Gavin Newson Declares His Opposition to Prop. 27
Recently, Gavin Newsom, who is California’s Governor, officially declared his opposition to Proposition 27. This is the proposed modification to the constitution of the state that would make online sports betting legal in California if it is voted for.
Politico broke the news of Gavin Newsom’s position, but it is anticlimactic at this point. Just 27% of probable voters supported the proposition, according to polling data released last month by the University of California, while 53% opposed it.
At the Global Gaming Expo last month, the CEOs of DraftKings and FanDuel all but confessed that the sports betting initiative would fail this year. Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support, which is a committee formed by seven sports betting operators, is mainly supported by DraftKings and FanDuel.
According to Californians for Solutions, Prop 27 would bring in millions of dollars in tax earnings to support mental health services and homelessness programs throughout the state. Additionally, it would give some tribes financial support for economic development. Three months ago, Gavin Newsom, who is seeking reelection, admitted to reporters that he hadn’t thought much about Prop 27. Nevertheless, he said he didn’t think it was “a homeless initiative”.
Both Democratic and Republicans Committees Are Against the Measure
Two committees were formed by the tribal nations in California to oppose Prop 27. Proponents of Prop 27 are considering a new strategy to reach voters before they cast their ballots on November 8. According to Cal-Access, the combined fundraising total for the Californians for Tribal Sovereignty and Safe Gaming and Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming is over $237 million.
Gavin Newsom is not the first political figure in California who has spoken out against the measure. The measure is opposed by both the Democratic and Republican state party committees. The leaders of the state House and Senate from both parties are also against the measure. Numerous other labor and civic groups have also spoken out against the proposal.
Proposition 26 Is Also Opposed
There are other sports betting measures on the California ballot besides Prop 27. Proposition 26 is one of them. It has the support of tribal gambling nations. Prop 26 would permit tribal casinos to provide roulette and dice-based table games. It is not without its fair share of opposition. It faces some opposition from the state’s cardroom casinos. These operators have been at odds with tribal gaming nations for many years.
Their opposition to Proposition 26 is based on a clause in the measure that would permit tribes and other groups to pursue legal claims against anyone they believe is breaking state gaming regulations. The cardrooms contend that the measure unfairly singles them out and may even result in their closure.
Politicians from the Los Angeles area, animal rights advocates, and public sector union representatives recently held an event in Commerce, California, to express their opposition to Proposition 26. According to them, the initiative poses a threat to almost 13,500 jobs and a $2.3 billion economic impact on Los Angeles County – a fact that should not be ignored.