New Survey Shows Californians Support Legalized Sports Betting
A new statewide survey indicates that support for legalized sports betting in California is growing, with a majority of residents open to the idea of regulated wagering. The poll, conducted by Politico in partnership with the Citrin Center and Possibility Lab, surveyed more than 1,400 registered voters across the state and found that 60% expressed some level of support for legal sports betting.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The survey showed that roughly 25% of respondents believed sports betting legalization is long overdue, reflecting a view that California has fallen behind other states since the national ban was lifted in 2018. Another 35% said legalization could make sense, but emphasized that they would need more information about how it would work in practice.
Related: California Casino Launches Free-to-Play Sports Betting AppDespite the growing acceptance, about 40% of voters said they remain opposed. Most cited concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and related harms.
The results come as tribal leaders and major sportsbook operators continue to hold preliminary discussions over how a new sports betting framework could be structured. Sources familiar with those conversations have indicated that 2026 would be the earliest possible year for another vote, with a plan likely to be tribally led and owned but financially supported by national sportsbook brands.
Such a framework would represent a significant shift in negotiations after years of conflict between tribal gaming interests and commercial operators. California is still one of 11 states where sports betting is not yet legal
California voters previously rejected two competing ballot initiatives in 2022, which resulted in one of the most expensive political advertising campaigns in state history. More than $400 million was spent between tribes and sportsbook companies on dueling proposals.
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Tribal Gaming Rights at Play
A commercial-backed initiative for statewide online sports betting drew only 16% support, in large part due to a strong opposition campaign from tribal groups. The latter argued that the proposal undermined their sovereignty and economic stability.
Since that election, the legal gaming landscape in California has seen the rapid growth of alternative products operating in regulatory gray areas. These include daily fantasy pick 'em contests, sweepstakes-based casino games, and sports prediction markets. Each of these formats has drawn scrutiny from state officials, tribal representatives, and regulators, raising questions about the limits of California's gaming laws.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an opinion stating that daily fantasy sports contests are illegal under state law. While no enforcement action has yet been taken, the decision has fueled ongoing litigation.
Tribes have also moved to block the spread of sports prediction markets and have supported efforts to restrict sweepstakes-style betting. These disputes highlight the unresolved tension between established tribal operators and emerging gaming companies seeking new markets.
FanDuel has announced plans to launch a prediction market platform in California, though the company said it will not initially offer contracts based on sporting events. Industry analysts have noted that this move could provide the operator with added influence in future negotiations, since the platform could expand to sports markets at any point if state or tribal approval is secured.
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