California Is Facing Stiff Opposition From The Very Native American Tribes It Claims To Empower
An audacious plan to legalize sports betting in California is facing stiff resistance from the very Native American tribes it claims to empower. The plan, which would allow on-site and online sports betting in the Golden State through the state’s recognized Indian tribes, is being met with skepticism and opposition from the tribes. The tribes are concerned that the plan would allow self-interested outsiders to set the agenda for sovereign tribal nations.
Proponents have filed with the state Attorney General’s Office to launch a pair of proposed measures for the November 2024 ballot that would allow on-site and online sports betting in the Golden State through the state’s recognized Indian tribes. But California’s gaming tribes aren’t on board, and it’s unclear who’s bankrolling the effort. The tribal entities with the largest traditional gambling operations in the state say they were not consulted about the proposed ballot initiative, backed by gambling industry veteran Kasey Thompson and blockchain executive Reeve Collins, that would open up the country’s biggest untapped sports betting market.
The tribal entities with the largest traditional gambling operations in the state say they were not consulted about the proposed ballot initiative, backed by gambling industry veteran Kasey Thompson and blockchain executive Reeve Collins, that would open up the country’s biggest untapped sports betting market. The approach of essentially holding tribes’ feet to the fire — you’re either going to get on board with this, or we’re going to do it — that’s never going to work with us. The timing, so soon after the spectacularly costly failures of dueling ballot measures last year, has blindsided tribes who could doom the effort by withholding support or funding a counteroffensive.
Thompson argued the financial upside makes for an irresistible offer. He is vowing to deliver a windfall for tribes by moving assets from illegal offshore sites where many Californians currently place bets into tribal control — transfers that he would manage, giving him a cut of the proceeds. He has promised to bankroll the campaign without seeking a dime from tribes, estimating that signature gathering for the ballot initiative alone could cost $25 million.
The outcome of the proposed ballot initiative could have significant implications for the state’s gaming industry and the tribes. The tribes are concerned that the plan would allow self-interested outsiders to set the agenda for sovereign tribal nations. The timing of the proposed ballot initiative, so soon after the spectacularly costly failures of dueling ballot measures last year, has blindsided tribes who could doom the effort by withholding support or funding a counteroffensive.
Native American tribes are facing stiff opposition to a plan to legalize sports betting in California.
| Benefit | Drawback |
|---|---|
| Increased tax revenue for the state | Potential increase in gambling addiction |
| Increased economic activity | Potential increase in crime |
| More job opportunities | Potential increase in social problems |
| Direct financial benefit for Native American tribes | Potential loss of sovereignty for Native American tribes |
The proposed ballot initiative to legalize sports betting in California is facing stiff resistance from the very Native American tribes it claims to empower. The tribes are concerned that the plan would allow self-interested outsiders to set the agenda for sovereign tribal nations. The outcome of the proposed ballot initiative could have significant implications for the state’s gaming industry and the tribes. The timing of the proposed ballot initiative, so soon after the spectacularly costly failures of dueling ballot measures last year, has blindsided tribes who could doom the effort by withholding support or funding a counteroffensive.
FAQs
- What do you think of the plan to legalize sports betting in California?
I think the plan to legalize sports betting in California is a positive development. It would generate significant tax revenue for the state, create jobs, and boost the economy. It would also give sports fans a new way to enjoy their favorite teams and athletes.
- Do you think the plan is fair to Native American tribes?
The plan is designed to be fair to Native American tribes. The tribes would own a significant share of the new company that would operate the online sports betting platform. This would give them a direct financial stake in the success of the business and ensure that they benefit from the legalization of sports betting.
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing sports betting in California?
The potential benefits of legalizing sports betting in California include increased tax revenue, increased economic activity, more job opportunities, and more entertainment options for sports fans. The potential drawbacks include the potential for increased gambling addiction, increased crime, and increased social problems.
- What do you think the outcome of the debate over sports betting in California will be?
I think the debate over sports betting in California will ultimately result in the legalization of the activity. There is too much money and potential tax revenue at stake for the state to resist the temptation to legalize sports betting.
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