California Republican Party opposes online sports betting initiative
In a rare show of bipartisan support, California’s Republican Party has joined its Democratic counterpart in opposing Prop 27, a ballot initiative intended to legalise online sports betting.
The Golden State’s GOP has formally announced its position on seven proposals which Californians will vote on this November.
This includes Prop 27, an initiative backed by several big-name operators such as BetMGM, FanDuel and DraftKings. If approved, the proposed measure would see Californians legally allowed to place wagers online or via mobile apps.
However, Prop 27 hasn’t received a warm welcome from all. Many Golden State tribes, alongside elected officials, business and community organisations, among others, have come out against the measure.
Instead, this coalition has supported an alternative ballot initiative: Prop 26. This would legalise in-person sports wagering at tribal casinos and racetracks.
However, California’s Republican Party has opposed this measure as well, in contrast to the state’s Democratic Party, which has opted to remain neutral on Prop 26.
Nevertheless, Jessica Millan Patterson, Chairwoman of the California Republican Party, declared its support for tribes.
“Prop 27 breaks the promise made to California’s Native American tribes to grant them the sovereign right to operate gaming in California in order to improve the lives of their communities across the state,” she said.
“We stand with California tribes and oppose Prop 27.”
Ultimately, the Republican Party’s decision to take a stand against Prop 27 is another blow for the initiative’s proponents.
However, the measure hasn’t gone entirely unsupported. Earlier this month, Major League Baseball (MLB) issued a statement praising Prop 27.
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