A new survey reveals increasing support for legalizing sports betting in California, suggesting a potential shift in one of the country’s largest untapped gambling markets. But despite growing public interest, Native American tribes are still seen as the gatekeepers to any future legislation.
The Politico–Citrin Center–Possibility Lab poll, conducted from July 28 to August 12, surveyed more than 1,400 registered California voters. It found that 60% support or are open to sports betting legalization. Of those, 25% believe it is “long overdue,” while another 35% think it “might make sense” but require more information.
Support was higher among men (64%) than women (55%). Among the 40% who opposed legalization, concerns over gambling addiction were the main issue. Roughly 21% said they were “wary” of legal betting, and 19% felt it would be a “huge mistake.”
2022 Ballot Defeats Still Loom Large
Despite now-favorable polling, the state has already seen a high-profile failure. In 2022, two ballot measures — Propositions 26 and 27 — sought to legalize sports betting but were soundly defeated. Prop 26 would have legalized in-person betting at tribal casinos and racetracks, while Prop 27 proposed a statewide online betting system involving both commercial operators and tribes.
Together, the campaigns raised around $440 million, making it one of the most expensive political battles in state history. But public pushback was fierce. Only 33% voted in favor of Prop 26, and just 17.7% backed Prop 27.
“Proposition 27 is bad for California,”Governor Gavin Newsom said ahead of the vote. “It would hurt California’s Indian Tribes, increase the risks of underage gambling, and push billions of dollars out of California and into the pockets of out-of-state corporations. Vote No on 27.”
Tribes Hold the Cards for Future Efforts
The path to legalization still runs through California’s 100+ federally recognized tribes, which control most regulated gaming in the state. At the 2025 Indian Gaming Tradeshow, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins admitted past mistakes, saying, “Having tribal relationships and partnerships is absolutely essential — there’s no other way to do it here.”
FanDuel’s Christian Genetski called the 2022 push “a well-intentioned but uninformed and misguided attempt.”
Proposals have included forming a tribal advisory board or a unified governing body to oversee sports betting. Some insiders suggest a new initiative could reach the ballot by 2026, but building tribal consensus remains a significant challenge, according to Covers.
Tribal Opposition to Unregulated Gambling Grows
California tribescontinue to fight unregulated gambling platforms. In July, three tribes filed lawsuits against Kalshi and Robinhood, alleging illegal betting activity on tribal lands. Around the same time, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a legal opinion declaring all forms of daily fantasy sports illegal — a move widely seen as supportive of tribal interests.
Tribes have also clashed over efforts to ban sweepstakes platforms, with some arguing the ban would hurt remote communities that rely on digital gaming.
California, with a population nearing 40 million, dwarfs New York — the current U.S. leader in sports betting revenue — and remains a top target for sportsbooks. But as voter support grows, the final decision still lies with the tribes.
The post California Voters Increasingly Open to Legal Sports Betting first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.