The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) announced its unwavering opposition to two proposed sports wagering initiatives, marking a united front against what they deem as deceptive measures. 

CNIGA Chairman Raises Alarms Over Deceptive Sports Wagering Initiatives

CNIGA Chairman, James Siva, expressed concerns about the initiatives, highlighting their disingenuous nature. Chairman Siva stated during a press conference in Sacramento that the proponent of the measures was attempting to divide and conquer tribes by pushing an initiative that sought to legitimize illicit offshore operators and put their governments at risk.

The 52-member coalition, representing federally recognized tribal governments and associate members, is dedicated to preserving and protecting Indian gaming on federally recognized Indian lands. Their firm stand against the sports wagering initiatives stems from a commitment to safeguarding tribal sovereignty and integrity.

In a letter addressed to Eagle1 Acquisition Corp. executives Kasey Thompson, Reeve Collins, and petition signer Ryan Tyler Walz, CNIGA, along with 28 individual tribes, urged the proponents to withdraw their initiatives immediately. The letter emphasized the strong opposition from more than half of California tribal nations, condemning the proposals as offensive and deceptive.

California Tribal Heavyweights Rally Against Latest Sports Betting Push

The sports betting initiatives, filed on October 27, face significant resistance from tribes, including some of the state’s largest casino operators such as the San Manuel, Pechanga, Graton Rancheria, Agua Caliente, Barona, and Rincon tribes. 

These tribal heavyweights, collectively spending over $220 million in 2022 to defeat a previous sports betting proposal, remain steadfast in their opposition to what they perceive as an attempt to hijack tribal goodwill for personal gain.

The CNIGA also voiced concerns about a plan to transfer offshore assets to tribes, characterizing it as a cynical and deceptive attempt to cleanse illegal offshore online gambling corporations with a track record of illicit activities. They pledged to launch an aggressive campaign against the initiatives, akin to their successful efforts in 2022, resulting in an 82% vote against a similar proposal.

Despite the proponents’ amendments to the initiative, removing language deemed problematic by some tribes, the CNIGA remains resolute in its opposition.

The tribal coalition firmly believes that 2024 is not the right time for sports betting in California, viewing it as a 2026 issue at the earliest. They underscored the importance of tribal sovereignty and the support it enjoys among California voters, reinforcing their commitment to defeating the proposed sports betting measures.

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The gambling regulator in the UK, the Gambling Commission, announced the launch of consultations regarding the proposed changes following the review of the Gambling Act in the country. The consultations launched Wednesday and will run for 12 weeks. During that time, the Commission asks gambling operators, health experts, consumers and other groups involved in the sector to submit their opinion regarding key changes that seek to improve the regulated gambling sector. Ultimately, the proposals seek to make the UK gambling industry safer, fairer and free from crime.

Stuart Andrew, the country’s Gambling Minister, explained that the proposed changes to the gambling regulation seek to make the new rules suitable for the digital era. Additionally, he explained that the government seeks to ensure customers that enjoy gambling responsibly to continue doing so while protecting at-risk or vulnerable people from gambling harm. Andrew added: “These consultations give people a chance to have their say and I encourage everyone to make their voice heard.”

“We are updating our decades old gambling laws to make them fit for the smartphone era.“

Stuart Andrew, Gambling Minister

The recently launched consultations will seek the opinion of consumers, gambling companies and industry stakeholders within four strategic areas. Those include proposals for strengthening age verification for land-based gambling venues and improving customer choice on direct marketing. Moreover, the Commission seeks opinions regarding the design of remote games and financial risk and vulnerability.

In addition to the aforementioned areas, the Commission seeks input regarding proposals that call for the implementation of personal management licenses for employees that hold management-level roles. Separately, the regulator would consult on proposals “relating to the composition and decision-making processes of the Commission’s Regulatory Panels.”

Changes to the Gambling Sector Are Imminent

The launch of the consultation comes after the gambling regulator touched on the topic of cashout issues for bettors. The Commission’s director of communications, Lucy Denton, recently explained that operators should never obstruct customers from withdrawing their funds. Yet, she added that the application of specific restrictions related to depositing is something that may be implemented.

“We are pleased to now focus consultation and engagement on the detail of how such protections and controls can be implemented in practice.“

Tim Miller, executive director for research and policy at the Gambling Commission

Focusing once again on the consultations, the regulator’s executive director for research and policy, Tim Miller, highlighted the importance of input from consumers and gambling companies. “These consultations offer the opportunity for people to have their say on proposals aimed at empowering and protecting consumers,” he said.

Miller explained that some of the proposals have already seen plenty of engagement. Finally, he explained that the launch of the consultations represents a milestone moment for the changes in gambling regulations in the country.

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After years of waiting, the Gambling Act Review white paper was finally released. After careful evaluation, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) published its plans for the implementation of the changes outlined in the paper.

The document covers more than 60 areas of work for the UKGC alone and will likely take years to complete. However, the commission believes that it will be able to make quick progress in a number of key areas and has already prepared teams to do that.

According to the regulator, some white paper objectives must be delivered through the License Conditions and Codes of Practice – a list of practices that defines what licensed operators have to do. However, the UKGC will first have to consult these changes with its licensees.

Tim Miller, the commission’s executive director for research and policy, said that the regulator hopes to publish the first set of white paper-related LCCP consultations this summer. He said that pre-consultation talks with stakeholders have started in a number of policy areas.

Importantly, these consultations will be sharply focused on how changes are implemented. Whilst not all, many questions of public policy have been settled by the White Paper itself. Where they have, our consultations will not be an opportunity to reopen those debates.

Tim Miller, exec director for research and policy, UKGC

Miller noted that the UKGC wants to introduce carefully-planned and consulted policy changes instead of rushing them and causing unintended consequences for the British public.

Change Will Take Time

The UKGC will remain focused on delivering the reforms proposed by the white paper. Miller pointed out that the document has trusted the UKGC to deal with illegal gambling and facilitate cross-government collaboration with the regulator. While the commission’s regulatory powers will increase, so will its responsibilities.

Miller said that the scope of the white paper is large and that it will remain the dominant policy initiative of the UKGC for the next few years. The regulator will go through various stages of development, implementation, evaluation and review to make sure that gambling regulations are up to date with the modern age.

The UKGC will hear its stakeholders’ input during each of the stages but noted that it is important to do this in a manageable way.

The scale of change, even with increased resources in future, means there will be very little space for the Commission to consider other policy developments not included in the white paper.

Tim Miller, exec director for research and policy, UKGC

Miller noted that the white paper will not signify immediate change. On the contrary, changes will only come into effect after consultations and legislation changes. He said that his team will do its best to implement the recommendations in the white paper in a timely manner but that will not distract the UKGC team from pursuing compliance with its existing requirements.

Miller concluded that the UKGC will continue to vigilantly ensure that its standards are met and will take action to protect customers when needed.

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