Recognized as the largest economy in the United States (California has a $3.0 trillion gross state product as of 2020) and the fifth-largest economy in the world, the Golden State is a powerhouse. However, California still has not legalized sports wagering since the Supreme Court cleared the deck for all states to do so in 2018. So despite an immense amount of interest from their in-state population and numerous national power brokers, California still has not put together a uniform gaming policy. However, this could all change in November when voters have a chance to unleash this industry on their state.
Below, SBS will go over the latest gaming and wagering news from the Golden State and see what it means for the future of wagering in California.
In a recent spotlight from Politico, there are numerous interested parties that are vying for control of gaming in the state, especially online betting. According to Politico, national powers like FanDuel and DraftKings are up against the incumbent Native American tribes who have controlled the California gaming landscape since the 20th century. A hot-button issue, if passed, this new measure could send shockwaves through the state. A 2016 legislative analysis said residents illegally wagered roughly $18.7 billion based on an American Gaming Association estimate which could just be a piece of what is to come once legalized across the state.
The report also pointed out how much platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are spending to get their initiatives pushed through. Each company (this also includes groups like BetMGM, FanDuel, etc.) has contributed roughly $16.7 million toward the initiative campaign, or a combined $100 million for this November’s ballot campaign. With control of online gaming serving as the crux of the debate, this will be a big clash for this November’s voting period in California. With thirty-three states, along with Washington D.C. authorizing sports betting to this point, a source in this report said that if California legalizes in November then the rest of the country will follow suit and legalize as well.
According to the Los Angeles Times, five men have agreed to plead guilty to federal crimes for their roles in an illegal Southern California sports betting operation. Led by Wayne Nix, a former pitcher in the Oakland Athletics minor league system who resides in Newport Beach, the illegal gambling ring also included three former Major League Baseball players. According to the article, Nix used his professional sports contacts to expand this betting ring into a major enterprise that employed three former professional athletes that recruited bettors. He acknowledged some fairly large customers as well in court documents with Nix receiving $245,000 from a professional football player to cover gambling losses in 2016.
In the report, Nix and one of his partners, Edon Kagasoff, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business. Nix also admitted that he failed to report $1.5 million in personal income on tax returns in 2017 and 2018, court records show. Also noted in the spotlight, court records did not specify whether any professional athletes used Nix’s business to bet on their own teams’ games. In what is a particularly pivotal time for gaming in California, this gaming bust shows how prevalent and wide-spread the appetite for gambling is in the Golden State, whether it is above board or not.
With a uniform gaming policy not yet cleared in California, it would be a fantastic idea to check out the SBS guide on California sports wagering. Utilizing this resource, you will be able to find ways to legally wager in the Golden State. With that in mind and if you are always on the go, it would be an equally sublime idea to peruse our breakdown on the most hospitable betting apps. After you have found the best mobile wagering options for your lifestyle, maybe finding the most rewarding bonuses for your bets is a no-brainer to get the biggest bang for your wagering buck.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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