The Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming Wednesday announced that more than 80 civil-rights organizations, faith leaders, public-safety groups, business advocates, and California Native American tribes are supporting the Tribal Sports Wagering Act, which has qualified for the November 2022 California ballot.
If enacted, the measure will permit regulated tribal casinos and four licensed horse racetracks to offer in-person sports wagering. It also allows tribes to offer additional table and dice games, including craps and roulette.
“The in-person Tribal Sports Wagering Act is the responsible approach to authorizing sports wagering because it’s modeled on the success that Indian tribes have used to operate gaming for more than 20 years,” said American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California President Tracy Stanhoff in a statement. “The revenue generated by this measure will bring tens of millions of dollars each year to our state budget and local governments. It will also support tens of thousands of jobs. It’s a win for tribes and all Californians.”
The Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming includes 30 tribes or tribal organizations, 20 business groups, and 17 faith and/or justice organizations. Other participants include groups representing labor, veterans, public safety, and politics.
Bill Young, president of the Riverside Sheriffs Association, said that in-person bets are “the safest and most responsible way for California to legalize sports wagering. It is the best way to prevent underage gambling and ensure people are not placing bets illegally, and it provides funding for problem-gambling programs and enforcement against illegal gambling.”
“I’ve seen first-hand the transformative impacts tribal gaming has had on our people – providing funding for essential services like housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and education,” said Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Chairman Anthony Roberts in a statement. “The in-person Tribal Sports Wagering Act will allow Indian tribes to build on this legacy as the responsible stewards of gaming in California. We’re proud to join with so many respected organizations as we make our case to the voters.”
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