SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, said today’s informational hearing on California’s two competing sports-betting initiatives provided the public with a clear opportunity to receive an objective review of both measures from the state Legislative Analyst’s Office ahead of the Nov. 8 election. The hearing also allowed supporters and proponents of both measures, including members of the public, to voice their positions.
“Today’s hearing reinforced key points about two proposals to legalize and regulate sports wagering in California,” Sen. Dodd said. “We held the measures side by side, reviewed them in detail and heard input from stakeholders. The hearing underscored that illegal sports wagering is happening now without regulation, safeguards or benefits to our state. This illegal activity should be taken out of the shadows, generating revenue to improve our state, and I believe this hearing highlighted issues the voters should weigh in that regard.”
The information about Propositions 26 and 27 came at a joint hearing of the Assembly and Senate Governmental Organization committees, co-chaired by Sen. Dodd. The Legislative Analyst’s Office presented details on how the measures would legalize sports betting. The LAO found:
- Proposition 26 would authorize on-site sports wagering at facilities operated by federally recognized Native American tribes and large horseracing tracks. The measure would generate tens of millions of dollars, a portion of which would be used for K-12 education and community colleges. The LAO estimated enforcement costs to the state Department of Justice would also be in the tens of millions of dollars.
- Proposition 27 would authorize statewide online and mobile sports wagering for gaming tribes. The vast majority of illegal sports betting currently takes place online, and to address that market proponents asserted the need for legalizing and regulating mobile wagering. Revenue was estimated to be up to $500 million per year and funding would be dedicated to programs in three areas: homelessness, gambling addiction and tribal development. Enforcement costs were also estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.
Speaking in support of Proposition 26 were Anthony Roberts, chair, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; Lovina Saul Redner, chair, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians; and Jeff Butler, general counsel, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
Speaking in support of Proposition 27 were Jose “Moke” Simon, chair, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California; and Jennifer Friend, CEO, Project Hope Alliance
Committee members asked questions but did not take positions on the measures. Both propositions go before voters Nov. 8.
A recording of the hearing can be found here: https://agov.assembly.ca.gov/
Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.
