• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Sportsbooks, Tribes Slug It Out Over Sports Betting in California

  • California could become the largest sports betting market in the U.S.
  • Two ballot propositions offer competing ways the state could proceed.
sports-betting
Danielle Parhizkaran / USA TODAY NETWORK

The question of legalized sports betting in California has become the most expensive ballot fight in California’s history.  

Two propositions on the November ballot, Proposition 26 and Proposition 27, offer competing visions of legalized sports betting. Each needs to surpass 50% to become law, and if they both do, the one that gets more votes will win out, though litigation is expected in that scenario.

  • Between the two propositions, supporters and opponents have raised $364 million.
  • Prop 26 allows sports betting only on tribal lands. Annual revenues to the state under this law would likely increase by tens of millions of dollars, per the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.
  • Prop 27 would allow for mobile sports betting. Sportsbooks would be able to participate after paying $100 million for a five-year license (renewals cost $10 million) and partnering with a tribe. 
  • Annual state revenues under Prop 27 are estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but likely no more than $500 million.

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Wynn Resorts, and some tribes have thrown money behind Prop 27.

Political action committees have raised huge sums, including one supporting Prop 27 that raised $150 million. Another, which promotes Prop 26, raised $106.7 million.

Power Play

Tribal governments have shown their political sway in California, first by lobbying against legislative measures that would have legalized sports betting, then by helping to secure opposition to Prop 27. 

The state Democratic and Republican parties found a rare moment of agreement, with each officially opposing Prop 27.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Emmanuel Clase

Emmanuel Clase Gambling Leave Not Costing Finlete Investors—Yet

Clase is the company’s only client currently in the majors.
Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
Jun 21, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park.

Guardians Star Closer Put on Paid Leave Amid Gambling Probe

Emmanuel Clase joins fellow Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz on paid leave.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Featured Today

Limited Hype

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Ryan Field Construction
exclusive
July 19, 2025

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
Polymarket

Polymarket Set to Become Legal in U.S. After Buying Small Exchange

Derivatives exchange QCX was recently licensed by the CFTC.
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena.
July 16, 2025

Terry Rozier’s Attorney Confirms He’s Still Under Federal Gambling Probe

Rozier finished the season playing for the Heat despite the federal probe.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) reacts after giving up a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
July 18, 2025

MLB Pitcher’s Paid Leave Extended Through August As Betting Probe Continues

Leagues have been dealing with a host of sports betting issues.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
The Department of Justice logo on a podium at the Louisville, Kentucky office. July 1, 2025
July 16, 2025

Prediction Market Platform Polymarket Says It Escaped Federal Probe

Prediction markets are having a moment.
DraftKings
exclusive
July 14, 2025

DraftKings in Talks to Acquire Prediction Market Railbird Exchange

Sportsbooks and prediction markets are becoming increasingly intertwined.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.
July 11, 2025

Flutter Acquires Full Ownership of FanDuel in $1.75B Deal With Boyd Gaming

FanDuel just got a $31 billion price tag.
Mar 16, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The BetMGM Sportsbook at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino.
July 11, 2025

Support Grows to Repeal Gambling Tax in Trump Budget Bill

A new bill has been introduced in the Senate.