Titled Corporate Online Gambling Prop (or Proposition 27), the Democratic Party voted in opposition to legalising online sports betting supported by commercial operators, opting to remain neutral on a separate measure, Proposition 26 or Tribal Sports Wagering Act, to legalise sports betting at tribal locations and horseracing tracks.  

A tribal group called "Stop the Corporate Online Gambling Prop: No on 27" claims tribal locations are the only places to offer the necessary safeguards to prevent underage and illegal gambling. 

Furthermore, the group feels supporting Prop 26 over Prop 27 will help create jobs and economic opportunities that support native self-reliance while generating millions of dollars annually for public schools, wildlife prevention and other state priorities.   

The decision of California's Democratic Party is a significant boost for tribal locations looking to keep an exclusive grip on regulated sports betting.

Recently, online operating giants Flutter and Entain planned to pump $100m to push through the legalisation of online sports betting in the state. Now this looks increasingly unlikely. 

A group representative, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Chairman Reid Milanovich, said: “By opposing Prop 27, California Democrats rejected out-of-state corporations and reaffirmed their commitment to California’s Indian tribes. 

“Prop 27 is not a solution to anything. It would expose children to a massive expansion of gambling and turn every cell phone, gaming console, tablet and laptop into a gambling device. Prop 27 is a direct attack on tribal gaming and Indian self-reliance.”