California moves a step closer to legalising betting in a historic ballot

California edged closer to what is looking like an inevitable move to legalise sports betting in the region when supporters in office secured another ballot on the matter. The state’s attorney general was presented with a second initiative that made global headlines and set in stone the next step.

Changes won’t happen overnight, and the Golden State are eager to do things but the book and ensure they are making the right decision for the state and its residents. Many are in favour of throwing the doors open to the biggest names in sports betting, allowing fans to wager on their favourite sports, competitions and teams, including the NFL.

There will be no change in the laws in time for this year’s NFL season, though, and if the laws are changed, it would be a squeeze to get the deal done in time for next season’s kick-off. It is hoped the bid to legalise sports betting will be presented and decided upon in the November 2022 ballot, which is the earliest opportunity. Football has already made the decision to allow betting companies to advertise at stadiums and on live TV coverage, stating that it made sense for the organisation to help introduce sports betting in a thoughtful way to its national footprint.

What’s the hold-up?

Until recently all forms of sports betting were illegal in the United States other than wagers placed in person at casinos and sportsbooks in Las Vegas. Times have changed with government officials in the White House deciding to alter the laws on sports gambling. They were reluctant to lift the blanket ban so, instead, placed the power in the hands of senators of each state, allowing them to allow residents to gamble on sports using desktop computers at home and smartphone apps or to stick to tradition and keep the ban in place.

Some states moved quickly to take advantage and call on the huge cash injection that comes with taxing sports betting. New Jersey certainly didn’t drag their heels on the matter and welcomed major bookmakers with open arms. This meant sports betting was permitted in New Jersey and Las Vegas, with more states joining. Delaware wasn’t far behind in allowing sports and casino betting before Pennsylvania, and West Virginia joined the party.

The latest state to join the sports betting movement was Michigan who changed the laws earlier this year, and the success of betting in these states will encourage more areas to follow their lead.

Many states remain at the voting stage and will allow their officials and residents to make the call on whether sports gambling should be legalised. The coronavirus emergency that swept the US in the early part of 2020 and lasted into the second half of 2021 forced governors to put those plans on ice, and that is the situation we find California in. The delay may even be viewed as a blessing for supporters as it has allowed those still on the fence to track the success of betting in other regions. The population who are undecided will notice states that have allowed betting haven’t crumbled into places of sin and debauchery. In contrast, those in office have had the chance to track the cash windfalls of allowing bookies entry.

Will California vote for or against?

Should the residents of California prepare for the impact of sports betting crossing their borders? The early signs suggest gambling is on the way, with California rated as one of the states that are most likely to vote through the change. Other regions where gambling is currently illegal, but efforts are being made to change that include Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York.

In California, there are some casinos owned by tribes and legalising sports betting would have an impact on their livelihood. Will they be willing to share the bounty with bookmakers from the US and overseas, or will we see them dig their heels in and fight the change? This is an issue that officials in California must factor into any decision they make next year.

Sports fans and supporters of online betting should ensure they stick to the present rules and avoid any attempts to gamble until the laws have been changed. In most states, any move is still some months away.