Proponents of the California sports betting initiative have submitted crucial amendments to their proposal to the state attorney general. The revised initiative not only addresses concerns raised by tribes and regulators but also introduces key changes that promise to enhance revenue sharing and inclusivity among California’s diverse tribal communities.

California Sports Betting Initiative’s Key Transformations

One of the pivotal alterations includes an increase in the revenue share for limited- and non-gaming tribes, a move that aims to rectify the disparities among different tribal groups. The amended initiative eliminates provisions that larger tribes found problematic, fostering a more unified stance among stakeholders.

The original proposal faced criticism from three California Indian tribes in 2021, who highlighted concerns related to offshore online gaming operators. In response, the proponents removed the contentious provisions, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the specific needs and worries of the tribal leaders.

Key modifications in the finalized initiative involve a boost in the percentage of operator revenue allocated to Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF) tribes to 25%. This replaces the previous 10% allocation to homelessness and mental health funding. 

Additionally, the initiative now limits the in-person sign-up requirement for online sports betting accounts to the first two years, allowing mobile sign-ups within a 10-mile radius of tribal casinos.

The initiative also introduces a five-year sunset for promotional credits, starting at 15% in the first year and gradually decreasing to zero. Furthermore, the start date for California online sports betting has been pushed to no earlier than July 1, 2025.

CNIGA Firmly Rejects California Sports Betting Proposals

Last month, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) formally opposed two sports betting proposals, introduced by Kasey Thompson and Reeve Collins in October, aiming to regulate online and in-person sports wagering in the state. Following a vote by 52 CNIGA members, the association expressed irrevocable opposition, criticizing the handling of the initiatives and emphasizing the Tribes’ expertise in deciding what is best for their communities, urging the proponents to drop the proposals as promised in case of tribal opposition.

The next steps for the California sports betting initiative involve the state producing a fiscal estimate by December 18 and the attorney general releasing a circulating title and summary by January 2. Proponents, confident in tribal support, are prepared to fund the initiative entirely, from signature collection through the potentially costly ballot campaign, reinforcing their commitment to a zero-cost initiative for the tribes.

The California sports betting initiative, if successful, would amend the state constitution to permit sports betting on professional, collegiate, and select amateur sports. Tribal compacts with the state would include sports betting, and the initiative will legalize craps and roulette at tribal casinos.

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Irish gambling company Paddy Power is set to close several shops in the country, local media outlets announced. According to the reports, the operator will be shutting down a total of 21 of its retail locations across Ireland.

The company plans to close the venues in question because of their failure to perform well enough. This move would leave the company with 230 shops in the country.

The reports say that Paddy Power would offer redeployment to many of the workers who will be affected by the closures. However, the company also confirmed that it will have to lay off some employees.

In a statement, Flutter Entertainment, Paddy Power’s ownership group, confirmed the move and said that it will try to redeploy as many of its employees as possible and offer them jobs in close proximity to their existing employment.

Despite that, the company is unlikely to be able to redeploy everyone and will instead offer support to employees it has to part ways with.

However, the closures will unfortunately lead to a small number of job losses. We are consulting closely with colleagues and providing support to those affected by these changes.

Flutter statement

Paddy Power Promised to Support the Affected People

Paddy Power’s chief commercial officer, David Newton, also commented on the matter. He attributed the closures to a recent review of Paddy Power’s estate and the company’s desire to operate efficiently and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

The latest review pointed out some redundancies Paddy Power will now proceed to eliminate. According to Newton, the 21 shops the company is closing are underperforming and don’t benefit the company’s business.

Indeed, a well-invested retail estate remains a key component of our omnichannel strategy. Whilst the majority of our estate continues to perform well and is growing market share, we have decided to close a number of underperforming shops.

David Newton, CCO, Paddy Power

Newton concluded that the decision to close these shops is in no way related to the work of Paddy Power’s employees there. He thanked his “hard-working shop colleagues” for their professionalism and promised that the company would provide the needed support to anyone who is affected by the changes.

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Jamie Foxx, a famous American actor, has finally recovered from his mysterious illness. In the wake of his return, the star teased a new project with BetMGM.

Foxx announced his return via a Tweet in which he tagged BetMGM, teasing that they have got “BIG things” coming soon.

Thankful for my BetMGM family and a great few nights in Vegas. We got BIG things coming soon.
Jamie Foxx, brand ambassador, BetMGM