California’s Sports Betting Industry Could Finally Launch in 2022

California, the most populous state in the country, still doesn’t have a regulated sports betting industry set in place. It’s been frustrating for supporters of sports gambling, most of whom feel the state could profit massively through legalization and regulation. Fortunately, it is looking more and more likely that California’s sports betting industry could finally go live in 2022.

There have been several issues in the way of getting sports betting legalized here. Today, we’ll talk about what needs for the state to do in order to get its sports betting platforms up and running. We’ll also talk about some of the other states likely to approve sports gambling legislation soon.

Let’s get into it!

States Continue to See Sports Betting Revenue Records

As most already know, the US sports betting industry has been growing steadily for the past few years. That’s due to the US Supreme Court striking down PASPA back in May of 2018. This decision instantly gave every state the power to legalize sports gambling.

Several states chose to do so right away. That includes New Jersey and Delaware. These states instantly began seeing massive amounts of revenue coming in and other state leaders began taking a closer look at this industry.

Today, 26 states have passed bills to legalize and regulate sports betting. Specific regulations towards this industry differ. Some parts of the country only allow land-based wagering. Others have set up a regulated internet sports gambling market.

2020 has proven to be the biggest year for the US sports betting industry to date. We’ve seen new handle records get set throughout the year. This has proven to be extremely important to the casino companies that have seen major losses from their land-based gambling operations.

California, home to a large and successful tribal casino industry, has yet to pass any sports betting legislation. There are several reasons why this is. Interestingly, some reports claim that things could change in the near future.

Many officials in California feel that it’s time to get sports betting legalized. Here’s what needs to happen first.

The Push to Launch California’s Sports Betting Industry Continues

California is home to arguably the largest sports fan base in the United States. It’s easy to see how successful sports betting could be in this state. Due to disputes between lawmakers and tribal leaders, however, the legalization of this industry has proven extremely difficult.

Many feel that it’s time to settle these disputes. California is now in serious need of revenue and nearly everyone believes that sports betting could help to bring that in. Several powerful tribal officials now seem to agree.

This week, the California Secretary of State’s office confirmed that supporters of sports betting got signatures on a ballot to get the state’s industry up and running. This is a crucial step in getting this measure pushed forward.

California’s Native American groups are currently against allowing online sports gambling. Instead, California’s sports betting industry will be limited to land-based sportsbooks. Some believe that online sports betting could become available a few years down the road.

With the new signatures, it seems very likely that a ballot to approve sports betting could appear in 2022. Sports fans and state government officials already have reason to be excited. This could help to bring California millions in taxes from this industry.

It will be at least a year before any regulated internet sportsbooks launch in California. We’ll continue offering updates on this situation over the next couple of weeks!

Other States Prepare to Regulate Sports Betting

California isn’t necessarily a gambling-friendly state. In fact, commercial casinos aren’t even allowed here. Native American tribes control the state’s gambling industry and will be instrumental in getting sports betting legalized.

There are other states known for being more lenient towards the gambling industry that have yet to legalize this form of gambling, too. That includes Massachusetts, which is now home to several popular commercial casinos. The attempts to regulate sports betting this year failed in the House and Senate.

Many feel that Massachusetts could finally get its sports betting industry launched within the next year or two. The state’s casino industry has been devastated throughout 2020. Some of the casino companies here believe a legal sports betting industry could help to make up for some of those losses.

Oklahoma also seems to be on the verge of sports betting legalization. This state is home to a huge number of tribal casinos. Many of the Native American tribes here are focused on securing compacts that will allow sportsbooks to open inside casinos.

It’s now clear that the United States is the largest sports betting market in the world. It might not be long before nearly every state in the country has some form of regulated sports wagering options available.

Do you expect California’s sports betting industry to launch in 2022? Will online sports gambling ever be regulated here? Let us know in the comments section below!