California could legalise sports betting in 2020 ballot

Alex Padilla, Secretary of State in California, has said that the processes to include sports betting legalisation on the 2020 ballot in California has been started. Russell Lowery, a political consultant, is pushing the proposal.

The proposal would require 585,407 signatures collected by February in order to get included on the 2020 election ballot. It would expand tribes’ rights over certain games but would also expand competition for them as it would clear nontribal cardclubs to take sports wagers.

“This proposed measure would bring Vegas-style gaming to nearly 100 locations and urban areas throughout California,” said Mark Macarro, chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. “This is not in keeping with California’s longstanding policy of limited gaming, and we will vigorously oppose this measure.”

“The tribes are in no rush,” added lobbyist David Quintana, who represents tribal gaming groups such as the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians near San Diego. “Our first priority with sports wagering is to ensure that brick-and-mortar casinos are protected,” he assured.

Source: focusgn.com