Tribes Hold Key to the Future of California Sports Betting

Andrew Alejandre, tribal leader of the Pasketna Band of Nomlaki, emphasized the necessity of building trust between tribes and major corporations such as FanDuel and DraftKings. He stressed avoiding the pitfalls of past disputes, stating, “When we see FanDuel and DraftKings start to rebuild that trust…then we may be able to move forward.”

Challenges to Legalization

Despite robust lobbying efforts from business interests, the prospect of legalizing sports betting in California by 2024 appears slim. The powerful opposition of tribal groups to Proposition 27, spearheaded by FanDuel and DraftKings, illustrates the tribes’ significant influence in this arena.

Importance of Tribal Partnerships

Frank Sizemore, vice president of strategic partnerships at FanDuel, acknowledged the critical role of tribal alliances in shaping California’s sports betting landscape. He highlighted the need for accountability and collaboration, affirming, “We need to prove to the tribes that we can be a good partner.”

A Vision for the Future

Daniel Little, chief intergovernmental relations officer of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, suggested that the Seminole Tribe model used in Florida could serve as a blueprint for California. Little outlined a vision for the future that respects tribal sovereignty and integrates both retail and online sports betting through a hybrid model.

Respect and Collaboration are Key

As California navigates the complexities of legalizing sports betting, the state’s tribes will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role. The path forward will require trust-building, collaboration, and a model that respects tribal sovereignty.