Main Differences
Prop. 26 changes the California Constitution and state law to allow California’s privately operated race tracks and tribal casinos to offer sports betting. But it bans bets on certain sports, like high school games and games in which college teams participate.
Proponents assert that the initiative contains provisions to enforce state gambling laws and prevent illegal activity. This is stated in reference to “cardroom casinos” and house-backed card games like those in Nevada. However, opponents noted that licensed cardrooms in California can operate legally so long as those operating them didn’t take a percentage of the winnings and the community in which they operated approved of them. The measure, opponents argue, only expands the tribal casinos’ hold on gaming at the expense of municipalities whose budgets rely on cardroom tax revenue.
Also, the regulatory changes prompted by Prop. 26 would initiate an expansion of California’s Private Attorneys General Act. This would to Native American tribes for expanding tribal government, public health, education, infrastructure and economic development.
The proposition would create a new unit within the California Department of Justice to regulate online sports-betting and investigate illegal sports-betting activities. The amendment would take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
The proposition also changes the California Constitution and state law to allow sports-betting over the internet and mobile devices. The initiative would see California join 30 other states in allowing bets on athletic events such as football games and non-athletic events like award shows and video game competitions. However, bans will remain on bets on other events such as high school games and municipal elections.
Prop. 27 requires various sports betting payments to go to the state. Tribes and gambling companies with sports-betting licenses must pay 10% of bets made each month to the state, after expenses. These payments