Will Californians say ‘yes’ to sports betting? New poll finds voters split

Less than half of California voters support legalizing sports betting, and more than 1 in 5 say they're undecided, according to a new poll released by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times.

Currently, 33 states allow wagering on college and professional sporting events including all those that border California. But voters must ratify an amendment to change the state constitution if they want to do it in the Golden State.

The underwhelming support from voters could spell trouble for the groups putting up tens of millions of dollars to legalize sports betting in California.

Rival interest groups, including Indian tribes and out-of-state operators like DraftKings, are gearing up for an expensive battle this fall. Voters could see as many as three propositions on their ballots in November that will determine how Californians cast their bets and who makes the most money from it.

Analysts say it will likely be the most expensive sports betting initiative the country will ever see.

DraftKings, along with FanDuel, WynnBET and other out of state operators, are backing the "California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act," which would legalize online and mobile sports betting for tribes and businesses that partner with them. The measure would levy a 10% tax on sports betting revenues to be spent on state homelessness programs.

But some Indian gaming tribes, which for years have controlled the majority of gambling in California, want to prevent the out-of-state operators from

cashing in on the state's massive gaming market.

The "Age-Verified Tribal Online and In-Person Sports Wagering Regulatory Act" would legalize online and inperson sports betting, with the caveat that only federally-recognized tribes with lands in California could partake. The measure explicitly prohibits tribes from partnering with non-tribal entities to offer sports betting in California. It's backed by Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Wilton Rancheria and San Manuel tribes

DraftKings and its partners have put up a combined $100 million to pass their measure. The tribes have put up $100 million to fight it. A third measure backed by a different coalition of tribes has already qualified for the ballot. The "California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act" would legalize in-person sports betting, and is backed by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and Pechanga, Agua Caliente, Barona, Yocha Dehe and Graton Rancheria tribes, among others.

The Berkeley IGS poll found 45% of likely voters indicated they would vote yes on legalizing sports betting in California, while 33% said they're inclined to vote no. Nearly 1 in 5 voters, 22%, said they are undecided. The survey did not ask respondents about their preferences for mobile betting over in-person betting, or whether they would prefer tribal control or not.