In the Golden State, the topic of gaming legalization is going to be a hot-button issue for years to come, even if it gets approved across the state. That said, per one recent report from a California news outlet, although two sports betting ballot measures failed last year, there are some forms or derivatives of sports betting allowed in the state. Moreover, at least one native tribe with a casino in California is facilitating a new kind of sports betting action. Conversely, among the biggest proponents of legalizing sports betting across the board in California last year were online operators FanDuel and DraftKings, who also specialize in an entirely different niche: daily fantasy sports. This is important, as the article notes, since California, like most states, doesn’t consider wagering on daily fantasy sports to be, technically, sports betting. In terms of gaming laws, California could switch to the “gray state” given its cloudy rules.
In this report, SBS will be taking a deeper dive into the latest California gaming news and also offer some more notes about Golden State wagering
Per the same article, you can actually play daily fantasy games on FanDuel or DraftKings for free, or for real money even in California today. What’s more surprising is that they could entertain these options last year and even the prior two years in the state. Of course, all of this is muddled in the eyes of consumers, because while both outlets offer daily fantasy sports, they also rushed to enter the traditional world of sports betting. This explains why there are still advertisements for both companies in California even after the failed ballot measures this last year. They are still offering daily sports fantasy in the state, which is what the advertisements showcase.
Another version or derivative of sports betting that is legal in California is free sports betting per the same report. Additionally, this is what at least one native tribe in the state has gotten involved with. Sparket, a Los Angeles-based tech company, has developed a free sports betting platform that is used by the 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians in San Bernardino County. The mobile app awards users virtual coins every time they log in. Users can use those coins to place wagers on real sporting events, and if they win, can notch more coins to bet on other events.
According to the same article, representatives of Redination, an economic development company based in San Diego that works with tribes and Sparket, said many California tribes are interested in free sports betting. As noted in the article, a “social betting” app like Sparket, is legal under California law because it doesn’t involve the wagering of real money. Moreover, one former casino executive and gaming regulator, Richard Schuetz, said California’s gaming tribes most oppose mainstream sports betting because they want to protect the geographic advantage of their casinos.
There is another looming threat the article notes to native tribes – iGaming. This format is another word for online casino gaming, which can be done anywhere, thus removing the advantage the tribes with casinos near big cities have. Analysts say that tribes fear legalized sports betting in the state since it will open the door for iGaming in California, thus rendering their casinos pointless.
After you are all squared away regarding the latest news and updates from the Golden State, check out all the other great resources that SBS has for you. Of course, if you are looking for other news from the location at hand, the California sports betting guide has you covered with all the latest gaming-related news from the state. Also, if you are perhaps uncertain about which payment options are the best for you, do not worry as our payment methods breakdown has your back. On this page, you can find a variety of options for deposits and withdrawals from crypto to more traditional routes. Finally, for those interested in some higher stakes betting, the VIP sports betting sites rundown is a great page to check out and see if VIP wagering is for you.
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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