Association of California gaming tribes gives thumbs down to proposed new sports betting initiative

Saturday, November 18, 2023 11:14 AM
Photo:  California Nations Indian Gaming Association
  • John Woolfolk, The Mercury News

After meeting with proponents of a new sports betting initiative for the 2024 ballot, California’s casino gaming tribes Thursday gave it a thumbs down and asked that they withdraw the plan.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, representing 52 tribes, said in an announcement Thursday afternoon that after meeting online with Kasey Thompson and Reeve Collins, the men pushing the idea, its members voted to oppose two proposed sports wagering initiatives filed with the California Attorney General’s Office in in October.

“Our opposition could not be more clear and is irrevocable,” CNIGA Chairman James Siva said in a statement. “The entire effort surrounding these initiatives was handled abhorrently by the initiative sponsors. It is hard not to be offended when listening to these individuals speak.”