Poll Shows California Residents Support Legal Sports Betting

Is legal sports betting finally coming to the Golden State?

According to a report from Politico, a recent survey of 1,400 California residents showed that the majority support legalizing sports betting, while about 25% were opposed. Although small, the study once again confirms that the public is ready for the state to launch its own market.

California lawmakers, tribal leaders, and sportsbook operators are currently discussing a deal to add sports betting to the November 2026 ballot.

Will Public Support Lead to Action?

California has been unable to legalize sports betting primarily due to resistance from tribal leaders. They have clashed with commercial operators and state lawmakers, accusing them of dishonest dealings. As a result, the state’s tribal gaming industry has repeatedly stood in the way of attempts to legalize sports betting.

While tribal leaders are not directly affected by the recent polls, it could show a crack in their armor. Their successful run of blocking sports betting bills has been primarily due to their aggressive public ad campaigns. With the recent poll, it seems Californians may be growing tired of their resistance.

Lawmakers are also feeling the pressure to find a deal with the tribes. With the state engaging in redistricting, the next round of elections could be far more challenging for incumbents.

With all of these factors in play, there is a chance this poll could have an impact, despite its size.

Tribes Drop Support of Sweepstakes Ban

California has been working to pass a ban on the sweepstakes industry, which was previously supported by the tribes. While these platforms don’t accept real-money wagers, they still provide players with an alternative to visiting a local casino. However, California’s tribal nation changed its tune last week.

Sweeps giant VGW announced it had reached a deal with California tribes to allow for the industry to continue. While the agreement has no legal impact, the lack of support from tribal leaders will make the ban far more complicated to pass. 

While this doesn’t affect sports betting, it does suggest that the tribes may be open to the idea of expanding gambling in the state.

Prediction Markets are Coming

Strong public support for sports betting may not be a good sign for industry proponents.

Sports prediction markets continue to face mounting lawsuits but remain active across the US. With the majority of Californians interested in sports betting, the state risks losing them to the controversial industry. With prediction market operators not required to pay the same high taxes as sportsbooks.

If California can’t find a way to legalize sports betting soon, it could end up costing it hundreds of millions in tax revenue.