Proposition 26: Gambling on Tribal Lands
Summary
Proposition 26 would change the California Constitution to permit in-person sports betting at racetracks and tribal casinos in California. Roulette would also be allowed at tribal casinos. These businesses would make payments to the state to support the regulation and administration of the new law. In addition, the measure would enable citizens to file civil lawsuits against those they believe are breaking specific state gambling laws. This measure was put on the ballot by petition signatures
Fiscal Impact
Proposition 26 would impact both state and local government revenues and costs. The actual size of these effects, however, is uncertain and would depend on how the proposition is interpreted and implemented. For example, it is unclear if tribal-state compacts changed to allow for sports betting would require additional payments to local governments. The fiscal effects would also depend on the number of people who choose to make sports bets and how often the new civil enforcement method is used.
What you vote means
According to the California State Legislative Analyst’s office:
A YES vote on this measure means: Four racetracks could offer in-person sports betting. Racetracks would pay the state a share of sports bets made. Tribal casinos could offer in-person sports betting, roulette, and games played with dice (such as craps) if permitted by individual tribal gambling agreements with the state. Tribes would be required to support state sports betting regulatory costs at casinos. People and entities would have a new way to seek enforcement of specific state gambling laws.
A NO vote on this measure means: Sports betting would continue to be illegal in California. Tribal casinos would continue to be unable to offer roulette and games played with dice. No changes would be made to the way state gambling laws are enforced.
Official Voter Information
- California Secretary of State, Quick Reference Guide Prop. 26
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California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide
- California Secretary of State, Cal-Access: Campaign contributions
- California Legislative Analyst's Office, Proposition 26
- California Fair Political Practices Commission, November 2022 General Election Top Contributors to State Ballot Propositions
Non-partisan Voter Information
- Ballotpedia
- California Choices
- CalMatters
- League of Women Voters of California Ballot Recommendation
- Project for an Informed Electorate
- Voter's Edge
Public Opinion Polls
- PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government, October 2022
- Berkeley IGS Poll, February 23, 2022
- USC Schwarzenegger Institute – USC Price California Issues Poll Fall 2022 General Election Poll, November 4, 2022, pp. 15-16, 50.
- Berkeley IGS Poll, November 4, 2022