California Tribes Reconvene to Draft Unified Sports Betting Initiative

California tribes are reigniting the push for sports betting, reconvening a workgroup to draft a unified initiative. After a halt last year, tribal leaders are back, focusing on a model that ensures tribal sovereignty and benefits all tribes. With previous roadblocks addressed, tribes aim to solidify a proposal that can gain widespread support for the 2026 or 2028 ballot. Uncover how this renewed effort could reshape the California sports betting landscape and uphold tribal gaming priorities.

California Tribes Re-form Workgroup to Draft Sports Betting Initiative for 2026 or 2028 Ballot

California tribes are gearing up to reignite discussions around sports betting, aiming to develop a comprehensive ballot initiative. During the latest meeting of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), tribal leaders agreed to reform the sports betting workgroup to draft a proposal for the 2026 or 2028 election cycle. This marks a renewed commitment to advancing tribal-led gaming in California.

The workgroup last convened in 2022 but opted not to move forward with an initiative for the 2024 election. However, with shifting dynamics in both the regulatory landscape and tribal gaming priorities, tribal leaders see this as the right moment to revisit the issue. CNIGA Chairman James Siva emphasized the goal of creating a model that garners broad tribal support. “We’re hoping to get out in front of this and work among tribes to have those difficult conversations and start a draft,” Siva told PlayUSA.

Focus on Tribal Priorities

Siva clarified that the initial phase will involve only tribal leaders to establish the core priorities of the proposed initiative. “The overall emphasis of priorities needs to come from tribal leaders,” Siva stated. While legal experts and consultants may later provide input, the direction will be driven by tribes to ensure the model aligns with their goals and sovereignty.

Any federally recognized tribe in California is welcome to participate in the workgroup, promoting an inclusive approach to shaping the future of California sports betting. “We’re leaving it open for leaders of tribes who want to be included,” Siva added. “We’re not going to exclude or prioritize anyone.” The expectation is that while the workgroup may start large, it will eventually narrow down to a core group focused on drafting the final language for the initiative.

Challenges in Drafting a Unified Model

Creating a unified sports betting model is no small task. In the 2022 election, California tribes were divided across three different initiatives, including Prop 26 (in-person sports betting) and Prop 27 (operator-backed online sports betting). This split led to confusion among voters and weakened the collective bargaining power of tribal interests. “We don’t want to relive the 2022 election campaign, where we had division amongst tribes,” Siva noted.

To avoid past pitfalls, the workgroup aims to present a cohesive proposal that includes revenue-sharing provisions, protects tribal sovereignty, and promotes exclusivity. The tribes have about a year to draft and file the initiative if they intend to qualify for the 2026 ballot. This timeline underscores the need for focused collaboration among the state’s 110 tribes.

Momentum and Unity Among Tribes

Siva is optimistic that the collective energy of the past 18 months can fuel progress. Recent legislative sessions saw tribes unite on significant gaming-related issues, including a cardroom moratorium bill and securing access to state courts for lawsuits against cardrooms. “We had a lot of unity among tribes on big issues related to gaming,” Siva explained. “We’re hoping to continue that momentum with this workgroup as we look to the future on what the next sports betting initiative could look like.”

One reason for the renewed push is recent legal clarity on statewide online gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. With the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s compact upheld in courts and updated federal regulations, California tribes now have the groundwork to pursue a viable sports betting model. “It seems like now we have enough resolution on those items to begin our work internally,” Siva said. The new model must guarantee revenue share for all federally recognized tribes, ensuring economic benefits while safeguarding tribal sovereignty.

The California tribes’ decision to reconvene the sports betting workgroup signals a concerted effort to craft a unified, tribe-led initiative for the 2026 or 2028 ballot. By focusing on tribal priorities and building on recent successes in gaming legislation, the tribes aim to create a sustainable and inclusive sports betting model. The path ahead is complex, but with renewed momentum and clearer legal frameworks, California tribes are poised to shape the state’s sports betting landscape for years to come. The outcome will set a precedent, reinforcing the principle that tribal sovereignty remains at the forefront of gaming regulation in California.