- California Proposition 26 would permit certain types of betting on Native American lands.
- Mark Macarro, chairman of Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, argues that residents deserve “highly regulated” and “safe” gambling.
- President of the California Gaming Association Kyle Kirkland argues that the proposal would create a monopoly on tribal casinos.
California’s Proposition 26 vote “yes” would legalize certain gambling activities on Native American lands.
Ballot measure details
Known as the Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative, Proposition 26 would legalize certain forms of in-person gambling that are currently not permitted — including sports betting, roulette, and dice games — on tribal lands and racetracks, according to the state’s Legislative Analyst Office.
Funds earned via Proposition 26 would initially go to schools and the remainder to California’s discretionary fund, mental health research, and gambling rules.
It’s not the same as Proposition 27Another sports-betting proposition is on the ballot for this fall:
Opposition and support
Native American tribes like Federated Indians in Graton Rancheria are sponsoring Proposition 26. Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming leads the campaign in support.
“Californians should have the option to gamble at high-regulated, safe, experienced, and regulated gaming sites.” We are very proud to see tribes from across California come together for this effort, which represents an incremental but important step toward giving Californians the freedom to participate in this new activity in a responsible manner,” Mark Macarro, chairman of Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, said, According to Los Angeles Times.
Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies (TASIM) is leading the opposition to the measure.
“This initiative does little to advance sports betting, but instead expands the tax-free monopoly of tribal casinos on gaming and rewards operators for prioritizing themselves over public health or safety,” Kyle Kirkland (president, California Gaming Association) stated. According to Los Angeles Times.
The money race
According to the report, the proposal received more than $132.2million in support contributions and more that $43.6 million in opposition donations. Ballotpedia.
