California tribes deny sports betting deal with DraftKings, FanDuel amid renewed debate
California’s leading tribal gaming groups have refuted reports that a deal has been reached with commercial sportsbook operators DraftKings and FanDuel, underscoring ongoing mistrust following a contentious 2022 ballot initiative battle.
In a joint statement released Thursday, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) called suggestions of a finalized agreement “simply false” and criticized the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) for inviting a reporter to what was intended to be a closed-door discussion at the Indian Gaming Association’s annual tradeshow in San Diego.
“This breach of trust highlights why such discussions must be led by tribal governments and organizations, rather than operator-funded groups,” the statement read.
The session, hosted by IGA Chairman Victor Rocha and attended by DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and FanDuel President Christian Genetski, reportedly focused on a draft proposal that would allow online sports betting under tribal control. Under the model, tribes would form a unified statewide entity to hold all licenses, while commercial operators would pay for access through revenue-sharing agreements.
No agreements were signed, and tribal leaders emphasized that the proposal remains in early stages.
“To the best of my knowledge, no agreements have been reached between any tribes and commercial operators,” said Jeff Grubbe, former chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. “This process will be tribally driven and grounded in the protection of existing brick-and-mortar operations.”
The proposal marks the most detailed effort yet to restart dialogue between tribes and sportsbooks since the resounding defeat of two competing sports betting initiatives in 2022. Yet significant hurdles remain, including a need for a constitutional amendment to legalize mobile betting and uncertainty over how the framework would fit under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
“Is this inside or outside of IGRA?” asked CNIGA Chairman James Siva, addressing SBA representatives during the tradeshow.
Jeremy Elbaum, Senior Vice President at DraftKings, responded: “There are nuances from IGRA that could break this.”
While some tribal leaders called the session “productive,” others reiterated that any future initiative must move at a pace determined by tribal governments.
“This is our state; it’s going to be at our speed,” said Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango. “But let’s talk about it. Let’s get the issues on the table.”
The renewed friction comes more than two years after California voters overwhelmingly rejected both Proposition 26, backed by tribes, and Proposition 27, funded by commercial sportsbooks, in a bruising $400 million ballot fight. The tribes’ rejection of the latest media report signals that scars from that campaign remain fresh.
Still, the commercial operators acknowledge California’s significance to their long-term growth.
While 2026 has been floated as a possible target for a new ballot initiative, tribal leaders indicated that 2028 may be more realistic, citing legal complexity and voter fatigue.
“Let there be no false illusion: establishing an acceptable framework and governance model will take time,” CNIGA and TASIN said. “This is a complex matter that involves navigating federal, state, and tribal laws, which requires thorough debate and careful resolution.”
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/04/04/100459-california-tribes-deny-sports-betting-deal-with-draftkings-fanduel-amid-renewed-debate