribal casinos, while online betting still faces strong opposition.
The Citrin-POLITICO poll found that half of registered voters in the state would approve of sportsbooks at tribal casinos. The same share, 50%, does not support online sports betting.
Only 37% of those polled said they approve of internet sports wagering in California.
Voter Views Have Shifted Since 2022
Voter attitudes have softened since 2022. That year, California voters strongly rejected two sports betting measures, Propositions 26 and 27.
Prop 26 would have allowed sportsbooks at tribal casinos and racetracks. Prop 27 was an online sports betting plan backed by commercial gaming companies, including DraftKings and FanDuel.
California is home to some of the largest and highest-earning tribal casinos in the country. The Native American tribes that run them hold strong political influence in the state.
Any effort to expand legal betting in California runs through the tribes. Online sportsbook operators learned this in 2022 when their measure failed.
Tribes have said there would be a multi-year period, likely a short one, in which sports betting would only be offered in person. Online betting could come later, but no plan has been set.
What a California Sports Betting Market Could Look Like
If a new effort includes the state’s three racetracks,