Will California EVER get legalized sports betting? Is it legal in your state?

[Tammy_G]

I was taking a look at this article in the SBR News section: https://www.sportsbookreview.com/new...tates-tracker/ , and it had me wondering if my home state of California would ever get their act together. We seem to be on the short list of states that have not yet legalized sports betting in any of its forms. And, much like what has happened with attempts to legalize online poker, it looks like it is at least partially due to the state's tribal nations butting heads with lawmakers. Couple that with a (what I thought was a shocking) rejection by voters on two sports betting propositions in 2022, it makes me wonder if we'll ever get legalized. Although...to be fair, I remember that those initiatives were very poorly written and presented.

So how about you? If you're in the US, has your state legalized sports betting, or are you too on the short list of states not allowing it?

[Tammy_G]

I'm in Cali, too, but voted against the prop that was supported by FD & DK, etc. I think it should start slow and build from there. Let the Indian Tribes control it and thought having it at tribal casinos and horse tracks at the start was a good idea. What I don't want are end to end commercials on betting. And that prop supported by USA books had some of the worst campagning I've ever seen. Huge mistake in trying to make that some profits would go to homelessness and mental illness. We learned from lottery that money for schools weren't going there. So stop w/ the BS. Call it what it is and have some oversight on it.

I agree 100%. It was really terrible. Neither prop made sense at all. And yes, just let it be what it is with oversight and protections against underage and problem gambling, and let the adults make up their own minds, in my opinion.

Probably eventually but the Indian Casinos wield a lot of power and always snuff out the proposed attempts. It begs the question, will it ever happen if it hasn't by now?
I guess their stance is that if sportsbetting/poker are legalized, less people will go to their casinos. I'd argue that it could increase their traffic as non gamblers might mess around online and then eventually make their way to the brick and mortar casinos.
I'm in California as well..lived here most of my life and just like the country, it has fallen off a lot from 10+ years ago. I used to have a lot of pride and nostalgia about where I'm from, not so much anymore. It is not worth the premium anymore and I happen to live in the most expensive city in the country(according to new 2024 numbers). Will probably move on in the coming years to somewhere safer and more affordable.

Yeah, it definitely is not what it used to be. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you're in San Francisco? I'm seeing NYC as the most expensive US city.

The tribes have so much power in these matters, and after watching how they lobbied against sites like PokerStars coming and basically killing online poker bills, it makes me wonder who is really writing the laws in this state?

[Tammy_G]

San Diego.

Oh, I love San Diego! I was gutted when they did away with Seaport Village - is it completely gone now, or still some of it left (been a few years since I've been down there).

To answer your second question, yes, it is legal in my state. Nevada.

Lucky! My ex would always run up the hill to Tahoe to make his NFL bets during the season. lol

Both props were destroyed. Funny how most big blue states all have mobile sports betting but CA doesn't want it. As others said both were written very badly. FD/DK took way too high of % and then the tribes added other things and gave power to go after card clubs plus it was in person only. Most people don't want to drive out to a casino or horse track to place a sports bet. Now that the Seminole tribe has mobile betting, it might work for the tribes but every new gambling law has to go to vote and I just dont think the libs in CA want more gambling. They much rather get high with pot. It will be many years before mobile betting will be legal and that is at best unfortunately.

Yeah, I really wanted to be able to vote yes, but not with the way they were written. Just a mess.

[Tammy_G]

California will before Texas will...

Yeah... probably right about that one! Although the way things are going...wanna bet!

Legal in Washington State but still limited to Indian casinos and having to be physically present on site to use the mobile apps. It's better than nothing and has been challenged in court but so far hasn't gotten any traction to open it up. I have a casino 2 miles away, 2 more within a 20 minute drive and I still use online offshore books at least 50% of the time, draft kings mobile app sucks! If they would open it up to at least include mobile app use anywhere in the state I would use it more often, during football season I do go to the casino much more often.

It's like they just make up arbitrary regulations for no good reason. Is online gambling (play and real money) still a class C felony in Washington State?

What isn't legal in Nevada?

Haha! Right??