The Future of California Sports Betting: A Deep Dive into Voter Sentiment
California’s journey towards legalizing sports betting has been a roller coaster of public opinion and legislative initiatives. A recent poll conducted by the University of California in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times has shed light on the complex attitudes of Californians towards sports betting. Despite the growing popularity of sports betting nationwide, the poll reveals a lack of overwhelming enthusiasm among California voters, with 45% in support, 33% opposed, and 22% undecided.
In November 2022, California voters resoundingly rejected Propositions 26 and 27, which aimed to legalize in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks (Prop 26, 31.5% yes, 68.5% no) and online sports wagering (Prop 27, 17% yes, 83% no), despite over $500 million in campaign spending.
Who’s Betting on Sports Betting?
Interestingly, the support for sports betting in California doesn’t follow the typical partisan lines that divide so many issues in the state. Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike have shown a plurality of support. This bipartisan agreement is a rare sight in today’s political climate. Eric Schickler, co-director of the Institute of Government Studies at UC-Berkeley, remarked on the unusual nonpartisan nature of the issue, highlighting its potential to unite voters across the political spectrum.
Sports enthusiasts are, not surprisingly, the most supportive of legalizing sports betting. However, men and minorities have also shown a higher level of support compared to women and White voters. The challenge lies in engaging those with little to no interest in sports, who make up a significant 47% of voters. Their support is crucial for any sports betting initiative to pass, demanding advocates to broaden their appeal beyond the sports fan base.
“If you’re a sports fan, you think the whole world around you is made up of sports fans. They will have to convince those who aren’t sports fans if they want an initiative to pass.” – Mark DiCamillo, director of the poll.
California Sports Betting on the Ballot: What’s at Stake?
As of 2025, California has seen significant developments in the push for legal sports betting. One initiative, supported by the tribes, successfully amended the state constitution to allow sports betting at various casinos and racetracks, excluding mobile sports betting. This initiative, which has been in effect, permits betting on professional and collegiate events, with the exception of bets on California college teams unless they are participating in a tournament.
However, the landscape of sports betting in California could expand further due to other referendums that sought to include mobile sports betting, providing a more accessible and comprehensive betting experience. One such initiative, backed by a coalition of cities, aimed to legalize mobile sports betting, painting a future where Californians could place bets from the comfort of their homes while contributing to state tax revenues.
Another proposal, supported by major sportsbooks, not only sought to legalize mobile sports betting but also aimed to allocate funds towards addressing homelessness and mental health issues in the state. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins highlighted the dual benefits of this initiative: providing regulated, safe, and responsible online sports betting while also generating significant tax revenue to tackle some of California’s most pressing social issues.
The Road Ahead for California Sports Betting
The mixed voter sentiment towards sports betting in California mirrors the complexities of legalizing such an initiative. While the successful amendment marks a significant step towards a more inclusive sports betting environment, the journey is far from over. The potential for mobile sports betting and the promise of addressing social issues through generated revenues presents an appealing future for Californians on both sides of the debate.
As California navigates the evolving landscape of sports betting, the focus will undoubtedly remain on finding a balance that satisfies the diverse perspectives of its residents. Whether through direct voter initiatives or legislative efforts, the state is poised to redefine its relationship with sports betting in a way that could serve as a model for the rest of the country.