The Debate For California Sports Betting Begins January 8

• California lawmakers and tribes both have an interest in sports betting.
• Sports betting could potentially be a $2.2 billion industry.
• The main difference between the two proposals is mobile sports betting.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The first hearings for California sports betting will begin on January 8.

Two Proposals Under Consideration

There are two different constitutional amendments that are going to be considered to legalize sports betting. One proposal has been brought on by state lawmakers while the other is from the Native American tribes in California.

The main difference between the two proposed amendments is the issue of accessibility. Due to the size of the state, sports betting has the potential to be a $2.2 billion market in California. That would the state further ahead than New Jersey and possibly Nevada. To accomplish this, mobile sports wagering is necessary.

Lawmakers know this and for that reason, their constitutional amendment includes statewide mobile sports betting.

The tribal proposal is much more limiting. They want sports betting to only be in their own casinos or in one of the state’s five racetracks. Neither option would be allowed to offer mobile wagering.

A Referendum Is Needed

Without mobile wagering, California sports betting will not be able to hit the $2.2 billion potential. But the tribes say they have a reason for the restriction.

To legalize sports betting, each bill must pass in the state legislature with a two-thirds vote. On top of that, the bill must go to a statewide referendum. This means that the voters in California are ultimately the ones who decide if sports betting shall be legalized.

The tribes claim that the voters will not approve sports wagering if mobile sports betting is allowed. They later said that they are not opposed to mobile sports betting, but it would not be in the first year.

State lawmakers see it differently. They want to make sure that everyone can have access to sportsbooks no matter where they live. California is a big state and restricting sports betting to retail sportsbooks would be limiting for many bettors in the state.

On top of that, lawmakers want everyone currently betting to be able to use a state-approved option.

“Illegal sports betting is widespread, and it’s critical that we bring it out of the shadows to make it safer and generate funds for education. I look forward to hearing from all stakeholders at this key hearing as we analyze and develop the best approach. The legislature’s job is to stand up for the public interest and ensure California adopts the best possible model,” said State Sen. Bill Dodd.

Two very different proposals are now under consideration for California sports betting. The debate will start on January 8 with a possible statewide vote happening in November of 2020.

News tags: Bill Dodd | California | Nevada | New Jersey