• California Proposition 27 would legalize sports betting and give the proceeds to social causes.
• Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness for the San Diego Area, calls it a “win-win.”
• Chairman James Siva of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association says it will “undercut tribal sovereignty.”

A “yes” on California’s Proposition 27 would legalize sports betting — and spend the revenue on homelessness and other social issues.

Ballot measure details

Known as the Legalize Sports Betting and Revenue for Homelessness Prevention Fund Initiative, Proposition 27 would legalize online sports betting across the state, according to the state’s Legislative Analyst Office. 

Proposition 27‘s revenue would be allocated to provide resources to address homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction.

It’s different from Proposition 26, another gambling proposition on the ballot this fall. 

Support and opposition

Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support is leading the campaign in support of the measure.

“This initiative is a critical step forward, dedicating revenue to the issue of homelessness is a win-win for our state. It would provide an ongoing funding source of hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fight homelessness and provide mental health services to those most in need. We are excited to partner with the coalition to pass this important measure in November 2022,” Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness for the San Diego Area, said, according to Ballotpedia.

Californians for Tribal Sovereignty and Safe Gaming and Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming are campaigning against the proposition.

“Don’t be fooled. These measures are not a fix to homelessness, but rather a massive explosion of gaming that will directly undercut tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency,” Chairman James Siva of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association said in a press release.

More than 60 tribes oppose Proposition 27, saying it would take away from their business, KFSN reported. But at least three smaller tribes support the measure believing the gaming would actually double their annual income.

The money race

The proposal has seen $169.3 million in support contributions and $249.2 million in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia.