California tribal gaming leaders continue to target 2028 as the year to seek voter approval for a tribally led online sports betting market while raising concerns over prediction markets.
James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), confirmed the timeline during a panel at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) Summer Meeting in San Diego.
“We’re still very much looking at 2028 as a date that tribes are preparing to move forward with a tribally led initiative for an online sports betting market,” Siva said.
California’s current gaming structure gives federally recognized tribes exclusivity over Class III gamingunder the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and tribal-state compacts. Legalizing online sports betting would require voter approval and changes to existing compacts.
Tribes Prepare Future Sports Betting Framework
The planned ballot effort follows the rejection of competing sports betting proposals in 2022. Tribal leaders said future plans will focus on broad participation among California’s federally recognized tribes.
Siva said tribes have reviewed approaches used in other states while developing a model centered on tribal involvement. He said the aim is to ensure smaller and non-gaming tribes share in economic benefits.
“We’ve definitely looked at what’s transpired in other states,” Siva said. “We’ve really focused on equity amongst tribes … trying to make sure that no tribe gets left behind as we expand gaming.”
He pointed to Arizona as a structure California tribes want to avoid, saying some tribes received sportsbook partnerships while others did not.
Prediction Markets Raise Tribal Concerns
Tribal representatives also highlighted prediction markets as a major challenge to existing gaming operations.
Companies including Kalshi and Polymarket offer sports-related event contracts in California, while DraftKings and FanDuel also provide prediction market products through separate platforms. Tribal leaders argued these services affect traditional sports betting revenue.
“Without a doubt, prediction markets are the largest, most impending threat we’ve faced since the creation of this industry,” Siva said.
He estimated that tribes are already experiencing revenue impacts, with losses potentially reaching around 5%.
“We’re starting to see real revenue numbers leave Indian Country,” the CNIGA chairman said.
California tribes previously sued Kalshi and Robinhood, alleging violations of IGRA, although a judge denied their request for a preliminary injunction requiring Kalshi to block activity on tribal lands.
Tribal leaders have also opposed state legislation focused on prediction markets. Siva said such measures could strengthen arguments supporting the sector.
Steve Bodmer, general counsel for the Pechanga Band of Indians, said states regulating or taxing prediction market activity risk giving the products recognitionas gambling.
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez also criticized sports event contracts.
“I think that is at most the biggest threat currently,” Hernandez said. “Look at it; it’s gaming.”
California tribes said they will continue preparing for a 2028 online sports betting initiative while challenging what they view as competition from prediction market operators.
Source:
“California tribes target 2028 for online sports betting amid prediction market threat”, sbcamericas.com. Jul 11, 2026
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