Despite previous intentions to lead the effort, the Pala Band of Mission Indians was not part of the California sports betting initiatives filed Friday.
PlayUSA confirmed Tuesday with Pala that the tribe’s absence from the proposals meant it did not sanction the filings.
Doug Elmets, spokesperson for Pala, provided a brief statement: “The Pala Band of Mission Indians is not involved in either of the initiatives.”
The California sports betting initiative effort is led by individuals who had previous business dealings with the tribe through Pala Interactive, an internet gaming platform they helped create for the tribe in 2013. That venture proved successful when Boyd Gaming bought Pala Interactive from the tribe last year for $170 million.
