Proposition 27: Online and Mobile Sports Betting in California
Official Results
Available once the California Secretary of State has certified the election. This can take up to 3 weeks or more.
Yes votes: 1,906,317 (17.7%)
No votes: 8,849,135 (82.3%)
Proposition 27 would amend the state constitution to allow gambling companies and native American tribes to offer online sports betting. The measure requires participating companies or tribes to make payments to the state to address homelessness and gambling addiction. The proposition creates a regulatory unit which would set license requirements, what type of betting would be allowed, and would investigate illegal activities. Finally, the measure institutes specific tactics to lower the rate of illegal online betting. This measure was put on the ballot by petition signatures.
Fiscal Impact
Proposition 27 would impact both state and local government revenues and costs. The actual size of these effects, however, is uncertain and would depend on how the proposition is interpreted and implemented. For example, this proposition expands legal gambling. In response, it is unclear whether tribes will ask for changes to their tribal-state compacts (such as to reduce the amount paid to local governments) to reflect potential impacts on tribal casinos. The fiscal effects would also depend on how many licensed entities offer sports betting and the amount of expenses they subtract from the monthly amount owed to the state. Finally, the fiscal effects would depend on the number of people who choose to make sports bets.
What your vote means
According to the California State Legislative Analyst’s office:
A YES vote on this measure means: Licensed tribes or gambling companies could offer online sports betting over the Internet and mobile devices to people 21 years of age and older on non-tribal lands in California. Those offering online sports betting would be required to pay the state a share of sports bets made. A new state unit would be created to regulate online sports betting. New ways to reduce illegal online sports betting would be available.
A NO vote on this measure means: Sports betting would continue to be illegal in California. No changes would be made to the way state gambling laws are enforced.
Voter Information
- California Secretary of State, Quick Reference Guide Prop. 27
- California Secretary of State, Official Voter Guide
- California Secretary of State, Cal-Access: Campaign contributions
- California Fair Political Practices Commission, November 2022 General Election Top Contributors to State Ballot Propositions
Non-Partisan Resources
- Ballotpedia
- California Choices
- CalMatters
- League of Women Voters of California, Ballot Recommendations
- Project for an Informed Electorate
- Voter's Edge
Public Opinion
- PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government, October 2022
- PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government, September 2022
- FM3 Research (source: Gambling News), April 19, 2022
- Berkeley IGS Poll, February 23, 2022
- USC Schwarzenegger Institute – USC Price California Issues Poll Fall 2022 General Election Poll, November 4, 2022, pp. 15-16, 51.
- Berkeley IGS Poll, November 4, 2022
Pro/Con Statements
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| The proponents of Proposition 27 believe the measure will generate millions of dollars in revenue to contribute to solving homelessness in a significant way. They also claim that thousands of Californians with mental health and addictions issues will receive needed treatment. They say the measure will benefit all tribes in California, especially those most in need of basic services and resources. |
Opponents claim that Proposition 27 is backed by “out of state corporations” who are falsely marketing the measure as a cure to homeless. They say these corporations will gain huge profits without creating jobs or new infrastructure. They believe the proposition will encourage gambling by enabling online access which does not need to verify the age requirement. They believe that this will attract those addicted to gambling.
|
| Supporters | Opponents |
|---|---|
| Yes on 27 Committee | No on Prop. 27 |