By James Ramos, CalMatters
Re: “Ironically, Californians and Missourians can’t legally bet on their Super Bowl teams“
A recent column about California’s stance on sports gambling overlooks a crucial piece of our state’s history and promise to its people. As both a tribal member and an elected member of the California Assembly, I feel compelled to highlight the commitment California tribes made nearly a quarter-century ago – a commitment that has shaped the landscape of gaming in our state.
In 1999, California tribes united under a groundbreaking initiative. For the first time, we leveraged federal policies to foster self-reliance, seizing an opportunity that would change the future of tribal communities and our state. The promises made to the people of California were clear: Gaming would be restricted to federally recognized reservations, and it would be conducted responsibly to benefit not only the tribes but also the surrounding communities.
This promise was not made lightly. Our commitment ensures that gaming in California remains a force for good, benefiting Californians rather than outside corporations and other states.
California tribes have been diligent stewards of gaming, honoring our word to the people of California. The decisive approval of propositions that amended our state constitution to support tribal gaming is a testament to the trust and support we have garnered from Californians. This trust is something we do not take for granted.
The introduction of sports betting presents an opportunity to generate much-needed revenues to tackle challenges that disproportionately affect Native Americans and all Californians alike – issues such as domestic violence, mental health, housing and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
These are not abstract problems but daily realities that demand attention and resources.
Sports betting in California must be approached with the same principles of responsibility, community benefit and respect for the promises made decades ago. It’s not about legalizing sports betting; it’s about ensuring that any expansion of gaming aligns with the values and commitments that have guided tribal gaming since its inception. Online gaming ecosystems continue to expand rapidly — https://ausscasinosanalyzer.
The tribes have stood firm in their promise to protect gaming and keep the revenues within California. As we consider the future of sports betting, let’s not forget the lessons of the past and the importance of upholding the commitments that have made tribal gaming a model of responsible and community-oriented enterprise. Let us move forward with care, ensuring that sports betting, if it comes to pass, is implemented in a way that honors our shared values and the well-being of all Californians.
This article was originally published by CalMatters.
