Propositions 26 and 27 offer voters two distinct proposals for legalizing sports betting, creating the most expensive ballot fight in California history. A look at the different factions:
— Major casino tribes:Sitting atop an industry that takes in $8 billion to $9 billion a year in revenue, tribes have pumped $118 million into Proposition 26 to legalize sports betting at casinos; among the big donors is the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, owner of Cache Creek Casino. Tribes argue that the rival plan, promoted by online gambling companies, would harm their business and erode their hard-won economic games. If Proposition 26 passes, sports betting would also become legal at California’s four privately-owned horse tracks.
— Online gambling companies:FanDuel, DraftKings and other giants of internet wagering have contributed $150 million to pass Proposition 27, which would open up online sports betting — and raise hundreds of millions in new taxes for homeless programs. Proposition 27 says the companies would have to partner with a tribe. Tribes could also operate online sports betting on their own.
— Card rooms:Long overshadowed by the casinos, they have contributed $41 million to fight the tribes’ Proposition 26. They’re upset about a provision that would allow tribes to sue card rooms for alleged improprieties in their gaming operations.
— Splinter group of tribes:Three tribes have joined the Proposition 27 campaign, saying online sports betting would generate far greater prosperity for their people. The three are the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, both in Lake County; and the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe in Kings County.
— The San Manuel group:A third tribal coalition, led by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, has contributed $66 million to fight the FanDuel/DraftKings initiative. But the coalition, which includes Wilton Rancheria, owner of the new Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, isn’t supporting Proposition 26. Instead, it’s planning a 2024 ballot initiative to legalize in-person and online sports betting, under tribal control.
— Homeless advocates:Some support Proposition 27 because it promises to raise major tax dollars for homelessness. Others call it a cynical ploy that won’t solve the homeless crisis.
— Politicos: Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and several other mayors support 27. The state Republican and Democratic parties oppose it, as do their leaders in the Assembly and Senate. The state GOP also opposes 26, while the Democratic Party is neutral. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he isn’t for or against Proposition 27 but says “it is not a homeless initiative.” He said the money it would generate is meaningless compared to the billions the state has already committed to homeless programs.
