Editor’s note: With the upcoming Midterm Election on Nov. 8, there are a handful of propositions for California voters to consider. Despite the brief explanations on the ballot, they can still be confusing for people who have no idea what they are or what will be changed if they vote yes or no. These are important decisions that will affect many Californians. This is the third of seven summaries that will give voters more information on what the proposition is and what are the pros and cons that come with them.

Proposition 27 would allow online sports betting to those age 21 and older, no longer limiting adults to bet specifically on Native American land. This would allow major online gambling companies such as FanDuel to be able to offer sports betting in California. This is a big deal because as of right now sports betting is not legal in California apart from horse racing. Small gaming would struggle greatly with this proposition being passed as they simply would not be able to compete with the nation wide large market gaming companies like FanDuel. 

With the explosion of sports in recent years, the popularity of sports betting has also grown and the big concern now is if this proposition will cause an increase in gambling addiction. Since the Supreme Court has allowed for states to legalize sports betting back in 2018 many states made the jump to permit sports betting, leaving states like California in the dust. Just in 2021 alone almost $60 billion was bet on sports showing that this is a major business with dangerous possibilities such as gambling addictions. 

Those who support proposition 27 argue that it would create a stable source of income to battle against homelessness. All tribes, including those who choose not to offer sports betting, would benefit from this proposition. Punishments and fines would be implemented for those who violate age rules and all gambling on underage sporting events will still be illegal. 

Those who are opposed to proposition 27 argue the passing of this proposition would turn every electronic device into a gambling tool and greatly increase the risk of not only underage gambling, but as well as gambling addiction overall. Business would be driven away from tribal casinos as now there is no need to go into the casino to place bets when you can just do so from your phone. Also the majority of the money would go to the major gambling companies outside of the states rather than the Native American tribes.

Down below are links to the other six proposition guides which will help you get an understanding:

Proposition 1: Constitutional right to reproductive freedom

Proposition 26: Allow sports betting at tribal casinos

Proposition 28: Arts & music education funding

Proposition 29: Impose rules on dialysis clinics

Proposition 30: Tax millionaires for EV and wildfire funding

Proposition 31: Uphold flavored tobacco ban