California tribes opposed Proposition 27 during a press conference Thursday. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Opposing future plans
California’s initiative to legalize digital sports betting known as Proposition 27 has been criticized by local tribes once again.
Tribes will lose their sovereignty and freedom of action if the measure is passed
A lobby group called in California for Tribal Sovereignty and Safe Games held an online argument Thursday condemning the plan. President Daniel Salgado of the Cahuila Gang of Indians led the statements, stating that the tribes would lose their sovereignty and freedom of action if the measure was passed.
The most populous state in the United States would become an online betting goldmine if it were legalized, but with each step toward new legislation the battle between tribes and the state intensifies.
Suggestion problem 27
Salgado’s biggest problem with Proposition 27 is that it strips tribes of their ability to control their future in the gaming industry.
“From our tribe’s point of view, that touches on a few notes – tribal sovereignty and self-determination,” he said. “There are just over 60 tribes that offer gaming facilities, so no one who is not participating can be a part of this. When you look at limited gaming tribes like ours, we are forced to make a decision.”
“On the other hand, from the operator’s point of view, they’ve made the standards so limited that there’s likely only a dozen.”
The Salgado Tribe offers “Limited Games”, a smaller, more intimate environment. This is a stark contrast to the huge casinos and Vegas-style casinos that are run by the larger tribes, such as the Pechanga or the Yaamava.
California also has to balance tribal demands with the prospect of a massive economic stimulus
However, California also has to balance the demands of the tribes with the prospect of a huge economic stimulus. According to an ESPN article earlier this year citing Betting Industry Investor Chris GroveA fully developed betting market could generate $3 billion in annual revenue.
A vote that would introduce mobile sports betting was also held in California in November after a coalition of athletes collected more than 1.6 million signatures in support of the cause.
California tribes not fully united
Thursday’s press conference revealed an unfortunate fact for the tribes, which is that they are not united in opinion. The tribes presented two main groups, both opposing Proposition 27, although they operated independently.
Californians for Tribal Sovereignty and Safe Games Primarily backed by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, owner of the huge Yaamava Casino, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and Pala Casino Spa. The group consists of about 40 tribal organizations within the country.
Stop offering corporate online gamblinga second tribal group, supported by the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Officials at the press conference did not respond to questions about why they acted separately
Officials at the press conference did not respond to questions about why they work separately from each other. Instead, they said, the groups involved are focused on reaching their main goal, which is to stop Prop.27.
Not every tribe supports anti-corporate gaming groups either; Three smaller California tribes have signed up to support gaming giants such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, among others.
Proposition 27 isn’t the only bet that will be on the November ballot. Proposition 26, which allows personal gambling in tribal casinos and racetracks, is strongly supported by Pechanga.
“We want to ensure that we continue to maintain the primary responsibility of the organization [gaming] Salgado said. “We want to make sure we help shape that and create a safe environment.”
Another group known as Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies doubled down on its opposition to the .26 offering the day before the press conference. This group, backed by some cities within the state, claims the plan will hurt cities financially.
