California Sports Betting Faces 2028 Horizon as Tribal Leaders Prioritize Deliberation

California's complex journey toward legal sports betting continues, with key stakeholders signaling a prolonged timeline for any potential legalization. The issue is set to be a central topic on "California Politics 360" this Sunday, featuring discussions with California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Chairman James Siva and Rep. Ro Khanna. The broadcast, highlighted by reporter Ashley Zavala, will delve into the future of sports betting and its implications for the state's gaming tribes.

CNIGA Chairman James Siva has indicated that the earliest a comprehensive sports betting framework might materialize is 2028, emphasizing the need for a tribally-led process. "Tribes have come too far and have too far to go to rush into this complex sports betting issue which is tied to iGaming," Siva stated in January 2025, underscoring the intricate legal and governmental considerations involved. This sentiment reflects a broader tribal consensus that any path forward must prioritize tribal sovereignty and existing gaming exclusivity.

The state's previous attempts to legalize sports betting faced decisive rejection from voters in 2022, with both Proposition 26 (tribal-backed retail betting) and Proposition 27 (commercial online betting) failing overwhelmingly. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, notably supported Proposition 27, arguing it would provide crucial funding for homeless services and mental health care. "Prop. 27 will create permanent solutions to homelessness and addiction by providing billions in new funding," Khanna said in 2022, a stance that placed him at odds with many Native American tribes who viewed the measure as a threat to their interests.

Further complicating the landscape, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a legal opinion in July 2025, declaring daily fantasy sports (DFS) illegal under state law. The opinion concluded that both "pick 'em" and "draft style" DFS games constitute illegal sports wagering, regardless of operator location. This ruling adds another layer of regulatory scrutiny to the broader discussion of online gaming in California, a state that remains among 11 nationwide where sports betting is not yet legal.

The ongoing dialogue between commercial operators and tribes remains fraught with historical tensions, particularly following the costly 2022 ballot measure campaigns. While recent discussions between the Sports Betting Alliance (including DraftKings and FanDuel) and tribal leaders have occurred, CNIGA and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) swiftly refuted reports of any finalized agreement in April 2025. They stressed that "establishing an acceptable framework and governance model will take time," highlighting the deep divisions and the slow, deliberate pace required for consensus among California's 109 recognized tribes.