CNIGA Officially Disapproves of Sports Betting Programs

Exclusive rights for various gaming activities in California are held by Tribal operators. If the state aims to legalize sports betting, it is essential to consult with the Tribes, and any proposed plan must receive their approval.

In October, Kasey Thompson and Reeve Collins introduced a proposal with the goal of establishing the largest sports betting market in the United States, specifically in California. The Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act, presented on October 27, 2023, aims to regulate both online and in-person sports wagering in California, while also generating funds for Tribal communities and governmental services.

Several weeks after the introduction of the Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act, it is now encountering formal opposition from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). On Thursday, the Association disclosed that 52 of its members voted against two sports betting proposals recently submitted to the California Secretary of State’s office.

CNIGA clarified that the voting followed a meeting between its Executive Committee and proponents of the proposals. Established in 1988, CNIGA serves as the association for tribal groups in California, representing the Tribal sector in industry matters and advocating for gaming rights on Indian lands.

 

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The exclusive rights for various gaming activities in California are currently held by Tribal operators, meaning that any plans to legalize sports betting in the state must involve consultation with and approval from the Tribes.

In October, Kasey Thompson and Reeve Collins presented a proposal known as the Sports Wagering Regulation and Tribal Gaming Protection Act. The aim of this act is to establish the largest sports betting market in the United States, specifically in California. The proposal seeks to regulate both online and in-person sports wagering in the state while also generating funds for Tribal communities and governmental services.

However, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has officially opposed this proposal. The CNIGA disclosed that 52 of its members voted against two sports betting proposals that were recently submitted to the California Secretary of State’s office. The voting took place following a meeting between the CNIGA's Executive Committee and the proponents of the proposals.

Founded in 1988, the CNIGA serves as an association for tribal groups in California. Its primary role is to represent the Tribal sector in industry matters and advocate for gaming rights on Indian lands. The CNIGA's opposition to the sports betting proposals suggests that there is a divide within the Tribal community regarding the legalization of sports betting in the state.