Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact: James May, Industry Relations Specialist
(916) 448-8706

CNIGA Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court Allowing for Sports Wagering

May 14, 2018

Sacramento, CA—Today the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) also known as the Bradley Act, which prohibited all but four states from allowing sports wagering.

Moving forward it will take an amendment to the California Constitution to permit any form of sports wagering.  In doing so, we would advise the state to move slowly and cautiously and examine all angles as it relates to sports betting.  As the state of California weighs the decision of whether to allow for the practice of sports wagering, we firmly ask that tribes have a place at the table in any and all discussions surrounding this issue.

We also want to make very clear that California voters have, on numerous occasions, confirmed the exclusive right of California tribal governments to operate casino-style games.  Legalization of sports betting should not become a back-door way to infringe upon that exclusivity.

A strong, well-regulated gaming industry is of utmost importance to California’s tribal governments and the public. Protecting the integrity of the gaming industry protects California and is our true North Star that guides all of our stances and decisions.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit association comprised of 35 federally recognized tribal governments dedicated to the protection of tribal sovereignty and the inherent right of tribes to have gaming on Indian lands.

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