The legal betting era in California officially began last week, with legislation going into effect that allows for online wagering and the licensing of off-track betting (OTB) facilities.
The law took effect despite concerns raised by Governor Gavin Newsom, who vetoed a previous bill that would havelegalized online gambling in the state. But even before the law took effect, California had made considerable strides towards becoming the Mecca of sports betting.
Last year, California voters passed Proposition 64, which allows for the legal establishment of tribal-run casinos and online gambling. The initiative also created a California Gambling Control Commission that is responsible for overseeing the sports betting industry in the state. As a result, the regulatory body established licensing requirements for sportsbooks and game hosts, and established guidelines for marketing, advertising, and collecting wagers.
Why Do We Care About Legalizing Online Sports Betting In California?
Although the federal government still bans sports betting, states are free to legalize and regulate it as they see fit. And for the most part, when it comes to legal sports betting, California leads the way.
It should be noted that several states, including New York and Wisconsin, have already passed legislation to allow for the legalization of sports betting. Additionally, the District of Columbia has fully legalized the wagering on sporting events, though the federal government still maintains its prohibition against gambling.
In California, the licensing of online sportsbooks is currently regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission, and once a licensee is established, they must adhere to the regulatory guidelines set forth by the commission. The commission also has authority to revoke or suspend a license if a licensee violates the terms of the law or the commission’s regulations. However, the law expressly states that all of the commission’s actions are subject to judicial review.
What Does This Mean For Sports Bettors In California?
Since the inception of the United States Soccer Federation in 1913, Americans have followed the sport closely, helping to establish it as a major sport worldwide. And while the game continues to grow in popularity, especially in the western United States, it has yet to be officially legalized for sports purposes in the country.
But that may soon change. Last week, California became the first state to pass legislation establishing a framework for the legal establishment of sports betting in the state. As such, we can only expect to see more activity in the coming months as more states follow suit.
The legislation will allow for the licensing and regulation of online sportsbooks that operate in the state, effectively making it easier for fans and sports bettors to place wagers on their favorite team or player. Additionally, the law grants the California Gambling Control Commission authority to establish fees and regulations for sportsbooks, in an effort to establish a level playing field for all license holders in the state.
Does This Mean We Will See More Gambling At The Sportsbooks?
If you’re a sports fan or professional bettor, this probably means you’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. But does it also mean we’ll soon see more gambling at the sportsbooks?
The short answer is yes, we will. But the problem is the same one that plagues the entire gambling industry: too much of it. With more people participating in sports betting and the industry expanding, the danger of over-reliance on gambling as a source of revenue is a clear one.
It’s not as if sportsbooks are lacking in other forms of entertainment. The industry is a case study in itself, having moved from the illegal and unregulated world to a place where it must play by the rules. Naturally, this will create a world of opportunity for savvy game enthusiasts who want to make the most of it.
To learn more, check out the complete details of the California legislation here. And if you’re a sports fan or professional bettor, what are your thoughts on legal sports betting in the state? Share your opinion in the comments section below.